Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Cheltenham and Doncaster on Saturday. View selections below.
THE JUKEBOX KID (12.40), a young chaser possessing bags of potential, can continue his progress through the ranks by bagging the 3m 1f handicap chase at Cheltenham.
Ben Pauling’s six-year-old scored at Carlisle last month before being pipped on the line by Alcedo at Newcastle. That was only his third outing under Rules with the promise of even better to come.
Alcedo’s trainer Venetia Williams fields another rival in Zertakt and her ex-French chaser looked home and hosed before putting in a slow leap at the final fence when collared over 3m 5f at Newcastle.
JAGWAR (1.50) can carry the JP McManus hoops to victory in the 2m 4f handicap chase.
The six-year-old won four of his five starts last season, including over course and distance in the 20-runner handicap chase at the showpiece March festival. Jagwar races off a 9lb higher mark but there is room for more improvement this campaign.
Very little separates Vincenzo and Hoe Joly Smoke on their running behind Panic Attack here in mid-November, with the winner subsequently boosting the form in no uncertain terms at Newbury.
DAVID’S WELL (2.25), a three-time winner on soft ground, will have underfoot conditions to suit in the two-mile betmgm.co.uk Handicap Chase.
Chris Gordon’s gelding has risen 6lb in the ratings since scoring at Haydock three weeks ago and Harry Cobden takes the reins.
Dan and Harry Skelton combine with Country Mile on handicap debut and a market check is advised.
SIOG GEAL (3.35) is nicely treated in the 2m 4f mares’ handicap hurdle.
She finished less then three lengths behind re-opposing Jubilee Alpha at Windsor last January and is now a stone better off at today’s weights.
Siog Geal made a fine reappearance when filling the frame behind Hartington and Florida Dreams at Carlisle in early November and will strip cherry-ripe for this competitive contest.
Jubilee Alpha is closely matched with Wincanton conqueror Sweet Caryline and the Paul Nicholls-trained top weight may well have prevailed that day but for a costly mistake at the penultimate obstacle.
At Doncaster, HEATHER HONEY (1.30) can continue the good run of trainer Sue Smith in the bet365 Handicap Chase.
The mare racked up her fourth career victory when coming home more than four lengths clear at Catterick last month and may have most to fear from wide-margin Exeter winner Stratton Oakmont.
The Smith yard also fields veteran Romeo Brown, back to form when triumphant by no less than 27 lengths over course and distance 15 days ago. Young rider Oscar Palmer takes off a handy 7lb.
Tally Ho
Alan
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NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
