Horse racing tips: King to run rule over rivals

She looks comfortably the most solid option in this large field over what looks her ideal trip. 

There are very few progressive runners in this handicap, with the vast majority seeming to be in decline or without having shown any form. 

Olivia Kate won a mare’s handicap at Ludlow by 18 lengths recently and, although she disappointed next time, she got back on the up with a good second off her new mark on her latest start. She ran well on heavy ground last time and I don’t believe the 5lb rise will be an issue against such modest opposition.

He looks a have a good draw in stall 1 and he could easily make all the running.

Rainwater was just run out of it by half a length under similar tactics last time - so clearly goes well from the front - and rider Warren Fentiman might not have the 7lb claim for overly long judged by the start he has made to 2025, with five winners so far in January. 

Fentiman's undoubted talents have been recognised by several different trainers and Richard Fahey has already had him ride Rainwater into a decent placed effort off this mark at Newcastle two starts ago.

He looks to have a solid chance of breaking his duck here.

Cherry King came closest to success two days ago when beaten just a short head into second once again, making it the fourth time on the spin that he has filled the runner-up spot. Those form figures didn’t stop Gowel Road winning at the weekend and, though this 50-rated handicapper bears no real comparison with that high-class hurdler, I feel Cherry King has been unlucky rather than lacking in determination. 

I feel pretty certain that trainer Stuart Williams will want to run him again while he is in form and before his rating goes up.