It was a miserable day for the horses on our list to follow today but we did get one winner, with the giant Time Bandit obliging at Chepstow at a nice price. He has had serious injury problems and has very few miles on the clock for an 8 year old.
There is some good quality racing tomorrow – or at least there will be as long as the weather doesn’t intervene.
I will tackle the meetings in alphabetical order so we are starting at Doncaster. Paul Nicholls introduces an intriguing newcomer in the opener at 12.50 in Rippling Ring. He was 4th in the South African Derby and is sure to have been well prepared for his UK debut.
In the 1.25 Tidal Bay should make it 4 wins out of 4. Denis O’Regan is suspended so Ruby Walsh has the ride.
Otage de Brion put up a good performance when 3rd to Song of Songs at Kempton on Boxing Day but he may not be able to give 10 lbs to Celestial Halo in thye 1.55. The Paul Nicholls runner was 7th in the St Leger and has already opened his account over hurdles.
Tot o Whisky represents our list to follow in the 2.25. His 5 career wins have come at Hexham (3) and Catterick (2) and he may not be quite good enough here.
There are a couple of "list" runners in the 3.00. Lennon likes to make the running and is best on a sharp track and a sound surface. Pablo du Charmil won at Exeter on his first run this season but has been beaten since. He acts on any ground and has an each way chance.
The 2.05 at Sandown looks to be a match between Straw Bear and Afsoun. With Nicky Henderson’s runners in fine form I would narrowly side with Afsoun. If there is to be an upset it is just possible to consider Bywell Beau, particularly if the ground rides heavy. His 4 career wins have all come at Kelso though and he has plenty to find on the form book.
In the 2.35 The Tother One comes into the race on a 4 timer. He is upped in class and has risen in the weights but he should still go well.
In the 3.10 Hobbs Hill, unbeaten this season, looks likely to start favourite. He has beaten both Silverburn and Lead On this season but the latter pair may have improved since then and look better value. The Market Man would certainly come into the reckoning in fully fit. He hasn’t run for 784 days but on his last outing only went down by a head to Mighty Man.
In the 3.40 Caribou will be suited by track and going and has an each way chance.
At Wetherby Character Building looks on a favourable mark in the 2.50 while the conditions should suit Harry Wood in the 3.25.
ahorse 