Pete's Paddock Picks
The service has shown promise in its first few days of testing with 5 wins from 6 selections and has been around since 2022. Brilliantly titled Petes Paddock Picks:
December 2024 ended: +£44.78
Year 2024 finished: +£364.90
Year 2023 finished: +£469.27
Results to £1 stakes
4:25 pm Haydock – Duke of Deception
Duke of Deception looks well-positioned to build on his solid second at Warwick earlier this month.
He was beaten by
Rockinastorm at Wetherby over 3m earlier in the season on soft ground, but with better ground forecast at Haydock, the revised terms give him an excellent chance to reverse that result.
Trainer Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero have their string in good form, and Duke of Deception is effectively running off the same mark as his Warwick second, which came over this extended trip.
Amateur is
interesting if the ground firms up, as he has a strong record on good ground in the spring. His current mark matches his last winning figure, and he ran well in a decent Newbury veterans' race last time. However, he has been inconsistent, so Duke of Deception looks the more reliable option.
Wal Buck’s recent effort at Uttoxeter over 3m suggested he would appreciate this step up to a marathon trip, but he’s untested over this distance, which leaves Duke
of Deception with fewer question marks.
Selection:
- Duke of Deception – 10/3 with Bet365
5:35 pm Haydock – Minella Rescue
Minella Rescue looks ready to capitalise on a fair mark after his solid second at Doncaster last time out.
He gave Thank You Ma’am (rated 127) a real scare while giving away 7 lbs, which
suggests he’s well-treated off his current rating. He’s been raised 3 lbs for that effort, but the good ground should play to his strengths.
Trainer Gary Hanmer has a solid strike rate with this type of horse, and Minella Rescue has won three of his nine career starts — all on good ground.
Imperial Merlin has had a wind procedure since struggling over fences at Doncaster. He’s well handicapped on his best
hurdles form and could bounce back, but he has questions to answer regarding form and confidence.
Minella Rescue’s proven ability on this ground and recent form give him the edge.
Selection:
- Minella Rescue – 6/4 with Bet365
4:42 pm Huntingdon – Gentleman’s Relish (Nap)
Gentleman’s Relish looks like the most progressive runner
in this field after an encouraging chase debut at Kempton.
He jumped well but hung left throughout the race, which compromised his finishing effort. Despite that, he travelled strongly until two out and showed enough ability to suggest he’s well-handicapped in this grade.
The switch to Huntingdon’s left-handed track should help him settle better, and James Bowen’s booking is a positive sign. If Bowen can keep him straighter and more involved
early on, he could take some stopping.
Camino Rocio has won four of his last five starts, but he’s now up 28 lbs since his first win and faces tougher opposition here. He is a worthy favourite but could be vulnerable to an improver.
Gentleman’s Relish’s form over 2m5f at Kempton on good ground in May confirms that this trip should be within reach, and his chase debut suggests there’s significant improvement to come.
Selection:
- Gentleman’s Relish (Nap) – 5/1 with Bet365
