THE cold snap has deprived jump racing fans of some top-class action on the second consecutive Saturday, with Cheltenham abandoned last weekend and with no action now from Ascot and Haydock.
At Ascot we would have seen a thrilling rematch in the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle, with the two ten-year-olds Paisley Park and Champ, for Unibet Ambassador Nicky Henderson, taking each other again after one of the races of the season at Newbury last month. However, at least these big races are now rescheduled, so we can look forward to seeing the Long Walk Hurdle on Kempton’s Boxing Day card, which with a fascinating renewal of the King George VI Chase is going to be some day of racing.
In the meantime, there is Saturday’s all-weather action, with competitive racing at Chelmsford and a quality card at Lingfield.
Enjoy whether at the races or watching #athome on ITV Racing.
Cheers
The Wine Tipster
1.15 Lingfield – Handicap (5f)
The Defiant is dropping back to Class 5 company for the first time since winning here at Lingfield in August to record his third all-weather success at the course. Last time out here over this trip he had nowhere to go at the furlong pole and couldn’t make an effective challenge, when ninth to Pop Dancer beaten two and a quarter lengths, after being dropped out at the back of the field.
That run is best ignored and The Defiant has strong each way claims at this level with course and trip in his favour.
1.50 Lingfield – Handicap (6f)
Dazzerling has a good chance of taking his first career success on his eleventh start. Last time out nothing went right when he pulled too hard and was hampered as well at Kempton where he finished second at the same course on his penultimate appearance. Those two starts were both over six furlongs and he looks more likely to win over this distance than when he has run over seven furlongs. On his sole start at Lingfield in August he was fourth over seven furlongs, after disputing the lead until fading near the line. Returning to Lingfield will suit him and over this distance he can break his maiden tag.
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2.05 Chelmsford – Merry Christmas Handicap (1m)
Eagled Eyed Freddie has been in the first three on his last four starts, including here last month when second. His consistency can be rewarded, as he a good chance of getting his head in front to record his third all-weather success with a favourable draw in stall 1 and the excellent Erika Parkinson claiming five pounds.
3.00 Lingfield – Winter Oaks Trial Irish EBF Fillies’ Handicap (1m 2f)
Viola is an intriguing runner as she drops back in trip here to have her first start over this distance since January of this year. On that occasion she was unplaced at LIngfield, having won over one mile three furlongs at Southwell in December 2021. Viola is normally campaigned over one mile four furlongs to one mile six furlongs and has some classy form, having finished second to Sea La Rosa back in May at Haydock, when marked up in my Unibet blog. Last time out in a Listed race at Lingfield she was given far too much to do from the back of the field when eighth to Pennymoor and you need to put a line through that performance. Trainer James Fanshawe has his yard in cracking form and Viola will be much closer to the action to reward each way players.
3.33 Lingfield – Quebec Stakes Listed (1m 2f)
Harrovian (nap) finished a place behind Algiers, who reopposes here, in a Listed contest at Lingfield last month. That was Harrovian’s first start for four months and this six-year-old gave every impression that he will shape much better for the run. Harrovian has been placed on each of his three starts at the course and on his penultimate race at Lingfield he was second to Pyledriver. Harrovian has the class to take this contest and William Buick has been booked for the ride by the John and Thady Gosden team, who have won this race three times in the last ten years.
