Wednesday’s best bets, by Greg Wood
Seven races for two-year-olds and a fillies’ handicap makes for an unusual card at Newmarket this afternoon, but there are a couple of promising sorts in the Houghton Conditions Stakes that could be worth remembering in the spring, most notably Storm Rising (3.45).
Richard Hannon’s colt holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas next year, and while there are half a dozen other entries for that race in the Hannon yard, it does suggest that Storm Rising is a fair way up the pecking order. He certainy made a mockery of his opening mark of 80 in a nursery at Newbury last time, and looked more than capable of stepping up to this grade.
Elsewhere on the card at Headquarters, Tigerwolf (2.35) takes a big drop in class after running well in a valuable sales race last time out and should be good enough to lose his maiden tag here, while Volunteer Point (5.25) is a decent price for the concluding handicap. Mick Channon’s runner put up a strong performance on the clock at Pontefract last time, goes well with a little cut and is just 1lb higher in the weights today.
Fly (7.25) is progressive and will take plenty of beating at Kempton this evening, while on the jumps card at Fontwell, Fergal Mael Duin (4.10) should be good enough to win the handicap chase. Calipto (3.00) is an interesting recruit to chasing on the same card, but will be no price.
Tipping competition - a new week
There were a couple of big-priced winners yesterday, including 25-1 shot Art Collection. Kingklynch found that winner and now is on +33 for the week. Waltersobchak and Blitzwing also tipped that one and are on +20.
This week’s prize is a copy of Strictly Classified, a new book by that recognised judge Marten Julian. It aims to offer “a unique insight into the workings of a horseman’s mind, notably in relation to their understanding of a racehorse’s psyche, emotions and character,” to which end Julian has interviewed many of the world’s top trainers. Those of you who buy the Racing Post may have read a fascinating extract last week. If you don’t win, you can buy a copy here.
To kick things off, we’d like your selections, please, for these races: 2.00 Newmarket; 2.35 Newmarket and 3.35 Fontwell.
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. You can join in today but must start on -6.
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.
