UK racing tips – Monday 18 March 2024

SOUTHWELL

Race 2 – GREAT SAMOURAI 11/4

GREAT SAMOURAI can make a successful debut for new connections in the Get The Inside Track With raceday-ready.com Handicap Chase.

The seven-year-old has shown a decent level of ability without setting the world alight for Dan Skelton, twice filling the runner-up spot from four starts under rules.

He was a firm favourite to make a winning start to his career over fences on his most recent appearance at Huntingdon in October, but had to make do with the silver medal behind No Risk With Lou and changed hands in the new year for the relatively modest fee of £12,000.

Great Samourai is now in the care of Charles and Adam Pogson and the booking of three-time champion jockey Brian Hughes suggests the team mean business.

Race 4 – FORTUNATE MAN  6/4

FORTUNATE MAN has a good opportunity to get back on the winning trail in the Try The Racing App This Afternoon Novices’ Hurdle at Southwell.

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill went to €210,000 to secure the Irish point-to-point winner last year, but he did not get off to the best of starts, unseating Jonjo jnr on his hurdling bow at Ffos Las in December.

He got the job done in fine style at Newbury next time, so it was a little disappointing that he could do no better than a moderate third in his bid to follow up at Wetherby.

That being said, the winner Asta La Pasta is a useful sort, while the runner-up Tedtwo bolted up at Sedgefield recently.

A step up in trip looks the right way to go with Fortunate Man and he is expected to reward those who keep the faith.

Race 5 – OUR PINK LADY 15/8

James Owen’s OUR PINK LADY can notch a second course and distance win in the space of a fortnight in the Tips For Every Race At raceday-ready.com Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, with a 5lb rise for her impressive first victory judged lenient.

Planet Sport ambassador Harry Cobden is in the saddle and will be looking to strengthen his grip on top spot in the race to be this year’s champion jockey.

Race 7 – INNISFREE LASS 7/4

INNISFREE LASS will be tough to beat in the Enjoy The Racing App For Free Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle.

She won over this course and distance when fitted with cheekpieces for the first time and the in-form Stuart Edmunds has found a good opportunity for her to follow up that win.

NEWCASTLE

Race 2 – BIG NARSTIE 11/4

BIG NARSTIE looks well placed to complete his hat-trick on the all-weather at Newcastle in the Best Racing Odds Guaranteed At BetMGM Handicap.

The six-year-old has been performing creditably all winter for the excellent Mick Appleby and was good value for the winning margin of a length and three-quarters when scoring over this track and trip earlier in the month.

He struck again just two days later under a penalty at Southwell and, provided those exertions have not taken their toll, he has an excellent opportunity to extend the winning sequence in the north east.

Race 3 – GOLDEN RAINBOW 6/5

GOLDEN RAINBOW renews his rivalry with Another Angel in the Build Your Acca With Betuk Classified Stakes.

In his last two outings, which were also over this course-and-distance, Golden Rainbow had the beating of Another Angel, coming second last time out and making a visit to the winners enclosure the race prior to that.

This looks a suitable race for him and should see him return to winning ways here.

Race 4 – RISHI 7/1

RISHI is running in the Bet 10 Get 40 At Betmgm Handicap and a step back up in trip should favour Tristan Davidson’s three-year-old.

He ran well at Wolverhampton over five furlongs last time out when finishing third in his first handicap outing.

He drops 1.1 lb for that effort and looks an interesting proposition.

Race 5 – FOREVER NOAH 7/2

FOREVER NOAH looks to continue his upward trajectory of form in the Find More Big Deals At Betuk Novice Stakes.

On his debut at Kempton he finished fifth out of 12, but he followed that up with an impressive third at Lingfield over seven furlongs.

Further improvement should be considered for Roger Varian’s three-year-old.