Horse racing tips: Ludlow and Newcastle, Thursday 16th January
Today it’s all aboard the Nicky and Nico bandwagon with the Seven Barrows squadron flying
The abandonments of recent days proceed today, with no racing at waterlogged Wincanton, but as jumps racing survives courtesy of inspection-free Ludlow and Market Rasen. All-weather fans have Newcastle to look ahead to.
Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville are flying with 4 winners from six runners collectively this week and so they mix for the headline tip on Thursday.
Odds correct on the time of publishing and are subject to change
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Ludlow 1:50 tip: Henderson set for flying start at Ludlow
There’s been no crime in backing Henderson’s runners this week, with the Seven Barrows trainer having fun with doubles at each Doncaster and Newbury during the last 48 hours, and there could also be extra success to come when Felony (Ludlow 1:50) bids to get on the board on this Maiden Hurdle.
By this stage in proceedings, Henderson and steady jockey De Boinville could find themselves bidding for a quick-fire treble on the card, as both Hijack and Allart are trading as short-price favourites in the opening two races.
It is a minor shock to see Felony as big as 5/1 at the time of writing, with the Philip Hobbs-trained Gosheven a shade of odds-on.
The latter ran properly sufficient at Chepstow final month on his first begin for 439 days, but his previous efforts have been punctuated by lengthy absences, so it will be reassuring to see the run backed up earlier than wading in at a brief worth.
Felony, meanwhile, left his poor debut effort properly behind when runner-up in a bumper at Warwick last month and may enhance for the change to hurdles.
De Boinville prefers him to stablemate Sleight Of Hand it seems and, having ridden a treble at Newbury yesterday, the in-form pilot is fancied for extra success at Ludlow amid lingering doubts over the probably favorite.
Newcastle 5:30 tip: Comet might fly again
Two of his 4 profession wins have come over C&D at Newcastle and there might be some worth in chancing Primo’s Comet (Newcastle 5:30) at double-figure odds now.
Jim Goldie’s runner hasn’t been at his finest in two runs here this winter however has slipped 2lb beneath the mark from which he prevailed right here in February last yr, while he is also now eased in class.
This essentially appears to be broad open and, if the selection can discover the shape that saw him end a detailed fourth on the turf at Goodwood in August, he is nearly sure to outrun his price.
He’s considered one of three previous C&D scorers in this line-up, each of which has something to show right now. Being the most important price of the trio, he could be given an opportunity to bounce back.