Horse Racing Tips: Leader can be in charge at Warwick
A sense of normalcy has been restored to racing on Monday and it looks like we’re going to get four meetings across Britain on the day, with two National Hunt and two all-weather fixtures to look forward to. Warwick kicks us off and Ayr follows swiftly afterwards, while the first all-weather card of the day at Kempton also takes place in the afternoon, before the evening entertainment is provided by Wolverhampton.
We have three strong fancies to follow on Monday and they include a Ben Pauling runner at Warwick that got off the mark over fences when last seen and there could be more to come.
Horse Racing Tips - Monday, January 20
13:35 Warwick - Leader In The Park @ 7/4
Watch out for Ben Pauling's LEADER IN THE PARK here, as the seven-year-old earned a first chase success when last seen and it would be no surprise to see him make considerable progress in this sphere.
Winning an Irish point by a whopping 56 lengths back in 2023, connections had to fork out £250,000 to take this horse home from the sales. He probably hasn't hit the heights that were expected of him, but he remains lightly raced and he's clearly going the right way.
The race he won at Kempton last time out tends to be a strong form pointer and, with the 2m4f novice chase becoming a handicap at Cheltenham this year, it could be particularly useful this time around.
There was lots to like about that performance, as he jumped well on the whole and never really looked like getting collared, having made all the running. A 4lb rise appears to be pretty lenient and it would be a surprise if there wasn't more to come.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
14:20 Ayr - Hombre De Guerra @ 7/4
Nick Alexander's HOMBRE DE GUERRA managed to win a maiden hurdle here in March, while his chase form so far this season looks particularly strong.
This son of Soldier Of Fortune made his first start over fences at Carlisle in December and he bumped into the somewhat useful Caldwell Potter. Whilst the winner has let the form down since, Grand Albert was third that day and he went on to win by 25 lengths next time.
A four-runner event over course and distance was next up for Hombre De Guerra and the result never looked in doubt, as he ran out a convincing six-and-a-half-length winner on the day.
The handicapper has responded with a 10lb rise which is maybe a little bit harsh, but it's likely that he can improve again and the seven-year-old has every chance of doing so.
Place a win single bet on a specified race, and if your horse wins get a 10% CASH boost on your winnings
Odds correct at time of publishing.
14:52 Ayr - Nab Wood @ 2/1
Nicky Richards runs NAB WOOD here and the gelding made huge strides last winter. He was runner-up in two-mile novice hurdle here in December, but managed to go one better when upped to an extended 2m6f at Kelso after that.
Clearly the eight-year-old has a decent engine because he was noticeably keen in the early stages but still had enough left to pull 12 lengths clear of his nearest pursuer.
Following up on handicap debut over the same course and distance next time, he was patiently ridden before taking control approaching the final flight.
Richards' runner appeared to need the run when below-par at Kelso last month and better is expected here.
Extra Place Race - Paying three places (1/5 odds) instead of two
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Horse Racing Tips from Betfred Insights.
Share Article
New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.
