Great Britain Preview: Spot Plays January 14, 2023

Steeplechase Racing in Great Britain (Photo by Horsephotos/Frank Sorge)

January 13th, 2023

It’s a weekend for some decent prep races for the Cheltenham Festival in Britain, and some rich handicaps for the second-tier horses, the latter of which in particular are good betting opportunities.

Below are some spot plays for the big jumps races of the weekend.

Kempton, Race 4, 9:05 a.m. ET: Silviniaco Conti Chase (G2), 2 9/16 miles, open

A solid line-up of six here. #2 Pic D’Orhy has won both his races this season and has strong prospects, as does his stable companion #3 Saint Calvados. 2022 Cheltenham Festival winner #1 Coole Cody will have his fans, but perhaps the one to back is #4 Paint The Dream, a very easy winner last start who is well off under the set weights and penalties conditions.

$10 win/$20 place: #4 Paint The Dream

Warwick, Race 4, 9:25 a.m. ET: Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (G2), 2 5/8 miles, novices

Seven horses start in this novice hurdle, and none are without a chance. However, I’m on board with #1 Ginny’s Destiny. He won extremely well on this course Nov. 16 and doesn’t look badly off at the weights, all things considered.

$10 win/$30 place: #1 Ginny’s Destiny

Kempton, Race 5, 9:40 a.m. ET: Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (Listed), 2 5/8 miles, open

Plenty of chances in this 20-runner handicap. Last year’s winner #5 Cobblers Dream has disappointed a little this term but has returned to a nice position in the handicap. However, he faces some good young horses here. Irish visitor #16 Green Glory must be respected, but the horse that looks to be going places is #12 Outlaw Peter, from the in-form Paul Nicholls stable. #3 Red Risk, #4 Petit Tonnerre, #8 Harbour Lake, #10 West Balboa, and #15 Dubrovnik Harry are others for exotics.

$10 win/$30 show: #12 Outlaw Peter
$1 trifecta: 12, 16 with 5, 12, 16 with 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16

Warwick, Race 5, 10:00 a.m. ET: Wigley Group Handicap Chase, 3 5/8 miles, open

Irish maestro Willie Mullins has sent #6 Mr Incredible over for this staying steeplechase. He was brought down when well-backed at his only start this season, and has been placed in graded company previously. #1 Threeunderthrufive also parted ways with his rider last start, but he has shown a lot of ability and can win despite topweight. #4 Lord Du Mesnil, #5 Fortescue, and #10 Notachance also have appeal.