Millar’s Method: Best handicapped hurdler in Britain shouldn’t be missed

If the obvious play isn't your idea of a good bet, especially on a competitive day of racing, make sure you have a second look at Ross Millar's selections.

1.50 Newbury, 2m4½f handicap hurdle

This race contains plenty of promising horses, as well as a few who are hoping to regain their form. 

Henry Daly’s Blenkinsop and Kerry Lee’s Black Poppy both made my shortlist as I'm sure they are yet to hit their ceiling in regards to ability, while Soaring Glory is temptingly handicapped off a mark just 2lb higher than when last successful.

However, I described Pikar as “the best handicapped hurdler in Britain” on the SBK Betting Podcast prior to the Gerry Feilden Hurdle and, although he ended up as a non-runner on that occasion, my sentiments remain the same. 

The form of his latest Chepstow win has been well advertised. Runner-up Hullnback won on his next start, while third-placed Master Chewy fell when he looked likely to win at Ascot and then finished a narrow runner-up to the 133-rated Attacca at Cheltenham. Timeforatune, who was fourth home, finished 20 lengths behind Pikar at Chepstow and is now rated 126 having won twice since.

Pikar also boasted good form last season against two horses that are fancied for the Relkeel Hurdle, which is set to be run on New Year’s Day. He was beaten just a length on debut by the 153-rated Knappers Hill, before falling at the last when only three lengths down on the 152-rated I Like To Move It. 

Even his final start - fifth at Haydock behind Jonbon (152), Might I (142) and Nells Son (138) - suggests that a mark of 133 is well beneath his true level of ability.

Dan Skelton has been among the winners but has equally had a number of runners perform well below-par, so yard form is a mild concern. Regardless, I will be disappointed if this promising type couldn’t win off his current mark.

Selection: Pikar @ 3.5

2.10 Warwick, 3m veterans’ handicap chase

I love veterans’ races as plenty of old favourites can run at a level that often gives them a more reasonable chance of returning to the winner’s enclosure than they might otherwise have against younger rivals.

Skelton’s Go Steady will top the market, but I prefer the price available about Stamp Your Feet, who shaped promisingly on his debut for new trainer Richard Mitford-Slade. That race came on ground that was quicker than optimal and over a trip well short of his best, yet he closed up to the lead entering the home straight before more pacey rivals (including the aforementioned Go Steady) quickened away from him.

He now meets that rival on 10lb better terms and, with Thomasina Eyston taking off a further valuable 5lb, he’s weighted to get much closer this time. All of his best form in Ireland came over this trip on soft ground and he has the potential to hit the frame at a double-figure price.

Selection: Stamp Your Feet @ 15

New Year’s Eve Tips

Pikar (1.50 Newbury) @ 3.5 
Stamp Your Feet (2.10 Warwick) @ 15