BEST of the BETS

6:10 Wolverhampton - CLAP YOUR HANDS has won 3 of his 7 starts, winning easily last twice by 9 lengths and 5 lengths. It’s a big jump in class from 5 to 2 and he is 11 lbs higher but he has been winning so easily that I think he may overcome it especially with possibility of more improvement to come with step up to 2 miles for first time. Two main dangers appear to be the two that are proven in class, Charlie D and Island Brave, and both have good records here but both are still above their highest winning marks.

Selection - Clap Your Hands @ 13/8

Good luck.

Well done Mugz.

Watson won this race last year with Barys (10/1). Of his 2 today, I slightly prefer the 2nd string Mrs Upjohn (9/1), dutched it with Royaumont (6/1).

It turned out to be a false gamble, it should have been a 100/1. Sorry if anyone followed.

Bet 7

Flintrock (1:22 Uttoxeter)

LSP: -6.00

Only 6th or 7th, stayed in that position throughout, as they all did as order hardly changed through whole of 3 miles so funny race in that sense. Winner jumped very well though, looks a good horse.

LSP: -12.04 (win), -11.66 (place)

Homer
On To Victory
Ar Mest
Imperial Elysian
FIXED RATE (Nap)
Diamond River
Flinteur Sacre

Thanks.

Bet 6

Fixed Rate (3:30 Kempton)

LSP: -5.00

3:30 Kempton - bit of a long shot this, as there is some doubt about stamina but the price is big enough so I have taken a little chance on FIXED RATE. Only had 4 runs over fences, won first two of those last season. 2 runs this season have seen one really good run and one poor run, finished 2nd first time out in a good race at Aintree in December, but was disappointing when pulling up (went off 2nd fav) in class 2 handicap at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day. That was a very good race, and form is working out well with 2 of the first 5 finishers winning next time and another one placing. This is a drop in class to class 3, but it is still a very competitive race so I will be happy with a place. Main question mark is about stamina, as selection has never raced beyond 2 mile 6 furlongs (won over that trip), if he can see out the extra 2 and half furlongs then he has a chance.

Selection - Fixed Rate @ 16/1

Good luck.

2nd.

LSP: -11.04 (win), -10.66 (place)

Bet 5

National Anthem (7:00 Newcastle)

LSP: -4.00

7:00 Newcastle - this looks a good race, only 6 runners but not many of them can be ruled out completely. Athollblair Boy has a very good record here, only finished out of the frame twice from 13 runs over c&d, should be thereabouts again but he still remains a bit above his last winning mark. Double Up has the class but hasn’t won for over 2 years and finished last on his first try here last month, despite that I wouldn’t rule him out. I have done a small bet on NATIONAL ANTHEM, he is not the most straightforward, was disappointing last time after being reluctant to go in stalls, but that looked a very good race, 3 horses in front of him are all Southwell specialists and all were in good form. Down in class here, I hope he can bounce back to form. Trainer’s very poor record here (2 from 57, -48 LSP) is a bit of worry, but he did win with his last runner here a couple of weeks ago.

Selection - National Anthem @ 7/2

Good luck.

Great reasoning and selection. Unlucky, but well done on the place. Might be worth backing it again next time, unlikely to be same kind of price though.

Big drift to 6/1, finished a never nearer 5th.

LSP: -10.04 (win), -11.74 (place

Bet 4

Funny Little Ways (4:50 Kempton)

LSP: -3.00

4:50 Kempton - I mentioned this one in the Irish runners thread already, have now backed FUNNY LITTLE WAYS. 6th of 14 on handicap debut over 7f at Dundalk last time but was beaten only 2 lengths. 3 of the horses that finished ahead of her have all run well since, winner winning by 4 lengths from 5 lbs higher, 3rd horse 3rd from 1 lb higher and 5th horse beaten a neck from same mark, so form looks pretty solid. Drops to 6 furlongs here but I don’t think that will be a problem. Related to several winners, including half sister to George Bowen (won from a mark of 102 over this c&d), and to Mr Win and Mutahaady (6f winners from marks of 100 & 86 respectively). So if pedigree is any guide then she should be bit better than her current mark of 59. Trainer is 2 from 7 (+3.50 LSP) at this course, Ben Curtis, who has been in great form since start of year, is riding for him only for 2nd time. Only previous ride he had for him was 2 years ago when a very close 2nd (5/1) behind an odds on shot.

At big prices, Upstage (33/1) could run well, beaten 4 lengths on handicap debut over c&d last time. 2 lbs lower today and better drawn, she also has a nice pedigree - half sister to Group 3 winner Projection.

Selection - Funny Little Ways @ 3/1

Good luck.

I haven’t backed these but if anyone is interested it will save them looking.

Just two Irish runners tomorrow at Kempton, both from Joseph O’Brien, he has 2 wins from 7 at Kempton (+3.50 LSP). Both horses ridden by the in-form Ben Curtis. 4:50 and 8:00 races.

Thanks Joe. Shame about Hey Pretty running poorly, even if it placed it would have pushed the returns up quite a bit. Still a little bit profit so can’t complain.

Placed 3rd, but well behind the front two.

LSP: -9.04 (win), -10.74 (place)

Hope you are right, Joe, backed it at 8/1 earlier.