Saturday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings at Kempton, Southwell and Newcastle on 24 February 2024.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 1 No11 LORD OF CHESHIRE (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Free-going LORD OF CHESHIRE could take some catching in a race that may have a bearing on the Coral Cup market. He successfully returned from a lengthy absence to score at Warwick, was denied after doing too much in front at Hereford and fell in a valuable race at Sandown. For exactas, trifectas and quartets the others I would include are Largy Poet, Pentland Hills and Joker De Mai.
Race 4 CORAL DOVECOTE NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 2)
No6 LUMP SUM (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
LUMP SUM may just have the measure of Secret Squirrel in one of the best races of the day. The selection and his rival have each given it a good go against the classy Jeriko Du Reponet to make them hard to split. However, Lump Sum already has proven form at this level. He’s highly regarded by his trainer and should get the job done.
Race 5 No8 BOWTOGREATNESS (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
There’s plenty to recommend BOWTOGREATNESS in the best chase run in the UK today, and I will have a decent bet on him. Things rarely go to plan for this normally good jumper, but consequently, he’s become well-handicapped. Although beaten 23 lengths in a novices’ handicap at Cheltenham he was one of the last to come off the bridle, and not punished up the final hill. As a confirmed hold-up horse he will need the cards to fall in his favour, but as his trainer can do little wrong they just might.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No7 ANGLERS CRAG
Trainer: Brian Ellison – Jockey: Henry Brooke
The Eider Chase is a recognised trial for the Grand National, although it probably won’t cast any light on the Aintree market this time around. The go-to horse is ANGLERS CRAG, who promises to relish every yard of the gruelling four-and-a-quarter miles and is unbeaten in three this season. He was most impressive when completing his hat-trick at Musselburgh, and if in similar mood can stave off the challenges of Christopher Wood and The Galloping Bear.
Race 6 No6 HORN CAPE (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Haslam – Jockey: Richie McLernon
Haslam has excelled with his handling of the mercurial HORN CAPE since his move from Lambourn to Middleham. The grey has become a consistent earner over hurdles and can take the spoils in the colours of JP McManus.
CHEPSTOW
Race 1 No2 DASHER
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: James Turner
Although lacking previous experience over hurdles as his main market rivals, DASHER fits the bill to take out the opener. He brings a couple of encouraging efforts in bumpers to the table, and despite returning from almost a year’s absence is fit enough to do himself justice in the colours of his trainer.
Race 3 No3 GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Clarke – Jockey: Nick Schofield
It’s not often you see a chaser jump with the pinpoint accuracy of GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY who can make this a third success from his last four starts. The grey delivered at Fontwell and Uttoxeter, latterly under Schofield who can again get the best out of him against a respected foe in Midnight Ginger.
Race 6 No7 WILLIAMDECONQUEROR
Trainer: Harriet Dickin – Jockey: Benjamin Poste
It will take an out-and-out stayer to take the spoils in a nightcap that promises to turn into a war of attrition. With that in mind, WILLIAMDECONQUEROR could be the answer and provide a welcome success for his small stable. The eight-year-old has troubled the judge in each of his three starts this season and is having only an eighth start over fences on a first visit to a course that should suit him.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 BET UK WINTER DERBY (Group 3)
No6 MILITARY ORDER (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
Lord North is an established class act who for a second year uses this feature as a stepping towards the Dubai Turf at Meydan. The eight-year-old forms the spearhead of a twin assault on the race (run here for the first time) together with Forest Of Dean, but his main rival is MILITARY ORDER, who can prove his nemesis. The last-named horse gained valuable experience at this venue when touched off in a conditions race last month, his first start after a gelding operation. The one-time Epsom Derby favourite can make a fitness edge count against his veteran opponent.
Race 4 No7 CELLO
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
One that jumps off the page in this race around a lap and a half of the track is CELLO. The gelded son of Intello embarks on just a fourth career start, having opened his account in novice company when last seen at Kempton more than a year ago. Not without his problems, he could have been let in lightly for this first run in a handicap and can take the spoils in the colours made famous by Mill Reef.
Race 7 No9 MR SWIVELL
Trainer: James Ferguson – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
City Light colt MR SWIVELL went close on the second start at Kempton when beaten by a well-related rival. While his outer gate poses an element of danger, he should know too much for a couple of interesting newcomers.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 1 No2 JUNGLE MAC (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Charles Bishop
JUNGLE MAC will not make us rich but finds himself in the perfect place to open his account and tee himself up for a rewarding season. In placing on his last three of four starts he ran into some useful rivals, and having worked well ahead of this reappearance he’s faced with a penalty kick.
Race 2 No1 SIXTIES CHIC
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Charles Bishop
SIXTIES CHIC can make it a double for Channon by taking out this sprint handicap. The Sixties Icon filly benefitted from a very astute ride to score at Wolverhampton and can use her turn of foot to equal effect on this track.
