Get on these two on Saturday....

Friday, 16th January 2026

Get on these two on Saturday….

The racing’s not the absolute best this week….

…. but we must work with what we are presented with….

Nine go to post for the Peter Marsh at Haydock (2.00)….

…. including Myretown, Konfusion, and Johnny Who at the top of the market….

I can’t argue with the market’s assessment….

…. and the winner is likely to emerge from that trio….

…. but one who could turn out well-handicapped is RICHMOND LAKE on his mark of 134….

…. and he’s worth a bet at the general 12s….

That chase mark is now 12lb shy of his hurdle mark – and he’s always been a much better chaser than a hurdler….

…. he’s dropped down the rankings because he hasn’t been performing….

…. and hasn’t managed to log a win since in a dozen appearances since December 2023….

But he did have his wind seen to back in August….

…. and whilst he was well-beaten on season debut by subsequent winner Deep Cave at Bangor….

…. he was considerably better at Aintree and could be running back into himself….

HELTENHAM at the general 14s & 12s is a similar kind of bet in the bet365 Handicap Chase at Ascot (2.20)….

He was rated 142 on seasonal debut at Worcester and he’s tumbled 8lb down the order because he’s been off his game….

But he did have a wind operation back in November….

…. and he’s had time – and two runs – to work that procedure through his system….

Last time at Aintree he was still pitching away when he came down….

He’s down another 2lb for that….

…. and he’s another chaser sitting on a chase mark that is below his hurdle mark….

Sooner or later, he will take advantage….

Whether or not that’s tomorrow is the issue….

…. but he’s a well-treated and nicely priced option in the betting….

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Now, just to recap….

The EXTRA bet….

To recap on my bets….

In the 2.00 @ Haydock….

  • Extra bet – RICHMOND LAKE (12s generally)

e/w terms = It’s 3 places generally….

In the 2.20 @ Ascot….

  • Extra bet – HELTENHAM (14s & 12s generally)

e/w terms = It’s 3 places generally….

Advised prices are correct at the point of publication – but subject to fluctuation. Shop around – you may find better quotes and terms than advised….

That’s all for today….

P.S. ATC = the handicap betting service that wins £££s….

Back next time….

Meantime – contact me at – nick.pullen@spapublishinggroup.co.uk

…. and remember – win, lose, or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Nick Pullen

Against the Crowd