Horse Racing Tips 23rd and 24th Feb
20th February, 2008
This weeks selection of free horse racing tips for the 23rd and 24th Feb.
Gun to fire
Paul Nicholls can tighten his stranglehold on the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup by saddling Gungadu to land Saturday's feature, the Racing Post Chase, at Kempton.
The fact that Gungadu was given a Gold Cup entry speaks volumes. He has been put up a stiffish looking 9lb for winning handicap chase at Sandown by only a length and quarter from Burntoakboy last time but he tended to idle after hitting the front that day and, with just seven starts over fences, he should still have plenty of improvement in him.
The Pendil Novices Chase on the same card promises to be a cracker with exciting fencing prospects Hobbs Hill, Noland and Lead On among the entries. The last named was receiving 7lb when over 22l behind Hobbs Hill when they met at Newbury in November. As they meet on level terms here, Lead On appears to have a mountain rather than a Hill to climb but I believe he has made significant progress recently. He has won his last two, beating very useful opponents in good style both times. He is two years younger that Hobbs Hill and I think it worth taking the chance he can gain his revenge.
Randwick Roar, who missed a tempting engagement at Wincanton last Saturday, can make up for lost time in the Racing Post Weekender Handicap Chase at Kempton. Gary Moore's gelding won very well over the course and distance last month and is not harshly treated off a 7lb higher mark.
The Totesport Eider Chase at Newcastle looks wide open but we should get a good run for out money with Scarvagh Diamond. Nicky Richards' unexposed mare has won her last two in game style and you need a gutsy sort for the stamina sapping four miles and a furlong contest. It is also encouraging that she was successful on her only previous visit to Newcastle.
Sri Diamond could prove another gem of a bet on Saturday in the Winter Derby Trial at Lingfield. Sylvester Kirk's eight-year-old simply loves the Surrey track and has won six of his nine starts there. His lack of a recent outing is no concern as he goes well fresh and his stable have been amongst the winners lately.
High time
Lady Herries' Honour High has progressed really well since having a breathing operation and the handsome grey should make a bold bid to follow up his recent course victory when returning to Fontwell for the 2m6f110yds novices hurdle on Sunday.
Macmar can continue the good form of the Robert and Sue Alner horses by completing a hat-trick in the 2m7f110yds handicap chase at Exeter on Sunday. The eight-year-old's previous two victories were both over this course and distance. He has been put up 11lb for his last success but be won with a good deal in hand and maybe able to defy the handicapper.
Best bets
- Weekend Banker - Gungadu 3.15 Kempton Saturday.
- Saturday Specials - Lead On 2.40 Kempton. Randwick Roar 4.20 Kempton. Scarvagh Diamond 3.35 Newcastle. Sri Diamond 4.15 Lingfield.
- Sunday Wagers - Macmar 3.25 Exeter. Honour High 2.15 Fontwell.
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