3.20pm Plumpton Tips & Betting Preview 02/01/2017

The penultimate race of the day at Plumpton is a 7 runner handicap chase contested in Soft conditions, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Never the most consistent, Ray Diamond doesn’t strike as the type to follow up today with another good effort and preference is for LIKE SULLY. A previous C&D who is only 1lb higher now than for that win back in May, conditions are fine today and he should run a big race after turning in an improved effort at Lignfield on his latest run.

1 LIKE SULLY – A previous C&D winner, he is now only 1lb higher for that win back in May and although not always the most consistent, he put in an improved display at Lingfield latest (2m 4f, Good to Soft) which was a very positive sign. He should run a big race today for RIchard Rowe with Leighton Aspell on board to do the steering.

2 JOHNS LUCK – Raised 5lb for his latest win at Ffos Las (2m 5f, Good) and top weight may well be tough for him today. He is consistent and will probably run his race but is likely to find one of these too good today.

3 VENETIAN LAD – 12 year old who is capable of posting the odd good display, including his 3rd here over C&D on his penultimate time, but then flopped latest at Fontwell (2m 1f, Good to Soft). Would be a surprise winner today.

4 HIGH ASPIRATIONS – Has no form of note since winning three on the bounce earlier this year, pulling up twice before finishing a tialed off last at Bangor last month (2m 4f, Soft). Would be a shock to see him winning again today.

5 RAY DIAMOND – Potentially on a good mark and finished 2nd in a good display at Uttoxeter last time out (2m 4f, Soft), but doesn’t seem the most likely to follow that up. He’s never been the most consistent and is by no means assured to turn in another good display today.

6 BROWN BEAR – Held on grimly to win at Towcester a few weeks ago (2m 3f, Good to Soft), taking the victory by a neck. Only his second chase run and has room for improvement, so has to be respected as a main danger today for Nick Gifford and Tom Cannon.

7 BOBBITS WAY – Won two on the bounce at Plumpton (2m 1f, Heavy) and Bangor (2m 1f, Heavy) back in 2015 but hasn’t been seen since February since finished 3rd here, well beaten. Best watched today.