Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Cheltenham and Wetherby on Saturday. View selections below.
HOE JOLY SMOKE (2.20) should be supported to run a big race at rewarding odds in the feature 2m 4f Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
Dan Skelton’s gelding travelled strongly over a longer trip here on his seasonal return but seemed to run out of puff in the closing stages behind useful Three Card Brag.
That outing came over 3m 1f, so this return to a shorter distance should suit my selection, a winner on soft ground at Sandown in January.
Skelton fields a shorter priced runner in Panic Attack, a Windsor scorer (soft) last winter, and also Riskintheground, successful no less than seven times over fences. He made a successful seasonal return at Newton Abbot recently when beating subsequent winner Blueking D’Oroux.
The JP McManus-owned Jagwar heads the betting market on the back of four wins last season, signing off with a victory in the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival, while Venetia Williams relies on Hunter Legend, a triple scorer last season.
JULY FLOWER (1.45) represents Henry de Bromhead in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial.
She really caught the eye on chasing debut when drawing 11 lengths clear of her nearest rival at Limerick and July Flower blossomed into a classy individual over hurdles last season, finishing fifth in both the Mares’ Hurdle and Mares’ Champion Hurdle.
Be Aware rewarded favourite backers when making a successful start to his chasing career at Stratford wearing a first-time hood. He finished runner-up in the Greatwood Hurdle at this fixture 12 months ago and renews rivalry with narrow winner Burdett Road.
The opening 3m 1f handicap chase is restricted to amateur riders and Gina Andrews has picked up a plum ride on SOUND AND FURY (1.10).
The Ben Pauling-trained gelding, a four-time winner on soft ground, made a triumphant return to action at Carlisle earlier this month.
With 18 runners declared, most firms are advertising advantageous each-way terms.
SUPREMELY WEST (2.55) can make a bold show for the Skelton boys in the three-mile handicap hurdle.
The six-year-old finished third over course and distance three weeks ago, his first run back from a wind operation, and handled deep ground when winning earlier in his career at Haydock.
Long Draw has a little to find with Supremely West on their running here last October but should be involved for the hot Olly Murphy team.
At Wetherby, GLEN ROAD (2.35) races off at attractive mark in the 2m 5f Boyle Sports Handicap Hurdle.
Sue Smith’s six-year-old was making his seasonal reappearance when posting a solid third here over a shorter trip at the end of October and today’s extra yardage will play to his strengths.
Nicky Richards strips Musselburgh maiden winner Smokeringinthedark, not seen since running second at Hexham in May, and a market check is recommended.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
