Daily Racing Tips: Backing an old friend for a hat-trick

Tipping / Carl Harris / 01 July 2009 / Leave a Comment

AP McCoy delivered the goods yesterday but that isn't stopping Carl Harris considering laying his horse today. Meanwhile, there's top jumps action north of the border and an old friend to back at Catterick...

Tony McCoy showed just what a genius he is, picking up a double at Stratford from his only two rides and Keepitsecret really could not have won much easier. It pays to follow McCoy at these bread and butter midweek meetings. He is in action at Worcester this afternoon and will need his Weetabix before riding Nawamees (3.40) for Dave Evans. I cannot back this horse over hurdles but McCoy is possibly the only man who could encourage him home in front. With Gary Moore he was a standing dish in all-weather claimers but he really doesn't like the jumping game and is on my to lay list, though I make it a personal rule to never lay a McCoy horse I may be tempted.

There is more jumps action at Perth where Gordon Elliott is the man to follow at his favourite course. He sends over four live chances with Backstage (2.50) looking nailed on to win, with the prohibitive price clearly illustrating that fact. Of the remaining Elliott trio Top Mark (3.20) is the best bet to follow up his impressive chasing debut victory at Ballinrobe. Rated 130 over hurdles he should have too much class for his rivals today, having already proved a liking for the larger obstacles by winning a better race than this one.

My bet of the day is our old friend Summer Dancer (3.30) at Catterick who we backed at Beverley to win well and he should win again off his current mark. He has won from a higher mark and once in the clear at Beverley drew with bags in hand. The flatter track will suit and once again I feel the market is offering a generous price. I plan to take full advantage, as at Beverley and will heavily back Summer Dancer to land the hat-trick.

Mark Johnston is a trainer to follow with two year-olds at Catterick and I have been told that Jutland (2.30) is a decent sort. I am wary of such reports as we saw with Budwiser last week who drew 20 lengths clear of the field only to find a fellow debutant too good in front. However, if there is market support for the newcomer it may be worth taking note as the stable like to introduce decent types at their local track.

Today's Best Bets:

3.20 Perth - Top Mark, win @ [1.92]
3.30 Catterick- Summer Dancer, win @ [3.15]