UK racing tips – Friday 22 March 2024

NEWBURY

Race 1 – SECRET INVESTOR 5/2

SECRET INVESTOR can kick things off at the Berkshire circuit by proving a cut above his rivals in the Lengthen The Odds At BetVictor Open Hunters’ Chase.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 12-year-old sidestepped the Cheltenham Festival this term and can enhance an impressive record at this venue instead, having beaten Clan Des Obeaux in the 2021 Denman Chase.

Nigel Twiston-Davies will be hoping The Newest One can get back on track in the Bet In-Play On Racing At BetVictor Novices’ Hurdle.

He has faced tough assignments on his last two starts but previously romped home by 19 lengths at Chepstow after a fine second to Buddy One at Cheltenham, so looks worth sticking with back down in class.

Race 2 – ATLANTA BRAVE 10/3

ATLANTA BRAVE is fancied to secure a deserved first success over fences in the Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

Kerry Lee’s charge picked up a couple of hurdle wins last term before finishing fourth in a hot contest at this two-day meeting when among the market leaders.

Blow Your Wad, Inneston and Equinus were in front of him and all three have gone on to frank the form in subsequent outings.

Atlanta Brave disappointed on his chasing debut at Cheltenham in October, although two and a half miles on good ground was far from ideal.

Stepped up to three miles at Exeter, he did well to recover from a bad mistake mid-race before finishing second to well-backed favourite Enjoy Your Life.

The six-year-old was then only edged out late on by Surrey Quest here over an extra two furlongs and the feeling is that this week’s track, trip and going conditions will prove the perfect combination.

Race 4 – STEEL ALLY 5/1

STEEL ALLY went into the notebook as one to follow when making all to score by a comfortable six lengths at Wincanton at the start of last month.

He was denied a couple of subsequent opportunities due to bad weather but can prove worth the wait in the BetVictor Gamble Responsibly Handicap Hurdle.

Race 5 – MT FUGI PARK 5/1

MT FUGI PARK was pulled up on heavy ground in an Albert Bartlett trial at Haydock last time out but is taken to redeem his reputation in the Steve Jobar MND Handicap Hurdle.

A £290,000 purchase after winning an Irish point-to-point, the six-year-old beat a useful sort in Wrappedupinmay at Ffos Las on his debut for Jonjo O’Neill and then accounted for Alcedo at Leicester.

HEXHAM

Race 1 – GALUNGGUNG 4/7

GALUNGGUNG made a pleasing start to career running second in a Kelso novice hurdle more than a year ago. Capable of a bold bid returning from a lengthy lay-off.

Fox’s Fancy is another resuming following a year-long absence. Second tackling a jumpers flat at this course when last seen.

French Highlands is expected to improve for a switch to hurdles. Well-beaten ninth on debut in a jumpers flat.

That One holds each-way claims as a horse making steady progression.

Race 3 – HERITIER DE SIVOLA 10/11

HERITIER DE SIVOLA bids for a quickfire hat-trick in Hexham’s Best Odds Guaranteed Daily At Vickers.Bet Handicap Chase, having hacked up at the Scottish Borders circuit and Newcastle in the space of just three days last week.

Phil Kirby’s gelding has picked up 7lb penalties for each of those victories but is still 2lb better off than his revised mark.

Race 4 – RUMBLE B 5/2

RUMBLE B produced two good placed efforts prior to a seven length success at Sedgefield tackling a longer trip. Leading chance dropping back in journey seeking a double.

Wal Buck’s has been racing consistently including a close second in a Leicester novice hurdle. Firmly in the mix switching to open company.

Lucky So And So carries top weight. Showed improved form when second at Lingfield in latest. Consider.

Atomic Angel returned after a two month lay-off with a third at this course. Track experience is positive.

Race 6 – TWO AULD PALS 7/4

TWO AULD PALS finds a solid winning opportunity in the Join Us On Tuesday 9th April Handicap Hurdle.

Placed past three outings and races from an appealing mark. Finished 2L third contesting a small field novice hurdle when last seen.

Paddy The Horse is making steady progress. Fair third at Newcastle tackling soft going in latest. Thereabouts if replicating.

Duo D’Enfer carries top weight with two wins and two placings last five attempts. Looks one for the placings on current mark.

NEWCASTLE

Race 2 – RUN BOY RUN 1/2

RUN BOY RUN stands out at Newcastle in the BetUK. Home Of The Acca Restricted Maiden Stakes after showing plenty of promise as a juvenile last year.

His debut second to Ghostwriter at Newmarket certainly worked out well, as the winner went on to land the Royal Lodge back at HQ, while Richard Spencer’s charge produced another couple of good runner-up efforts at Chelmsford.

His dam Instructress scored on an artificial surface herself and has already produced several winners.

Race 4 – DANIELSFLYER 11/2

DANIELSFLYER brings excellent winning form seeking a course four-timer following a victory among this handicap company here over one mile, so has a top chance.

One More Dream went well with a Southwell success preceding a 7f handicap second here last week and should be respected.

Mumayaz found success by a nose at this venue contesting a six furlong handicap last week. Makes for appeal.

Race 5 – GLAMOROUS EXPRESS 15/8

GLAMOROUS EXPRESS scored tackling a higher level 6f handicap at Kempton last Wednesday. Rates a leading chance.

Water Of Leith brings strong form with a Southwell five furlong victory preceding a second at Wolverhampton attempting this standard last week.

Redzone ran well here also last week when a close third contesting a six furlongs handicap and could be in the mix again.

Race 7 – HEADSHOT 4/1

HEADSHOT scored by a head contesting this level at Southwell over 1m last week. Leading chance set to follow up.

Drakeholes went well at this venue two weeks back finishing a neck second in this grade tackling 7f and will be the main danger.

Copper Mountain showed plenty of ability at this track managing a decent third attempting 1m in this class and holds claims.