Robin Goodfellow’s Racing Tips: Best bets for Monday, December 27
Venetia Williams is as synonymous with handicap chases as turkey at Christmas and the Herefordshire handler can deliver a cracker for fans of HOLD THAT TAUGHT (Chepstow, nb, 2.50) in the Coral Welsh National.
The trainer has already stolen the headlines in one of the season’s marquee staying events, when Cloudy Glen sprung a 33-1 shock in the Ladbrokes Trophy last month, and Hold That Taught could follow in his stablemate’s footsteps this afternoon.
Connections earmarked the Chepstow marathon for their progressive six-year-old following his smooth comeback win at Carlisle in October.
Sportsmail’s racing expert Robin Goodfellow dishes out his tips for Monday’s meetings
Although the form of that Cumbrian victory has yet to work out particularly well, a number of the gelding’s previous performances have thrown up winners, not least his effort here in a handicap chase behind Ask Me Early in January.
He was carried out on his shield that day and there was no disgrace in the defeat given his conqueror was a strong fancy for today’s feature until a late setback denied Harry Fry’s gelding the chance to add to an exemplary track record. Connections report that Hold That Taught is a stronger, more complete horse this season as the patience afforded him since his November 2019 debut for the stable is beginning to reap dividends.
A 6lb rise for that win on seasonal debut could not be described as generous, but Williams (below) has a knack of getting sizeable improvement from slow-developing staying chasers and there looks plenty more to come from the son of Kayf Tara now he steps up further in trip.
Two six-year-olds have won the Welsh National in the last five years and the admirable Native River and Elegant Escape both line up once more.
They are joined by last year’s hero Secret Reprieve who didn’t need the crowds to inspire him 12 months ago and there will be no paying spectators again today. The Big Dog, meanwhile, has been campaigned purely with this race in mind and has attracted plenty of support.
However, Williams is happy for Hold That Taught to run from 6lb out of the weights with rider Charlie Deutsch probably forsaking the Christmas pudding to ride at his minimum — and that looks a tip worth heeding.
CHEPSTOW
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
12.30 Chavez
1.05 When You’re Ready
1.40 Forever Blessed
2.10 Kateson
2.50 Hold That Taught (nb)
3.25 Brinkley
3.55 Seventeen O Four
GIMCRACK
12.30 Chavez
1.05 Pink Legend
1.40 Porticello
2.10 Kateson (nb)
2.50 Ramses De Teillee
3.25 Getaround
3.55 Mister Marbles
KEMPTON
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
12.45 Iceo
1.20 Edwardstone
1.55 Coded Message
2.30 Greaneteen
3.10 Cap Du Nord
3.40 Captain Morgs
GIMCRACK
12.45 Kolisi
1.20 Edwardstone (nap)
1.55 Tequila Blaze
2.30 Shishkin
3.10 Real Steel
3.40 Captain Morgs
WOLVERHAMPTON
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
4.10 Barrington
4.40 North Lincoln
5.10 Justjamie
5.40 Crimson King
6.10 Poptronic
6.40 Umm Hurair
7.10 Daheer
7.40 Porfin (nap)
GIMCRACK
4.10 Daring Guest
4.40 Al Ameen
5.10 Justjamie
5.40 Beat The Breeze
6.10 Social Contact
6.40 Umm Hurair
7.10 Mighty Power
7.40 Toplight
NEWMARKET – 5.40 Beat The Breeze (nb); 6.10 Social Contact (nap).
WETHERBY
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
11.50 Golden Robin
12.25 Harbour Lake
1.00 Pay The Piper
1.35 Thunder Ahead
2.15 Fransham
2.45 Atomic Angel
3.20 Phantom Getaway
GIMCRACK
11.50 Golden Robin
12.25 Come Dancing
1.00 Pay The Piper
1.35 Monsieur Pom Pom
2.15 Cheddleton
2.45 Thundersockssundae
3.20 Basford
NORTHERNER – 1.00 Pay The Piper (nap); 1.35 Piecederesistance (nb).
