24th October 2012

Yesterday was ultimately an unlucky day, with Module falling when in with a really good chance of landing the spoils. That's the risk with national hunt racing, but hopefully it won't become a major theme for the season. Here are tomorrow's best picks.

14.10 Worcester

Another good looking handicap, where again plenty could arguably do with further. It's not as if they're being eased into the season by their trainers either as many have raced within the past month, so I expect this to be run at a good pace and to play to the strength of the stayers. Many deserve a second look here, and Golden Chieftain will no doubt be up with the race principals looking to find the others out. His best performances have come when near the front but his jumping doesn't breed confidence and I'll be looking to take him on. Bennys Mist takes a step up in class looking to land a 4-timer, but this may just prove beyond him as he hasn't won in a style to suggest he is well in with the handicapper here. Get It On catches the eye as an each way proposition purely because he will be carrying the lowest weight today after including Conor Ring's claimer, but there's little to suggest he will reverse earlier form with Current Event. Nicholls' horse is on a very winnable mark based on his best form last year, and with Harry Derham in the saddle he gets further assistance, but his last run was disappointing and he's best watched for now. The same applies to Master Milan but Prince Buster is expected to put up a fair performance. However the selection has to be DOUBLE ROSS. Although carrying top weight, and going down to Jump City who was convincingly beaten the other day, today's step up in trip is going to suit Nigel Twiston-Davies' horse to the ground, and he will enjoy the stamina test. 7/1 several, 8.2 Betfair

16.55 Worcester

This race naturally appears to come down to Fox Run and HORATIO HORNBLOWER. Both look set to become good chasers in time, but the latter is very highly rated and is one many have been looking forward to see this season. He is narrowly preferred. Presence Felt will be hoping to live up to his name, and after joining current connections for £130,000 following an Irish point-to-point win he needs to live up to that huge price tag. However at 11 he's may be susceptible to the two younger horses and that point-to-point form hasn't worked out great. 6/4 several , 2.68 Betfair

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer