Timeform Radio Tips: Wednesday January 16

Racing takes place at Newbury today.

David Clear is in action at Newbury on Wednesday...

With the frost covers having done their job well, Newbury is able to go ahead this afternoon, offering what should be an informative card. Unusually, there is only one handicap on a seven-race card and that (at 14:25) looks the most competitive contest of the day. The unexposed Mountainous makes obviously appeal after his ready win at Chepstow last time, while the ex-hunter Monkerty Tunkerty may well have more to offer too, even though he's gone up a fair bit in the weights for his win last time. They, though, are not the only unexposed runners in the field, and both Barlow and Kings Lodge look overpriced in the morning markets. Barlow has made a promising start over fences and his form at Folkestone last time has been boosted since. His initial mark looks a fair one, competitive off a similar one over hurdles but likely to do better in this sphere. Kings Lodge didn't fully deliver over hurdles but he shaped well on his chasing debut a month ago, still in contention for a place when he fell at the last in a competitive beginners chase at Doncaster. That form looks solid, and there's almost certainly more to come, with a step up to three miles for the first time likely to benefit him. In addition, Barry Geraghty, who has regularly ridden Nicky Henderson's other runner in today's race Thanks For Coming, rides Kings Lodge for the first time.

The rest of the card makes much less appeal for punting, but it may be worth giving Bold Cuffs another chance in the juvenile hurdle at 12.50. He was the second best of these on the Flat and was strong in the market in a decent race here last month. However, he pulled too hard and finished well held. He showed stamina on the Flat, so if he settles better ought to be competitive. Likely favourite Seventh Sign wore blinkers when winning on the Flat, while Trend Is My Friend didn't always find much under pressure. Money for newcomer Veauce de Sivola should be noted but Bold Cuffs is the suggestion. 

Timeform Radio Tips
Back Barlow @ 12.5n/a and Kings Lodge 20.019/1 in the 14:25
Back Bold Cuffs @ 8.07/1 in the 12:50 at Newbury

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