Timeform Racing Radio Tips: Utopian the perfect bet

David thinks that Utopian can win at Fontwell

David Cleary provides you with a bet from Fontwell and Kempton on Wednesday...

It's fair to say there are more agreeable days for punting than today approaching over the horizon. Catterick's seven-race jumps card makes very limited appeal and the slightly better fare on offer at Fontwell isn't much better. The pick of the card at the latter track is the handicap hurdle at 15.10, which is also the race which makes the most appeal for a bet. It may well be fought out between the least exposed pair in the line up, Utopian and Billy Twyford. Both have had just three starts each over hurdles, all on soft or heavy ground, and both won last time out. Utopian didn't have to match the form of his second at Folkestone to win a maiden at Ludlow while Billy Twyford followed two runners-up spots with a last-gasp victory in a two-mile handicap at Wetherby. Billy Twyford won a bumper on good ground, showing useful form, so this afternoon's less testing conditions shouldn't be a problem. Billy Twyford's Wetherby form has worked out well and gives him solid claims, particularly as this afternoon's longer trip will suit him, but Utopian, who was the better bumper performer of the pair and has even greater potential than his rival to progress, just gets the nod.

The best race of the day in the mile-and-a-quarter handicap at Kempton this evening, due off at 19.00. Robin Hoods Bay has solid form claims under top weight and will surely run well. He clearly makes appeal, even as the likely favourite, but this race looks very tight on the figures and with its having the potential to be tactical and muddling, it may be a better option to plump for one at a bigger price. Tinshu fits the bill. She was out of her depth last time and couldn't beat Robin Hoods Bay on their form the time before. However, previously, at Lingfield in November, she had got the better of Robin Hoods Bay by a neck, with another of this evening's runners Spifer further back. A repeat of that form will see Tinshu right in there at the finish. 

Recommended Bets:

Back Utopian @ 5.04/1 in the 15.10 at Fontwell
Back Tinshu @ 9.08/1 in the 19.00 at Kempton

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