Wednesday 1st January 2025
1.35 Exeter: Peter Holland Memorial Handicap Hurdle: Kicking things off in 2025 for me will be the 1.35 at Exeter which is a Class 5 handicap hurdle over two miles and five and a half furlongs. I’m with Keable here for Phillip Hobbs & Johnson White who’s the mount of Callum Pritchard who takes off seven pounds. He’s yet to win over hurdles in seven attempts, however, posted his best effort to date at Wincanton earlier this month when second of ten and well clear of the horse in third. He should be going close here if he turns up in the same form and his yard are currently enjoying a fine spell. Keable – 11/4 (Win)
2.05 Cheltenham: Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase: My second selection of the afternoon comes within the 2.05 at Cheltenham which is a Premier Handicap Chase over two miles and four and a half furlongs. I like Springwell Bay here for the team of Jonjo & A J O’Neil who’s the mount of Jonjo O’Neil Jr. He’s run well in three novice chases this term, two of which were listed events and most recently when second behind Grade 1 winning hurdler Jango Baie at this track last month. He’s a horse with plenty of ability, and I think a handicap of this nature is far from beyond him. Springwell Bay – 3/1 (Win)
2.10 Exeter: Peter Holland Memorial Handicap Hurdle: Next up for me is another one from Exeter and the 2.10 which is more handicap hurdle action, this time a Class 4 over two miles and five and a half furlongs. I’m strong on Saint Cyr De Pail here for Jane Williams and David Noonan. He won a maiden hurdle here back in the Spring and ran a fine race on his handicap debut at Bangor earlier this month, where he finished second of eight and five lengths clear of the third. He’s been nudged up three pounds for that effort but it’s highly likely that he’s still got a significant amount of progression to come and I think he’ll be tough to beat here. Saint Cyr De Pail – 2/1 (Win)
2.40 Cheltenham: Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle: My fourth and final selection of the day comes from back at Cheltenham and the 2.40 which is a Class 2 handicap hurdle over three miles. I’ve sided with the progressive Strackan here for Henry Daly and Sam Twiston-Davies. He comes into the race having won his last two starts dominantly from the front and whilst this is a significant step-up in grade, he looks a progressive sort and could take some pegging back here if he gets into the rhythm. He had some horses in behind last time who were rated in the 120s and I think he could prove a bit ahead of his own mark. Strackan – 4/1 (Win)
