Horse racing tips: Sandown, Musselburgh, Wetherby, Lingfield and Kempton – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for the racing this Saturday, February 3
Steve Mullen guides you through Saturday's racing at Sandown, Wetherby, Musselburgh, Lingfield and Kempton
THERE’S a chance not to be Missed in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh (3.15).
MISSED APPROACH loves a marathon and gets to run over 4m off what looks a very fair mark.
Put it this way, it’s a full 10lb lower than the burden he had when going well in last year’s Scottish Grand National.
Since then, he has kept some pretty lofty company over fences with an excellent sixth in the Hennessy at Newbury before finishing third in the Warwick Classic last time out.
Most horses find the 3m3f of that contest on the testing side but Warren Greatrex’s runner was only getting going when the finishing post appeared.
The eight-year-old goes in any ground and showed his liking for a big field when second in last year’s National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham.
He definitely has a staying win in him — and today could be the day.
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Relentless Dreamer has an each-way shout at what could be tasty odds. He is a thorough stayer who won well at Ludlow before Christmas.
He ran better than sixth place suggests at Taunton last time and could sneak into the frame.
Looking Well is another contender who looks overpriced. He’s been off since the summer, which probably explains his odds.
He goes well fresh and has had a little help from the handicapper since a modest effort at Perth. This trip suits and he is another to consider.
PRIME VENTURE can be our hero in Sandown’s 3.00.
Evan Williams’ hopeful might have finished a lot closer than fourth at Warwick last time had he made his challenge earlier. He ended up tanking towards the line but his run was left too late.
Tom O’Brien takes over from an inexperienced amateur today and that looks a positive move in the big field. The seven-year-old came back from a long break to win at Ffos Las two runs ago and this trip is ideal.
A bit more rain would help his chances because he likes it soft but the ground should be fine however it turns out.
Topofthegame ran a belter when fourth in the Listed Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton latest. He is still learning the game and was outbattled a little in the closing stages.
That said, it was an excellent run and a repeat would put him right in the shake-up.
Melrose Boy won by no fewer than 50 lengths at Fontwell last time and was an excellent Cheltenham winner three runs ago.
He’s 12lb higher in the weights now but shapes as though this longer trip will suit and is another contender.
At huge odds, Kris Spin is capable of landing a blow — especially if more rain arrives.
Mullen's top tips for Saturday
3.15 Musselburgh - Missed Approach: 'Loves a marathon test and looks on a fair mark'
3.00 Sandown - Prime Venture: 'Should have been a lot closer last time and can make amends'
3.35 Sandown - Yala Enki: 'Ran a belter last time and this drop in trip is fine'
Venetia Williams has won Sandown’s 3.35 twice in the past four years and can strike again with YALA ENKI.
He ran a belter when fourth in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock last time out. He was very well backed that day and showed why with a solid effort in the soft conditions.
This drop in distance shouldn’t be a problem and he’s back on his last winning mark for the first time since scoring at Kelso last year.
He keeps it simple by going from the front and his extra stamina should help him keep on galloping.
Cogry ran a nice race when second in the Warwick Classic last time and is another to consider. He can make the odd mistake but jumped well and kept on strongly.
He was good enough to win at Cheltenham in October and could yet pick up some nice prizes if clearing his fences better.
Shanroe Santos is another who is prone to mistakes. He got his act together when second at Plumpton last time and has winning form over this trip and track.
At his best he would have a shout and he’s a big price.
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LINGFIELD
12.50 El Borracho
1.25 Jack Bear
2.00 Kachy
2.35 George Dryden
3.05 Victory Bond
3.40 Yamuna River
4.15 American Gigolo
MUSSELBURGH
12.55 Coup De Pinceau
1.30 Barney Dwan
2.05 Sir Chauvelin
2.45 Baby King
3.15 Missed Approach
3.45 Morning With Ivan
4.20 Wonderful Charm
SANDOWN
12.40 Ainchea
1.15 Gino Trail
1.50 Buveur D’Air
2.25 Terrefort
3.00 Prime Venture
3.35 Yala Enki
4.10 Palmers Hill
WETHERBY
1.00 Northern Beau
1.35 Kayf Blanco
2.10 Robin Waters
2.40 Captain Chaos
3.20 Red Rising
3.55 Top Wood
4.30 Burns Cross
KEMPTON
5.45 Runaiocht
6.15 Ripp Orf
6.45 Bungee Jump
7.15 Morning Has Broken
7.45 Humbert
8.15 Iconic Belle