Two races for us today: Starting with a tight little handicap hurdle to start the seven race card at Haydock. Then on to the feature race of the day, the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle from Ascot where Unowhatimeanharry looks to repeat his victory in this race last year.
Contrast in ground conditions between the two tracks with Haydock reporting the going as Heavy whilst Ascot is Good to Soft. Both will be run under the thick cloud forecast to cover most of the country.
11.50 2m7f Betfred Wishing You A Merry Christmas Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-135)
Southfield Royale is potentially well handicapped switching to hurdles, but has plenty to prove.
Away For Slates has his third start for the Skelton stable. His form ties in with Becky The Thatcher, with nothing between them on their Wetherby run.
Neither is sure to be suited by today’s stamina test.
Isaacstown Lad ran well on his reappearance at Ayr. He is on a reasonable handicap mark. Conditions are ideal and he is a worthy favourite.
My tissue for the front of the market:
Isaacstown Lad 9/4
Away For Slates 4/1
Becky The Thatcher 4/1
Southfield Royale 8/1
2.25 3m½f JLT Reve De Sivola Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4yo+)
At their best Unowhatimeanharry and Lil Rockerfeller set the form standard.
Although both have performed well this season, neither has run to their very best.
I expect them both to run close to their best today.
At the current odds Lil Rockerfeller is my preferred.
Sam Spinner and Thomas Campbell the the two progressive performers who take a step up in class.
I price as follows:
Unowhatimeanharry 3/1
Lil Rockerfeller 3/1
L’Ami Serge 11/2
Sam Spinner 7/1
Thomas Campbell 7/1
Six bets so far this week on the Private Service producing three winners at 9/4, 4/1 and 6/1 plus more profits from our exchange betting. We are well over 100 points ahead for the year with a profit on stakes of some 30%, which betters last year’s 25%.
Latest membership terms, with up to a £100 saving on standard rates are shown at: http://www.slh.co.uk/201718-jumps-campaign/
I will be taking my annual break after racing on Boxing Day, returning in early January. If you want to take your first steps towards genuine professional backing, take the time to visit the website and apply for the free info pack. Go to: www.slh.co.uk
My best wishes for Christmas and the new year. The next preview will be Saturday 13th January.
