It looks another challenging day for punters, with Doncaster, Kelso and Newbury staging a host of competitive handicaps alongside the usual tight all weather contests. Navan may offer slightly clearer opportunities, but with the Cheltenham Festival just around the corner, a cautious approach and keeping stakes small could be the wisest play. We drew a blank last week, so here’s hoping we can bounce back in style today.
13:10 Kelso – TORNEO (5/2 Generally)
Jamie Snowden sends a strong team on the long trip north for Kelso’s feature meeting, with all three runners partnered by the excellent Gavin Sheehan. It would be no surprise to see him return with a clean sweep.
His first runner, TORNEO, would be a thoroughly deserving winner of the opener after some excellent efforts this season. He produced a standout performance at Cheltenham’s November meeting, going down by just a head to Triple Trade, who has franked the form since, including a victory at Sandown. Battle Of Ridgeway was three lengths behind Torneo that day and has since won readily at Navan, while Glengouly, fourth, has gone on to land Cheltenham’s December Gold Cup. Cabhfuilfungi, fifth, has also bolted up at Warwick since.
The six year old has also finished a solid second to a progressive rival at Windsor and appears to have plenty in his favour here. The ground should suit and Kelso’s track looks ideal. He should go very close.
16:23 Newbury – KILWAUGHTER (2/1 Generally)
The penultimate race at Newbury is another of those typically competitive handicaps, with several arriving in strong form. The one that catches my eye is KILWAUGHTER, trained by Philip Hobbs and Johnson White. His overall profile suggests a race of this nature is well within his compass, particularly on the strength of his bumper form.
He made a winning debut at Down Royal, beating Gordon Elliott’s Theflyingking, before finishing sixth in the Aintree bumper on Grand National Day, with plenty of smart types behind him. He was also third at Punchestown in May last year behind Baron Noir, who has won twice since, and Supreme contender El Cairos, finishing ahead of the 140 rated Koktail Brut.
He has taken a little time to find his feet over hurdles, but his latest run at Taunton represented a significant step forward, going down only to the useful Harbour Island. A repeat of that performance, or any further improvement, should see him go very close here. On his bumper form, a mark of 118 could seriously underestimate his ability and I am expecting a big run, albeit 2/1 is not a wonderful price in a race like this.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
13:10 Kelso – TORNEO (5/2 Generally)
16:23 Newbury – KILWAUGHTER (5/1 Generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 6:55pm Friday 27th February
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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!
