Sunday 19th January 2025
1.20 Windsor: Winter Million Novices’ Handicap Hurdle: My first selection of the day on Sunday comes within the 1.20 at Windsor which is a Class 3 handicap hurdle over two miles and four furlongs. I’m chancing Fasol again here who represents the team of Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden. He’s been frustrating so far for connections and was once again the bridesmaid on his most recent run when finishing second of eighteen in a handicap at Ascot. He was perhaps given too much to do that, and I do think there are still a few handicaps in him. If he’s ridden more prominently here I believe he’s got more than enough ability to be exploiting his current mark. Fasol – 4/1 (Each-Way)
1.55 Windsor: Fitzdares Great Park Handicap Chase: Next up for me is the 1.55 at Windsor and this particular affair is a Class 2 handicap over two miles. I like Matata here who represents the combination of Nigel Twiston-Davies and J J Slevin. He comes into the race in fine form so far this term with form figures of 212 and both of his defeats have come only by a neck. It’s likely that he’ll once again post a bold bid from the front here, and if he turns up in the same kind of form that we’ve been accustomed to as of late he should prove to be a big player once more. He’s top-rated and the one they all have to beat. Matata – 4/1 (Each-Way)
2.05 Thurles: Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase: My third and final selection of the afternoon comes from Thurles and the 2.05 which is a Grade 2 chase over two miles and five furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of Blood Destiny here who currently heads the betting for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. He was a Grade 3 winner last term when getting the better of the highly talented Spillane’s Tower and he looks a lot less exposed than most of his rivals here. He was found to be coughing post-race on his most recent outing at Punchestown back in May when pulled-up and if he returns to his previous level form I think he could take a bit of beating here. He’s also proved that he can go well fresh in the past. Blood Destiny – 5/2 (Win)
