RICK DOYLE'S ITV RACING TIPS
Rick Doyle has his New Years Day ITV Racing tips from Cheltenham and Musselburgh.
1:25 CHELTENHAM
BETFAIR HANDICAP CHASE (GBB RACE)
HERAKLES WESTWOOD - 4/1
HERAKLES WESTWOOD is the one to side with in this 3m1f handicap chase after a strong fourth in a competitive race at Cheltenham’s December Meeting. He finished close up behind solid rivals and this trip and ground look ideal. A repeat of that effort should see him right in the mix.
3
1:40 MUSSELBURGH
VIRGIN BET A GOOD BET HOGMANEIGH HANDICAP HURDLE
FASOL - 9/2
FASOL appeals among Paul Nicholls’ Musselburgh runners. He showed his liking for flat, right-handed tracks when winning at Wincanton last time and that form has been boosted since. Back in handicap company, he looks well placed to go close.
6
2:00 CHELTENHAM
BETFAIR EXCHANGE HANDICAP CHASE (PREMIER HANDICAP) (GBB RACE)
GLENGOULY - 4/1
GLENGOULY can follow up his December Gold Cup success by landing this valuable 2½m handicap chase. Only 3lb higher for that win and still well below his peak rating, he looks to have plenty of scope left. This trip on better ground should suit ideally and, with Sean Bowen again in the saddle, there’s plenty to like.
8
2:15 MUSSELBURGH
VIRGIN BET AULD REEKIE HANDICAP CHASE (GBB RACE)
THE KALOOKI KID - 5/2
THE KALOOKI KID shaped better than the result on his Carlisle comeback and should be sharper for that run. The form has worked out well and he returns to the scene of his Scottish Champion Chase win over Saint Segal, who is now much higher rated. With conditions to suit, he still looks well treated.
2
2:35 CHELTENHAM
DORNAN ENGINEERING RELKEEL HURDLE (GRADE 2) (GBB RACE)
LUCKY PLACE - 4/1
LUCKY PLACE has the class to be competitive in the Relkeel Hurdle, having beaten Gowel Road last season. Back over hurdles after a brief chasing spell, he can give a good account under Nico de Boinville despite conceding weight.
2
3:10 CHELTENHAM
BEST ODDS ON THE BETFAIR EXCHANGE HANDICAP HURDLE (GBB RACE)
MA SHANTOU - 4/1
MA SHANTOU is better judged on his smooth Pertemps Qualifier success here in October than his below-par Haydock run last time. With qualification already secured, caution is advised, but if returning to that level he has the ability to be very competitive.
2