Huntingdon afternoon racing tips: Best bets for Thursday, February 8
Runners and riders at Huntingdon racecourse
It's Sidney Banks raceday at Huntingdon on Thursday, February 8, named after a prominent local trainer, so the Planet Sport tipsters are on hand to help you find some winners?
We kick off with some details on our four selected horses at Huntingdon, with a full set of tips from the meeting at the bottom of the page.
Don't forget to check out the full racecard, results and live odds in Planet Sport's racing live centre.
Good luck and please gamble responsibly.
(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's first publication)
13:40 (Huntingdon) Goblet Of Fire
Nicky Henderson has a likely type in Goblet Of Fire, who contests the Mulberry Developments Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.
He made the leap from an initial fourth to win at Hereford last month, accounting for Maasai Mara by two and a quarter lengths, with that one subsequently boosting the form with a cosy Catterick triumph last week.
His four-year-old weight allowance could prove very handy here.
14:50 (Huntingdon) Jango Baie
Jango Baie can rubber-stamp his Cheltenham Festival ticket with victory in The M1 Agency Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle among a small field.
The five-year-old has won each of his two starts under rules for Henderson, claiming a nose victory over Tellherthename on his initial start at Ascot in November before powering to Grade One glory in the Formby Novices’ Hurdle – formerly known as the Tolworth – at Aintree on Boxing Day.
He may have enjoyed a slice of fortune in that Farren Glory fell when still travelling well at the penultimate flight, but there could be little arguing with the way he stayed on resolutely on very testing ground for a near three-length verdict.
The Listed race sees Jango Baie step up to just short of two and a half miles for the first time, but he finished a fine second over that sort of trip in the point-to-point field, chasing home well-regarded fellow Festival hope No Flies On Him.
Henderson’s runner must also should a 5lb penalty dropping back to Listed company, but he remains clear on the ratings and certainly does not appear to have reached the end of his ability yet.
15:25 (Huntingdon) Urban Soldier
Urban Soldier showed plenty of ability at Doncaster in December when third attempting a 3m novices handicap hurdle.
Open to further improvement and rates a serious player.
Barricane won at Uttoxeter two runs ago tackling this handicap hurdle grade over 2m6f on heavy ground and may go close again.
Spitalfield produced a decent fourth in a 2m3f handicap hurdle at Market Rasen on Boxing Day. One to note after some fair efforts this season.
16:35 (Huntingdon) Dunskay
Dunskay won on debut in November in a 2m1f jumpers flat race at Exeter before running downfield among Listed company at Ascot.
This is an easier contest and the Ben Pauling-trained five-year-old can bounce back with Harry Cobden on board.
Absolutely Fine represents a notable stable and profiles well and will be popular in the market.
Shy Love placed third tackling an Irish point-to-point last March and rates an interesting rules newcomer.
Huntingdon selections in full:
HUNTINGDON: 1.05 Flintara, 1.40 Goblet Of Fire, 2.15 Friary Rock, 2.50 Jango Baie, 3.25 Urban Soldier, 4.00 Wise Guy, 4.35 Dunskay.
