Horse racing tips: Templegate’s NAP still looks well in for Venetia Williams even after a 7lb rise

TEMPLEGATE tackles Thursday’s action confident of building the bank for Ascot’s brilliant two-day card.

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ENJOY YOUR LIFE (2.55 Exeter, nap)

Had more than three lengths in hand when scoring over course and distance 25 days ago. Trainer Venetia Williams was in the middle of a purple patch at the time — and she is still in flying form with an impressive seven winners from just 17 runners in the past week. This six-year-old has really taken to chasing since switching back to the bigger obstacles last month. He was tackling three miles over fences for the first time here latest and enjoyed every yard. Charlie Deutsch had the race sewn up a long way out and the winning margin could have been even more impressive. The handicapper has put him up 7lb to 121 for that success but I reckon he can keep going close into the 130s so this looks an excellent chance.

NAVAJO INDY (3.25 Exeter, nb)

Caught the eye when winning at Newbury bumper last time out. He looked beaten when headed in the closing stages but dug deep to run out a convincing winner in the end. Trainer Tom Symonds is going well and this son of top-class Flat performer Nathaniel can get off to a winning start over hurdles.

STERLING KNIGHT (7.00 Chelmsford, treble)

He landed a cosy victory at Wolverhampton two starts ago over this trip. He should really have followed up switched to Lingfield but got a familar hard-luck story at the Surrey track. Young rider Morgan Cole held him up too far off the pace and had a mountain to climb in the short home straight. It was a decent effort to run on for third and he’ll have more time to get going here. He still looks on a fair weight and has won in this grade before.

Lucky 15 bet

CLARENDON HOUSE (4.10 Southwell)

Really enjoyed himself making his debut on the all-weather last time. He tanked along at Wolverhampton, hitting the front more than a furlong out and always looking in control. Robert Cowell’s flyer has loads of pace as he showed when he was just pipped in the red-hot Epsom Dash in June. A 4lb rise up the weights looks fair enough and he could have more to offer on just his second spin on an artificial surface.

Boxing Day punt

AINTREE hosts its first ever Boxing Day meeting on Tuesday where the Formby Hurdle is the highlight.

It’s the Tolworth Hurdle rerouted from Sandown and means there is Grade 1 action on the day.

Aintree has now surely established itself as second only to Cheltenham when it comes to jumps action in the UK.

It’s a far cry from the 1980s when the three-day Grand National meeting was all there was and the track nearly became a housing estate.

The Formby Hurdle has attracted a good turnout at the entry stage even if Nicky Henderson doesn’t want to head north for it.

Two of my 10 to follow are entered and I wouldn’t write off Nicky Richards’ Florida Dreams from nicking a place at 14-1 as he steps up in class.

But you can make a stronger case for Favour And Fortune who has won his two outings over timber and didn’t have to break sweat at Wetherby last time.

He has more to come and looks solid at 7-2.

Templegate’s tips

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