Tuesday 3rd February 2026
The first of our four selections on Tuesday comes from Carlisle, and the 1.30, which is a Class 4 novice’s hurdle that’s ridden over a distance of two miles and a furlong. It could pay to side with the Nicky Richards-trained THORNEYLANDS here, who’s the mount of Brian Hughes. He posted a very encouraing effort on his rules debut at Newcastle back in December when finishing half of a length second of eleven within a bumper. He was well-fancied that day, giving the impression that he’s held in some regard, and he should strip considerably fitter for his hurdles bow here. His main dangers look to come from It’s Top, and Lasko Des Obeaux, both set a solid enough level of form at the top of the betting here.
Next up, it’s over to Taunton for their 2.45, and this is a mares’ novice hurdle that’s set to be contested over two miles and half of a furlong. It would be disappointing if Paul Nicholls’ BEAUTY IN THE PARK was unable to open her account here under Harry Cobden. She took a big step forward on her second start over obstacles when finishing half of a length second of thirteen over course and distance last time out, and she should naturally build on that run again here. She should be tough to beat. Queenie St Clair could prove to be the main danger; she’s got the most experience of them here and won a handicap at Wincanton last time out.
Our third selection of the day on Tuesday comes from Wolverhampton and the 5.30, which is a Class 6 handicap over seven furlongs. HOW’S THE GUVNOR looks the one to beat in this particular affair for the team of Jennie Candlish and George Wood. He comes into the race in fantastic form, winning his last two outings, with the most recent coming over course and distance last week. He won going away on that occasion by a length and a quarter, and there could be more to come. Another bold showing looks likely. James Owen’s Secret Road looks the main danger; he’s been kept busy and is holding his form well with form figures of 211223.
The fourth and final pick comes in the finale at Wolverhampton, at 8.30, a Class 6 handicap over a mile and a half of a furlong. A chance could be taken with LEXINGTON EXPRESS here on her debut for the Marco Botti yard. She’s still a maiden after nine outings; however, she does have pieces of form to her name despite not being able to get her head in front. Notably, she finished half of a length behind the winner when third at Chepstow in the summer, with that run coming off a six-pound higher mark on the turf. She ought to get her head in front at this level for her new yard. Handicap debutants Bergamo Gold and Silver State could both be dangerous here, as both could show significant improvement.
1.30 – Thorneylands – 7/2 (Win)
2.45 – Beauty In The Park – 10/11 (Win) (NAP)
5.30 – How’s The Guvnor – 15/8 (Win) (NB)
8.30 – Lexington Express – 7/1 (Each-Way)
