Serious Operator 28/1 (5pl) – Kelso 2.55
This year's Morebattle Hurdle looks very competitive, and it's great to see a good turnout for such a good pot.
At this time of the year, you'd expect a lot of horses to dodge this race and go for the Cheltenham handicaps. However, this race gives a bonus if the winner were to win one of the handicaps at Cheltenham.
The drop in trip might not look like a solid decision for Serious Operator, as he has done his running over further, but I think it's worth a try.
He seems to weaken late into his race over 2m 4f, so the drop back to a stiff two miles could unlock further progress. I really like the form behind Indeevar Bleu, who was impressive at Aintree last time out.
Also, the stable is in better form now than they have been for months.
Scorsese 4/1 (3pl) – Newbury 2.40
I was debating putting Scorsese up on the main thread, but I decided to leave him out as I already had three picked out, and I don't like having too many tipped up on the main thread.
I tipped him up on Boxing Day at Sedgefield when he won a fairly ordinary race. I didn't read too much into the form, but I thought he ran a belter to finish third at Cheltenham last time out in a competitive race.
Harry Atkins wasn't on board that day, but returns for today's race, meaning he is 7lb better off for the Cheltenham race. If he can run to a similar level of form to last time out, he is a huge player.
Dartmoor Pirate 11/2 (4pl) – Doncaster 2.30
Another horse who was very close to being tipped up on the main thread was Dartmoor Pirate. I tipped him up at this venue where he beat New Order.
He didn't look like winning until he did win, and I think the extra two furlongs he faces today could see him run to an even better level.
As always in this Grimthorpe Handicap Chase, it's a tough race.
Ten Carat Harry 4/1 (3pl) – Lingfield 2.35
The improvement made from Ten Carry Harry has been impressive. Since moving to the all-weather, he has gone 6/6 and just continues to progress.
The step up to seven furlongs is an unknown, and the step up to listed company is also another question which has to be answered.
Based on how he has finished off his races over six furlongs, I don't see a reason why he can't stay the extra furlong, especially on a tight track like Lingfield.
GambleAware