Saturday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings at Wincanton and Newcastle on 6 January 2024.
WINCANTON
Race 4 – ONE LAST GLANCE 15/2
ONE LAST GLANCE appears well-handicapped on current mark. Returned after a two year absence with a good second at Lingfield and is entitled to progress for race fitness.
Fourofakind disappointed in two starts since a break and is open to improvement in what should be an easier task.
Race 5 – GEROGES SAINT 85/40
GEORGES SAINT could prove a leading chance on current mark. Impressive 12-length success at Fakenham against similar competition in last start.
Huelgoat shoulders top weight. Returns to this track following a disappointing run at Sandown Park, but is the winner of a course and distance event prior to that.
Race 6 – INDIVIDUALISTE 13/8
INDIVIDUALISTE was building toward a win and broke through for an impressive 16-length success at Taunton. Takes a well-deserved step up in grade.
Intimate placed both starts since a break and was only beaten a close third in a selling hurdle at Uttoxeter last time, so is worth considering.
Astronomic View draws closer to a success after three consecutive placings. Runner-up at Bangor when last seen.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4 – TWO AULD PALS 10/11
TWO AULD PALS indicated ability on jumps debut when second in a heavy ground novices hurdle at Bangor-on-Dee and will be a leading contender.
The main danger comes from Forged Well who holds a promising profile following a three and a half length success making rules debut at Carlisle contesting a novices hurdle.
Race 5 – HANDSTANDS 1/3
Ben Pauling’s HANDSTANDS is difficult to oppose in the Quinnbet Best Odds Guaranteed Novices’ Hurdle.
Bought for £135,000 after winning an Irish point-to-point in October, the Getaway gelding gave his new connections an immediate return on that substantial investment when cruising to a six-and-a-half-length verdict on his hurdling debut at Hereford.
It will be a shade disappointing if he is unable to double up under the mandatory penalty as his trainer’s sole runner in the north east.
RACE 6 – EMPTY NEST 5/2
EMPTY NEST ran well at Catterick last month when a close third contesting a novices handicap chase and will be a serious player.
Coolkill showed plenty of ability at Musselburgh finishing second tackling a 3m handicap chase in this grade and must be respected.
Goodoldbill and En Meme Temps hold place chances.
Race 7 – ROBERT D’ORES 3/1
ROBERT D’ORES showed a good level of ability two outings back last May at Hexham when runner-up in a 3m handicap chase.
Unlucky to unseat in the closing stages there later that month however this looks an ideal opportunity upon seasonal return.
Tommy Johnson ran with credit at Catterick finishing fifth in a novices hurdle so should be on the shortlist, along with Yealand and Wild Polly.
