Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
One feature of racing at Ascot on Saturday was the way Harry Fry took over the card, winning three races and coming close to a four-timer. He was ticking along quietly before that but I’d suggest that all of his runners are worth a close examination just now.
Perhaps he may sustain the momentum with Air Horse One (1.05) in Kempton’s opening novice hurdle. This one is a 7-2 shot because Nicky Henderson fields Brain Power and Henderson is to be particularly respected on winter Mondays at Kempton.
But Air Horse One has the better bumper form, having been beaten just a length at Cheltenham last month, trying to give 7lb to an older rival. The third horse has since won his own bumper easily. Air Horse One looks a fair hurdling prospect and, while I’m not sure he’d want proper soft ground, Kempton’s good to soft ought not to be overly testing.
Later, The Clock Leary (2.45) appeals at 3-1. He was half fancied at Cheltenham last time but that went wrong immediately when he fluffed the first fence.
There was probably no need for the handicapper to drop him a couple of pounds but he did it anyway and I should say this Venetia Williams seven-year-old is well up to winning from a mark 10lb higher than the one from which he hosed up at Ascot last November, when Cocktails At Dawn was second.
Risk A Fine is clearly dangerous but, after two small-field wins in the summer, he’s on a mark 12lb higher than the one from which he could not win as a hurdler. He may not get his own way in front, either, with Sew On Target in the field.
Tipping competition - a new week
Congratulations to BearRides, who ran away with last week’s competition on a final score of +24.50, despite a winnerless Friday. Orso improved into joint second with moidadem on +12.13, thanks to Winner Massagot.
This week’s prize is a copy of The Oaks by Michael Church, a limited edition of a handsome and scholarly work by the official Derby historian. The accompanying blurb reports that it includes “a comprehensive history of the race, its foundation, the results, race commentaries, all the winners and their breeding. There are also accounts of famous owners, trainers and jockeys, essays and pictures of the best winners”. If you don’t win, you can buy a copy here. Don’t say we do nothing to keep you Flat fans warm in winter!
To kick things off, we’d like your selections, please, for these races: 2.45 Kempton, 3.15 Kempton, 3.35 Chelmsford. (Just to reassure jumps fans, Kempton today is of the hedge-hopping variety)
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day.
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
And post your tips or racing-related comments below.
