Horse racing tips: Kempton, Newcastle, Lingfield, Chepstow and Wolverhampton – Steve Mullen’s betting preview for the racing this Saturday, February 24
Steve Mullen guides you through Saturday's racing at Kempton, Newcastle, Lingfield, Chepstow and Wolverhampton.
THE famous green and gold silks of legendary jumps owner JP McManus can take the Winter Derby with CLEAR SKIES (3.15 Lingfield).
We’re more used to seeing the Irishman’s runners hoovering up big prizes at Cheltenham and Aintree but his five-year-old will take all the beating.
She wasn’t bad on turf, holding her own at Listed level as a youngster. But she’s sprouted wings this winter since going handicapping at Dundalk.
She’s rocketed up the ratings, going from 73 in November to 107 now. That’s thanks to some excellent victories at Ireland’s only all-weather venue.
Aidan O’Brien doesn’t have too many handicappers and he’s transformed this daughter of Sea The Stars into a pattern performer.
Her most recent win was her best, as she cruised to victory over this distance by more than five lengths. The choke barely came out there and this step up in class looks a wise move.
Ryan Moore takes the ride for the first time and they have an ideal low draw to scamper away and get straight into contention.
Master The World could run well at an each-way price. He got no luck in running here behind Petite Jack.
He was forced to come out wide, which gives you very little chance of success at Lingfield.
He’s better judged on his Listed victory here in November. He floored some decent rivals there over this distance.
David Elsworth’s hope can be a little hit and miss but he’ll be right there if this is a going day.
Start the KAR in the Lingfield’s 2.05.
KARIJINI has done nothing but improve this winter since joining trainer Archie Watson with three wins and a second on the all-weather.
Steve Mullen's top tips for Saturday
2.05 Lingfield - Karijini: 'Keeps improving for trainer Archie Watson'
2.45 Newcastle - Vinnie Lewis: 'Loves a real test of stamina and can slog it out'
3.15 Lingfield - Clear Skies: 'Strouted wings this winter and can notch up another in'
3.35 Kempton - Theatre Territory: 'Keeps hitting the frame and can do so again'
We last saw her just three days ago when she rattled around Kempton to score with plenty left in the tank.
She’s also tasted success at Lingfield when she handled the track really well when scoring in January.
The drop back in distance from 6f is interesting but could be ideal as she has plenty of pace and likes to go from the front.
Those tactics should be fine here with the excellent Edward Greatrex in the saddle.
Gracious John has had a couple of quiet runs since Christmas but gets his best conditions here and could easily strike.
They might need a motor for the Eider Chase at Newcastle (2.45). An extended 4m in heavy ground will take some getting which is excellent news for VINNIE LEWIS.
He seems to be blessed with bottomless reserves of stamina, as he showed when winning the Sussex National at Fontwell last time out. That was a sprint in relative terms over just short of 3m5f.
Harry Whittington’s chaser relished every yard of the testing trip and had plenty left in the tank crossing the line six lengths clear. The second horse has come out and won since which makes the form look more solid.
Before that success, Vinnie had trudged around Sedgefield, which is another track that needs reserves of stamina. He’s at his best in deep ground so should have a ball today.
At a huge price, Boric was staying on up Carlisle’s punishing hill at the end of 3m1f to finish second last time. He relished testing going and could run into a place.
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THEATRE TERRITORY looks a good each-way bet in Kempton’s big chase at 3.35.
She has been consistently in the frame, including when a close-up second at Cheltenham last time out.
Trainer Warren Greatrex has reached for the cheekpieces as she steps up in distance and both factors could bring improvement.
Acting Lass has been very impressive in lesser races and landed a hat-trick of small field wins when scoring well at Ascot last time.
He shapes as though this longer trip will suit and there’s clearly more to come. This is much his biggest test so far though.
Steve Mullen's top tips for Saturday
2.05 Lingfield - Karijini: 'Keeps improving for trainer Archie Watson'
2.45 Newcastle - Vinnie Lewis: 'Loves a real test of stamina and can slog it out'
3.15 Lingfield - Clear Skies: 'Strouted wings this winter and can notch up another in'
3.35 Kempton - Theatre Territory: 'Keeps hitting the frame and can do so again'
CHEPSTOW
1.55 Mount Rushmoore
2.30 Rolling Dylan
3.05 Zeroeshadesofgrey
3.40 Eminent Poet
4.15 Baby King
4.50 Finnegan's Garden
5.20 Densfirth
KEMPTON
1.15 Monbeg Legend
1.50 The Unit
2.25 Redicean
3.00 Mont Des Avaloirs
3.35 Theatre Territory
4.10 Fourth Act
4.45 Pym
LINGFIELD
1.30 Carouse
2.05 Karijini
2.40 Grandfather Tom
3.15 Clear Skies
3.50 Chevallier
4.25 Island Brave
5.00 Ban Shoof
NEWCASTLE
1.35 Chateau Marmont
2.10 Lady Buttons
2.45 Vinnie Lewis
3.20 Off The Hook
3.55 Reverent Cust
4.30 Central Flame
5.05 Uncle Alastair
WOLVERHAMPTON
5.45 Napping
6.15 The Amber Fort
6.45 Iconic Belle
7.15 Angel Of The South
7.45 Carp Kid
8.15 Ronnie The Rooster
8.45 World Of Good
9.15 De Vegas Kid