Cue Card hits top form

After a fantastic festive period it is worth looking back on some of the most memorable and stand-out performance.
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Horse racing news

The King George on Boxing Day certainly lived up to the expectation of being a classic.

Vautour turned for home in front and he looked all over the field, jumping well and travelling so smoothly under jockey Ruby Walsh. Cue Card was relentless in chasing his younger rival down, and as both horses jumped the last Cue Card was was still a half-length behind but his tenacious attitude prevailed to win by a short head on the line.

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Don Cossack, I still believe, had the race if he had not of fallen at the second last but overall a truly great performance from Cue Card.

Jockey Lizzie Kelly made history to become the first ever female rider to win a Grade 1 in Britain as Tea For Two ran her rivals into submission to win the Feltham at Kempton on Boxing Day.

“It’s awesome, I’m absolutely delighted” said Kelly after her amazing feat.

“To do it on this horse is a fantastic feeling, as we are so proud of him and he has shown to everyone what he is worth. At two out, I thought we’re going to win the Feltham here”

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Chepstow finally got the go-ahead for the Welsh National on Saturday having had it postponed over the Christmas period due to a waterlogged track and Mountainous became only the second horse ever to reclaim the prize.

In gruelling conditions, the 11-year-old galloped and jumped superbly to win the 3m 5f contest to give rookie trainer Kerry Lee her first major success. The 9/­1 shot was always in a good position turning for home and relished the conditions to win by three lengths.

There is some decent racing this weekend around the country but I will concentrate solely on Warwick, who having a cracking card to look forward to.

With the going expected to be heavy it is worth looking at horses that like the mud, as the ground won’t be for everyone.

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The 1.50 Hampton Novices Chase looks a very tricky race to solve and funnily enough I really fancy the Harry Fry-trained Bitofapuzzle. He looks the type that is still improving, he has plenty of good form on heavy ground as well as soft, he could be a bit of value and I expect him to at least make the frame.

Victory Mill in the 3.00 at Warwick is another I like on the cards. He really impressed me last time out at Fairyhouse. The Gordon Elliott trained six-year -old won the first time of asking that day on heavy ground and I think he can improve further in what looks like a competitive race.

The Betfred Classic Chase is the most valuable race of the day and like previously it is going to be tough to find the winner.

The 7­/1 favourite Sego Success won very well last time out to warrant plenty of respect, especially on ground I think the Alan King-trained runner will enjoy.

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Spookydooky in my opinion has very similar chances and with odds of around 10/­1, I think he represents the best value in the race. He ran a blinder last time out at Haydock on heavy ground to suggest his day will not be too far away.

Wally’s wagers

Warwick 1.50pm: Bitofapuzzle 5/­1.

Warwick 3pm: Victory Mill 7­/1.

Warwick 3.35pm: Spookydooky 10­/1.