Ben Linfoot has the best bets from around the tracks on Thursday with the Nap running at Newcastle.
Thursday selections
LEITRIM CHIEF – 1.35 Newcastle (NAP)
LEITRIM CHIEF can enjoy stepping up in trip to 2m4f in the novices’ handicap chase at Newcastle (1.35) on Thursday. The former point-to-pointer is bred for a trip, being a half-brother to useful stayer Masters Hill, and his current chase mark of 101 has come down from an initial 110 after three starts over two miles. A mistake at the first at Carlisle highlighted his struggles over that trip, but he has shown enough promise to think he can leave his form behind now he tackles another half mile.
LADY PRETENDER – 2.25 Ludlow
Venetia Williams can strike with LADY PRETENDER in division two of ‘The Commodore' Handicap Chase at Ludlow. This mare has been second four times over fences from seven goes without winning, but four of those were in France and there has been real promise in her last two efforts over two miles. Those runs have sharpened her jumping and I like her back up in trip to 2m4f which really should suit judging by her pedigree, while Williams’ good overall strike-rate at this track (17%) is even better in the month of January (20%).
MY SILVER LINING – 3.45 Wincanton
King Turgeon looks the key horse in the Somerset National (3.45) at Wincanton but this 3m3f trip in soft ground asks a new question of him off a career-high mark and it could be worth chancing a dour stayer against him. Step forward Emma Lavelle’s MY SILVER LINING, who was surely being prepared to defend her title in the Classic Chase at Warwick until the weather intervened. She has dropped back to a mark just 4lb higher than when she won the 2023 renewal of that race and there was promise in her Haydock third last time. With the cheekpieces applied first time she can go well.
TARGET MAN – 7.00 Chelmsford
George Boughey and Billy Loughnane can combine with TARGET MAN in the novice stakes at Chelmsford (7.00). The newly-gelded son of Earthlight has run consistently well in four all-weather starts without winning but progression is expected after three months off and the gelding operation. He’s probably the most likely leader amongst this quartet and Loughnane can dictate the fractions up front before seeing them all off.
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