Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Cheltenham & Musselburgh New Year's Day Tips
WEDNESDAY RACING TIPS
Cheltenham 1.30 – Handicap Chase
The one I like here is Our Power (10/3).
He ran really well on his return following a long lay-off and he should take a step forward from that here.
We know this is a horse with plenty of ability and, provided he does make the step forward from that reappearance run, he’s got a massive chance in this race.
Megan’s Tip: Our Power WIN
Musselburgh 1.45 – Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle
I’m hoping my dad will have a winner on New Year’s Day up at Musselburgh in the form of Liari (6/4 fav).
He’s won at the track before and the step up to 2m 4f should suit him. Ben Bromley’s 5lbs claim could prove crucial here, particularly as I think he’s weighted to run really well anyway so the extra weight off his back can only be a positive.
He’s a horse the team have always held in pretty high regard and, with the sharp track clearly suiting, he’s the one they’ve got to beat.
Megan’s Tip: Liari WIN
Cheltenham 2.05 – Premier Handicap Chase
This is a pretty competitive race but I’ve come down on Springwell Bay (7/2).
He ran extremely well in a hot novice chase last time at this track, staying on nicely, and that experience should have sharpened him up for this.
Gemirande (11/4 fav) is an obvious favourite having won last time although he’s up 8lbs for that victory.
That looks a fairly hefty rise given he had a pretty hard race and I have a feeling the way the race will be run will set up better for the selection than him.
Megan’s Tip: Springwell Bay WIN
Musselburgh 2.20 – [Auld Reekie Handicap Chase]/sports#racing/event/1022457563)
I’ll be backing Boomslang (4/1) in this one.
He’s a horse on a real roll at the moment having failed to finish outside of the first two on his last four starts.
He travels really well in his races, which is a good attribute at Musselburgh. Provided he can hold his position early, he’s got a massive chance.
Megan’s Tip: Boomslang WIN
Cheltenham 2.40 – Handicap Hurdle
Strackan (7/2) did us a favour last time at Bangor.
The ground was bottomless that day and while he handled it well, I think he’ll be even better on a sounder surface.
He’s gone up in the weights but he’s a horse on the upgrade and I feel there’s more improvement to come.
The greater test of stamina should play to his strengths and I’m hopeful he can go in again.
Megan’s Tip: Strackan WIN
Cheltenham 3.15 – Relkeel Hurdle
I like the look of Salver (3/1) in this.
He steps up in trip but I don’t think that’s a bad move given he looked a bit outpaced over two miles at Newbury last time.
Last year, as a juvenile, they were positive about him making the best use of his stamina so the step up in trip here should help him.
There should be some cut in the ground which won’t be an issue for him either. I’m hopeful he’ll go very close.
Megan’s Tip: Salver WIN
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation