Steve Ryder names his best bets for the day.
14:10 Market Rasen
There is jumps racing at Market Rasen and Taunton on Tuesday 4th February while Newcastle stages an all-weather meeting this evening.
Today’s Best Bets from Steve Ryder
Both Emotional Roller and Asa won over fences last time but I am willing to take a chance on SOCIALISER (best priced at 9/1) who now makes his handicap debut at the age of nine. The Jamie Snowden trained nine-year-old has only had seven runs in his career, four in PTPs, two in hurdle races and a second placed finish in a maiden hunter chase at Fakenham.
Socialiser was only beaten 4 ½ lengths that day but has finished well beaten on his two most recent starts after a 918-day break. He now makes his handicap debut off a mark of 99 and he looks overpriced on his return to fences.
16:20 Market Rasen
Alan King is operating at a 25% strike rate in bumpers this season so Baby Thyme is respected but the standard is definitely set by LA ZOUBIDA (best priced at 3/1). The Nicky Richards trained five-year-old was sent off 11/4 second favourite behind Kingston Queen on her debut in a Sedgefield bumper on Boxing Day when she finished clear of the third. Kingston Queen had the benefit of three career runs prior to that day and has since won a listed mares’ bumper at Market Rasen on her next start.
La Zoubida achieved an RPR of 94 that day which is higher than Lady Kluck achieved in her victory last time so it is difficult to see that rival being able to defy a 7lb penalty. Off the back of that promising run last time, I expect La Zoubida to get off the mark at the second attempt in this race.
