Rein Man. Oddschecker. http://www.oddschecker.com/horse-raci

[Kimmy]

Wednesday 7th January

Rein Man / Wednesday 7th January 2015 / 01:02
Kempton 17:40

Marjong is very tempting at Kempton and I'm not sure she should be outsider of this bunch. However, it is likely to be a strongly run 7 furlongs and that may just stretch her. Brigliadoro went so close for us last time but this will be different. He likes to kick off the front end but there are a couple that like to go forward here and 7/2 is too short off a 5lb higher mark. Pactolus has a lovely profile for a race like this and hails from a yard in scintillating form. His last win came in maiden company over course and distane and he's been on turf since. Quite feasibly a better horse on polytrack, he was unlucky off 2lb lower last time at Epsom and should have this run to suit. A mile stretched him at Yarmouth but a patient ride from 7lb claimer Aaron Jones from stall 7 should suit off this decent clip and it's a little surprising he's as big as 6/1.
Pactolus - 2pt @ 6/1
Kempton 18:40

Later on the card, I wanted to take on shortish favourite Archie's Advice. His last 2 wins have come here over 10 but this longer straight and extra furlong will provide a different test. However, there isn't a great deal of pace on so he may get away with it. Either way, I'm not a backer at 5/2 and would much rather have one of Lu's Buddy and Nelson Quay at the prices. The former may want more of a test still than looks likely here and the latter is a course and distance winner in a race where there wasn't much pace and it paid to be handy. That came off 1lb lower and, though this is a better race on paper, he should have it run to suit. Form tailed off as the season progressed but that was the story of the yard and the Jeremy Gask team is in much better shape now. That was evident with him staying on over 10 here on return and a he'll be better suited by a step back up in trip. Hopefully they are positive on him as 10/1 could be made to look generous.
Nelson Quay - 1pt e/w @ 10/1

[Kimmy]

Thursday 8th January

Rein Man / Wednesday 7th January 2015 / 20:27

Catterick 14:40

Pinerolo should go well today in the Catterick feature and this extra trip could be the making of him at 6/1. A former course winner, he has dropped to 3lb below his last win and yesterday's rain will have helped his chances. Sue Smith had a slow start to the season but the yard are flying along now and this is a drop in class for her 9 year old. Herdsman, a former Smith inmate, is tempting at a bigger price but is risky whilst Settledoutofcourt should be involved but will not be left alone up top and is up against it off this mark for win purposes.
Pinerolo - 1pt e/w @ 6/1

[Kimmy]

Saturday 10th January

Rein Man / Friday 9th January 2015 / 17:24
Warwick 14:25

The Pertemps qualifier at Warwick looks like being a proper test at the trip and a few of the last time out winners have to prove they'll handle such a race. Handazan and Phoenix Returns won moderately run affairs last time whilst Closing Ceremony may not get his own way up top. One who looks a proper stayer is An Poc Ar Buile and it's pleasing to see some cheekpieces fitted. He doesn't make life easy for his jockey but headgear should help and he gets better the further he goes. A test over 3 miles 2 on testing ground should really suit and he looks overpriced at 14/1.
An Poc Ar Buile - 1pt e/w @ 14/1
Kempton 14:40

I'm not convinced Heath Hunter stays this far but am willing to give him a go at 12/1. He is definitely well treated on his novice form, behind Amore Alato and ahead of Sgt Reckless and headgear going back on must be a plus. He ran well without cheekpieces last time after 7 months off and was beaten before getting hampered at the last but would have finished close enough to suggest better next time. Favourite for his last 2 handicap starts last term, he's lightly raced and overpriced. Tea For Two is 2nd choice but short enough in a competitive race.
Heath Hunter - 1pt e/w @ 12/1
Kempton 15:15

This horse is becoming a little disappointing but Ardkilly Witness has to be competitive off this mark at 8/1. The yard are going well and if you put a line through his run last time, when never travelling, he'd be half the price. I'm inclined to clutch at straws and blame the first time visor but it's also worth noting he contested a hot pace up top in a very good race, much tougher than this. Now 4lb lower than when staying on, beaten 4 lengths over course and distance last term, he was fairly hammered in the betting last time from 2lb out of the handicap and I fancy there's a win in him from this mark.
Ardkilly Witness - 1pt e/w @ 8/1
Warwick 15:35

3 of the last 4 winners of the Classic Chase are back for another pop and, of them, Shotgun Paddy must have the best chance off just 2lb lower than last year. Hawkes Point is better than he showed last time out but his best form has come at Chepstow and this race may be something of an afterthought. I've always liked Global Power and this race could be ideal. It's a step up in class but he has weight pulls with both recent conquerors and looks sure to appreciate this extra trip. He gets his ground and is super consistent. 9/1 looks fair enough.
Global Power - 1pt e/w @ 9/1

[Kimmy]

Sunday 11th January

Rein Man / Sunday 11th January 2015 / 09:29
Fairyhouse 14:30

I've been waiting for Competetive Edge to win a decent handicap for a long time now and thought he'd have done it by the time he reached a mark of 143. There's every chance 2 and a half miles is his trip so this is sharp enough but he does handle cut and he has a shout here at 7/1 if 2 of the Gigginstown runners ensure it's something of a test. Cheekpieces go on which might sharpen him up and he gets his conditions. He's easily pick of the prices.
Competitive Edge - 1pt e/w @ 7/1

[Kimmy]

Rein Man / Monday 12th January 2015 / 06:28
Plumpton 15.35

Wow the racing today will take some watching. It's pretty poor all round and thus little makes appeal from a betting perspective. One relative shortie that does catch the eye though is Dawson City at a generous enough 11/4. A winner last time out on handicap debut, he is up 8lb but this race may not take much more winning. One of the only sorts that can be called progressive, he clearly handles cut and saw out every bit of this trip in a good time last time out. His novice form behind Via Sundown makes him look well treated still and the form of his Taunton win has worked out well with the 3rd winning since. Sweet Boy Vic went close over course and distance last time but this looks a little tougher and perhaps the way to go as an alternative would be Chris Gordon's other runner Promised Wings at 16/1. He's been a monkey of late but is feasibly treated and should get the test he needs.
Dawson City - 2pt @ 11/4

[Kimmy]

Tuesday 13th January

Rein Man / Monday 12th January 2015 / 17:51
Fakenham 15:15

If Monday's racing took some stomaching then Tuesday's is little better. Fakenham has a couple of half interesting races though and Vision Du Coeur must have a great chance of following up his course and distance win on New Year's Day up 8lb. He looked up against it on yard debut but proved well treated in the end on testing enough ground and he should have similar to contend with this afternoon. One of very few in the race that are going the right way, 11/4 is big enough about him defying the rise. Destroyer Deployed is next on the list but has become disappointing and isn't tempting enough at 5/1. Bottom weight Drombeg West is interesting and should appreciate this extra trip. Were she a couple of points bigger than 7/1 she'd be right up there on the list.
Vision Du Coeur - 1pt @ 3/1
Fakenham 14:05

Earlier on the card it could be a day to back Midnight Charmer back over a course and distance he loves but the forecast may not be ideal and 2/1 is a little short. Prior to that, I fancy the unexposed Rendezvous Peak will win the 2 and a half mile hurdle but there's too much between he and Cappielow Park at the prices. The latter might just get the run of this out in front and had pulled well clear with the winner when just touched off at Fontwell on Boxing Day. He relishes soft ground and is unexposed at this sort of trip. If they go a decent gallop here than it may set things up for the favourite but 7/2 about the selection looks worth taking.
Cappielow Park - 1pt @ 7/2

[Kimmy]

Wednesday 14th January

Rein Man / Wednesday 14th January 2015 / 11:12
Newbury 14:50

The going could be pretty testing at Newbury this afternoon and the feature over 3 miles will take some getting. Expect Smiles For Miles to take them along and On Trend to be up there too. Russe Blanc will be prominent and hopefully leave it to the Pipe horse to lead but he did need every bit of the trip at Exeter last time on heavy ground and that stamina should come into play here. Not seen since November, has has a nice low weight and will see it out better than a few of these at 8/1. Others on the shortlist are likely favourite Bob Tucker and also old friend Tony Star who may appreciate the step up in trip. Backing him does come with a health warning though.
Russe Blanc - 1pt e/w @ 8/1
Kempton 17.10

Over at Kempton there's a competitive mile handicap with a few likeable, progressive types. Some are returning having faced each other last time and I like Franco's Secret. However, he's drawn 12 and there's no guarantee of the pace he will likely need, not enough to take 5/2. That could give the edge to Bosstime but his progress might be stalling now up another 2lb having had the run of things last time. There are some keen going sorts here too and he's unlikely to be left alone on the front end. Ian's Memory looks well treated for his all weather return but 10/3 is short enough and I'd rather take the 12/1 about Gracious George in the hope they do go a half decent clip. He'll come out of 4 so will hopefully not get too far back and Luke Morris is flying along at the moment. He was 4/1 last time and didn't get the pace he needs but still looks feasibly handicapped and progressive now the cheekpieces have been done away with.
Gracious George - 1pt e/w @ 12/1

[Kimmy]

Thursday 15th January

Rein Man / Wednesday 14th January 2015 / 23:17
Meydan 18.15

Great card at Meydan but I'm swerving the dirt for now as need to brush up on it. The 2 turf handicaps have a few British challengers but I fancy El Estruendoso could be tough to beat back on turf. I'm just not happy enough he'll stay to take 6/1. Over the mile, both Jally and Secret Admirer look well treated on their French form but I'm a little worried they will face competition for the lead. Of them, Secret Admirer (who's form ties in with the best miler in Europe Charm Spirit), can't really go unbacked at 28/1 with the brilliant De Sousa on top. Main bet for the race though is Belgian Bill at 12/1. He should get the decent pace he needs at this trip and looks well treated now. He goes fresh and a repeat of his 2012 10 furlong debut here would see him go very close over this more suitable trip.
Secret Admirer - 0.5pt e/w @ 28/1

Belgian Bill - 1pt e/w @ 12/1
Market Rasen 13.45

At Market Rasen, Rayak has the hood on and I fancy him to break his maiden tag today. He will enjoy the rain that has come given all his winning siblings did so on juicy ground and the yard have refound their form. This is far easier than Cheltenham and he's dropped to a handy mark. The worry is a lack of pace as he can be keen but the hood should help and 4/1 looks generous enough.
Rayak - 1pt @ 4/1

[Kimmy]

Friday 16th January

Rein Man / Friday 16th January 2015 / 07:05
Musselburgh 13:10

If Brave Spartacus runs to the form of his last time out win then he takes this at Musselburgh today given the race lacks any depth. However, he will have different conditions to last time over this extra 3 furlongs and he's no world beater. I'd rather back one of the handicap debutants in the form of Aristo Du Plessis and Farragon. The former will be a big danger on the form of his recent run but he was probably flattered by that and the about Farragon really catches the eye. He will appreciate this extra trip and might just be well treated in a race where most are seriously average. Not one to go crazy with but this could prove a smart bit of placement.
Farragon - 0.5pt e/w @ 16/1
Musselburgh 14:10

Another speculative one but Silver Duke is a handicap debutant in a weakish race and he's gone well here in the past accross both codes. The winner should be It's High Time but he's a handicap debutant who's mark is tricky to weigh up conclusively and is a 3/1 poke. The selection is 12/1 and there are a couple that like to go forward here so he should settle a little better than last time. His pedigree suggests this ground should be fine and there's every chance we're yet to see the best of him.
Silver Duke - 0.5pt e/w @ 12/1

[Kimmy]

Saturday 17th January

Rein Man / Friday 16th January 2015 / 17:20
Ascot 13:50

Dark Spirit is a tough, game, gutsy mare and she looks overpriced for a return to the course where she was last successful. She bumped into one of the best mares in training last time in Aurore D'Estruval and, for all she was in receipt of weight, was a staying on second. Her subsequent mark of 135 probably underestimates that effort a touch. She relishes cut, hasn't finished out of the first 2 on her last 6 starts over hurdles and 7/1 must be worth siding with. Mischievous Milly may well reverse form with the selection given it was her first start for nearly a year last time but I'm not sure she should be shorter in the betting.
Dark Spirit - 1pt e/w @ 8/1
Ascot 14:25

Baradari is a frustrating sod but we know he's well treated. His festival run (now back off the same mark, though he is 1lb out of the handicap today) has seen a few subsequent winners and his 3rd behind Sign Of A Victory and Dawalan here over 2 miles on reappearance is not to be sniffed at. Pedigree and French form suggested further and more cut would suit so why he ran so badly last time is a mystery. I'm willing to forgive and go in once more at a 'could be bigger' 5/1 with preference just for him over Le Mercurey.
Baradari - 1pt @ 5/1
Haydock 15:15

3 on the shortlist for the Peter Marsh and I can't really split 2 of them at the prices. Green Flag has a huge chance on the form of his Cheltenham run last year but is yet to show any spark this term so 8/1 looks a little short. Broadway Buffalo is a massive price at 7/1 given his record here and the way he won over a furlong shorter back in December. 2 from 2 at the track, he is just 2lb higher than for his hurdles win here and I'll forgive him a poor run last time at Wetherby just 6 days after his last success.
Broadway Buffalo - 1pt e/w @ 7/1

Vintage Star isn't quite a course winner but he was a close 2nd in this race last term in similar ground off 4lb higher. His yard are in similarly good form to that of 12 months ago and he should never be 11/1. He too disappointed at Wetherby but his other 2 runs this term have seen him 2nd to the Irish National winner and beaten 8 and a half lengths at Newcastle, since when he's somehow been dropped 5lb.
Vintage Star - 1pt e/w @ 11/1
Ascot 15:35

There's plenty with attractive profiles in the last C4 race but I'm struggling to get too excited about any of them. Ackertac is well treated and tempting at a massive price but yard form is a worry. Niceonefrankie would be the selection if there was any 'good' in the going description but this ground at the trip may stretch him. Ballinvarig is very likeable and perhaps the most likely winner whilst Rebel Rebellion looks very well treated. However, something is telling me to back Eastlake at 12/1. He's looking feasibly treated, is a course winner on heavy, and looks worth a go back at this trip given how he finished at Aintree at the end of last term. McCoy has ridden him 16 times and only been out of the places on 4 occasions so we may see a better horse than last time in the Paddy Power.
Eastlake - 1pt e/w @ 12/1

[Kimmy]

Sunday 18th January

Rein Man / Sunday 18th January 2015 / 08:16
Kempton 13:05

A few from the Kempton handicaps catch the eye. Salvado made a really encouraging all weather yard debut here off 8lb higher and has been knocking on the door since. He went very close over 5 at Wolves on penultimate start before being a beaten favourite over 6 there next time. Whilst he looked a touch awkward that day, the yard are in fine form this month and 6/1 looks a little too good to resist. I think he's better coming off a strong pace and stall 7 will hopefully mean he's produced from mid division behind a few that like to go forward.
Salvado - 1pt e/w @ 6/1
Kempton 13:35

Shauna's Spirit has a bit to find in the next on recent form but cheekpieces back on is a big plus and she shouldn't go unbacked at 16/1. It's a weakish race and she's 5lb below her last win, which came here with those cheekpiees on. She can be keen but there are a few that like to go forward and that should help her settle. Bookmaker may also be underestimated at 7's.
Shaunas Spirit - 0.5pt e/w @ 16/1
Kempton 15:05

If Rigoletto gets an easy lead then he has a good chance of following up his win last year but he's poorly drawn and Pabusar may well keep him company up top. Costa Filey should outrun his price but best at the market is Divine Call at 16/1. The worry is he could probably do with a few more front runners but he's too big given he shows up 1lb below his last course and distance success. The yard are in far better form than when we last saw him and he's weighted to be involved.
Divine Call - 1pt e/w @ 16/1
Kempton 16:05

Tychaios looks a likely winner on the card but is well found in the market. My Renaissance is of interest back at this track with further likely to suit. I fancy Hallelujah to win the feature but the French import could be anything. As far as another bet goes on the card Gabrial The Duke looks well treated and too big at 16/1. He was sent off at 6's last time but was never travelling and the cheekpieces are done away with today. He shaped with promise before that on 2nd start for this yard and his best all weather efforts have come on polytrack. Back off his last winning mark on this surface, this trip should suit on Kempton debut, especially if sitting prominently off a likely moderate pace.
Gabrial the Duke - 0.5pt e/w @ 16/1
Leopardstown 14:50

Couple of big priced pokes for the Boylesports Hurdle at Leopardstown. Draco was far from disgraced last time from off the pace over course and distance and can reverse form with a couple of these at 28/1. He ran well behind Nicholls Canyon before that and, though unofficially outsider of the McManus lot, Davy Russell is an encouraging jockey booking. He has won on good but his dam and sire relished cut so no worries there. Whilst I like Rock The World very much, the 25/1 about the stable's apparent 2nd string Modem looks generous. An improving 5 year old this term, he loves cut and shaped well here on handicap debut last time. A touch unlucky, he looked as though further would suit but a decent clip in this ground will likely provide enough of a test and the yard know how to win this.
Draco - 1pt e/w @ 28/1
Leopardstown 14:50

Whilst I like Rock The World very much, the 25/1 about the stable's apparent 2nd string Modem looks generous. An improving 5 year old this term, he loves cut and shaped well here on handicap debut last time. A touch unlucky, he looked as though further would suit but a decent clip in this ground will likely provide enough of a test and the yard know how to win this.
Modem - 1pt e/w @ 25/1

[Kimmy]

Monday 19th January

Rein Man / Monday 19th January 2015 / 10:44
Exeter 14.20

Red Admirable is very tempting back in grade after going someway to backing up his surprise Bangor win when 5th at Haydock last month. However, Buckhorn Tom is too tempting a price to pass up at 8/1. A course winner, he wants soft ground and at least today's trip. Generally very consistent, he was a staying on 3 lengths 2nd here in November over half a mile shorter off the same mark and will be seen to better effect over this trip. 4 miles was too far last time and he has been placed here over hurdles off 8lb higher in the past. The yard are going well and today could be the day.
Buckhorn Tom - 1pt e/w @ 7/1
Exeter 14.50

Queen Of The Stage and Pitter Patter aren't easy to split in the mares hurdle but, given the weight reversal, I'd probably side with the latter. However, Kassis could be really well treated off a mark below 100 for her 2nd UK start having run well last time behind the Pipe plot Bidourey. She did little wrong before getting tired late on, as expected on her first start in over a year, and 14/1 looks generous enough.
Kassis - 1pt e/w @ 14/1
Exeter 15.20

The final chase on the card is a modest affair with the 2 at the top of the market making most obvious appeal but still relatively opposable. Somchine scraped home last time at a price and didn't look an obvious one to follow up whilst Marie Des Anges looks well treated but it's been a while since she won a race and has to prove she can back up her run last time. Here's Herbie loves it here and can be excused that run last time in a hot chase where falling when beaten. As long as that fall hasn't dented his confidence, 13/2 looks worth a play. He was last in the winners enclosure when scoring here off 6lb lower, beating Hollow Penny and Henryville in the process. Nothing here can boast that sort of form.
Here's Herbie - 1pt e/w @ 13/2

[Kimmy]

Tuesday 20th January

Rein Man / Monday 19th January 2015 / 17:15
Southwell 14:30

Zac Brown is a likeable favourite at Southwell given how well he won last time in a first time hood. If he translates that form to fibresand then he should take some stopping. I can't ignore stable companion Magical Macey at 16/1 though. He's just so well treated and is 1 from 1 on the all weather. That came on polytrack at Wolves but there's scope in his pedigree to suggest he will handle this surface and he does go well fresh. There will be bundles of competition for the lead but he doesn't have to get things his own way and he looks worth a smallish play.
Magical Macey - 0.5pt e/w @ 16/1
Southwell 15:05

Again, the favourite looks a solid one in the next in the form of Deuce Again. She has very good turf form which makes her mark look feasible, though not exactly chucked in, and she relished her fibresand debut last time. I prefer the Mick Appleby pair at the prices though and am interested to see Luke Morris on The Lock Master. He loves it here and has a chance or reversing form with his stable companion, especially granted a stronger pace. He looks dangerously well handicapped now and 9/1 is on the generous side.
The Lock Master - 1pt e/w @ 9/1

[Kimmy]

Wednesday 21st January

Rein Man / Tuesday 20th January 2015 / 21:54
Kempton 18:30

Punters have only wanted to know about Blue Aegean over night and it's not difficult to see why. She looked well handicapped when lining up at Chelmsford and duly bolted up. A 6lb penalty should be within her as long as this doesn't come too soon at Kempton this afternoon. However, it is a better race with a few unexposed sorts and the price about Harry Hurricane has me more interested. He fractured a tibia in the super sprint but his form prior to that suggests he should be far better than a mark of 81 and he made a very encouraging reappearance at Wolves when winning over 7 last time. He is likely to want further in time but the drop to 6 here should be ok given the pace on and he's a nice bet at 3/1 for a yard flying along.
Harry Hurricane - 1pt @ 3/1

[Kimmy]

Thursday 22nd January

Rein Man / Thursday 22nd January 2015 / 11:33
Gowran Park 15.15

The Thyestes Chase has a very opposable favourite in Djakadam. He's unarguably well treated but didn't convince in the Hennessy on reappearance. That was his first try in a biggish field over 3 miles and, having won an 8-runner and 4-runner chase previously, perhaps the experience will have done him good. However, 4/1 is crazy short with all the unknowns. First up, good old Ipsos Du Berlais is a big price at 50/1, now 11lb lower than when 8th in the race last year. He's a pain in the backside as he's always promised more than he has shown but, given he was 2nd and staying on over 3 miles 5 at Leopardstown last term, a slog in the mud here over 3 miles 1 should suit. He has always looked an out and out stayer to me and should never be outsider of this bunch. I like Toon River at a price too but could end up backing half of these if not careful.
Ipsos Du Berlais - 1pt e/w @ 50/1

The other that looks a touch big is Saddler'sflaure at 11/1. He was far better last time out with a run under his belt and cheekpieces on. He relished cut in France and, whilst he has to prove he gets this trip, he looks worth his place here given he beat Foxrock last time and that form has been franked. There could be more to come on just his 3rd start for Jessie Harrington.
Saddler'sflaure - 1pt e/w @ 11/1
Meydan 16.30

There are a few prominent runners in the first turf handicap at Meydan but the likely front runner is Our Channel. That could give him the edge here as he has plenty of stamina for the trip but, equally, he may give something a nice tow into this and Steeler looks a solid bet out of stall 5. He likes to be up there and this trip off a fairly modest pace should be ideal. He ran well in a Group 2 over course and distance last year and, whilst frustrating since, he's also been a touch unlucky at times. We're yet to see the best of him and I'd have him shorter than 11/2.
Steeler - 1pt @ 11/2
Meydan 18.15

The final handicap at Meydan is a wonderful betting heat but it could lack for pace. There's very little of it on form and that could mean that some struggle to get involved. I like So Beautiful at a price but his draw and running style may prove troublesome. Fire Fighting should go close on form but, again, he could want a little more pace, so too Elidor. Aussie Reigns ran so well out here last year and looked to be crying out for this trip. He then got no sort of run when upped to it and is worth another go. He went well fresh when 2nd here last year and, though he will come late, he will unlikely get too far back from stall 2 at 14/1.
Aussie Reigns - 1pt e/w @ 14/1

The craziest price of the lot is Saxo Jack at 10/1. He is upped to this trip for the first time but his speed will help here if they don't go that quick and he is 3lb lower than when beating Haafaguinea over 10 furlongs here last year. That horse won off 2lb higher last week. Saxo Jack may need the run but is too well treated to ignore.
Saxo Jack - 1pt e/w @ 10/1

[Kimmy]

Saturday 24th January

Rein Man / Friday 23rd January 2015 / 17:35
Cheltenham 13:15

The opening handicap on the Cheltenham card sees Ned Stark drop back in grade having been outclassed behind Ptit Zig and Champagne West last time. Having raced up with a decent pace for a long way, there was no disgrace in being well held by 2 of the best novices in the country. Back in a handicap here, 137 still underestimates him and he's bigger than I thought he'd be at 13/2.
Ned Stark - 1pt e/w @ 13/2
Cheltenham 14:25

25s has just gone but if Tap Night goes off at 20/1 tomorrow then the world has still gone mad. His mark has plummeted 12lb since finishing 3rd in this race last year, now 15lb lower than when we saw him at the festival. Much of that is due to 3 recent runs over hurdles and, though on the face of it he's desperately out of form, he returns to fences dangerously well handicapped. A couple that like to go forward should ensure he gets a test at the trip and the more testing the better. Fill your boots at that price with the yard in good nick.
Tap Night - 1pt e/w @ 20/1
Doncaster 14:40

Caracci Apache could be a very good horse but he will have to be to beat the proven Blaklion who should relish this return to 3 miles. His form is solid and he has twice been beaten by Parlour Games in moderately run affairs over shorter. Whilst pace isn't guaranteed here and he will likely do then donkey work himself, this is much more his trip than last time and ground conditions on the hurdle track, currently good to soft, should be ideal. With Present View, very likeable for this if running, likely to switch to Cheltenham, it looks worth taking the 7/4 now.
Blaklion - 2pt @ 7/4
Doncaster 15:15

If it were good ground at Doncaster then Night In Milan would be getting the vote for the Skybet Chase but soft isn't ideal. One who will handle it is Renard who was 3rd behind Night In Milan here last March when the ground was quicker and he has a 10lb pull with the Reveley horse today. He has proved he gets this trip and, though a course and distance winner at Chepstow where he raced last time, he may just appreciate the return to further here. He has a great record with Liam Treadwell and looks overpriced at 14/1.
Renard - 1pt e/w @ 14/1

I do like the 2 nearer the top of the market too and If In Doubt is worth a play at 11/2. He survived a jumping error last time to win easily and got better the quicker they went. There will be no shortage of pace today and he looks to have a staying handicap in him off this sort of mark. The form of his Wetherby effort behind Sego Success has worked out very well and he may just have a stamina edge on the favourite.
If In Doubt - 1pt @ 11/2

[Kimmy]

Sunday 25th January

Rein Man / Saturday 24th January 2015 / 21:20
Leopardstown 15:15

Today could be the day that Jezki gets 1 back on the Fly but I'm not confident enough to back him. I hope Un De Sceaux wins and wins well and he probably will bar tipping himself up. This is his first test against very god opposition though, for all there's just 2 of them. Sole bet of the day comes in the novice hurdle over 2 and a half miles. No More Heroes proved how good he is last time but he did beat a below par Shaneshill and the time wasn't at all impressive. I fancy it's not form to take too literally. He proved he gets every bit of this trip and, though last time they didn't go much of a gallop, he could still be best over further and this is a race with strength in depth. Outlander is tempting back in trip but it's Windsor Park that looks most exciting at 7/2. He doesn't lack for speed and won over course and distance here last time in a good time on the clock. He was weak in the market beforehand too and probably not fully wound up. He left the impression there was plenty more to come and looks well worth his place in Graded company for the first time.
Leopardstown 15.15 - Windsor Park 1pt win

Windsor Park - 1pt @ 7/2

[Kimmy]

Wednesday 28th January

Rein Man / Wednesday 28th January 2015 / 11:07
Kempton 18:15

Dutch S could be very well treated on return from a break but is risky at that price. She will have to sette too (been keen before) in a race without any obvious pace. That could pose a problem for a few of these that are hold up types and we may see some changes of tactics. Spreadable is the one most likely to go forward and 13/2 is bigger than I thought it might be. He often breaks well before being tucked in behind the pace but best bet here is to let him bowl along up top and he may have to given the field. He has plenty of stamina for the trip too and didn't run at all badly on his 2nd start back from a break last time out.
Spreadable - 1pt e/w @ 13/2
Chelmsford 15:10

At Chelmsford, both Steelriver and Fairway To Heaven look overpriced, particularly the former at 14/1. The latter has a big weight pull from their Kempton meeting in October and will get the pace he needs here but just lacks the scope of the selection. Steelriver has a visor on for the first time, which can hopefully eke out that little improvement needed off this mark. He is still feasibly handicapped though, as shown when just touched off at Kempton in December. That was an easier race but he travelled like the best horse in it and then probably didn't get a mile last time. He is one of two hold up horses in a race with plenty of pace so should have this run to suit and, whilst 7 and Kempton would be preferable, he's too big a price to ignore.
Steelriver - 1pt e/w @ 14/1

[Kimmy]

Thursday 29th January

Rein Man / Thursday 29th January 2015 / 11:40
Wincanton 15:10

I like Drumshambo over at Wincanton but am not willing to play at 6's to see if he stays the trip. I fancy he will but this is a decent race with decent pace and frailties will be found out. Opposing Atlantic Roller isn't easy but Bincombe is a big enough price to allay ground concerns at 10/1. A Newbury heavy ground winner, conncetions maintain he prefers a sound surface but he is a course and distance winner who was going well here a few starts back before running out. He wanted every bit of the trip at Aintree when winning and is just 3lb higher here. He lost a shoe last time on heavy ground so we can cut him some slack for that and he's overpriced.
Bincombe - 1pt e/w @ 10/1
Wincanton 15:40

Next up at Wincanton, Earthmoves will likely have a stronger pace to chase today than when held by Blue Buttons here last time and that, plus the weight pull, probably gives him the edge over the mare this time. However, the likes of River Deep and Rothman look a little overpriced. The former was hammered in the betting last time before running a shocker. I think he's well treated and the run is probably worth forgiving. However, Rothman is a bigger price at 12/1 and can make his presence felt over the furthest he's been. Nicholls's have tended to need a run and, given this horse fell at the first at Sandown on reappearance, Taunton last time was no bad effort. He should come on a bundle for it and this will be more his trip
Rothman - 1pt e/w @ 12/1

[Kimmy]

Friday 30th January

Rein Man / Friday 30th January 2015 / 10:33
Chepstow 15.30

Chepstow is heavy but at least it goes ahead. The big field handicap hurdle looks a decent betting heat and has a few on the shortlist. Rocky Elsom has Paul Moloney back on and has won here on the flat. Last time out has to be forgiven but he looks a nice price at 9/1 and the yard are going well.
Rocky Elsom - 1pt e/w @ 9/1

I also like the handicap debutants Queen's Star and Theunnamedsoldier. The latter has shaped ok in some decent races and 115 is feasible. Queen's Star though is definitely well treated on her Monkey Kingdom form and that came over course and distance on heavy ground. She's won here on the flat too, on quick, but is a soft ground winner so she goes through it. She probably needed it last time after 10 months off and 9/1 is plenty big enough.
Queen's Star - 1pt e/w @ 9/1

[Kimmy]

Saturday 31st January

Rein Man / Friday 30th January 2015 / 20:04
Sandown 13:50

The 2 mile Sandown handicap could be painful as there are a few put up here last time out. Of them, Festive Affair is very tempting but he's been off since disappointing at Cheltenham on return and not quite big enough at the prices to play. I'm surprised Greywell Boy is as big as 9/1 in a race where he'll likely get a decent pace to chase. 2 from 2 over course and distance, he may want a little more cut and is 2lb out of the handicap but that still puts him just 3lb above his last win.
Greywell Boy - 1pt e/w @ 9/1
Ffos Las 14:05

Oscar Sunset should be thereabouts at 6/1 in what looks a super competitive Welsh Champion Hurdle. He's always hinted at being a very good horse but has also had his problems, having just his 4th start in 3 years on reappearance. He shaped for further that day, so too last time out, but was far better upped to this sort of trip last time and a 9lb rise could still be within him.
Oscar Sunset - 1pt e/w @ 6/1
Ffos Las 14:40

The West Wales National is a choice between 2. Edmund Kean will surely fair better here than on seasonal debut. He has the added headgear removed and is well treated. Global Power has stronger credentials at the trip though and the form of his last run, when beaten by Classic Chase 2nd Theatrical Star, means he must go close. This trip looks about ideal (the real marathons just stretch him) and 6/1 is worth taking.
Global Power - 1pt e/w @ 6/1
Sandown 15:00

Cadoudoff looks overpriced at Sandown at 11/1. He bumped into Lightentertainment a few starts ago, who has scored twice subsequently, and last time he was keeping on in a slowly run race. A 4lb rise isn't lenient but he still looks fairly treated and should appreciate this extra trip. Going back in time, he was 2nd to Baradari as a 3 year old and was giving the winner 10lb that day so this mark must be fair. A tongue tie and cheekpieces go on, which will hopefully enhance his chances, and there should be more to come from this 5 year old.
Cadoudoff - 1pt e/w @ 11/1
Sandown 15:35

Just A Par has the hood added to blinkers this afternoon and he's looking very well treated. He ran well last time at Cheltenham and looks to have a big handicap in him. Sam Twiston-Davies supposedly prefers There's No Panic but Just A Par has just as solid a chance at 8/1 and Nicholls has a habit of taking these Saturday staying chases. Bertie Boru may not bump into anything as good as Unioniste this week but is still likely to find something too good, for all he's very much next on the list.
Just A Par - 1pt e/w @ 8/1

[Kimmy]

Rein Man / Sunday 1st February 2015 / 07:47
Punchestown 16.10

8lb could be the difference for Hidden Cyclone today and I fancy him to beat Twinlight, though he's not ultra reliable. In the staying handicap chase, Too Late To Sell looks way overpriced at 10/1. He loves it here and would have gone off close to the top of the betting for this race last year if running in it. He ran well at the festival here on ground quick enough and has been eased a couple of pounds since. He will have needed it last time, especially given the attritional nature of that race, and he has a great chance this afternoon. I'm a Jupitor fan too but worry this will stretch him.
Too Late To Sell - 1pt e/w @ 10/1
Punchestown 15.10

There are a couple of lively youngsters in the Pertemps qualifier and Mydor could be so well treated that he wins on the bridle. A 5 year old will have a tough ask on this ground though and he's not alone in the progressive stakes. Wrath Of Titans looks a big price given he was beaten just 4 and a half lengths by Shaneshill in November before bolting up in first time cheekpieces last time. That was a weaker race but he was clearly suited by the headgear and a step up in trip and his novice form makes him look feasibly treated. 2nd to Moyle Park in a bumper here (who was a 6/5 shot to beat the likes of The Tullow Tank and Arctic Fire last term) he's a decent price at 12/1 for an in form yard.
Wrath Of Titans - 1pt e/w @ 12/1
Musselburgh 16.30

Zaidiyn is very tempting in the County Hurdle at Musselburgh but, given I've been deliberating over he, Sweet Deal and A Boy Named Suzi for so long, it's probably best left alone. 1 bet to have at the track is Capellanus who should fare better than he did here last time. He has a good record at the track and a big field handicap on decent ground should suit. Richard Johnson is an excellent booking and, whilst he has won on heavy, soft ground probably inconveniences him more than others, though it was probably more than that last time. Either way, he's 5 times the price this afternoon at 14/1.
Capellanus - 1pt e/w @ 14/1

[Kimmy]

Rein Man / Monday 2nd February 2015 / 20:16
Kempton 14:10

We've been here before. Shaunas Spirit drops in class, eases in the weights again, and is simply too big to ignore at 16/1. She has won here over 7 and a mile and, whilst probably best over a strongly run 7, they're not likely to go hell for leather up top here. 5 of her 7 career wins have come from just off the pace and she's well drawn to sit in behind today, which could be the place to be. I fancy the winner will be Habeshia but Shaunas Spirit can't be a 16/1 poke.
Shaunas Spirit - 1pt e/w @ 16/1
Kempton 16:55

The last race on the card sees Classic Pursuit back at the track he was last successful (at this trip) and he's 1lb lower this afternoon. Tom Queally is back on too, who was doing the steering for that last win. He was on 2 starts ago when a 7/2 shot but the horse was keen that day and can often pull his chance away. There are a couple of front runners here so hopefully he'll get some pace to settle in behind but the main plus is yard form. His last couple of runs here came when the yard was winless in months but 2 winners in January, 1 very recent one, means it could be a good time to back this 4 year old who can attract support and he's a nice price at 7/1.
Classic Pursuit - 1pt e/w @ 7/1

[Kimmy]

Wednesday 4th February

Rein Man / Wednesday 4th February 2015 / 09:54
Kempton 16:45

Presumido may need a little more pace on than looks likely to get into this but it's a big field and you get the impression that Kevin Stott will be instructed not to hang around on New Year's Night. Alketios is drawn 1 and likes to go forward too. I'm tempted by Mr Red Clubs out of stall 4 who remains feasibly treated on old form. The boat has been missed on number 1 fancy Rizal Park who is just so short now in a race were so many can be given a chance. Embankment is very interesting but will surely need more pace given he gets away so slowly so often. The selection pulled his chance away last time, as so many did, but that was with his usual hood left off. He has it back on today which will help him settle and he can resume the progression shown towards the end of last year at a very fair 12/1. He'll likely be coming down the centre of the track from where he's drawn too, which looked the place to finish here yesterday and where he came when wining 2 starts ago. It's a step up in class but he's going the right way for a yard in form.
Presumido - 1pt e/w @ 12/1

[Kimmy]

Ryanair Chase

Rein Man / Monday 2nd February 2015 / 12:26
Ryanair Chase

I'll be putting up an ante post Cheltenham bet in each week of February and this is the first. It could be a good time to do so now too as I can't find a winner day in, day out so looking 5 weeks into the future might help! There are a few in the book already, some looking good, some shaky and some with no hope at all but one that looks solid and likely to shorten is Ballycasey for the Ryanair.

Current favourite is Don Cossack and rightly so given his unbeaten season. I fancy he had Champagne Fever's measure coming to the last at Thurles and that was his best yet. He can be considered an improved horse on last term and finally living up to that hurdles hype he showed a few years ago. Tie that in with the excellent start to the season from Gordon Elliott and he's looked unstoppable.

I'm not sure he's a very different horse though and it's worth pointing out he's finally been consistently campaigned at the right trip and right handed, though that latter factor could be a coincidence. 3 miles doesn't get the best out of him as he's plenty quick enough and last term 6 of his 7 races (all 5 defeats) came over further than 2 and a half miles. Not that he doesn't stay, he's just more effective over an intermediate trip. His best performance last season came in the Drinmore over 2 and a half, the trip 3 of his 4 wins have come over this term. So he's a worthy favourite for the Ryanair but, equally, I have plenty of faith in last season's form over the Ryanair trip, not relying on the view he's simply a far better horse this season, and want to take him on back at Cheltenham.

Ballycasey had the run of things in a 3-runner field in the Moriarty last year when beating Don Cossack around 4 lengths but that still looks pretty good form now. Ballycasey is unbeaten in 6 completed starts at around 2 and a half miles and would have a 100% record at the trip but for coming down at Fairyhouse. Whilst he likes to dominate, he doesn't have to and has shown he's more than capable of taking a lead in big fields. Notably in the RSA when swinging along, the only horse on the bridle when leading 3 out, before not seeing out the trip. He led in the closing stages at Punchestown too before being outstayed.

We need to put a line through his run in the Dial A Bet but that is sharp enough for him and it was almost a case of chance gone when getting crowded going into the first and making a bad mistake. He then jumped right at a few and never looked comfortable. He was entered in the Tied Cottage but didn't run, perhaps due to the ground (I'm not sure on this) but he does look almost certain to go for the Ryanair, which is absolutely his optimum trip (connections have Champagne Fever for the Champion Chase and Djakadam for the Gold Cup). He'll be no 16/1 poke on the day.
Ballycasey - 1pt e/w @ 16/1

[Kimmy]

Thursday 5th February

Rein Man / Wednesday 4th February 2015 / 18:02
Chelmsford 19:10

Risky this but I'm not deserting Long Awaited now he's back fresh, eased in class and just 1lb above his last win. This isn't the strongest of races for the class either and it looks to be between he and Secret Asset for me. The latter is hardly one to trust and is 1lb out of the handicap so I'd make the selection a little shorter than 9/2. The race shouldn't lack for pace, which will suit, and Long Awaited is a half brother to a polytrack winner so there's plenty to be positive about for this all weather debut. His sire has a good record with runners on the surface too and he has won fresh twice in his career.
Long Awaited - 1pt @ 9/2
Meydan 18:15

There should be a fair bit of pace on in the last at Meydan over a mile. Our Channel doesn't hang around and he is drawn 1 so no trouble him getting out in front. He might be kept company by Captain Lars too who is better drawn this time to race up with the pace, and there are a few others drawn wider who will likely try and get over. All in all it could be a good race for the closers and Music Theory will likely have to be ridden patiently from stall 11. He was poorly away on carnival debut here last time, his first run for a few months, but stayed on well and shaped for a mile. However, I'm not quite convinced enough he'll see this out to play at 5/1. Samurai Sword should appreciate a good gallop given he's a winner over 10. A winner on the tapeta here, connections will have been buoyed to see him handle dirt last time when too far back to get really competitive. His turf run behind True Story was encouraging for this return to grass though and 16/1 probably underestimates his chances. If Counterglow got in he'd be interesting but it doesn't look too likely.
Samurai Sword - 1pt e/w @ 16/1
Meydan 17:05

I'm looking forward to seeing Elidor back up in trip and 10/1 isn't a bad price given he was sent off at 7's last time over a mile and a half. He needs further and will probably have needed the run too. 3rd in an Ebor off 3lb lower and staying on that day, he could do with a bit of pace here. In truth it looks likely but is far from guaranteed. Plenty like to be prominent but the race could do with an out and out front runner, which may be the favourite. Mich Channon is finding winners tricky to come by but hopefully that problem is confined to the UK. Aussie Reigns has a chance at a price if they go slow but perhaps he wants a strongly run 12 furlongs to shine.
Elidor - 1pt e/w @ 10/1

[Kimmy]

Friday 6th February

Rein Man / Thursday 5th February 2015 / 17:45
Kempton 14:30

There's a fascinating (and pretty tough) novice hurdle to wrap your head around at Kempton but some prices that look lofty as a result. Hurricane Vic hails form a yard in form and looks feasibly teated for this handicap debut. He ran well here behind Brother Tedd on penultimate start and shaped ok before fading last time, as might have been expected given a mark was waiting. He's been pitched in pretty deep up until now and 9/1 here looks big.
Hurricane Vic - 1pt e/w @ 8/1
Kempton 14:30

Mr Cardle should fare better in cheekpieces whilst Definite Future should have just that off this mark. 33/1 though about Earl The Pearl is worth a nibble given he's been eased a whopping 7lb for his modest handicap debut. He looks to want at last this far and a step up in trip should suit today. He's another that's been in some hot novice contests and, whilst outclassed in those, 97 could be lenient.
Earl The Pearl - 0.5pt e/w @ 33/1
Kempton 15:35

Open Hearted looks well treated for the 3 mile handicap chase. 3lb higher than when beating Baby Shine here over hurdles, he should confirm that form. However, I'm not sure this is his ideal trip and a few front runners here could stretch him. Salmanazar doesn't have a dissimilar profile to the Henderson horse and certainly looks well treated. He also looks likely to benefit for the step up to 3 miles. He too was a hurdles winner here and was subsequently 2nd to Le Reve at the track off levels. He is rated nearly a stone inferior now to Lucy Wadham's gelding and 130 probably underestimates him. He comes with risks given he made a shocking error at the first last time but the yard are flying and 7/1 looks big.
Salmanazar - 1pt e/w @ 7/1

[Kimmy]

Saturday 7th February



Rein Man / Friday 6th February 2015 / 16:18
Newbury 13:50

Jonjo is back, with a vengeance. Whilst plenty have claims in the opening Channel 4 race, I'd be surprised if Milan Bound doesn't justify favouritism for this resurgent team. He bumped into Closing Ceremony last time, who made all, but has an 11lb pull today and that will surely be enough, especially given the different form of the yard now. He hasn't been seen for a while but there's every chance he's better than a mark of 126. 4/1 will almost certainly shorten depending on what Mr Segal puts up in the race, if anything.
Milan Bound - 1pt @ 4/1
Newbury 15:00

It would be great to see Sire De Grugy win on belated comeback but odds-on looks worth taking on. A P prefers Mr Mole, understandable given the Uxizandre's poor show last time but he was hassled up top that day on heavy ground and I fancy the form is suspect. Barry Geraghty is back at the helm with Uxizandre this afternoon and 5/1 underestimates him from the front. He's won here before and Geraghty seemed to really click with him last time. The yard are in fine form and he'd be my 2nd favourite for the race.
Uxizandre - 1pt @ 5/1
Newbury 15:35

Calipto has a wonderful chance in the Betfair Hurdle but is risky at a short enough price after an absence and wind-op. Nicholls used to train Fascino Rustico who has come on plenty for the fitting of a hood. He could still be well ahead of a mark of 135 and this has been the target a way off. He has a similar profile to the horse the team won the Ladbroke with the year before last and 14/1 is big enough about him.
Fascino Rustico - 1pt e/w @ 14/1

I also like a horse I never used to in Goodwood Mirage at 20/1. We have to forgive him a poor run last time but that was Jonjo at the time. He went well here on the flat, handles juicy ground, and the form of his last win, when good value for it given McCoy could hardly move, has worked out well. He'll not win if it's a vintage renewal, but I'm not sure it is.
Goodwood Mirage - 1pt e/w @ 20/1

[Kimmy]

Sunday 8th February

Rein Man / Saturday 7th February 2015 / 19:09
Leopardstown 14:15

It's all about the Weld pair for me in the Deloitte. 12's earlier in the week about Windsor Park was huge and 8/1 is more realistic. He travelled like the best horse in the race last time before making a couple of errors at bad times and then getting hampered before plugging on. He's better than that. However, I also fancy he'd be best over 2 and a half and looks the team's Neptune horse. How the Champion Bumper winner is 14/1 is beyond me. By Dansili, whose progeny are far more effective on a sound surface, Silver Concorde hated heavy ground last time and it's no surprise he was beaten. Yet to finish out of the first 3 in 7 starts, the worry is the ground today. Soft in places isn't ideal but it's generally yielding and he's been underestimated. There's no guaranteed pace either, though you'd imagine one of Willie's will take them along. A half brother to a 6 furlong winner, he's got a blistering turn of foot that could come in useful.
Silver Concorde - 1pt e/w @ 14/1
Leopardstown 14:45

The Tullow Tank has got a bit to prove this afternoon but he has had excuses of late and it's worth remembering this Grade 1 winning hurdler was beaten just 3 lengths by Vautour on this card last year. After bolting up on chase debut, he was ill for the Drinmore and would have loathed the ground and trip in the Topaz. He gets his ideal conditions today and can't go unbacked in a wide open race at 20/1. The yard are in much better nick now too and he's drastically overpriced.
The Tullow Tank - 1pt e/w @ 20/1
Exeter 14:25

Super card at Exeter and I'm quite sweet on the chances of the Nicholls favourites Southfield Theatre and Emerging Talent. No harm in doubling them up. Morito Du Berlais may be better suited by this trip than that which he contested last time and expect him to go close too. However, Regal Encore looks really well treated for this step up in trip and should be backed at 10/1. He was keeping on over 2 and a half miles at Chepstow before never really getting into it at Cheltehnam last time over shorter. The hood comes off and he has to win this really to get in the Pertemps given he's off 129. Better ground should suit too and the yard are 2 from 2 this month.
Regal Encore - 1pt e/w @ 10/1
Exeter 14:55

Third time in a row I've backed Golden Chieftain and excuses are thin on the ground. However, he is undoubtedly well treated off 1lb below his Cheltenham win. This is easier than his last few tasks and he is a course winner here over hurdles. Blinkers replace cheekpieces, not sure what to make of that, and we haven't seen him since November, which is a worry given all career wins have come within a month or so of is last run but he's too big at 14/1. He should want very bit of this trip too and the ample pace on will help, plus the possibility many will have an eye on Aintree marks.
Golden Chieftain - 1pt e/w @ 14/1

[Kimmy]

RSA Chase

Rein Man / Monday 9th February 2015 / 12:13
RSA Chase

Personally, the Deloitte only muddied things yesterday as far as ante post novice hurdle punting goes. Shaneshill was going up for the Neptune…until yesterday. I still think they might go Supreme from the front with Nichols Canyon but, given Shaneshill was probably outstayed last time, perhaps they'll drop him in trip. Perhaps Willie and Wylie will run both over the intermediate trip? Perhaps not. Either way I want to back something where destination is all but certain.

Most interesting of the novice races at the Festival at the moment is the RSA as, looking at the market, I can happily swerve the top 9 in the betting. Willie Mullins's comment of 'nailed on for that race' about Don Poli and the 4 miler are still ringing in the ears and he surely wants his son to ride his best staying chaser (market moves today are a concern but I'm not rewriting this!). Coneygree should go Gold Cup after the weekend and probably will. First 2 done.

Kings Palace highlighted his potential frailties at the weekend and, whilst he may get a lead at Cheltenham without Coneygree, he's of no interest whatsoever at 11/2, especially after what happened at the Festival last year. It's so likely that something will take him on. The Young Master could be the one but Ruby Walsh makes a salient point about the consistency of pace and general intensity of Graded races finding out handicappers. He may be good enough but isn't big enough in the market to find out. Valseur Lido would be better in a JLT, and may end up there, and that's where Apache Stronghold goes. Southfield Theatre would have been a bet before yesterday but he just didn't convince, for all it wasn't his trip. 7 down. JLT bound Ptit Zig and Vatour are next. Now it gets interesting.

Sandra Hughes has said Apache Jack needs 3 miles on good ground and looks certain to run in the RSA. A staying on 2 and a quarter lengths behind Briar Hill at Naas last year, he followed up with an impressive 3rd in the Albert Bartlett and would probably have been 2nd with a better jump at the last. He came the longest way round Cheltenham that day and was still finding at the finish of a proper attritional test and there can be no stamina doubts. The worry about that race is the form, with only Champagne West upholding it to any respectable degree. The winner was last seen in blinkers and has to put his season back on track. So too the otherwise tempting Deputy Dan at 50/1 who now only holds a Cheltenham entry for the RSA. I'm still not absolutely convinced about him at the trip though, for all he was 2nd in the Albert Bartlett when up with the pace throughout and he has plenty to prove this term with few excuses in hand.

Apache Jack finished up the season trying to make all at Punchestown and still finished a respectable 9 lengths behind Beat That and Don Poli. He should have 2 defeats to his name this year, both over an inadequate 2 and a half miles on soft ground, which is not his bag. He'll have needed his first run in January after nearly 9 months off, and improved when a lucky winner last time, but he is crying out for better ground and a step back up in trip. That action screams top of the ground. He's a full brother to good ground Albert Bartlett winner Black Jack Ketchum whose last career win came over 3 miles 1 on good to firm.

Apache Jack is almost certain to run in the race. We know he handles Cheltenham and wants the RSA trip and, provided the ground is half decent, 25/1 will look big on the day. He's not as good as a few above him in the betting but there should be more to come after just 2 chase starts and this market could absolutely fall apart.
Apache Jack - 1pt e/w @ 25/1