BBOTD - Wed 4th Jan, 2012

[Jimmy2shoes]

Nice looking maiden hurdle class 5 One i have followed and have been waiting for is trainer R.Dickin's 5yr old gelding. He was 3rd to the well thought after ''GREELAW'' last time out but he still ran a cracker. That race was over 60 days ago and if he's come on any he should get involved today. The trip and ground should be fine but its his first time over the sticks. Jonjo's runner look a big danger so it could pay in taking out a little insurance bet. Southwell 3:10 - THOMAS CRAPPER. 0.5 e/w bet @ sp

[cpo]

Re: BBOTD - Wed 4th Jan, 2012 2.20 Lingfield In the last couple of years this horse has enjoyed racing around this time of year with wins coming on January 2nd 2010 and January 3rd 2011. He may be able to notch up a nice little sequence and get the win on January 4th 2012! That being said, that is not the only reason why I think he has a good chance of going close in this. On his last few starts he has been in good form with figures reading 1-2-3. In those 3 races he has gone from a rating of 71 to 80 but he is still below his highest winning mark of 82 which came at this track over 1m. That win came back in February this year where he had plenty of all weather specialists in behind such as Wilfred Pickles, Lockantanks, Blue Moon and Titan Triumph to name a few. He is definitely more than capable on his day and he keeps his form well so I expect him to be thereabouts at the finish. Of the 12 opponents I think the biggesrt dangers will come from the 4 last time out winners. Opus Maximus beat my selection by 2 lengths last time out but is 6lbs worse off today so I fancy Follow The Flag to reverse that form. Archie Rice has notched up a hat-trick and is in the form of his life but he has never won off a mark this high so I am happy to swerve him. Aeordynamic won a weak race at Wolverhampton last time out but won it pretty well and has won off a higher mark on turf. He can be expected to run well. The biggest danger may come from Ariyfa who is the current favourite. He only won a maiden last time out but he won easily and on his first run for the stable. Any money for him on his handicap debut would have to be taken very seriously. Follow the Flag however looks a solid each way in this at a nice price. Martin Harley takes the ride and does well when riding for this stable. He has won over the distance, has course form and has a great draw today. He often pops up at a nice price so hopefully today will be the day. Bet Follow the Flag 0.5pt EW @ 14/1 Bet365