It has been a disappointing few days for racing fans, with numerous meetings being frozen off, but we still have some action to enjoy today. Kempton’s Lanzarote Hurdle passed yesterday’s inspection but requires another at 8am on raceday, and the same goes for Warwick’s Classic Chase meeting. Let’s hope they can both go ahead. There aren’t too many standout bets to my eye, but I’ve picked out two who look interesting.
12:20 Kempton – BARON NOIR (7/4 generally)
There are a few appealing prospects here from top yards, with Wincanton winner Swingin Safari and the useful Flat performer Gambino among the leading contenders. However, the one I want to be with is Alan King’s BARON NOIR, who holds a clear form edge both in bumpers and over hurdles.
His bumper form reads extremely well, having finished in front of a number of smart types, notably El Cairos, Act Of Innocence and Koktail Brut.
He disappointed favourite backers on his hurdles debut at Warwick, but he was far from disgraced and finished well clear of Worcester winner Loaded And Locked, as well as bumper/hurdle scorer Bossman Jack. He made no mistake at Uttoxeter next time when beating Bobby’s Nelson by three-quarters of a length, and that rival has since gone in easily at Ffos Las, which looks good form itself.
With the standout form claims, he should be good enough to defy the penalty.
1:47 Lingfield – ANNEXATION (33/1 generally) Each Way
Lots of these have questions to answer, so it could be worth taking a chance on ANNEXATION at a huge price for the all-weather master Tony Carroll.
You do have to be of a forgiving nature to support the ten-year-old son of Wootton Bassett, having finished ninth of ten and sixth of six in his last two starts. However, the first of those runs came over hurdles, and he mainly operates on the Flat, while the second can be excused as he was squeezed out at the start and never really looked happy afterwards.
He won the two starts prior to that, including a Class 2 contest at Nottingham, so he is more than capable of getting his head in front if putting his best foot forward. With the yard in flying form, he looks worth a small each-way investment.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
12:20 Kempton – BARON NOIR (7/4 generally)
1:47 Lingfield – ANNEXATION (33/1 generally) Each Way
*Odds correct at time of posting – 6:15pm Friday 9th January
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
