Monday’s Racing Tips – Looking Splendid will make light work of the recent 9lb hike in the handicap

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I was at a wedding on Saturday, so Cairnzy filled in during my absence.

His sole selection at Stratford ran well, but had to settle for second spot behind Pure Carbon. The Harry Derham horse was tipped up last time out, but he didn't get the job done.

Park Annonciade looked to be in with a chance when he took the lead three from home, but he made a mistake on the very next fence. In hindsight, that mistake might have cost him, as he was only beaten 1.5 lengths.

Looking Splendid 10/3 (1pt) – Kelso 3.00

Whenever I see Carrigeen Castle lining up, he does tempt me, as I was on him earlier in the season, and he pops up every now and again when on a decent mark. I'm not a huge fan of the trainer, and I can never get his horses right, so I'd rather play it safe and go with Looking Splendid.

The transition to fences has come a little late in his career, but it didn't look to be an inconvenience for Looking Splendid, who romped home on his chasing debut over course and distance.

The handicapper valued his recent win to be worth a 9lb hike in the handicap, which is fair as he won by 11 lengths, but I don't think it'll be enough to stop him. I am a big fan of when horses win impressively on their chase debuts, and with that being his first start in 115 days, there is definitely room for improvement.

Dylan Johnston has struck up an impressive partnership with this horse, and he makes the trip from South Wales to Kelso for one ride. That's normally a big indicator of a horse's chances.

Wolfsburg 7/4 (1pt) – Kelso 3.30

Other than Wolfsburg and Red Happy, the rest of the field aren't in great form, and you can probably ignore Red Happy. The latter arrives on the hunt for a four timer, but he hasn't been seen since his last win, which came 393 days ago. So with all that being said, it looks like a slam dunk for Wolfsburg, who was impressive last time out.

The main issue for Wolfsburg is his jumping, which is the aim of the game. If he jumps like he did last time out, then there is every chance a horse could beat him, as this is a tougher race than last time out. However, he is clearly progressing nicely under Sandy Thompson since the move to fences, and if he can confirm that he is just as effective over this longer trip, he has to be the one they all have to beat.

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