Saturday Racing Tips: Look the way of these four

There's often a bit of a lull during the period between Christmas and the Dublin Racing Festival, but this Saturday is superb, courtesy of jumps action from Kempton, Warwick and Fairyhouse.

I've got selections from all three venues - including a 3/1 Nap in the lucky last at Kempton.

12:55 Kempton - Lookaway @ 9/2

Ben Pauling is red-hot at present, but his eight-year-old Leader In The Park  - favourite for this 0-140 handicap chase over 2m4½f at Kempton - is up four pounds for a four-and-a-half-length defeat at Newbury in November. That's a harsh bit of handicapping in my book.

Go West's rise of three pounds for a narrow loss at Doncaster last month isn't nearly as extreme, but it's unhelpful for Paul Nicholls' gelding's chances at the same time.

I think they're both vulnerable to the consistent LOOKAWAY.

Neil King's nine-year-old was a Grade 2-winning novice hurdler, thrice placed at the highest level, and he's looked equally useful in three starts over fences to date.

Last time out, at Newbury the week before Christmas, he was third behind a couple of well-handicapped types in Mighty Bandit and Highland's Legacy. He would surely have finished a lot closer but for making a bad mistake at the final fence. He also jumped out to his right on several occasions, so going that way round ought to suit.

His mark of 135 is unchanged and I think he's a rock-solid option in this company.

13:40 Fairyhouse - Blood Destiny @ 11/2

It's hard to believe BLOOD DESTINY is only seven, for it feels like Willie Mullins' son of No Risk At All has been around forever.

A top juvenile in the 2022/23 season, he's been a picture of consistency over fences, fully deserving of his mark in the early 150s.

His recent outing at Gowran Park, in the G2 Champion Chase, has worked out extremely well. Affordale Fury, the subsequent Savills Chase hero, was just over two lengths ahead of the selection in receipt of three pounds. Likewise, I think plenty of the winner Western Fold for Gordon Elliott.

This is essentially Blood Destiny's first time in a handicap - ignore his run at Punchestown in May 2024 for he was found to be unwell post-race - and I think the drop back to two miles will be fine. I can see Paul Townend being aggressive from the front.

It's a competitive race and he's got to carry topweight, but there's plenty to like about this one's chances.

13:52 Warwick - Moon Rocket @ 9/4

I think MOON ROCKET is the one to beat in this Grade 2 novices' chase over three miles. Hopefully he doesn't win too easily, though, for I've got a Cheltenham Festival handicap in mind for Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls' six-year-old. Watch this space...

Given the type of horse the yard buys, the son of Doyen was a smart novice hurdler - and he already looks a much better chaser.

His debut over the bigger obstacles at Doncaster in late November was classy. Albeit against just three rivals, he jumped for fun and bolted up by 13 widening lengths.

He returned to course and distance in December, going down by half a length to Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero's useful Gamesters Guy, who was in receipt of six pounds. The selection was 1/3f, so the consensus was he disappointed, but I felt he didn't enjoy making the running and ultimately he was just beaten by a good horse in his own right.

Taking a lead at Warwick, he should be seen to much better effect 0 and with Wade Out needing to protect his mark for the National Hunt Chase and Doyen Quest having his fifth run already this season, I think it's a great opportunity to get back among the winners.

15:53 Kempton - Quaviste @ 3/1

Last but not least, my Nap of the Day is QUAVISTE in the finale at Kempton.

Dan Skelton's six-year-old has been awarded an opening mark of just 113, which I think could soon look very lenient.

The son of Authorised was, at least in relation to his SP (7/4f), disappointing on hurdling debut at Stratford back in October, but that was at a time when the yard's novice hurdlers were in dire need of a run. He travelled well for a long way, before blowing up.

I felt he was delivering a menacing-looking challenge to the eventual winner Brixson (rated 114) at Market Rasen on his subsequent start, before unseating jockey Harry Skelton at the last. I felt he'd have gone very close, if not won the race, if staying upright.

As such, I fancied Quaviste on return to course and distance on Boxing Day, but he bumped into one in the form of Nicky Richards' Japetus. That one's been awarded an opening mark of 125.

In a handicap for the first time with Harry back in the saddle, I think he's got an outstanding chance off this lowly mark. I expect him to be a 120+ rated animal come the end of the season.

Best Odds Guaranteed

All UK & Irish races. Free Bets, Antepost, Tote, Lucky 15/31/63 bets don’t apply. Eligible from 08:00 on day of race. Excludes Super Extra Place Races. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

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.

Click the link for the latest Horse Racing Odds