Saturday January 23rd

A busy Saturday for us.


Christmas Coming retains a Derby entry for the Elsworth stable and is their only representative at the races today. Dane O'Neill has a good strike rate for the yard and they've gambled this horse against good opposition already, on his second start. He showed promise on his first run and pulled hard over a mile on his second start when he was probably still a bit babyish. Third time out he was a well beaten second behind a decent sort over seven furlongs here, but he shapes as if needing a mile now and the step up in trip should see him travel more comfortably today (was rousted on the home turn last time). He pulled 1 1/2 lengths clear of the third that day. I wonder if they were looking for a handicap mark - he was allotted 65 but runs in this fairly weak maiden today which looks ripe for an each-way bet if they think they have an 80+ horse on their hands. He has had a break of a month, and given that he represents a yard whose juveniles are brought along slowly, I expect him to improve on any previous efforts today. He won't have to be much good to win this - the top three in the market were involved in a bunch finish last time - and I think he will run into a place at least.


Kia Kaha looks a great bet for the Peter Marsh chase at Haydock. His form at this course behind Shining Gale looks high quality in my mind, and you can strike off his last run at Cheltenham where he has failed to get in a rhythm twice - that race may also have come too soon. Back over a course and distance which suit perfectly, I think he can go close to winning at rewarding odds. Jaunty Flight is said to be working well and rates the danger.


Sushistan represents Gary Moore and is ridden by George Baker. The team are in flying form and I feel this is the one horse who could be better than this moderate field of everything in the line up. He has been gelded since his last run, and if he improves at all, 9/1 could look big come 4.00pm.

Best Recommendation:


12.35 Lingfield Christmas Coming 3pts e/w @ 12/1 (Generally, get guaranteed)


3.30 Haydock Kia Kaha 2pts e/w @ 18/1 (Sporting Bet - or take 16/1 guaranteed generally)


3.55 Lingfield Sushistan 2pts e/w @ 9/1 (Generally, get guaranteed)