It’s a slightly quieter weekend as the sport builds towards a feast of top-class action over the festive period. There is still plenty of good racing to enjoy, however, and hopefully a chance to find a few winners ahead of what is always a busy time for punters.
1:30 Haydock – MASTER BREFFNI (18/1 generally) Each Way
This looks a tricky race in which several runners can be given a chance. I am quite keen on the Nicky Richards-trained Sunnyvilla, who appears to have been primed for this contest having won it twelve months ago, and he is again partnered by the excellent Danny McMenamin. My only slight concern is that the ground may dry out too much for him to be seen at his most effective, although I will probably still have a small interest in him.
At a bigger price, the one I have come down on is MASTER BREFFNI. He made a pleasing reappearance at Catterick, where he was narrowly beaten, and should be spot on for this now. Prior to that, he won two Class 3 races, the latter seeing him comfortably defeat a two-time previous winner. He should be suited whatever the ground conditions and, as he stays further than this trip, he ought to be finishing strongly, making him an appealing each-way proposition.
3:10 Newcastle – DINGWALL (11/4 generally)
Ian Jardine’s four-year-old has been in excellent form of late and looks to have a strong chance of adding another victory to his record. He put together a sequence of three consecutive wins at Wolverhampton in late October and November, and that form has worked out particularly well. He has comfortably beaten Francesi, who has since gone on to win by three and a half lengths, and Aisling Oscar, who has since completed a hat-trick of victories. More recently, he finished a solid second at Chelmsford behind a rival who has since won again, confirming his ability to remain competitive from his current mark.
His main challenge is often his own keenness, as he can race quite freely, but even so he tends to finish his races strongly, highlighting his underlying ability. I think he may still be ahead of the handicapper and if he can learn to settle better, he has the scope to progress into a higher grade. He has formed a good partnership with claimer Cara Tuke, and if she can get him settled in a handy position with some cover, he should go very close. His chief rival appears to be the six-year-old course specialist Prince Achille, but receiving 5lb, with a better draw and the potential for further improvement, he looks capable of coming out on top.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
1:30 Haydock – MASTER BREFFNI (18/1 generally) Each Way
3:10 Newcastle – DINGWALL (11/4 generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 1:00pm Friday 19th December
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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!
