UK Racing Tips – Wednesday 5 April 2023

NOTTINGHAM

Race 3 – BLEAK 11/4

William Haggas’ BLEAK can be expected to shape better than on his an eye-catching debut at Newcastle when he runs in the third at Nottingham. Caught wide on the wing with no cover, he ran keen for two furlongs but still cruised into contention as if he was going to take a hand in the finish. Understandably he weakened out of it in the closing stages, but Danny Tudhope was certainly not hard on him when his chance was gone and better is expected.

Race 4 – GOODFELLA 6/1

GOODFELLA could be underrated in the market in this handicap test . Patrick Owens’ son of Footstepsinthesand was second at a big price at Yarmouth over seven furlongs before being beaten just a head on soft ground at Newbury three weeks later. There was a regally-bred Gosden horse back in third that day, so the form looks strong.

Race 5 – COQUELICOT 9/2

COQUELICOT looks an interesting runner in the fifth for Anthony Honeyball. Honeyball is better known for his jumpers, who are currently ending the season in good form, and this mare is pretty useful in that sphere herself. She has won three bumpers and three times over hurdles and has certainly proven she acts in testing conditions. Last seen on the all-weather over a mile and a half at Southwell, that would not have been enough of a test for her as she stays three miles in soft ground well enough. What that run did do though was qualify her for a handicap mark and we will find out if 71 is high enough or not with Andrea Atzeni an interesting booking.

Race 6 – ENTRANCEMENT 5/2

David Menuisier clearly has his string well forward having won the Lincoln on Saturday, but there is more than one reason to believe his ENTRANCEMENT is the one to be on in this fillies’ handicap. This filly by Expert Eye took six attempts to get off the mark for the now-retired Harry Dunlop last season, but crucially when she did it was on soft ground at the same Colwick Park venue. She is up 6lb for that win off 65 but it was clear-cut, as they tend to be in testing ground, and conditions should suit again here.

Race 7 – ECTOCROSS 7/4

ECTOCROSS can follow up his win last month in the final event at Nottingham this evening. Unplaced in three runs for Jim Boyle last season, he was well-supported on his debut for Simon Dow at Lingfield. Those who took the fancy prices must have believed they had done their money early on as he was slowly away, finding himself detached in last in a 12-runner field. Bustled along to get in touch, he raced on and off the bridle throughout, showing distinct signs of greenness. However, on turning into the straight he could be spotted going very well but Callum Shepherd then met trouble in running. It was to his credit that when he hit top stride he made significant inroads and while he only just got there in the nick of time, he actually won quite readily. He must have posed a real problem for the handicapper as, having being available at 40-1 that morning, he won at odds of 17-2 but only by a head. Racing off a mark of 58 that day, he only has to carry 2lb more now.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 2 – TOTNES 5/4

TOTNES looks the best bet on the card at Wolverhampton for Andrew Balding. She was only 11-2 for her debut against Ralph Beckett’s Classic prospect Bluestocking but disappointed and was not seen for another 163 days. Having totally outclassed her rivals last month, Balding will be delighted with an opening mark of just 71.