Sunday 11th January 2026
2.12 Chelmsford: Betfred Best Odds All Races Handicap (Rider Restricted Race) (Class 5)
Kicking things off on Sunday for us will be the 2.12 at Chelmsford, which is a Class 5 handicap over six furlongs. Jamie Osbourne’s EM FOUR has every chance of following up his recent success over course and distance, beating Charlie Mason by a neck on that occasion. Conor Whiteley takes seven pounds off his back here, whereas last time out he was only able to claim five, making the horse effectively a pound well-in, following a pound rise by the handicapper. If he’s in the same form, he should prove to be a big player.
EM FOUR – 4/1 (Each-Way)
2.20 Punchestown: Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)
Our second selection of the day comes from Punchestown, and this is Grade 2 action in the form of the Moscow Flyer Hurdle over two miles and half of a furlong. SOBER looks like the one they have to beat here for the team of Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. He’s only had the one start over hurdles, which was a winning one; however, he’s very useful on the flat, being a two-time Group 2 winner in France, as well as a Royal Ascot winner last summer when he won the Queen Alexandra stakes by five lengths. If he converts some of that flat form to this sphere, he could prove to be a live contender within this division, and he’s got every chance of asserting himself as one of the yard’s best novice hurdlers.
SOBER – 7/4 (Win) (NB)
3.12 Chelmsford: Betfred Bet Builder Classified Stakes (Rider Restricted Race) (Class 6)
The best bet of the day comes within the 3.12 at Chelmsford, and this is a Class 6 classified event that’s contested over a mile and two furlongs. KNIGHT OF MAGIC is a short price here; however, he’s likely to go off considerably shorter for James Owen. He got off the mark after twenty-six attempts last time out at Southwell, winning with authority over eleven furlongs by just under four lengths. Owen has a fantastic record with horses having a quick turnaround, and this is another who should take a lot of beating. Rhys Clutterbuck takes over from Luke Morris in the saddle, and a big run should be forthcoming.
KNIGHT OF MAGIC – 8/11 (Win) (NAP)
3.42 Chelmsford: Betfred Goals Galore Handicap (Rider Restricted Race) (Class 4)
Our fourth and final selection of the day also comes from Chelmsford, and within the 3.42, which is Class 4 handicap action over seven furlongs. It could be worth taking a chance on DIAMONDONTHEHILL here for Dr Richard Newland & Jamie Insole. He’s been running well as of late without winning, and this was once again the case last time out at Wolverhampton, where he finished a length third of eight. He takes a slight ease in grade here to 0-80 company, and could prove to be well-in, given that rider Charlie Bell takes seven pounds off his back, which effectively makes him eight pounds below his last winning mark. If he gets a good pace, he could go well.
DIAMONDONTHEHILL – 13/2 (Each-Way)
