Daily write-up - Jan 7th

The abandonment of Newcastle leaves just the one meeting again today: at Towcester…

Low grade races; heavy ground; horses of limited ability: I don’t expect to be issuing many tips until at least one of those variables changes.

It’s a difficult time of the year.

I read in the RP Weekender yesterday, that January was considered the worst month of the year, racing wise – with February just ahead of it ! We’re in for a tough few weeks !!

On the flip side, the suggestion was the March was the best – so at least we’ve got that sitting on the horizon, to help us through…

There really is little to get excited about at Towcester today: a 6 race card consisting of a maiden hurdle, a bumper and 4 handicaps.

Provided he jumps round cleanly, then Winged Express looks the most likely winner of the opening race on the card.

He won a 15 runner handicap hurdle last week, off a mark 8lb lower, so is potentially very well handicapped.

However, his jumping has looked a little suspect on his 2 chase outings under rules.

That said, he won 2 PTPs in his native Ireland, suggesting he is able to jump effectively…

At the prices however, I would be inclined to take him on with Mr Bachstar.

He hacked up on his seasonal debut, after 18 months on the side-lines – before flopping next time out.

However that was just 4 days later and there must be a chance that he ‘bounced’.

He disappointed on his only subsequent outing, over hurdles at Ludlow - and that needs to be forgiven.

He wore cheek pieces for the first time that day and they seemed to light him up. They are retained today – but hopefully he’ll be more accepting of them second time around.

If he is, then 8/1 is a very fair price in a pretty weak contest.

The following handicap hurdle looks to be at the mercy of Venetia’s, Eminent Poet.

A bit like Tara Flow yesterday, this one is a recent winner, who is theoretically well in at the weights (to the tune of 11lb, this time).

She is clearly the one to beat – but as Tara Flow showed yesterday, they don’t always win…

Interestingly, she finished second to Bishop Wulstan at Newbury in February last year – and is a pound worse off at the weights today.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then – but it is certainly worth bearing in mind, particularly as Bishop Wulstan is a 10/1 shot, with Eminent Poet a touch of odds on…

The final race of interest on the card, is the handicap chase at 2:05.

The betting suggests it is a really tight affair - and I probably wouldn’t disagree.

That said, Son of Suzie has been backed into 5/2 fav and I’m not convinced he wants bottomless conditions…

Of more interest, is second fav, Kings Cross.

He’s already proved he can handle desperate ground – and he may just have bumped into a very well handicapped rival, in Alder Mairi, last time out…

I would certainly prefer him to the favourite – but would be a little worried about both Cloudy Bob and Rosa Fleet.

I guess it could be argued that 3/1 is a fair enough price - but I don’t feel sufficiently strongly, for it to draw me in…

Again, there is only going to be 1 card tomorrow (assuming Doncaster survives !), so I’ll handle things as I’ve done the past 2 days – and advise this evening, if there will be no early tips.

Best of luck if you do choose to get involved today.

TVB.