After Winston Junior bolted up in the opener at Ascot last weekend, our Insider will be hoping to keep the momentum rolling on another cracking day of racing. Cheltenham Trials Day takes centre stage with a mouthwatering clash between Sir Gino and The New Lion, alongside good supporting cards at Doncaster, Fairyhouse and Uttoxeter, plus two all-weather fixtures.
12:05 Cheltenham – KDEUX SAINT FRAY (6/1 generally)
The opening race on the card looks a tough one to call on paper, and it’s easy to make a case for the majority of the runners, but the one who I feel is overpriced is KDEUX SAINT FRAY, who would likely need to win this to guarantee his spot at the Festival in March.
In his three runs over fences, he fell on debut when sent off the favourite, before running out a game winner on his next start at Cheltenham. His stablemate Jordans Cross was coming with an effort that day before falling at the last, but he’s a further 3lbs better off with that horse in here, and it remains to be seen who would’ve come out on top that day.
His most recent run saw him fill the runner-up spot at Aintree last month behind Guard The Moon, with the pair pulling well clear of the remainder of the field. The winner has since franked the form by winning at Windsor last week, so the form remains solid and is up there with the best form on offer in this race.
Regular Racing Club jockey Gavin Sheehan has been booked for the ride, which is a further positive in my opinion, and I can see Kdeux Saint Fray running a huge race. He’s a big enough price that we can play it safe and back each-way, ensuring a small profit if he fails to win but finishes in the first three.
1:15 Cheltenham – JAGWAR (2/1 generally)
This Premier Handicap has been won by some classy individuals in recent years, including the likes of Frodon (2018) and Il Ridoto (2023), and I’m confident JAGWAR will be the next winner of this to go on to bigger and better things.
The 7YO has a solid 113113 record over fences, and has already taken a shine to Cheltenham, with two wins and a third to his name from his three runs there to date. Having won the Plate at the Cheltenham Festival last year, he returned to action this season with an excellent third in the December Gold Cup at the same venue, doing best of those held up, when it paid to be up with the pace (winner made the running and runner-up was with leaders throughout). The runner-up Vincenzo has since boosted the form by winning at Ascot last week.
He was raised 1lb for that effort and connections will be hopeful of a big performance here, with an entry in the Ryanair Chase the possible next target for him. If he is going to be considered for that race, he’ll need to win this, and I’ll think he’ll do so in impressive fashion.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
12:05 Cheltenham – KDEUX SAINT FRAY (2/1 generally)
1:15 Cheltenham – JAGWAR (2/1 generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 11:38am Friday 23rd January
For those who aren’t already a member, you can become a racehorse owner with us from as little as £25 per share! View all of our horses available to purchase shares in HERE.
Please note that although Tom has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
