13th November 2012

In the build up to this weekend's racing, I thought it would be worthwhile to highlight on here some of the things I tweeted late yesterday afternoon.

I've already got involved with Darlan for the Racing Post Hurdle at 7/2. I said yesterday that price wouldn't last and currently I think it's still hanging around with only Ladbrokes. To me that looks a great price as he looks nailed on to run a big race even off top weight. The top weight has a good record in the race, winning four of the last ten renewals including last year and Darlan looks a better proposition to me than Brampour. He's also my Champion Hurdle hope, and following Zarkandar's reappearance last weekend, Darlan needs to respond to reaffirm my faith him in.

In terms of the Paddy Power Gold Cup, I've placed a small wager on Walkon who currently fits the trends best for this race. Available at 8/1 with the majority of bookmakers, he's been the subject of a bit of a gamble this week in from 14s. The key to this race is finding the best handicapped horse and to think that Alan King's selection is rated a stone inferior to the front two in the betting, Grands Crus and Hunt Ball, seems a bit much to me. I'll be doing a thorough preview and write up for the race in anticipation for the weekend and will be very open to changing my mind, but until then Walkon is my ante post fancy.

Here are today's selecitons.

14.00 Lingfield

As always with novice hurdling the name of the game is jumping, as highlighted by Ransom Note's poor display on debut a week ago. However we never really have much to go on, so until we see how this lot jump a fence we're a bit in the dark. Some of these horses will definitely be worth following though, arguably none more than Lookout Mountain who represents Coolmore and has the Champ in the saddle. He'll enjoy the soft ground today and is national hunt bred so shouldn't be too far off, but I just fancy UTOPIAN to stay past him over this intermediary trip. Although Lookout Mountain should have no problem staying this far in time to come, Utopian's winning experience over 18 furlongs was impressive and showed he should be relishing this step up in trip. Oscar Magic is another who showed promise in the past but after nearly two years out he is watched this time. 10/3 Boylesports, Sky Bet

15.50 Sedgefield

I'm willing to give DOM LUKKA another chance after his UK debut over obstacles didn't quite go to plan at Exeter three weeks ago. Ultimately that race will have been good for the selection to freshen him up and he is taken today to repay the faith. This intermediary trip will also suit as will the 15 pounds he receives from Star In Flight who isn't as likely to enjoy the return to 20 furlongs. Dizzy River looks the main threat as a course and distance winner but ultimately the weight he has to concede to the experienced four year old may prove too much. 10/3 Stan James

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer