Please note: This Lucky 15 was submitted before the announcement of the cancellation of racing at Chepstow on the 27th December.
2.50 Chepstow Welsh Grand National
I fancy Mysteree here. Has won first time out the last three years. The ground’s going to be heavy in Chepstow and this horse just stays and keeps going in the mud – he loves it. He won the Eider last year off 11lbs lower and he was second in the Midlands National which is a right test of stamina. He’s an each way price at 10/1 and with us paying five places, it’s hard to see him out of the five.
2.10 Chepstow – Future Champions Juvenile Hurdle
The favourite Sussex Ranger won what looked like a good race at Sandown last time but it turned out to be actually quite weak. The second was beaten at Fontwell today in a poor race. Nick Williams unleashed a horse called Mercenaire at Exeter last time and it won by 25 lengths. Again it wasn’t one of the strongest races but it was really soft ground and he handled it fine. He also has a really good record in this race, he won it in 2009 and 2013 and I think this one could go off favourite even though it’s not favourite at the moment.
3.10 Limerick – Maiden Hunters Chase
Burning Ambition’s a short favourite here but his Point win last time is working out quite well and he should get the job done here.
3.00 Leopardstown – Paddy Power Handicap Chase
Oscar Knight was third in this race last year behind two well handicapped horses in Noble Endeavour and The Crafty Butcher. He was hampered five out that day. He returns 6lbs higher but he won off a far lower mark over hurdles last time with that race working out tremendously well. It looks like he’s been aiming for this race since pulling up in the Irish National this year. He’s only 6lbs higher than last year but he’s open to plenty of improvement and I think he’s a cracking each way chance and we’ve got six places for it.
Frank’s Lucky 15:
2.50 Chepstow – Mysteree 9/1
2.10 Chepstow – Mercenaire 11/4
3.00 Leopardstown – Oscar Knight 8/1
3.10 Limerick – Burning Ambition 4/6
*All prices correct at time of posting
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