Horseracing Betting Briefing: 4 - 11 January

General / Andrew Hughes / 04 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Hughes briefs all the racing fans out there on what they can look forward to in the world of UK and Ireland racing over the next seven days...

With the Tote Super7 proving to be such a tremendous success, my insiders in that particular organisation tell me that we can look forward to an even more exciting competition in the near future. I can exclusively reveal that 2009 will see the launch of the Tote Super Jackpot Scoop 365. For just a small outlay you too can have a very tiny chance of winning it fairly big (but not too big, they aren't made of money, after all).

So how do you win the Super 365? Well it really couldn't be easier. All you need to do is to find the winner of the most difficult handicap of the day, every day for an entire calendar year. Once you've done that, it's just a simple matter of bringing back the Golden Fleece, retrieving the mystical sword Excalibur from the bottom of the enchanted lake, tracking down the Holy Grail, climbing Everest backwards and successfully estimating the total number of blades of grass on Cheltenham's cross country course. What could be simpler! So why not have a go in 2009. It could be you! (But it probably won't).

(I have been asked to point out that the Tote is not a charity and they reserve the right to cancel, amend or suspend the Super Jackpot Scoop 365 or to hide all the entry forms should it look as though anyone has the slightest chance of winning it).

Sunday 4th January

Naas is the setting for today's best racing action. The Goff Slaney Novices Hurdle is a Grade Two affair with a hot favourite in the Willie Mullins horse Mikael D'Haguenet, already prominent in the betting for the Ballymore Properties Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. There is also a typically competitive handicap chase over two and a half miles featuring a big field and no doubt a lively betting market.

Wednesday 7th January

Not much to get excited about on Monday and Tuesday but today's meeting at Kempton does feature a good little Polytrack contest. The digibet Handicap over seven furlongs is a cut above the usual all-weather fare. There may not be too many runners, but there will be some Listed quality animals from decent stables.

Thursday 8th January

Over to Ireland again, Thurles to be precise, for the Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase. This is a Grade Three over two miles and two furlongs which this year has attracted some young and promising Irish chasers. Most notable amongst the entries is Tom Taafe's Finger On the Pulse, winner of the Jewson Novices Hurdle at the Festival last year.

Friday 9th January

Race of the day comes from Kelso. The Class Two Morebattle Hurdle is a competitive event, run over a touch further than two miles around this picturesque course in the heart of the Scottish Borders. But bear in mind the stiff uphill finish which can suit those who stay further rather than the out and out speed merchants.

Saturday 10th January

Another busy Saturday with Kempton and Warwick sharing the spotlight. The Midlands course holds probably its best day's racing of the whole year, featuring a couple of decent Graded races. The Leamington Novices' Hurdle may not attract a big field, but there are sure to be one or two talented youngsters going to post for the two mile five furlong contest. Sharing top billing is the Classic Chase, a real old fashioned three and a half mile slog through the Warwickshire mud. If the going turns out as bottomless as it did last year, there could be few finishers. Besides the two feature races there is also a Listed Bumper race to unravel.

Kempton hosts the Lanzarote Hurdle, a long established betting event these days run over two miles and five furlongs. Expect a highly competitive field and look out for well-handicapped newcomers from the big stables. There is also a good Novices' Chase on the card for the speedier youngsters that is worth studying.