Longshots 01/01/24

Welcome to the first blog of the year, and I hope you all had a cracking New Year. We nailed Rambo T at 7/1 on Challow day at Newbury but the other selections disappointed. Jason The Militant put up at 25/1, was heavily backed into 5/1 and looked like he could fight out the finish when he pressed ahead with the eventual winner Punta Del Este - but he found nothing and looks like the fire has gone out.

Yes Indeed will need to be dropped in class but went out like a light, maybe something isn't right there with his breathing but he's already had a wind operation - so who knows. The day started with over 5pts profit on the day but was let down by the further 3 selections, so only a small profit landed on the day. I have big plans for the blog including posting selections on the flat, so stick with me and I hope we can push on to increase our already +19pts profit on the Longshots blog. 1 selection tomorrow at Musselburgh awaits. I will be at Cheltenham tomorrow for the opening 'Premier Raceday' but the field sizes are hugely disappointing. I think that will be a theme until trials day at the end of the month and the Dublin Racing Festival, which is shaping up to be an outstanding meeting (as always).

1:10 Musselburgh - 2m4f- Hohmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (0-145)

Horses for courses. And there are a number of course winners in this line up including Benson, who won this race last year. The 2nd in that race last year is the selection here, HOLMES ST GEORGE. Going back to Benson, he comes into this race off a 8lb higher mark, and he's coming into the race in much worse form too. Although he won this race by 11 lengths last year, I'd take him on.

Holmes St George runs here off the same mark as last year (Ben Bromley claims 5lb) but he's a more experienced horse and comes off the back of a prep run at Aintree earlier in the month. Last year he was coming into this race with only 3 runs over hurdles including a small field win in a handicap against poor rivals, and probably found that handicap at Musselburgh against seasoned handicappers a little tough in his novice hurdle year. This year he comes in with 8 runs over hurdles and that includes some decent progressive runs in handicap hurdles over the past year too. He looks a decent enough each way bet at 12/1. Soft ground shouldn't be a worry and he already has 2 wins and a 2nd at this course to add a little more base to the selection.

Afadil has been really disappointing so far this season, whilst In This World has decent potential but I wonder if he was flattered by his fast finishing 5th last time out. He will win a handicap this year however. Clear White Light might need slightly better ground too. Matchless looks a consistent sort and is probably one of the biggest dangers. With question marks over the field, I'll side with Holmes St George as fhe each way selection at a tasty price.

Bets:

Holmes St George - 0.75pts ew @ 12/1 (Bet365)