BLACK OP IS A GOER
BLACK OP (1.25) can make it a dark day for the bookies in the Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
Tom George’s gelding was a Grade One winner over timber last term and made a satisfactory fencing bow when third to
at Exeter. The eight-year-old learned plenty and can exact his revenge on the winner with progress expected in his new career.
(2.0) looks deadly in the competitive
Du Seuil DIVINE SPEAR Defi
BY GARRY OWEN BetBright App Handicap Chase. Nicky Henderson’s charge has taken well to fences – winning twice – and ran better than the bare result when shocked by
at Musselburgh. The eight-year-old has scope to become a top-class chaser and should be primed for a winning comeback.
(2.35) can reign for Tony Carroll in the trappy Betbright Handicap Hurdle. The
Delegate VIVE LE ROI
gelding produced another personal best when outbattling
in a red-hot Newbury three-miler in November.
That effort has earned him another 9lb hike but he remains unexposed over staying trips and can add this valuable prize to his CV for his shrewd handler.
(3.10) rates a value bet in a tight renewal of the Grade Two Relkeel Hurdle. A quality handicapper over two miles, Sue Smith’s gelding relished stepping up to
Rockpoint MIDNIGHT SHADOW
2m 4f when cosily beating
at Aintree last month. The six-year-old is open to plenty of improvement over today’s trip and can take a return to graded company in his stride.
There are two crackers on the box at Musselburgh where
(1.40) can take the Auld Reekie Handicap Chase.
The grey has been a terrific servant to Keith Dalgleish and scored on the Flat and over timber in the autumn. Even better over fences the nine-yearold
Ch’tibello MIXBOY
can capitalise on a fair mark after a well-deserved break.
Jim Goldie has a superb record here and can land the Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle with (2.15).
The gelding showed snippets of form for Paul Nicholls but improved for his Uplawmoor move when bolting up over course and distance last time.
The six-year-old sits on an attractive mark back in a handicap and can show his rivals no mercy from the front.
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