Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Sunday 13th January

14:05 Kelso

Mount Mews hasn’t been seen since a mid-field finish in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March 2018 but looks to have everything in his favour for a big run today as he won on debut, has previously won on seasonal return and also won on debut over fences. He makes his first appearance for his new trainer at a track where he has a perfect record of three wins from three runs and is partnered with regular jockey Brian Hughes who has a 47% winning strike rate over fences in the last two weeks. A Grade 2 winner over hurdles, a victory here today could set the scene for further progression and the opportunity to scale similar heights over fences this season.

Dimple is two from two since switching to Sandy Thomson and is very much respected in his hat-trick bid. He steps up from Class 4 races in to a Class 2 today so will find this tougher, but gets in towards the foot of the weights so does have scope for further improvement and will look to capitalise if our selection falters.

Mount Mews (WIN) – NAP

15:10 Kelso

Just the five runners are set to do battle in the penultimate race of the day at Kelso, yet it looks to be a competitive affair as all five could be considered in with a chance. Henryville struggled last season but has since joined a new yard, had a pipe-opener over hurdles last month and is now rated 10lbs lower than when last successful over fences so would be dangerous to dismiss.

Blue Kascade has won a few times on return from a break and has placed twice over course and distance, but returns in a higher Class than he was last successful in, and I fear at twelve-years-old may need this.

Chidswell occupied the runner-up spot in this race last season and arrives for another crack off a 7lbs lower mark. He will need to step up on what we’ve seen so far this season but with his trainer is in excellent form so improvement would not be a huge surprise.

Lough Derg Jewel won a three-runner affair last time out but has been raised 4lbs and also steps back in trip so preference is for Groundunderrepair who made a promising start to his chase career at Uttoxeter last month and is in good hands with champion jockey Richard Johnson taking over in the saddle.

Groundunderrepair (WIN)

Punchestown:

12:40 – Young Paddymc (WIN)

13:15 – Winter Escape (WIN)

13:45 – Markets Field (WIN)

14:20 – Se Mo Laoch (WIN)

14:50 – Buildmeupbuttercup (WIN)

15:20 – The Tartan Spartan (E/W)

15:50 – Stucker Hill (WIN)

Kelso:

12:30 – Trixter (WIN)

13:00 – Mint Gold (E/W)

13:35 – Prince Charmin’ (WIN)

14:05 – Mount Mews (WIN) NAP

14:40 – Choochoobugaloo (WIN)

15:10 – Groundunderrepair (WIN) *NB

15:40 – Golden Investment (WIN)

Southwell:

12:20 – Agent Smith (E/W)

12:50 – Eve Harrington (WIN)

13:25 – Mininggold (WIN)

13:55 – Azari (WIN)

14:30 – Bond Angel (WIN)

15:00 – Bold Spirit (E/W)