Horse racing tips: Newbury, Kempton, Ludlow and Lingfield – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for Wednesday, December 20
Steve Mullen's gives you his tips for Wednesday's meetings at Newbury, Kempton, Ludlow and Lingfield
NEWBURY
12.30
DOCTOR BARTOLO was decent on the Flat for Charlie Hills and looked a natural hurdler when second on his debut at Wetherby last time out.
You would expect him to improve on that and he wouldn’t have to find much to get off the mark.
1.00
BRIANSTORM has been consistent since moving to Warren Greatex after point-to-point success.
He looked fine when jumping a hurdle for the first time at Leicester last time and should come on for the experience. Ground conditions should also be fine.
1.30
HOLBROOK PARK was a decent hurdler and won nicely on debut over fences at Fakenham last time out. This is a tougher contest but he already looks better as a chaser than over the smaller obstacles.
He needs to improve but will like the ground and is capable of doing so.
2.05
TWO SWALLOWS did well over hurdles last season and showed her liking for chasing when a well-backed second at Fontwell last time.
She chased home Tacenda there and there shouldn’t be a lot between them again. At the prices she is the value call.
2.40
BORN TO SIZE took a massive step forward on all previous form when winning on his chasing debut at Thurles last time out.
He has moved across the Irish Sea since then and has a fair enough mark for this handicapping bow. He looks open to further improvement.
MELROSE BOY was impressive when running away with a big-field handicap at Cheltenham last time out.
He drops back into novice company here and a race that looks much more modest. It would be a surprise if he doesn’t score again.
3.45
EMPEREINTE RECONCE has the stamp of a major player at this level and is Colin Tizzard’s first runner for legendary owner JP McManus.
She won well on debut in France, earning the move to these powerful connections. She should know her Job and the opposition doesn’t look too hot.
LINGFIELD
11.40 Brigham Young
12.10 Sweet Charity
12.40 Perfection
1.10 Drumochter
1.45 Motown Mick
2.20 Mercers
2.55 Volpone Jelois
3.25 Nurse Nightingale
LUDLOW
12.20 Honest Vic
12.50 Bach De Clermont
1.20 Nicolas Chauvin
1.55 Diva Reconce
2.30 Battle Of Shiloh
3.05 Ascendant
3.35 Cracking Destiny
KEMPTON
4.10 Desert Doctor
4.40 Royal Residence
5.10 Statehood
5.40 Albishr
6.10 Ice Royal
6.40 Look Surprised
7.10 Magic Mirror
7.40 Black Prince