Racing

Warwick Place 6 Preview | 23rd January

12.45 Virgin Bet EBF ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle

A wide-open opener with the narrow vote going to HARDLY SURPRISING. Harry Fry’s youngster improved from his debut fifth to finish third at Bangor and should be able to take another step forward. His experience should count for plenty, so he’s one for place purposes.

Tips: HARDLY SURPRISING

13.15 Doncaster – Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places ‘Chasing Excellence’ Novices’ Chase

ONE BIG BANG won a very hot handicap at Haydock last February when beating the 147-rated Doddiethegreat before making the frame at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals.

He confirmed the promise of his chase debut second at Cheltenham in a Listed event by easily winning a match race at Southwell last month. The drop back in trip shouldn’t pose an issue, as he’s likely to be ridden positive given his assured stamina over further. Big chance.

13.45 Virgin Bet A Good Bet Novices’ Hurdle

The vote goes to LEGAL WEAPON, who has placed on all three starts in this sphere, including when second to a promising prospect at Newbury last time out.

His trainer and jockey often do well in these types of events and the experience the six-year-old has gained should see him off the mark. At the very least, he should be in the frame.

Tips: LEGAL WEAPON

Tip: ONE BIG BANG

14.15 Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap Hurdle

I really like the look of GEROMINO in this contest. The 10-year-old has a fantastic record at this course with stats reading figures of 211 from three starts. He won this race two years ago off a mark of 128 and is down to 123 at present.

Both of his wins and his narrow second here have all came off higher marks, so he should be able to take a step forward from his latest seasonal reappearance fourth at Haydock and make a serious impact. I think he’s completely overpriced.

Tips: GEROMINO

14.50 Virgin Bet Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle

JAMAICAINE is on a roll at present and easily made it two wins on the spin at Hereford earlier this month. Even under a penalty, this progressive seven-year-old is undoubtedly the one they all have to beat.

VANILLA DANCER remains winless in the handicapping scenario but she’s placed so many times off similar marks that a win is surely just around the corner. I think she’s the biggest danger to the market leader.

Tips: JAMAICAINE & VANILLA DANCER

15.25 Virgin Bet Handicap Chase

Charlie Maggs in these silks has enjoyed some fine success at this venue and I can see KALHANDRION running really well.

The six-year-old has stepped up his game since going chasing, scoring at the first time of asking at Huntingdon before far from disgraced when third at Uttoxeter.

He wouldn’t need to improve much more in order to be in the thick end of the action, so he can give the favourite the most to think about.

Tips: KALHANDRION