Three picks for Saturday....

Friday, 2nd January 2026

Three picks for Saturday….

In ATC today….

…. I bring you my best picks in Saturday afternoon’s biggest betting heats….

I’m on CREDO in the 3.05 at Sandown – up at 6s….

…. I’m on ALL IN YOU at 9/2 in the 3.35 at Sandown….

…. and I’m on SILVER THORN at 11/2 in the 1.30 at Wincanton….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – 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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The last two finals of the Veterans’ Handicap Chase series have been lost to the weather….

…. and it could happen again tomorrow….

The frost covers are down on the track at Sandown….

…. but sub-zero temperatures (and possibly snow) tonight put everything in jeopardy….

I guess we’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed….

…. and – in the meantime – pick out the best bets regardless….

The funny thing about the series Final (3.05) – if it goes ahead – is that it will be run on decent ground….

That’s not what you’d expect most runners aimed at the race to want….

…. and we’ve got a small field going to post this year because a lot of the trials were run on decent ground and not many runners turned out and qualified….

Neither Le Milos nor Gustavian will mind a decent surface – but both have been found in the betting….

…. another one that won’t mind the ground – and which appeals more at the prices – is CREDO at the general 6s….

She qualified for the final back in March off 130 – before running flat at Ascot under a 6lb penalty….

This term she got well-beaten by stablemate Gustavian at Wincanton before running down the field at Ascot over a trip that probably stretches her….

The visor was off for both those two runs – but it’s back on tomorrow….

…. and it’s worth noting she’s 2/4 in that headgear under Harry Cobden who resumes riding duties….

She’s back down to 131 – just a pound above her last winning mark ….

…. and she benefits from a 10lb turnaround at the weights with the fancied Gustavian….

I’d imagine the yard has been working towards this race for a while – and I fancy her to go well….

ALL IN YOU finished like a train at Ascot last time on his first go for Warren Greatrex….

…. and he rates a bet at 9/2 in the Read Nicky Henderson's Unibet Blog Handicap Hurdle at Sandown (3.35)….

Catching the eye in such fashion has cost him a 4lb rise in the rankings….

…. but the ground he covered late on says he’s well handicapped and that he can overcome the hike….

… especially as he should strip that bit fitter with the run under his belt….

At £90,000 he wasn’t cheap to buy at the dispersal of David Maxwell’s horses….

…. but that Ascot run suggests he can provide recompense, and tomorrow is an opportunity to get that ball rolling for his new connections….

Finally, in the Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM Handicap Chase at Wincanton (1.30), I’m backing SILVER THORN at the 11/2….

A 13-length margin of victory last time at Doncaster certainly flatters Emma Lavelle’s horse….

…. the favourite crashed out at the last when upsides and still holding every chance….

…. but that doesn’t detract from Silver Thorn’s performance….

It was a much improved showing – stepped up to 3m on just his second chase start….

…. and he should have more to offer yet – despite a 6lb rise in the rankings….

Wincanton is a different track to Doncaster – no doubt….

…. but Emma Lavelle knows how to train horses to win there – she’s trained more winners at Wincanton than at any other venue since the start of 2010….

…. and I’m interested by the booking of Paul O’Brien….

I can’t find any instance of Lavelle and O’Brien combining in the past….

…. but he’s another component in the set-up with Wincanton expertise – he’s ridden 16 winners at the track (only bettered by his haul of 19 at Huntingdon)….

…. and I can’t help wondering if there’s some relevance in that….

He gets horses into a good jumping rhythm….

…. something Silver Thorn will benefit from….

…. and – like I say – O’Brien represents an interesting booking in the saddle….

Neither trainer nor jockey have any other engagements at the track tomorrow….

…. and that’s something else I like – it encourages my belief that there’s a plan with some intent and thought behind it….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back with more tomorrow – when the plan is to play at Plumpton on Sunday….

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

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

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd