RACING fan Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) picks out his best bets from Saturday's racing card.
2:25 Kempton | Adonis Juvenile Hurdle | ITV4
The Adonis Stakes has produced some very good juvenile hurdlers down the years and though this doesn't look like a vintage renewal it's not a bad race. It's one of the last times for these horses to book a ticket to Cheltenham, but it's more likely to be for the Fred Winter than the Triumph hurdle.
Malaya looked a good prospect when winning at Wetherby but was well and truly truly put in place by Famous Milly at Aintree last time out. He's likely to be better than he showed there however this is a tougher race. I think he'll improve for this and is one to keep an eye on in handicaps in the spring.
Redicean joined Alan King from the David O'Meara yard at the beginning of the winter and he's 2 from 2 since making the switch. Both wins have come here at Kempton and both were in fine style. He could end up being a very good juvenile and I think he will take some amount of beating here.
2:45 Newcastle | Eider Chase | ITV4
The Eider Chase is the longest race of the day and one of the rare occasions horses travel beyond 4 miles. On heavy ground this is going to take a lot of getting and I would be surprised if many of the 17 runners finish.
Chase the Spud is a horse I like but I was disappointed by his run in the Welsh National. He will stay this far and despite being 10 he is still improving. However he has top weight here and it would take a monumental effort to win this.
Vinnie Lewis is in the form of his life and comes in to this off the back of 2 wins at smaller tracks. However both were in good style and this 7 year old is only having his fifth start over fences. He needs to progress further to take this but is not without a chance.
Dr Richard Newland is operating at a 50% strike rate over the past 14 days and his stable is red hot just now. His West of the Edge is a real dour stayer and when last seen in December put up a brave effort when second to Emporers Choice. With heavy ground offering no concerns I think he is a fabulous each way bet here.
Best Bets
2:25 Kempton – Redicean (10/11 BoyleSports)
2:45 Newcastle – West of the Edge E/W (8/1 Coral)
