Today's best bets, by Will Hayler
Backers of Bishops Heir (12.50) will be relieved that Friday's meeting at Haydock has got the go-ahead after an early-morning inspection, because the horse has shown some excellent form in testing conditions in the past.
He has had his troubles since showing some smart form in novice hurdles two seasons ago, but shaped with plenty of promise on his first start over fences and may still have needed the run last time at Hexham. He hasn't been tried at two and a half miles before but it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if he needed the longer trip to show his best these days.
I know that Bubbly Ballerina (12.30) is fancied by connections because a friend of mine who is at Lingfield has just told me that his owners have booked out one of the biggest suites overlooking the racecourse for a New Year celebration.
It's a long time since this filly was on Polytrack, but she had some smart form at Chester in the summer and the two tracks really aren't that different. The money already appears to be down, but she is worth keeping onside.
One of my horses to follow for the jumps season, Grumeti (2.20) makes his hurdling debut on an interesting card, but is weak in the betting market and may just be best watched on his first start since being gelded.
Many of Alan King's hurdling recruits come on considerably for their first outing, but nevertheless this strong staying type is one to keep a close eye on.
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