Horse Racing Tips, Thursday 22nd January

14:55, Market Rasen: Silver Eagle – 13/2, 1 point each way

In terms of recent form, Kim Bailey’s entrant isn’t one who jumps off the page, nor does he have anything to offer in terms of encouraging chase form for that matter. However, on his fairly decent form over hurdles, Silver Eagle looks as though he could be well in for this race.

Having had a total of only 10 races, the 8-year-old is still reasonably lightly raced and to date has only made one appearance over fences. His chase debut came last time out at Doncaster, where, despite being well backed into 4/1 co-favouritism, he could finish only 8^th of 12 and was never really dangerous. In truth, this wasn’t at all surprising since he was having his first run for the best part of two years (607 days). He ran off a mark of 120 that day and is now down to run off 112 in a race that looks a little bit easier.

Since the gelding has only had the one run over fences – certainly not a run to be judged on – it is his hurdles form that looks to give him a chance today. The highest rating of 134 over hurdles is better than any other runner in this field could boast, and given the fact he ran well in some good races over the smaller obstacles, particularly when finishing 2^nd in a competitive looking Cheltenham handicap, a mark of 112 here could be slightly lenient.

There was nothing wrong with his jumping on debut, and other than the fact he was rusty and not as race fit as many of his opponents, there were no signs that he wouldn’t be suited to chasing. Although not able to get seriously involved that day, you’d like to think he would be all the better for the run. Having had a small break since he should be nice and fresh, and we should see a much fitter horse, this time around.

A combination of both the softer ground and drop in trip should also be in favour today, and overall, in a race that looks as though it may lack strength in depth, off a potentially lenient mark, Silver Eagle can go well at a nice price.

15:30, Market Rasen: Crosspark – 15/2 1 point each way

In the 15:30, Caroline Bailey’s runner, Crosspark, is another lightly raced horse who could have a big chance if going forward from what he’s achieved so far. Having had only two runs to date, both in novice events, the 6-year-old has performed with plenty of credit and looks as though he could have more to offer now tackling a handicap for the first time.

Over 3 miles at Southwell back in November, Bailey’s gelding travelled well before showing good heart to see out the victory at the first time of asking. He then followed up that debut success with a creditable third over the same C&D at the start of December.

It is the form of that third last time out that catches the eye the most. The two who finished in first and second that day have both gone onto show good looking form since. The runner-up went on to finish runner-up again, this time in the hugely competitive Lanzarote hurdle (Listed) at Kempton. Whereas the winner has since gone onto to win a strong looking Class 2 handicap at Cheltenham.

Against what were clearly two smart rivals last time out, the 3 miles looked as though it might just have been a tad too far for the selection, so the drop back to 2m 4f today should be in favour. Now taking on a handicap for the first time, the lightly raced and unexposed, Crosspark can certainly improve and at odds of 15/2 looks a worthwhile each way bet.