RACING expert Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) has taken a look at the best plays from Saturday's action.
Saturday 11th January 2020, 13:50 | Warwick
Warwick host three graded races on Saturday afternoon and the first of which is this Grade 2 novice chase over three miles. Seven go to post, but with plenty of pace this should be quite a test on the forecasted soft ground, but there is one in here I suspect could be a cut above these.
Highest Sun (2/1 Bet365) looks a typical Tizzard type that will get better with time, fences and distance, and since going chasing in November he's beginning to look like he may justify his lofty price tag. After chasing home a couple of high-class Nicky Henderson novices, he got his head in front in a match race at Plumpton last time out where he jumped well overall.
Though this is a step up in grade, he's only six, proven on the ground and with Two for Gold and Roll Again both likely to force the pace he could well improve significantly. He's been a little keen on occasion and I suspect Saturday is the day we will see what Highest Sun is capable of. He should win this.
Saturday 11th January 2020, 14:05 | Kempton
The Silviniaco Conte Stakes over two miles and four furlongs may be missing its star attraction after Altior's controversial defection earlier in the week but it is certainly the highest profile race of the day and its market looks a little wrong to me.
Top Notch is a cracking horse and he's managed a tremendous career mixing it at the top level. He is a tough horse to beat in this grade and is in good form this season where he's two from two. However, if you break his form down he's not needed to be at his best to win those. This is his roughest task to date and I'm not sure if I want to back him at odds on here.
Frodon (9/4 SkyBet) is another remarkably consistent and sound horse, however, he is a little higher class than Top Notch. He's rated 7lbs higher and this race looks tailor made for him. He's ran twice this season, once giving away tons of weight to good horses, and last time out where he didn't quite get home behind two of the top staying chasers around.
Frodon has won here, is the best horse in the field and gets his optimum conditions for the first time this season. Yes, on paper his first two starts of the season were disappointing, however, he shouldn't be the price he is to win this. He stands out to me as a good bet.
Best Bets
1:50 Warwick – Highest Sun (2/1 Bet365)
2:50 Kempton – Frodon (9/4 SkyBet)
