The Mandarin’s Saturday Selections for 6th January 2024

The Mandarin’s Wincanton Racecard for Saturday 6th January

Wincanton

Virgin Bet Novices’ Hurdle 12.20
Lord Of Thunder (nap)
It may pay to side with Joe Tizzard’s course winner Lord Of Thunder for the opener. Pretty impressive in his last run here, clear of the field by over 9 lengths, Brendan Powell returns to the saddle in search of a quick Wincanton double. Kim Bailey’s Heros De Romay rates the main danger, but with conditions to suit and this extra furlong within range, Lord Of Thunder is the one to follow

Virgin Bet Fives Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle 12.55
Majestic Jameela
There was plenty to like about the selection’s fourth spot at Newbury in a Listed contest last time out, so this drop in Class leaves less on her plate here. With winning form on heavy ground at Leicester in the book, there are no worries about the going, and getting a weight-for-age allowance here just adds to the appeal. Go Close

Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places Handicap Chase 1.30
Artemis Kimbo (nb)
Dan Skelton looks to have a good one in his yard with Artemis Kimbo. Her first start over fences was a winning one on ground plenty deep enough at Leicester last month, and by Saint Des Saints, she shouldn’t get stuck in this ground. Up in Class, but one going the right way for the in-form yard, so gets the nudge

Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Handicap Hurdle 2.05
Feach Amach
Nigel Hawke should have the answer to this Handicap Hurdle with Feach Amach, who left her Flat form well behind when scoring on just her third start over timber. Once she got onto ground with plenty of cut in it things really clicked, and she belied her odds of 33/1 to score by over 2 lengths at Sedgefield last time out. That said, it was a 3-year-old only race, so questionable as to how much she beat, and is now up against some older and more experienced rivals. However, she clearly acts on this ground, and on this mark could be the danger. Look out, Feach Amach is the one be on!

Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Chase 2.40
Georges Saint
Venetia Williams’s hat-trick seeking French import should get plenty of support here. After wins on testing ground at Ffos Las and Fakenham, he seems to have found his feet over fences, and with Ned Fox’s 5lb claim offsetting the 7lb nudge from the Handicapper, every chance of going in again. Paul Nicholls sends out top-weight Huelgoat who was a course and distance winner in November, so this pair look the ones to lock horns, with Georges Saint to get the upper hand

Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle 3.15
Intimate
Venetia Williams might get a quick double on the day if Georges Saint goes in with Intimate lining up in the next race. This French import has really come on since finding some deeper ground, and it won’t be long before he loses the maiden tag over timber. Dropped into handicap company here on what looks like a workable mark, so Intimate to break the duck

Virgin Bet Novices’ Handicap Chase 3.50
Percy Veering
Kim Bailey’s Sir Percy gelding has returned a much improved model this season after a Wind Op, and can rack up the four-timer here. He’s got to lump around a top-weight of 12 stone here for that successful run, so puts the re-opposing Caeruleum on 5lb better terms. However, winning is a habit and Percy Veering gest his ground here, so is taken to beat Caeruleum once more

The Mandarin