Friday’s UK racing tips come your way from Wolverhampton and Newcastle on 19 January 2024.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 – MUHHALHEL 3/1
MUHHALHEL has not won since June 2021, but his time could come in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap.
He is now off his lowest ever mark of 45 and his three-quarter-length third earlier in the month could be the start of a renaissance.
Race 3 – EDEN STORM 11/2
EDEN STORM can enhance his Wolverhampton record with victory in the Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap.
Three runs at the Midlands venue have resulted in two wins and a second, with the value of his most recent neck victory over Smoky Mountain boosted when that rival was on the mark on his next start back at Dunstall Park.
He did not enjoy a perfect run through that day but still prevailed, with this seven-furlong course and distance his ideal.
Race 6 – KALPANA 6/4
KALPANA takes the eye on debut in the BetMGM: It’s Showtime Novice Stakes.
Related to a couple of winners, Andrew Balding’s charge is bred to get a bit further than this extended mile in time.
Race 7 – PYRRHIC DANCER 10/3
PYRRHIC DANCER bids for a treble at Wolverhampton after wins in November and December.
Also receives the benefit of a jockey claim which assists having won over course and distance on both occasions.
Elusive Tiger will be looking for a double following a success at this track. Drop back in journey won’t pose an issue.
Gypsy Whisper finished second behind Elusive Tiger on that occasion and enjoys this venue.
Twistaline holds each-way claims based on a neck win at Southwell.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4 – CRIMSON CORONET 7/2
CRIMSON CORONET can step up an initial promising debut in the Win £2,000,000 With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.
The Zoustar filly commanded 210,000 guineas as a yearling in 2022, hailing from a fine Anthony Oppenheimer family with Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami and Listed winner Lion’s Pride among his dam’s half-siblings.
With that kind of pedigree it is little surprise Crimson Coronet kicked off life over a mile at Kempton last month, eventually beaten just under four lengths in fifth after keeping on all the way to the line as a 33-1 shot.
She was further back than ideal that day in what appeared a smart fillies’ maiden and Charlie Fellowes’ charge should have learnt plenty for the experience.
Race 5 – WAIT AND HOPE 5/4
WAIT AND HOPE failed to get off the mark in three maiden and novice starts but found handicap company more his speed at Kempton just over a week ago.
Lining up off a mark of 66, Karl Burke’s charge drifted across the track a bit in the finish but still prevailed by a length and a quarter, seemingly appreciating a move up to a mile.
He has been hiked 5lb for that success but given he still looked a bit green at the business end, he could have a bit to work with in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap.
Race 7 – MOON FLIGHT 9/4
MOON FLIGHT made a promising start for Linda Perratt after winning one of his eight starts for previous trainer Sir Mark Prescott.
The four-year-old took second place for his new handler when lining up at Wolverhampton nearly two weeks ago, racing prominently and taking the lead inside the final furlong before just being ran down in the finish.
A repeat of that half-length defeat would probably be good enough, even with a 1lb rise, in the Always Gamble Responsibly With BetUK Handicap.
Race 8 – EL HIBRI 10/3
EL HIBRI found success tackling this handicap level and trip at Southwell and has a big chance of scoring again on that form.
The main danger comes from Nazca who won contesting a course and distance handicap in this grade at the start of the month.
Athollblair Boy showed plenty of ability attempting the same handicap here when runner-up that day and will be in the mix.
Captain Vallo has place claims after a decent fourth in a higher level 6f handicap at Southwell last week.
