Friday 17th January 2025
12.25 Newcastle: BetMGM: It’s Showtime Handicap: We kick things off on Friday with the 12.25 at Newcastle which is a Class 2 handicap that’s ridden over a mile. I like the chances of Dragon Icon here for the team of Roger Varian and Jack Mitchell. He returned from a near seven-month break with a fine effort over course and distance last month when finishing a neck second of eleven in Class 3 company. He’ll contest this assignment off just a two-pound higher mark and if he’s in the same form he can have a very serious say. Dragon Icon – 11/2 (Each-Way)
1.35 Newcastle: Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap: My second selection of the day also comes from Newcastle and within the 1.35 which is more Class 2 handicap action this time over six furlongs. I’m with So Darn Hot here who represents Kevin Philippart De Foy and Warren Fentiman who takes off seven pounds. He won his maiden at Doncaster on his penultimate start back in November and followed up with a narrow neck second at this course just a couple of weeks later. He stayed on strongly last time over five and given he won his maiden over six he looks primed for a big run here with Fentiman’s claim coming off his back. So Darn Hot – 4/1 (Each-Way)
2.25 Windsor: Lets Bet Personal With Fitzdares Mares’ Handicap Chase: I’ve got a couple of selections from Windsor on the opening day of the Berkshire Million Meeting the first of which comes within the 2.25 which is a Class 2 mare’s handicap chase over two miles and four furlongs. I think this can go to Panic Attack for the combination of Dan & Harry Skelton. She returned to the track following a lay-off with a couple of runs over hurdles, finishing third in both, and should be in great condition now she goes back over the bigger obstacles. She’ll contest this off her last winning mark which also came over today’s trip and I think she has a great chance. Panic Attack – 5/2 (Win)
3.35 Windsor: Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle: My fourth and final pick comes within the 3.35 at Windsor and this is a Class 2 handicap hurdle over two miles. I’m taking a chance on Hansard here for the team of Gary & Josh Moore who’s the mount of Niall Houlian. He won a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Newbury last term and returned to the track at Kempton last month, finishing fourth of eight. He should progress from that outing and build on that run here, and he’ll contest this race off a mark that is just three pounds higher than his Newbury success. If he gets a clear round I think he’s got every chance of going well. Hansard – 7/1 (Each-Way)
