Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Kempton and Uttoxeter on Saturday. View selections below.
CALIFET EN VOL (3.18) can round off an exciting week for the Nicky Henderson yard by bagging the 2m 4f Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap Chase at Kempton.
The seven-year-old was a well-backed favourite when scoring readily over course and distance three weeks ago, atoning for a slightly disappointing show behind useful Jordan’s Cross and Quebecois at Cheltenham in January.
Big-priced Teddy Blue rates a threat based on his encouraging third behind Heltenham and Blow Your Wad in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury last month.
Henderson’s LA PINSONNERE (2.40) can justify a decent each-way punt in the 2m 5f Virgin Bet Handicap Hurdle, with most firms offering four places.
The mare may have been bogged down in the very testing terrain when only third at Warwick last month and is better judged on her runner-up effort behind Jubilee Alpha in a Listed contest at Cheltenham last April.
Top weight Royal Infantry rarely runs a bad race and represents the Skelton yard.
ALCEDO (3.00) remains relatively unexposed in long-distance chases and may well find sufficient improvement now tackling 4m 2f in the JenningsBet Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter.
The eight-year rallied strongly to grab success over 2m 4f at Newcastle and ran well in defeat over three miles at Doncaster in December. Venetia Williams saddled 66-1 winner Martator at Cheltenham on Wednesday.
Dan Skelton’s Deafening Silence is closely matched with Neo King on Haydock Grand National Trial form, while Rock My Way bids to emulate last year’s winner Mr Vango, who also carried 12 stone.
J’Arrive De L’Est boasts rock-solid form in top Cross Country races and is interesting hailing from the Emmett Mullins yard.
WELLINGTON ARCH (1.50) can defy a top weight of 12st 2lb in the JenningsBet 200 Shops Nationwide Handicap Hurdle.
It’s a tough ask but Jonjo O’Neill’s gelding takes a drop in class having chased home easy winner Tutti Quanti on desperate ground in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury.
He posted his best form around this time last year when scooping a 20-runner handicap at Aintree on a sounder surface.
Fergal O’Brien’s Warriors Destiny has risen 7lb in the ratings following his course and distance success in the mud in January and rates a threat.
The O’Brien team saddle a fancied runner in dual course winner John Barbour in the 2m 7f handicap hurdle but the gelding is passed over in favour of A PAI DE NOM (2.25).
Harry Skelton rode a confident race on the well-backed A Pai De Nom when produced late for a comfortable five lengths victory over three miles at Newbury (heavy) last month. A 5lb rise should not scupper his follow-up bid.
Tally Ho
Alan
Check out all todays Horse Racing Results and claim free bets.
NB. All odds shown are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
