UK racing tips – Thursday 22 February 2024

LINGFIELD

Race 1 – CLASSIC MAESTRO 11/8

The in-form CLASSIC MAESTRO won hurdling off this mark at Newcastle a week ago.

May take some stopping if making a smooth transition to chasing at the first time of asking.

With the Ben Pauling yard operating at a 32% strike-rate this past fortnight it’s impossible to ignore Unit Sixtyfour who is only 4.4lb above his last winning mark and now fitted with first-time cheekpieces.

Brulure Noire disappointed at Leicester in latest but could go close if replicating form of her handicap chase success at Ffos Las in November.

Race 4 – MAJOR FORTUNE 4/6

MAJOR FORTUNE can secure his fourth successive victory in the At The Races App Expert Tips Handicap Hurdle.

He has seemingly thrived since stepping up to longer trips, winning over two and a half miles at Market Rasen on Boxing Day before edging up to an extended three miles and a furlong for victory at Hereford.

Major Fortune shrugged off a 3lb rise on that occasion and then ably dealt with a further 6lb when winning over the same two miles and seven furlongs he faces here earlier this month.

Deep ground certainly does not inconvenience him and his five-length margin does not really do him justice, though he will need to improve again off his new mark of 101.

Race 5 – GALWAY MAHLER 7/2

Last-time-out Huntingdon winner GALWAY MAHLER receives a 7.7lb rise in weights which looks manageable and may follow up on that first confidence-boosting chase success.

Moodofthemoment could be in the mix following a decent third-placed finish in a Class Five handicap chase over 2m4f at Leicester. Likely will give Galway Mahler the most to think about.

Twenty Twenty cannot be dismissed lightly having shaped nicely over this distance finishing third at Huntingdon last time and Camulus also warrants consideration.

Race 6 – DOUBLE CLICK 9/4

The Jamie Snowden-trained DOUBLE CLICK posted a fine effort in defeat when runner-up attempting a Class Four handicap hurdle at Leicester.

Will have no problems handling conditions here and can make a bold bid for victory dropping to Class Five company.

Danger could come from handicap debutant Arabescato who may improve now fitted with first-time tongue-tie representing the Olly Murphy yard in excellent form.

Bridge holds solid claims after finishing third hurdling at Southwell last month, while Wise Guy is unexposed and cannot be discounted following a pleasing handicap debut third at Huntingdon.

NEWCASTLE

Race 1 – KITTERIDGE 9/2

KITTERIDGE made a decent debut at Chelmsford in January and better could await in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Maiden Fillies’ Stakes.

Starting her career over 10 furlongs, Kitteridge was eager in the early stages and perhaps just paid for her keen attitude in the finish as an odds-on favourite, with more track experience, swooped to conquer. Hugo Palmer’s filly is worth another chance.

Race 3 – COVER UP 1/1

COVER UP can defy a 5lb hike to bring up his hat-trick in the Find More Big Deals At BetUK Handicap.

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Cover Up did not make it to the track as a juvenile and took a couple of starts before he found the winner’s enclosure last summer.

He suffered a couple of defeats subsequently but given a couple of months off, Cover Up looked an improved performer when winning at Lingfield in November, before following up at Gosforth Park earlier this month.

While the four-year-old only triumphed by half a length, he appeared very good value for the winning margin as he assumed control with the minimum of fuss and looked to have plenty in the locker.

Race 4 – ASADJUMEIRAH 5/1

ASADJUMEIRAH is falling down the ratings and could be back on a winnable mark in the first division of the Always Gamble Responsibly With BetUK Handicap.

Victorious off a mark of 84 at his peak in April 2022, Asadjumeirah has not struck gold since that Thirsk success and has tumbled all the way to his current perch of 61.

His two runs so far this year have offered some hope for Anthony Brittain’s charge though, beaten just a length and a half in fourth at Newcastle last month before registering a two-length second on his latest spin.

Dropped a further 1lb after that run, Asadjumeirah appeals as a dual winner over the same six furlongs he faces here.

Race 8 – PHOENIX STAR 11/4

There could be enough pace upfront to bring PHOENIX STAR into consideration having caught the eye when fourth over six furlongs at Kempton earlier in the week.

Booking Tommie Jakes looks value for his 7.7lb claim and a fourth course and distance success is anticipated.

Elzaal shaped nicely when fourth tackling track and trip last time and should be respect.

Mehmo encountered an improving horse here recently and cannot be ruled out. Others to note include both Birkenhead and Enraged.