Wednesday 16th January

For just about the first time this year, there is some half decent mid-week racing tomorrow…

This time last year, fixtures were being washed (or frozen !) away - but now it’s the lack of rain, that’s the issue.

In truth, even with perfect ground, the mid-week racing in January (and February) tends to be limited - and that’s certainly been the case so far this month !

However, they race at Newbury tomorrow - and whilst it’s not a stellar card, there are a couple of interesting handicaps.

There’s also a veterans chase at Plumpton, which is moderately interesting - so at least there is a bit of action to fend off the boredom (or to distract from the Brexit shenanigans !)  

Newbury

1:10

As class 4 handicaps go - this is a pretty good one !

Certainly, a few of the runners have the potential to operate at a higher level - so I would expect the form to hold up.

The 3 horses that head the market are of obvious interest: and I would just side with Ar Mest over En Meme Temps and Maquisard, if forced to choose - mainly because of the 10lb claim of jockey Nial Houlihan (who is exceptionally good value for the allowance).

Beyond the head of the market, the one that interests me most, is Volpone Jelois.

Formerly trained by Paul Nicholls, he transferred in to the care of Chris Gordon, prior to his most recent outing.

He didn’t shape too badly on his stable debut - but I would still expect him to show marked improvement tomorrow.

It also strikes me as very interesting that his new owner, David Maxwell, takes the ride - as he tends not to be active during the mid-week (presumably he also has a proper job that needs attending to !).

In such a relatively strong race, he couldn’t be a confident pick - but I do think he represents a bit of value at 12/1.

Selection: Volpone Jelois at 12/1

2:50

Based on form, it’s impossible not to be drawn to Carlos du Fruitier in this…

He finished third on his most recent run, in a very strong novice handicap that took place on the King George under-card.

The form of that race has already been franked in no uncertain terms, by recent winners, Glen Rocco and Dell Oro.

They finished second and fourth in the race, with Carlos du Frutier sandwiched in between them.

He’s been raised 2lb for his efforts, but if he matches that form tomorrow, he will take a bit of beating,..

Mister Malarkky and Quarenta are the obvious dangers - but they are a similar price and it's impossible to make as compelling a case for either.

At a big price, I’ll also be keeping an eye on Chic Name - though he could well need the run after 3 months off the track.

Selection: Carlos du Fruitier at 3/1

Plumpton

3:10

There is rain forecast for Plumpton over the next 12 hours, and if it materialises, then Ulan Bhute will take some beating in this…

He’s not badly handicapped - but the big positive with him is the form of his stable.
Venetia has hit one of her purple patches over the past few weeks - and it shows no sign of ending !

When that happens, it’s generally folly to oppose her runners - particularly in lower grade handicaps.

Ignoring that angle, then the race looks relatively open, and it’s possible to make a case - or at least half a case - for most of the runners.

However, if Ulan Bhute is in the same form as most of his stable-mates appear to be, then that is likely to give him the edge required to win.

Enthusiasm would be slightly tempered if the rain doesn’t materialise - but even then, I would nominate him as the most likely race winner.

Selection: Uhlan Bhute at 7/2