Saturday’s Racing Tips – Firestream holds strong claims at Chepstow

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Miscommunication led to both Rizz and Attacanter preparing Lucky 15 tips for Saturday. Rizz published his selections first, so we’ve opted to feature Attacanter’s picks as the main selections this time.

He’s asked me to note that these selections were originally studied and advised as each-way bets, so please be cautious with your stakes.

Attacanter's Racing Tips

Thursday wasn’t a total blowout, with the Nicky Henderson selection winning at a decent price after drifting massively overnight. Saturday offers plenty of action, allowing us to take a chance on a few each-way plays. I was tempted to go big, but with limited opportunity to contribute, I’ve opted for more sensible selections.

Stoner’s Choice (12/1, four places) – 13:15 Kempton

Fergal O’Brien remains a top-tier trainer in the UK jumps scene. Long-standing stable servant Paddy Brennan may have retired, but his apprentice daughter, who claims a valuable 7lb allowance, could give my selection—an ageing contender—a decent chance today.

Despite his years, Stoner’s Choice hasn’t had an overly taxing career. His rating peaked at 143 in 2021, and his last win came over today’s course and distance just 10 months ago when he effectively rated 7lb higher. Now 20lb below his best, he competes in a field that may prove too strong, but I believe he’s still worthy of inclusion, especially back at his favoured track.

In terms of recent form, his fourth-place finish in a Class 3 2m5f contest at Ascot in December was respectable, carrying a decent weight. The third-place finisher, Irish Hill, won next time out, while the runner-up was attempting an eight-timer. Dropped back in trip after stepping up in class, Stoner’s Choice didn’t show much last time, finishing a distant seventh. He returns here after a 35-day break.

Firestream (5/1, four places) – 14:32 Chepstow

Exactly one year ago, A.J. Honeyball and Ben Godfrey teamed up to win the Coral Trophy at Kempton with Forward Plan. With the yard in relatively decent form this month, I’ve chosen their only runner today as a value pick.

Firestream has two wins and a second-place finish from just four hurdle races. He won at Wincanton 37 days ago, beating 14 rivals, and a 6lb rise looks very fair for this unexposed eight-year-old. This race serves as a qualifier for his Festival entry in the Pertemps, which should ensure a solid effort.

The market leader is undoubtedly beatable, despite an impressive record, and Maximilian returns after almost two years off. Sean Bowen poses a danger in behind, but I’ll stick with this in-form runner, who should handle the step up in trip despite some early market uncertainty.

Gaboriot (10/1, five places) – 14:10 Newcastle

It’s not ideal to conclude the bet with an 18-runner Eider, but five places and decent prices make this a race worth considering. The last four winners of this contest came from just two yards, and between them, they have only one entry this year. Notably, Henry Brooke—who rode both of Brian Ellison’s previous winners—is aboard today, though for a different yard.

That alone directed me to Gaboriot, a nine-year-old gelding from a stable with a solid record. Although he hasn’t won since May last year, his overall profile is strong, with victories over three miles at multiple venues. He isn’t particularly well-handicapped, having lost the assistance of a regular 7lb-claiming apprentice, but he’s now in the yard’s top hands. Crucially, he is one of the few runners in the field to have already won over four miles—at Cheltenham in May 2023 off an 8lb lower mark.

With stamina assured, he arrives fresh after a 10-week absence. The price is still reasonable, even though we missed the earlier 14/1. It’ll take a big effort to win, but his place claims look as solid as any.

Kingdom of Time (6/1, four places) – 18:30 Kempton

Many eyes will be on Southwell today, where big names gather for the Winter Derby. However, I’m searching for an each-way angle, and the trusted partnership of Hollie Doyle and Archie Watson brings Kingdom of Time into the picture. The lightly raced four-year-old is owned by Hambleton Racing and looks capable of making an impact.

Although he’s yet to win, he has shown enough promise. His effort last time out over today’s distance at this level suggests he should be involved in the finish. The winner that day was completing a hat-trick, and while this race is bound to be tougher, a similar draw should allow Hollie to position him prominently. He didn’t quite have enough last time, but it’s hard to see four horses beating him based on that effort.

Selections were sent to me around 8:00 PM on February 21st. Due to the late post, prices may have changed slightly.

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