Playing the prices at Chepstow & Kempton....

Thursday, 26th December 2024

Playing the prices at Chepstow & Kempton….

In ATC today….

…. I swing the bat in  a couple of big handicaps on Friday….

The Welsh Grand National is the feature….

…. the off time is 2.50….

…. and I’m backing VAL DANCER at 14s....

I’m also on HIGHSTAKESPLAYER in the 3.08 at Kempton – he’s up at 7s ….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my abbreviated reasoning below (it is Boxing Day, after all) – as per usual….

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below…. 

Read on….

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In the 2.50 at Chepstow…..

I’m backing is VAL DANCER at 14s….

He produced a gutsy performance when winning at Carlisle last time – fending off and outstaying three challengers from the landing side of the final fence….

He stayed every yard of that 3m2f trip and I felt he had more in reserve if required….

…. and there’s every chance that this step up to a proper marathon trip will see him to better effect still….

He’s where you’d want him to be in the weights….

…. he’ll handle the ground….

…. and he has the potential to run a huge race at a massive price….

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In the 3.08 at Kempton….

HIGHSTAKESPLAYER is a better horse going right than he is going left….

…. so I can forgive him a what was a bomb-out at Newbury last time and back him at the 7s back at Kempton tomorrow….

He’s won twice at the track before – on good ground and softer….

He’s a little higher in the handicap tomorrow….

…. but I don’t believe he’s finished progressing yet….

…. and in a field of just 10….

…. some with questions to answer….

…. he’s a decent option with which to take on the horses at the top of the market….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back on New Year’s Eve….

Meantime – contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

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

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd