Friday 20th December 2024
11.00 Southwell: Stay Golden With BetmMGM Safer Gambling Nursery Handicap: We kick things off on Friday with the 11.00 at Southwell which is a Class 6 nursery handicap on the all-weather over a mile. I like Kaleidoscope Eyes here for Michael Appleby and Jason Watson. She was narrowly denied here last week by the current favourite Tiempo Alegre when going down in second by just a neck, however, she now has a six-pound pull in the weights with that rival. If she runs up to the same level that should be enough to see her reverse the form and go close here. Kaleidoscope Eyes – 11/2 (Each-Way)
12.00 Southwell: Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap: I’m staying at Southwell for my second selection of the day and this comes within the 12.00 which is another Class 6 handicap over a mile. I’m taking a chance on Ciara Storm here for Scott Dixon and Mikkel Mortensen who takes five pounds. She’s ran well on his last two outings since returning from a break, finishing fifth on each occasion and not too far behind the winner. She’s been dropped a further two pounds for her most recent effort at Wolverhampton and with a further five coming on from the rider she looks on a very lowly mark. Ciara Storm – 8/1 (Each-Way)
2.30 Ascot: Racetech Handicap Hurdle: My third and final selection of the day comes at Ascot and in the 2.30 which is a Class 4 handicap hurdle over a mile and seven and a half furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Fasol in this for Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. I put him up on his most recent outing at Sandown earlier this month when he was narrowly denied by a neck into second. He looked the winner that day jumping the last before being run down close home, and looks to still have plenty to offer. I think that a bold bid is very likely here. Fasol – 11/4 (Win)
