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
PETE
1:15 pm Kelso – Your Own Story
Your Own Story has had a quiet season so far, but this is the right time of year for him, and the switch to a more
suitable trip (3m2f) combined with a first-time visor could spark improvement.
Lucinda Russell’s yard is in excellent form, and this horse remains 8 lbs higher than his Wetherby win last season – but that’s still a workable mark if the headgear works the oracle.
The likely favourite, Dare To Shout, has stamina to prove at this trip, which makes Your Own Story look like the
value play.
✅ Recommendation: Your Own Story – 9/2 with Bet365
2:05 pm Newbury – Norn Iron
Norn Iron shaped as though this step up in trip would suit when running a solid second over 2m at Newbury in January.
Last time at Doncaster, the race was effectively a sprint with only four hurdles jumped due to low sun,
which didn’t suit him. His second at Newbury behind a now 132-rated winner suggests he’s well-treated off 114.
Paul O’Brien takes the ride, and the extra trip combined with softer ground looks ideal. The current mark looks very workable, and Calimystic could be vulnerable if the rain softens the ground.
✅ Recommendation: Norn Iron – 9/2 with Paddy Power/Betfair/William
Hill
2:40 pm Newbury – Theatre Man (Each-Way)
Theatre Man has been below par this season but now drops to a more realistic level and is fitted with a first-time wind-op, which could bring back the improvement seen last season.
He’s 2 lbs lower than when second to Ginny's Destiny at Cheltenham last year, which makes this mark very appealing. Richard Bandey’s stable has had
a quiet year, but this horse has always been highly regarded, and he could bounce back here.
The fact that he goes well at Newbury is another plus, and he’s well handicapped if the wind-op does the trick. A competitive race, but Theatre Man looks a strong each-way bet.
✅ Recommendation: Theatre Man (Each-Way) – 6/1 with Bet365 (4 places)
5:35 pm Newbury – Rivers Corner (Nap)
Rivers Corner looks like a horse on the up after his comfortable win over course and distance last month.
He overcame some greenness that day and finished strongly despite looking reluctant at the start. The 5 lb rise looks manageable given how unexposed he is over fences.
Joe Tizzard’s yard is
ticking along nicely, and Brendan Powell keeps the ride. The ground should be no issue, and the step up in class isn’t a concern given his profile.
The main threats are Neon Moon and King’s Threshold, but Rivers Corner could have too much class for this field if he progresses again.
✅ Recommendation: Rivers Corner (Nap) – 7/2 with Bet365
