The Daily Star’s Chief Tipster reckons a Ben Pauling-trained handicap hurdler can score at Wincanton on Thursday
KING OF THE ROAD (2.27, nap) can continue his route back to form at Wincanton.
A three-time winner over hurdles in 2024, the seven-year-old lost his way last term, but the addition of cheekpieces on his most recent run over 2m5f at Kempton Park on Boxing Day seems to have revitalised him.
Leading at the last flight, the son of Shirocco was only headed by Surrey Lord on the run to the line, with the pair well clear of the remainder of the ten-runner field.
Despite a 4lb rise, this drop in class in the Bet Smarter With Oddschecker+ Handicap Hurdle and a shorter trip bode well for a good run for in-form trainer Ben Pauling.
A PERFECT DAY (3.02, nb) has few miles on the clock and is taken to score a third win in four starts in the Oddschecker Cheltenham Free Bets Handicap Hurdle over an extended three miles.
Ben Clarke’s six-year-old will appreciate the step up in trip, having fairly cruised home over 2m7f at Lingfield Park last month.
ISAAC DES OBEAUX (3.37, trb) showed the benefit of a wind operation during the summer when building on a very promising run in a Listed novices’ chase at Cheltenham in November after a long lay-off to win at Exeter 28 days ago, beating re-opposing Operation Manna by five lengths on heavy ground.
The weather forecast promises more rain and that will also be in his favour.
At Newcastle’s jumps meeting JAMESIECONN (2.00) is worth following in the High Gosforth Park Golf Club Handicap Chase.
The seven-year-old won on his chasing debut in February last year and put in a promising run on his first start for Nicky Richards after more than a seven-month gap, when second at Sedgefield.
He should come on a lot for that run.
At Ludlow, Jennie Candlish brings out DEMOISELLE KAP (2.52) for her first start in nine months and if continuing where she left off she should have too much for her rivals.
A 2lb rise should not stop Michael Bell’s three-time course and distance winner TIME TESTED (8.30) following up on his recent neck victory over re-opposing Melek Alreeh at Chelmsford.
Jason Heavey’s tips WINCANTON 12.07 Major Fortune 12.42 Gaelic Pride 1.17 Wolf Walker 1.52 Postponed Legacy 2.27 King Of The Road (Nap) 3.02 A Perfect Day (nb) 3.37 Isaac Des Obeaux (trb) 4.10 Scaredofnothing
NEWCASTLE 11.45 Gaelic Rover 12.15 Is This For Real 12.50 Fat Harry 1.25 Bathara 2.00 Jamesieconn 2.35 Luminaries 3.10 Emotional Roller 3.35 Kilaro
LUDLOW 12.32 Shot Boli 1.07 Not At That Price 1.42 Island Bridge 2.17 Move With The Beat 2.52 Demoiselle Kap 3.27 St Cuthbert’s Cave 4.02 Stars Align
CHELMSFORD 5.30 Variety Act 6.00 Union Island 6.30 Kondratiev Wave 7.00 Vitalline 7.30 Veraison 8.00 Bishop’s Glory 8.30 Time Tested