ITV horse racing tips and best bets for Windsor, Market Rasen and Newcastle on Friday, January 16
After picking out a couple of winners on his debut, Sport News Blitz horse racing pundit Kieran McHugh returns.
ITV have offered up seven races this Friday afternoon, which is our pundit’s lucky number, and he is thus hoping for a magnificent seven.
Kieran McHugh’s racing tips
Well, we survived another week, with the cold spell apparently giving way to temperatures “hotter than Madrid”.
Given the result of the Spanish Super Cup, I do not see that being the case.
Fun fact: that game was actually played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which I suppose is akin to a polar bear finding itself in Arlington, Texas – or Constitution Hill running in a flat race, on the Most-Weather, at Southwell.
Anyway, I digress.
Friday, January 16 is ‘National Nothing Day’ and every manager in the country will certainly accept that as a valid reason not to work, so why not spend the day watching some competitive racing instead?
Aided by the below suggestions from yours truly, of course.
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13:15 (Windsor) – Lightning Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)
Be Aware has the best form in this, finishing runner up to Lulamba in a Grade One at Sandown. He was not beaten far by the smart July Flower the time before and with level weights today, those excursions put him clear of the rest of the field.
No Questions Asked looks to be his biggest rival, now dropped down to two miles.
Suggested bets: BE AWARE (WIN), NO QUESTIONS ASKED (E/W)
14:05 (Market Rasen) – Unibet Middle Distance Chase Series Veterans’ Handicap Chase
Mahons Glory has been contesting races over the Grand National fences recently, so these should be a tad easier. Before that, he was running well over this distance, so he ticks the most boxes.
The Flier Begley is the course specialist around here and although this is difficult, that course experience could count for a lot.
Suggested bets: MAHONS GLORY (WIN), THE FLIER BEGLEY (E/W)
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14:25 (Windsor) – Fitzdares Telephone And Text Betting Service Mares’ Handicap Chase
Largy Force has been quite unlucky in her career but obliged last time out. She comes into this race lightly raced for Olly Murphy and carries a featherweight. The booking of Sean Bowen only enhances her credentials.
Hollygrove Cha Cha has taken well to life over fences. She carries top weight, which is a challenge, but she is overqualified for this.
Suggested bets: LARGY FORCE (WIN), HOLLYGROVE CHA CHA (E/W)
14:40 (Market Rasen) – Unibet Alan Swinbank Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Red Wine Supernova won on her debut and the time of that race stacks up pretty well. She was the selection that day, and that form makes her the selection again today.
Galaxy Star won her debut and was unlucky when on the receiving end of a photo finish. She had to give weight away that day, so she is worth sticking with.
Suggested bets: RED WINE SUPERNOVA (WIN), GALAXY STAR (E/W)
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15:00 (Windsor) – Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle
Nemean Lion won this last year and holds the cards yet again. He had a good return, finishing third in the Grade One Fighting Fifth, and should go back-to-back in a select but classy field.
Potters Charm was better in the Long Walk but still has questions around him, so maybe the drop in Grade is just what he needs.
Suggested bets: NEMEAN LION (WIN), POTTERS CHARM (E/W)
15:20 (Newcastle) – Midnite AWC Sprint Trial Handicap
Berkshire Whisper is a course and distance winner who has been going well lately. He represents the very in-form Andrew Balding and champion jockey Oisin Murphy has been booked.
The Caltonian is an interesting runner. He is back down to a workable mark and goes well here.
Suggested bets: BERKSHIRE WHISPER (WIN), THE CALTONIAN (E/W)
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15:35 (Windsor) – Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle
On his best form, the veteran Go Dante would win this easily, and his victory in the Imperial Cup showed that the class is still there. It could be worth sticking with him.
Knickerbockerglory was third in this last year and with Harry Atkins’ claim, he will carry less this time around.
Suggested bets: GO DANTE (WIN), KNICKERBOCKERGLORY (E/W)
As ever, best of betting luck to you all.
(Selections are correct at time of publishing. Be aware they are subject to change, horses could be removed from race and meetings may be abandoned due to bad weather.)
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