Horse Racing Tips: Knappers Hill ready for Relkeel battle

Rob Eddy

Jan 1

It's New Year's Day and that can mean just one thing, a bumper day of racing action in store across Britain and Ireland.

National Hunt racing comes from Cheltenham, Catterick, Exeter, Fakenham and Musselburgh in Britain, alongside Southwell's all-weather card, while Fairyhouse and Tramore fly the flag over jumps in Ireland.

Our selections include a thriving performer for Paul Nicholls in one of the feature contests at Cheltenham this afternoon.

Selections

Musselburgh 2.45 - Homme Public @ 10/3
Tramore 11.55 - Quais De Paris @ 4/11
Cheltenham 2.30 - Knappers Hill @ 5/1

Tip 1

The newly-formed alliance of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have made a bright start to their training partnership and can enjoy a New Year's Day winner with HOMME PUBLIC (10/3) at Musselburgh.

He enjoyed a good first season after arriving from France but struggled early on last term when connections opted to go up in trip with him.

Moving back to the bare two miles at Newcastle in March paid dividends with a second hurdles win and, after 249 days off, he followed that up by scoring at Wetherby (2m, good) in November on his comeback.

He's had one more start since then, finishing third at Sandown (2m, soft) at the start of December behind graded-performer in the making Love Envoi.

He's been left alone on a mark of 132 for this trip to Scotland and, on paper, there's nothing of the class of Harry Fry's mare to fear now. A pair of cheekpieces are deployed for the first time and may bring about some further improvement from this very consistent performer and he is tipped to prevent Archie Watson's Al Zaraqaan from completing a four-timer over hurdles.

Latest Horse Racing Betfred Odds

Tip 2

Ireland's champion trainer Willie Mullins has already enjoyed a superb festive season and there should be more winners awaiting him to kick-start 2023.

The traditional meeting at Tramore this afternoon is one Mullins has really targeted in recent times, dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo typically using this as a springboard.

The opening David Flynn Construction Maiden Hurdle (11.55) is a contest Mullins is looking to win for the fourth year running. He often points something decent at this event, with the likes of Saint Roi back in 2020 and another Grade 1 performer, El Fabiolo, winning last year.

QUAIS DE PARIS (4/11) could be the answer on debut for the Closutton chief now. He finished third in his debut at Compiegne last year, a race that has worked out very well indeed, and was bought soon after for €180,000 by Rich Ricci.

The fact he's been off for 428 days is of little concern given where he is now based and, with Paul Townend on board, he looks a strong candidate to bag this contest.

Tip 3

New Year's Day fare too from Cheltenham where the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle (2.20) is amongst the features, with last season's Mares' Hurdle winner Marie's Rock heading the betting at 10/3 for Nicky Henderson.

She hasn't been seen since Punchestown in April and it's worth recalling she's been beaten on comeback in the last two seasons.

Some of her rivals here are match-fit and they include KNAPPERS HILL (5/1) for Paul Nicholls. He delivered an improved performance on his own comeback when winning the Silver Trophy (2m3½f, good) at Chepstow off a mark of 141 in October and made light of a drop in trip to win the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton (1m7f, good to firm) in November, beating Sceau Royal into second spot.

Returning to this intermediate trip should be a plus for Harry Cobden's partner and ground conditions are favourable again. He can serve it up to his Relkeel rivals and help complete a very satisfactory week for Britain's champion trainer.

Horse Racing Odds