Wednesday Horse Racing Tips
Written by Bryan Rogers
Wednesday’s racing looks full of interesting handicap angles, with several horses appearing to have dropped to dangerous marks and a few unexposed runners likely capable of much better than they have shown so far. Ground conditions and race tactics could play a major role across both meetings, especially in some of the smaller-field contests where positioning will be key. There are also one or two runners that look particularly well treated based on previous form and could be ready to strike.
Evening Racing Tips
18:08 – WILLIAM HILL MAIDEN HURDLE (4)
FLYING ACE is likely to prove popular here, although the odds may be on the short side. Preference instead goes to MILITARY CROSS, who showed solid form on the Flat, while his half-brother has already proven smart over hurdles.
On that basis, MILITARY CROSS gets the vote.
18:38 – IN MEMORY OF JIMMY LATHAM SELLING HANDICAP HURDLE (5)
BOOK OF SECRETS looks extremely well handicapped on paper and, with the jockey’s valuable 10lb claim, is able to compete from a mark of 88.
This looks one of the strongest selections on the card. If BOOK OF SECRETS arrives in the same form as previous runs suggest, young Leah Noreci simply needs to deliver a smooth round to go very close here.
19:09 – TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT HANDICAP HURDLE (4)
VIP Nap.
19:38 – JOIN REBECCA MENZIES RACING CLUB HANDICAP HURDLE (5)
EVENWOOD SONOFAGUN won with plenty in hand at this track just a few days ago and on paper this race appears weaker.
The quick turnaround is the obvious concern, as horses do not always reproduce the same level of form in such a short space of time. However, if running to a similar standard, EVENWOOD SONOFAGUN should take plenty of beating and is expected to follow up with another victory.
20:08 – BIRCHALL TRUST NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP CHASE (3)
The outsider of the three runners appeals as the value selection here, particularly with the weight allowance received from the other two contenders.
Conditions are expected to suit and there is a strong feeling the improved ground will play to the strengths of HOSTILE HOTELIER. For that reason, HOSTILE HOTELIER gets the vote.
20:38 – JJ CROSSFIELD’S SUNDOWNER HANDICAP CHASE (5)
A very open-looking finale where cases can be made for several runners. CLEAN GETAWAY appears overpriced in the market, but the final verdict goes to the Sam England-trained GHASHAM, ridden by Sean Bowen.
His first run over fences was full of promise and he now looks very well handicapped on that effort. While wins have been hard to come by recently, the signs are there that GHASHAM’S turn could be just around the corner.
Newton Abbot Racing Tips
Written by Bryan Rogers
Newton Abbot looks a really competitive card with a good mix of improving novices and exposed handicappers trying to capitalise on falling marks. The quicker ground should suit several runners and there are a few horses here that look particularly well placed based on recent efforts. A couple also look likely to improve significantly for a switch in trip or discipline.
14:53 – STOCK EXE BUILDING SUPPLIES MARES’ NATIONAL HUNT NOVICES’ HURDLE (4)
The card begins with a novice hurdle where LADY KARA has to shoulder a penalty for her recent win and that could make life difficult. Horses carrying penalties after a victory often struggle to follow up, so she looks worth taking on.
The vote goes to LADY LITIGATOR, who has been competing against stronger opposition leading into this race and brings the best form line to the table.
At a much bigger price, WHODUNIT for Joe Tizzard could outrun his odds. Connections may have one eye on securing a workable handicap mark, but he still looks overpriced based on ability.
15:23 – TOTNES AND BRIDGETOWN RACES COMPANY LTD. NOVICES’ HANDICAP CHASE (5)
THICKTHORN TOM ran reasonably well last time out, but I’m not entirely convinced by Dan Skelton’s runner here.
A stronger vote instead goes to the Paul Nicholls-trained IT’S A BREEZE, who should appreciate both the ground and the trip. More importantly, his hurdle rating suggests he has been treated fairly for chasing.
He was travelling notably well before falling last time and there’s every chance he could prove a different proposition over fences. Overall, he looks a solid selection.
15:53 – HUGH MICHELMORE MEMORIAL HANDICAP CHASE (3)
I was very impressed with RICKETY BRIDGE on his latest start and, off a mark of 113, he still appears to be extremely well handicapped.
He is likely to start a warm favourite, but understandably so. This looks a race he can win comfortably before progressing to a higher level in the future.
16:23 – CHRIS WILLS MEMORIAL NOVICES’ LIMITED HANDICAP HURDLE (5)
OCEAN HEIGHTS looks to have a very strong chance here after dropping to an appealing mark. The former Flat performer appears to be finding form again and looks overpriced in the market.
There are definite question marks surrounding some of those towards the head of the betting, while Rian Corcoran is riding in excellent form and should be able to keep OCEAN HEIGHTS competitive throughout at attractive odds.
16:56 – MRS. PAMELA ANN DOBBS BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HANDICAP HURDLE (4)
I have concerns about the trip for the favourite ELLERTON, as the 2m6f distance could stretch his stamina.
For that reason, the vote goes to top weight AMERICAN SNIPE, who has been running against considerably stronger opposition than most of today’s rivals.
It’s slightly surprising that he isn’t shorter in the betting given the level of form he brings into the race.
17:30 – RACING FOUNDATION SUPPORTS AUTISM IN RACING HANDICAP HURDLE (4)
A tricky little four-runner contest rounds off the card. I wasn’t particularly impressed with SEA INVASION last time out and I have a strong feeling this race could set up perfectly for Harry Skelton’s mount SUPREME YEATS.
He should be able to sit quietly off the pace, track the leaders and deliver a late challenge to send punters home happy.