Ladbrokes’ Donohue takes the Tipster Challenge at Hereford

Alex Donohue, Head of Ladbrokes News and PR Manager for the bookmaker, has provided expert tips for today’s six-race Tipster Challenge at Hereford.

Donohue, who has been at Ladbrokes since joining the PR team in 2010, will be going up against bettingexpert’s 10^th placed Stephen Harris, and the experts from Timeform.

He is the latest industry expert to challenge Alan Alger’s (Betway) 11.41-point record from Fontwell in October. Last week’s guest, the @racingblogger, could only manage 1.69 points to enter in 12^th place.

Donohue commented: “With racecourse closure particularly topical today, I should start by saying it’s great to see action return to Hereford, a track that closed at the same time as Folkestone, and the course at which I fell in love with racing.”

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1:20

bettingexpert: Bring Back Charlie

Should relish this trip after getting tapped at a bare two miles last time and can get back on track in a very weak race.

Timeform: New Republic

Showed his first form to make a winning handicap debut at Wincanton on Saturday, and may well be able to follow up under a 7lb penalty in another ordinary handicap.

Ladbrokes: Little Rocky

This race doesn’t look the deepest, so I’ll side with one at a longer price with a view to building an unassailable lead at the top of the table. Little Rocky has plenty of older form on softer ground, including at a decent grade on the flat. I’ll back him to spring a surprise for a handy conditional jockey from a very shrewd racing family.

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1:50

bettingexpert: Long Call

Represents very astute Eire connections and has probably achieved more in huge fields at home than his market rivals here.

Timeform: Buckle Street

Progressed well from his hurdling debut at Taunton last month and is taken to get off the mark in this sphere at the third attempt.

Ladbrokes: Long Call

Tony Martin & Davy Russell; ‘nuff said.

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2:20

bettingexpert: Zamdy Man

Made a good start to his season when second to the classy Kilcrea Vale at Ludlow and can go one better.

Timeform: Gino Trail

Has been a real advert for his trainer this term, running Buveur d’Air close despite conceding 6lb at Warwick last month, and he can strike under a double penalty here.

Ladbrokes: Rayvin Black

Down the field last time in the artist formerly known as the Ladbroke. I don’t think there is much between the front three and I never mind siding with classier hurdle form, especially at the prices.

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2:50

bettingexpert: Sir Will

Expected to improve for a step up in trip and is completely unexposed in handicaps after two runs for Kerry Lee.

Timeform: Sir Will

Seemed unsuited by the emphasis on speed when fourth at Chepstow in October, but this looks more suitable now handicapping and he could be worth chancing for the Kerry Lee stable.

Ladbrokes: Socksy

Paddy Brennan is an eye-catching jockey booking for a horse that could improve over further, especially on the ground.

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3:20

bettingexpert: Money Maid

Finished clear of the rest when touched off by a progressive sort last time at Wetherby and can go one better here.

Timeform: Money Maid

Has taken very well to chasing and has an obvious chance having gone close off this mark at Wetherby last time.

Ladbrokes: Tutchec

Not won a race for three years, but there’s a couple of quid for him today so connections must think his current mark of 40lb lower than when last victorious leaves something to work with. David Bass a very consistent and underrated jockey as well.

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3:50

bettingexpert: River Arrow

Hails from a small yard in the winners and can make a winning hurdling debut.

Timeform: Lady Karina

Looks a winner waiting to happen in this sphere after her good third to Lamanver Odyssey at Exeter and can reverse the form with her penalised rival now.

Ladbrokes: Lady Karina

Resisting the temptation to go out with a shot at glory that could settle the competition beyond doubt (Lady Beaufort – strong trainer/jockey/owner combo), I’ll stick with the favourite in what looks to be a match based on her greater scope for improvement.

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Where will Alex Donohue enter on the Tipster Challenge leaderboard?