Top tipster Daryl Carter has three selections for Tuesday’s card.
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Posted: 4.55pm January 23rd (Odds correct at time of writing)
5.30 Southwell – CUSTARD THE DRAGON (1pt e/w – 20/1 Bet365, 18/1 generally)
It takes a leap of faith to back CUSTARD THE DRAGON after a no-show, but he wasn’t given a hard time under a hand and heels-only ride, and he wasn’t disgraced from a poor position. He tends to need his first run after an absence, and that ride was given seemingly with the understanding that he will improve for fitness. Interestingly he has had a short break since, but his form figures in January read 141415213112 – 6 wins from 12 starts. He might not prove the force of old, but he was remarkably consistent last term, with his only victory coming at this time of year.
6.00 Southwell – ATRAFAN (1pt win – 2/1 Bet365, 6/4 generally)
ATRAFAN stuck to the task well over course and distance last time despite having to negotiate a wide draw in stall 12, and as my colleague, Andrew Mount, highlighted when tipping him to score last time, he has an excellent record at this time of year. Adding to that, he is also a 2-40 50% record when turning out within five days and 2-2 if you just look at those in January for an ROI of 225%. His form has worked out well of late and there looks little reason to oppose him from another wide draw in ten. The stalls immediately to the inside of him are birthed by hold-up performers. He may have small pace pressure for the lead, but he has shown a trait that he only does enough when in front anyway, so it might help him rather than hinder him.
7.00 Southwell – TOLSTOY (1pt win – 8/1 888Sport, 7/1 generally)
A chance is taken with TOLSTOY, who was given a brain-dead ride by Robert Havlin last time, who posted him wide for the entire contest and then further wide around the home bend. He was given no chance at all but stuck to the task well over six furlongs. He was an eye-catcher here over five furlongs the time before when on the wrong side of the track, and although not best drawn this time, the race is stacked full of pace. He will likely be held up, and in the hope that Rossa Ryan challenges down the stand side where the bias is, this could fall into his lap. The hood comes off today, which should spark him up early doors and give him every chance.
GG Cheltenham Ante-Post Book – Wednesday, 18th January
No bets this week as the racing has calmed down somewhat since the turn of the year but it will soon be ramping up again and so will my suggestions. The weekends cards look to be in some doubt so I won’t spend time looking into those but instead I’ll crack on with my A-Z…
Wed 18 Jan 2023Dary Carter’s Best Bets
5.30 Southwell – CUSTARD THE DRAGON (1pt e/w – 20/1 Bet365, 18/1 generally)
6.00 Southwell – ATRAFAN (1pt win – 2/1 Bet365, 6/4 generally)
7.00 Southwell – TOLSTOY (1pt win – 8/1 888Sport, 7/1 generally)