12.35pm Uttoxeter Tips & Betting Preview 31/12/2016

The second race of the day at Uttoxeter is a stayers novice hurdle, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Better things can be expected of TWIST ON GINGE, who was well beaten on hurdling debut at Ffos Las but in a more competitive heat than this, and his pedigree suggests the step up in trip will be a positive. He should have learned a lot from his hurdling debut and is the selection at the expense of Crank Em Up, who continues to run admirably without winning over hurdles.

1 CELTIC PARK – Did show some ability in the point to point sphere but has shown little in three starts over hurdles and makes no appeal today.

2 CRANK EM UP – Bumper winner at Warwick (2m, Soft) and has run admirably over hurdles without managing to win, finishing 4th on his latest outing at Chepstow (2m 7f, Good), albeit well beaten. Definitely needs more today against some unexposed types but should be in the shake up given how consistent he’s been thus far under rules.

3 HERDSWICK HOLLOA – Didn’t show anything special in three bumper runs and was well beaten on hurdling debut at Doncaster earlier this month (2m 5f, Good). Going up in trip should suit judging by pedigree but his rivals are far more interesting today.

4 PINE WARBLER – Showed definite promise over hurdles last season, placing once at Leicester a year ago (2m 4f, Heavy). Ran well enough on his return when 6th of 15 at Towcester (2m 5f, Good to Soft), hinting that this step up in trip was needed and despite being one of the most exposed horses, it’d be a surprise to see him figure and needs respect today.

5 POSITIVELY DYLAN – Finished 2nd in a listed bumper at Newbury in February behind Ballyandy (2m, Heavy) and won the time before at Chepstow (2m, Heavy). Was however a big disappointment on hurdling debut at Ffos Las when 10th of 15 (2m, Soft), and can possibly be forgiven that effort on the basis it was his seasonal reappearance. Should stay judging by a 2nd over 3 miles in a point to point in April 2015, and needs a second look today.

6 SUNDAY CENTRAL – Has some ability in bumpers but was modest at best when 5th of 10 at Ludlow on hurdling debut last month (2m, Soft). His pedigree gives no clues as to whether he will stay, so probably best left alone today.

7 TWIST ON GINGE – Showed promise in bumpers and although well beaten on hurdling debut at Ffos Las (2m 4f, Soft), he should have learned a lot from that experience and the step up in trip seems a big plus. He is more than worth a chance today for Nigel Twiston-Davies and Jamie Bargary.

8 YPSILANTI – Won a point to point but hasn’t shown much under rules thus far, being well held at Leicester (1m 7f, Good) earlier this month. Step up in trip should bring out more but still doesn’t make much appeal today.