21st December 2018
We’re up at Haydock tomorrow for our target race – the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase at 2.40.
It’s a class 2 event over the 2m7f trip and 12 are expected to go to post….
The ground is soft. And we should bear in mind that soft at Haydock amounts to very soft elsewhere. It will be a slog and a test of stamina. That’s for sure….
We’ll get to my selections for tomorrow’s race in a moment….
First a quick word on what you missed on my paid ATC service this week….
The Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot is our feature target over on my paid ATC service this weekend….
A big-field goes to post on soft ground – 21-runners are slated to line up at the start….
My money will be on a progressive contender at a generous each-way price….
You can get immediate access to this extra bet on the website when you take a FREE 14-day test drive of my Against the Crowd service….
Pick up my selection for the Betfair here….
Back to tomorrow’s target race and the pick of the prices….
Tom George’s ROCKLANDER hasn’t really backed-up his cracking performance in the novice handicap chase at the Festival earlier in the year….
He was third that day beaten just over 3-lengths by Mister Whitaker and Rather Be – giving the former 5lbs and getting just a pound from the latter….
That pair are rated 152 and 148 over fences now whilst Rocklander has dropped from 142 to 140….
Either Rocklander ran his heart out that day at Cheltenham – putting in a proper flash-in -the-pan performance – and is now rated where he should be….
Or he is a winner in waiting off a mark of 140 with a 7lb claimer on his back to boot….
I’m prepared to give the horse one more chance to prove the latter case….
On seasonal debut he looked like he really need the run. Last time at Newbury he was much better – without dazzling – and only gave best two from home….
He appears to be building in fitness and moving towards a peak effort that could well come to pass tomorrow afternoon on soft ground that will suit….
On the Cheltenham form he’s potentially the best handicapped horse in tomorrow’s race. And at the general 8s, I’m prepared to back him to make good on it….
The Pick of the Prices….To recap on where my contrarian money will be going tomorrow afternoon…. In the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (2.40 @ Haydock).
That is my take on where the value lies – but you will no doubt have your own ideas and that’s exactly as it should be. |
Nothing from me next Friday with it being Christmas week. I’ll be back in the new year.
In the meantime, enjoy your Christmas.
That’s all from me this week.
All the best.
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