Friday, 13th January 2023
NOTACHANCE has been deliberately kept back for the Classic Chase (3.00) by Alan King….
… and he’s my pick of prices at the general 9s….
He won the race back in 2021 off a mark of 139….
…. and a mark of just 130 tomorrow afternoon gives him every chance – if he’s on his game….
Of course, he’s slipped down the ratings for good reason – because he’s not been on his game. Performances have dipped since the Warwick win….
But – in his defence – he did suffer an injury in the meantime and it did take time for his confidence to return….
He’s had a decent break since running well for a long way at Chepstow in November….
…. the same race he took in ahead of his 2021 Classic Chase victory….
…. and he’s gone well in the past when fresh….
He’s been prepared by Alan King with this specific race in mind….
…. we know the horse handles the track and the trip….
…. and that mark of 130 is really handy for a horse that’s still only an 8yo….
I’m swinging the bat and backing MARK OF GOLD at the general 28s in the Lanzarote at Kempton (2.40)….
He improved last time out – Garry Moore stepping him up to intermediate trips for the first time at Lingfield….
…. and – while he’s up 7lbs for that ready win to 129 – the manner of his performance suggests there is more to come yet….
Moore sent him for the Greatwood earlier in the season – where he appeared out of his comfort zone at the 2m trip….
This time Moore has adjusted his sights – scoping in on a proper pot over a longer trip that’s likely to see his horse to better effect….
Mark Of Gold can outrun his big price….
I’m also backing SNAKE ROLL at 4s for the Leamington Novices’ Hurdle at Warwick….
He won in nice style stepped up in trip at Newcastle last time….
Prior to that – over the shortish 2m trip at Haydock – he was within 6l of winner Tahmuras at the post and staying on well….
The winner subsequently took the Tolworth and Lucinda Russell’s horse can frank that Haydock form again tomorrow….
The pick of the prices….To recap on my bets for tomorrow…. In the Classic Chase (3.00 @ Warwick)….
e/w terms = Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 5. It’s 1/5 the first 4 generally…. In the Lanzarote Hurdle (2.40 @ Kempton)….
e/w terms = Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 7. It’s 1/5 the first 6 generally…. In the Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (2.25 @ Warwick)….
e/w terms = It’s 1/5 the first 3 generally…. Advised prices are correct on publication – but prices are subject to fluctuation. Consult Oddschecker – you may find better quotes and terms than advised…. |
That’s all for today….
Back next week….
Meantime – contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk
Stay tuned.
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