Tuesday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings as Taunton and Newcastle on 20 February 2024.
TAUNTON
Race 2 – GOLDEN MOVE 4/7
Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden have some fine chances at Taunton and Triumph Hurdle entry GOLDEN MOVE makes his debut for the Ditcheat team in the Royal Bath & West Of England Society Maiden Hurdle.
A winner on the Flat for Richard Fahey, he was bought for 215,000 guineas at the autumn sales and as a 20/1 shot for the Festival, connections will be hoping he makes a seamless switch with the big day in mind.
Race 4 – INCA DE LAFAYETTE 2/1
INCA DE LAFAYETTE is another strong prospect for Nicholls and Cobden in the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old has won two of his three starts this term, with his only defeat coming when pulled up at Huntingdon in November.
He bounced back to winning form at this track last month, travelling well over two miles and three furlongs before keeping on to see off Mr Freedom by a length and a half.
Nicholls switches him back to two miles here, but having won over the distance on his seasonal bow, that is not a concern.
Race 5 – LALOR 11/4
Former Grade 1 winner in his prime LALOR could prove hard to beat having posted a smart second on hunters chase debut at Wincanton tackling 3m1f two weeks back.
Dinny Lacey showed plenty of ability in an Irish point-to-point finishing second over 3m and makes for appeal.
Lieutenant Rocco produced a fair fourth tackling the cross-country fences at Cheltenham two runs back and may go close. Macklin shouldn’t be dismissed either
Race 6 – LADY BALKO 1/2
LADY BALKO arrives in strong form with a Leicester second preceding a 19 length victory in a 2m6f mares handicap hurdle at Hereford last week and has a top chance here.
Ginderella did well at Uttoxeter last month on testing ground when second. Back up in journey and should be included on the shortlist.
Cooleenymore is of note producing a Wincanton third prior to a second at Leicester and is appealing.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 – PALLAS LORD 6/5
The hugely-consistent PALLAS LORD can strike again in the Stay Golden With BetMGM Safer Gambling Handicap.
The six-year-old, who is trained by Donald Whillans, has visited Gosforth Park for his past five runs and has not been out of the top two.
Running over seven furlongs and a mile, he has won three times from those starts and even as a runner-up he has never been far from the top spot.
His most recent success was only last week in an apprentice race that leaves him without a penalty this time and he is clearly in top form as he returns to his favourite circuit.
Race 4 – AZURE ANGEL 11/4
AZURE ANGEL is worth following in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap as she returns to the track for the first time since July.
A dual winner at the back end of her juvenile campaign, Azure Angel won one of her two starts in 2023 but has been off the course following that Chelmsford verdict.
Race 6 – NOBLE CAPTAIN 6/4
NOBLE CAPTAIN has been running well including a solid third among this company attempting six furlongs here last week and will be a serious player again.
Street Life found success by a neck in this grade over course and distance two runs ago and should be included on the shortlist, along with Atlantic Heart who produced a decent fourth tackling a track and trip handicap.
Race 8 – STRICTLY DREAMING 5/2
STRICTLY DREAMING scored by four lengths last week at Wolverhampton in this handicap grade. Racing well and rates a big chance.
The main danger will come from Marcello Si found success by attempting a course and distance classified contest.
Sparkling Spirit went well at Southwell managing a neck second tackling this trip and handicap standard and makes for appeal along with Mr Coco Bean.
