UK racing tips – Wednesday 24 January 2024

CHEPSTOW

Race 1 – DENEMETHY 11/4

DENEMETHY beat three-time scorer Lowry’s Bar between the flags in Ireland and appeals in division one of the Betting.Bet Free Members Club Maiden Hurdle.

Now with Fergal O’Brien, the six-year-old was well backed when second in what appeared to be an above-average Carlisle bumper back in early November and will have been well schooled for this debut over timber.

James Jet has benefitted from a wind operation this term, securing narrow victories at Uttoxeter over hurdles and then Ffos Las, when tackling fences for the first time.

He has been reassessed accordingly each time but the manner in which he is progressing suggests he may have the scope to cope in the Betting.Bet Horse Racing Tips Aggregator Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Race 3 – JAMES JET 5/2

JAMES JET bids for a hat-trick. Justified favouritism winning an open handicap chase by a nose at Ffos Las and has a strong chance.

Pulling Stumps improved from a reappearance fifth to finish runner-up among novice company. Not beaten far and could be firmly in the mix.

So Said I was a useful second at Wincanton when last seen and is worth considering.

Great Name That holds each way claims after a good second at Wincanton and is a proven stayer.

Race 5 – PENTLAND HILLS 4/1

PENTLAND HILLS went into the notebook as one to stick with after last month’s seasonal return and he can build on that promising run in the Betting.Bet Cheltenham Ante Post Racing Tips Handicap Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson’s charge has had all sorts of problems since winning the Triumph and another Grade One contest at Aintree as a juvenile back in 2019, but connections have been eager to persevere with him.

He managed to scramble home in a Haydock Flat race last year when thrown in at the weights and was handed a walkover at Huntingdon, but things fell apart after that.

The Seven Barrows maestro admitted Pentland Hills had simply never looked well in himself, though, so a line can be put through three consecutive poor efforts.

At Doncaster last month, he reappeared in much better condition and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the outing, jumping well and travelling strongly throughout before just being run out of it by Serious Operator.

That pair pulled well clear of the rest and James Bowen appeared keen to ensure Pentland Hills did not have a hard time of it, which can pay off this time with Freddie Gordon taking a handy 5lb off.

A 2lb uplift is slightly frustrating, but the nine-year-old remains dangerously well handicapped at fully 15lb below his highest ever mark.

Race 7 – JACK SPRAT 13/2

JACK SPRAT finished second behind Accidental Legend tackling a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle over 2m4f last time.

The former appears better off at the weights and could reverse outcome while the latter improved considerably when winning and can continue to improve.

Mumbles received a three month break since a second at Ffos Las. Competitive from bottom of the weights.

Kruger Park holds each way claims based on novice hurdle form. Switches to handicap company.

KEMPTON

Race 3 – NATIVE APPROACH 8/15

NATIVE APPROACH represents top connections and profiles well on paper being a son of Too Darn Hot from the Listed winner Sperry. Likely player debuting.

Aljezur ran well here on Monday when a close third in a course and distance maiden. Makes for plenty of appeal.

Forever Noah rates an interesting newcomer representing Roger Varian’s yard and is worth a second look.

Alhather placed second racing when resuming at Southwell and holds claims.

Race 5 – MISS MONTE CARLO 11/10

MISS MONTE CARLO showed plenty of promise on debut three weeks ago when a close second in a 1m novice event.

Improvement expected up in journey and rates a leading player.
The Ralph Beckett-trained Silent Glance profiles nicely on paper and makes for an interesting newcomer.

Hail The Flag ran well when resuming when third in a 1m1 1/2f novice contest at Wolverhampton earlier this month and should be on the shortlist along with Angelica K.

Race 7 – BARREL AGED 9/4

BARREL AGED continued to improve scoring at Southwell in a 1m6f handicap.

Up in trip again and rates a leading player once again.
De Vega’s Warrior showed plenty of ability attempting the same race when a short-head second among this handicap company and will be the main danger.

Thirtyfourstitches was not disgraced at Wolverhampton running sixth tackling a 2m1f handicap and has claims.