Chepstow – Monday 17th January

Looking back at my records from the last 5 years punting, January is consistently in the two least profitable or unprofitable months each year – and I recall having this same conversation with myself each year, when assessing why January seems to be relatively quiet and/or unsuccessful.

2022 has been no different, and the key when this is the case is not to force it – hence why I have been a little quiet on the recommended selections. Fear not (as much telling myself!) that when Spring nears, the P&L will invariably take a turn upwards.

With the Cheltenham Festival just 2 months away, this is an enticing prospect, and I’m looking forward to being true to some of the values that have always been profitable at the big festivals, and also one or two slightly tweaked ideas for this season. Watch this space!

But for today, and it’s a slightly busier Monday than is sometimes the case, there is plenty to go at – and one horse in particular that has been on my radar ever since some eye-catching novice hurdle runs last season.

Today could be the day for Delgany Monarch in the Go Racing With Vickers Bet Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow at 1.00 this afternoon. There were some early nibbles when the market opened up last night, and as a result we might see his price drift slightly this morning, but I’d be very hopeful that 11/2 each-way with William Hill is in the overpriced category.

Delgany Monarch is available at 9/2 with Sky Bet, who offer 4 places on the race, and given the shape of the race, on this occasion I am going to side with the more enticing price, but absolutely take the 4 places if that satisfies your punting urge more.

Richard Rowe’s young stayer was given three quiet runs in above average soft ground novice hurdles last season, and on each occasion suggested that there was real ability lurking.

A first foray into handicap company at the back end of last season produced a midfield finish, and while that was a slightly disappointing return, the fact he was packed off for a wind operation in the summer suggested connections were hopeful of better.

In two handicap runs this term, Delgany Monarch has done nothing to suggest that he shouldn’t be winning races in due course. 2m3f around Warwick was always going to be speedy enough on seasonal debut, and then being held up in rear around Ascot in a better race, that was taken apart by the gambled-on Ardhill, was perhaps an exercise in gaining experience and losing a few pounds from his handicap mark.

The handicapper has been generous in relenting, and now 10lbs below his initial mark, the time is here for Delgany Monarch to strike. Hopefully the impressive Niall Houlihan, who rode a winner for Rowe last week, sits Delgany Monarch much more prominently that has been the case in his previous runs, at a track where it is fiendishly difficult to make up ground.

At 11/2 each-way with William Hill you won’t go rich, but today could just be the day for Delgany Monarch in the Chepstow mud at 1.00.