Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Make Emperor your Choice

David thinks Emperor's Choice can win for Venetia Williams

After another profitable day on Saturday, David Cleary returns to offer you his best bets...

It's a welcome return to jumping at Southwell this afternoon, National Hunt action back for the first time since the track had to close last year due to flooding. The quality isn't great in truth, though the EBF novice hurdle qualifier at 14.50 is a race to watch with interest. The best bets of the day look to be at the other jumps meeting, at Carlisle, where the feature race is the staying handicap chase at 15.40. Ten are due to go to post in what should be a thorough slog under the conditions. The market is dominated by Emperor's Choice and Sydney Paget, two novice sons of Flemensfirth, a sire whose progeny often revel under such conditions. Indeed, both that pair are likely to be suited by the step up to three and a quarter miles for the first time. Sydney Paget is open to improvement after just three runs over fences, but the race he won at Towcester last time was something of a solo round and the BHA handicapper certainly hasn't missed him with a mark of 130. On the other hand, the progressive Emperor's Choice looks to have been let in lightly, off a mark only 4 lb higher than when chasing home Arbeo (winner since) at Newbury on his penultimate start. Emperor's Choice ended a run of seconds with a narrow victory back in maiden company at Taunton last time, and the much stiffer track coupled with the longer trip this afternoon is all in his favour. Roseneath, who goes well fresh, and Vamizi, second in this last year and very much a Carlisle specialist these days, make some appeal among the others, but neither is entirely reliable (Roseneath has refused to race). Emperor's Choice looks the one to be on.

Sydney Paget's trainer Donald McCain may enjoy better fortune in the preceding handicap hurdle, due off at 15.05. His Veloce, the youngest and least exposed over hurdles in the field, has been given a fair mark for his handicap debut. He could well improve too, stepped back up in trip this afternoon, his willing attitude, a feature on the Flat as well as jumping, sure to stand him in good stead on this stiff track. Renoyr represents the biggest danger, with improved efforts in competitive handicaps since joining his current yard. He'll run well but lacks Veloce's potential to progress. 

Recommended Bets:

Back Emperor's Choice @ 3.55/2 in the 15.40 at Carlisle

Back Veloce @ 4.3100/30 in the 15.05 at Carlisle

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