Today starts what is set to be a fantastic weekend of action with big races and super star horses returning to the Television screen, free to air, for some of the great traditional races of the National Hunt calendar.
We start in the north with the meeting at Sedgefield. A seven-race card sees Tim Vaughan and Alan Johns combining for another short-priced favourite in the 12:05 first race with ALLTIMEGOLD. Owen’s NAP winner yesterday was with this Trainer/Jockey team.
Staying in the north, Newcastle is racing on the all-weather surface in the late afternoon. Eight races on the flat include the Betway Handicap over six furlongs.
Dundalk also have action on the all-weather, a further eight races from there, with the start time of 17:15.
Exeter gets underway at 12:25 and see the return of odds-on favourite Sporting John. He won over course and distance on his debut under rules in early November and the market indicates he will recreate that today.
Sandown starts of their two-day Betfair Tingle Creek festival today at 12:45 with the big race going off at 15:00 tomorrow.
Just the six races today from the Surrey course but plenty of quality with Jockeys the likes of champion Richard Johnson, Irish raider Robbie Power and Harry Cobden all saddling horses there today.
My Selections for Today:
NAP – Guardia Top, 15:30 @ Sandown
Travelled well until getting out outstayed last time over a slightly longer trip. Off a very low weight he warrants favouritism, David Noonan rides this time. Has ran well in big fields before winning at Chepstow, should have a great chance here.
NB – Overthetop, 14:25 @ Sandown
Done nothing wrong in winning his two starts at Warwick and Carlisle. Travelled well last time and ran out an impressive winner. Richard Johnson booking shows intent.
Each Way – Stockburn, 15:05 @ Exeter
Stayed on for second place from a long way back in his last start at Hereford. Open to improvement after already winning over three miles this year. Has weight in hand against the rest of the field, from a top stable should be in with a chance of some each-way money.
