Strackan to kick in the New Year.

Happy New Year and I am confident we can kick off 2025 with a winning start.

The Henry Daly yard that could not be in better form sends the rapidly improving 5yo Strackan to contest the 3m class 2 Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham due off at 2.40. I was really impressed with the win of the 5yo at Bangor when he jumped superbly and galloped clear from several well fancied rivals after setting a strong pace throughout.

Mahland a useful novice tried to keep pace, with the Henry Daly trained runner dropped away to be beaten over 50 lengths and the well backed favourite from the David Pipe yard, Thanksforthehelp, loomed up two out but was easily brushed aside.

The 7yo was running after a very promising run at Cheltenham in a Class 2 handicap behind Doyen Quest, but was beaten further at Bangor.

The second in the race who picked up the pieces ran ok next time out at Haydock and the 5th placed El Granjero beaten 20L was beaten by a nose at Warwick today.

The favourite here will the The Big Bang who ran an admirable race in bottomless ground in a Class 1 handicap at Haydock. However most of the runners from that event have failed to reproduce the form next time out and I think he will struggle to give 10lb to Strackan

The Big Bang has been put up 21lb for his last 3 runs, whereas Strackan is up just 18lb.

His form ties in with two other rapid improvers Double Powerful and Plaisir Des Flos and i will be disappointed if he does not go very close.