ITV Racing Tips for New Year’s Day 2023: Cheltenham, Musselburgh and Tramore

1:20 Cheltenham

The first race live on ITV in 2023 is the Dipper Novices Chase, a Grade 2 for the novice chases over an extended 2m4f.

The one for me is THUNDER ROCK (2/1). I’ve been really impressed with him since he went chasing winning both starts. He found plenty for pressure last time out at Ascot to pull clear of Solo by over 8 lengths. Trainer Olly Murphy has hit form of late and his selection will enjoy the soft ground and this stamina test more than rival Monmiral.

 

1:35 Musselburgh 

The first race from Musselburgh is a handicap chase with 8 runners set to go post.

It’s MINELLA DRAMA (9/2) for me here. He’s certainly the classiest animal in the race and this represents a huge drop in class based on his recent outings. He wasn’t that far behind Hitman last time out truth be told and there’s nothing near that level running in this contest. Duo Donald McCain and Brian Hughes team up well especially in this part of the UK and I’ll be disappointed if he’s not up to winning a race of this level.

 

1:55 Cheltenham

Next up at HQ is a competitive handicap chase to get stuck into over the extended 2m4f course again.

I like BRAVE SEASCA (8/1) here for the Venetia Williams stable. He ran at a decent level throughout his novice chase campaign which included a run in the Arkle at Grade 1 level. He did fall there unfortunately but it was hard not to be taken by his seasonal return in a decent handicap at Aintree where he won easily off a mark of 146. He’s fully earnt the 9lb rise and he’s an improving sort which can’t be said for a lot of them in here. I’m happy to chance the improver off top weight who could be a lot better than a handicapper.

 

2:15 Tramore 

The one race from Ireland is an informative one, the Grade 3 Saville Chase over 2m6f.

I think STATTLER (Evens) can confirm he’s a Gold Cup contender by defeating a solid benchmark in Minella Indo who albeit may be slightly past his best, sets a Grade 1 standard. He’s unbeaten over fences and was an easy winner of the NH Chase at Cheltenham last year. Willie Mullins can’t do anything wrong at present and Stattler is the improver. Minello Indo has often improved for his first run anyway. Market vibes will tell us a lot.

 

2:30 Cheltenham

The 2:30 contest is the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle and it’s a decent renewal on paper.

I think MARIES ROCK (11/4) NB can take this before moving on to bigger things. This is her first run against the boys but she’s a proven Grade 1 level in her company so a Grade 2 against the boys should hold no fears. She obviously won the Mares Hurdle here at Cheltenham so the course will play to her strengths. The soft ground won’t be an issue and she has the combination of speed and stamina which is a potent combination in a race of this nature as a lot of her rivals may be suited to slightly shorter or slightly further. If she’s ready to go, she should win.

 

2:45 Musselburgh

The 2:45 from Musselburgh is a 2 mile handicap hurdle.

It’s HOMME PUBLIC (4/1) for me here who can give Love Envoi a decent form boost ahead of her bigger targets. He finished a good third behind Love Envoi last time out at Sandown beaten just over 4l which is a good effort in my book. This is a drop in class and with two runs already this season, you’d think he would be primed to run a big one on his third start of the season. Toby Wynne takes off 5lb which will help.

 

3:05 Cheltenham 

The final race on ITV comes up at 3:05 and it is a wide-open handicap hurdle over 3 miles.

I like ABUFFALOSOLDIER (5/1) NAP here. I was taken by his win at Newbury last time out where he looked all stamina in taken a decent handicap at Newbury. The second has won since and I think the selection is on a real upward curve. The soft ground will suit and I think he will relish the Cheltenham hill at the end of 3 miles. Warren Greateux has his stable in the best form it’s been in for a while too which is an obvious positive.

 

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