Happy New Year Bets

[Steeplechasing]

Was asleep by 10 and awake again at 1, so had an insomniac’s look at three races. Good luck.

January 1, 2026
The Kalooki Kid looks the one for the big handicap at Musselburgh at 2.15. He’s won twice here at this trip and on this ground. On his one run this season he looked rusty, so should have come on for that. He won second time out last season.

Cheltenham

1.25

Two offer Value here: New Order, and Shannon Royale. New Order, relatively lightly raced for an 8-y-o, ran a career best last time out, his second outing of the season. He took a couple of starts last season to find his feet over fences, but ended up winning three of his five chases.

Shannon Royale was a useful chaser at one point for Gordon Elliott before appearing to lose his appetite for the game. He was sold and went to Ian Patrick Donoghue, whose yard is sure to be a much quieter and more calming environment. Some horses, just like people, cannot stand the always busy routine of a big yard. Shannon Royale’s two runs for his new handler have seen him back closer to his old form, and with Sean Bowen booked, I doubt he’ll go off at the 12/1 on offer as I write (Wednesday evening).

2.00

It’ll be interesting to see see what Glengouly can do here after his all the way romp at Cheltenham. I doubt he’ll get the easy time in front of that he had there, but he might not need it if right back to his best form.

But the value here is Riskintheground at 15/2. He’s one whose best from is at this trip, that’s probably why he disappointed last time at Newbury over much farther. He was given an easy time that day once beaten. He won on his seasonal debut, and was consistent last season bar one poor run, when the yard looked to have over-raced him.

1.25 New Order 15/2: Shannon Royale 12/1

2.00 Riskintheground 15/2

2.15 The Kalooki Kid 5/2

Good luck
Joe

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