Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
It’s the last day’s racing before Christmas and very enjoyable I hope it will be, although it looks pretty tricky. I certainly wouldn’t recommend it as a vehicle for heroic punting, in case there’s anyone out there who thinks they can get back the present money at Bangor on Dee.
Kerry Lee might be the type of trainer whose string hits form in midwinter, following the outline of quite a few Venetia Williams seasons. That was certainly the arc she followed in her rookie season and I see some positive signs from her recent runners, although there have also been some who were well beaten.
At 10-1, I’ll give another chance to her Magic Mustard (3.10), one of the youngest in the field for the staying handicap hurdle. I liked the style of his Fontwell win last month, when he seemed to have a bit in hand and also seemed likely to improve for this step up in trip.
He was disappointing at Warwick last time and if the soft ground was the reason, that would be a problem because it will be similarly testing today. But the fitting of a first-time tongue tie seems like a clue as to what went wrong that day.
Lee has an interesting newcomer earlier, when Krackatoa King (1.05) goes in the marathon handicap chase. He showed clear potential for Noel Williams in his first season over fences, especially once blinkers were fitted, and will be a threat to all if his jumping is even a little bit sharper here. The 2-1 is rather less than I was hoping for.
The interesting one at Chelmsford is Purple Belle (3.50) at 12-1, who could be one of those three-year-old fillies making significant progress at the end of the year. She kept on nicely when tried at this 10 furlong trip for the first time and may have more to offer from a basement mark with Tom Marquand aboard for the first time.
Don’t forget that our annual quiz of the racing year will be live at noon! The prize is a £50 bet from King George sponsors, 32Red.
Have a very happy Christmas.
