Monday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings at Taunton and Stratford on 11 March 2024.
STRATFORD
Race 1 – SWIFT HAWK 4/7
SWIFT HAWK stands out for Nicholls in the opening Find The Best Odds Oncourse Juvenile Hurdle at Stratford.
He was picked up for 85,000 guineas after showing promise on the Flat when with William Knight and that looked money well spent after he came with a nice run to oblige at Taunton on his jumping debut in late December.
He has been withdrawn from his last three intended starts, but Swift Hawk can now start making up for lost time.
Race 3 – MILLDAM 7/2
MILLDAM will not mind the conditions being testing in the Better Value With Racecourse Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle, judged on his past efforts this term.
The going was officially described as heavy for his wins at Ffos Las and Catterick, with Jamie Snowden’s gelding showing a willing spirit to get the better of The Churchill Lad in a fierce battle last time out.
Race 4 – PIPERS CROSS 1/1
PIPERS CROSS secured a deserved success at Huntingdon recently and should be there or thereabouts once more in the Alderminster Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle.
After kicking off with a trio of runner-up finishes for her new connections, Robbie Llewellyn’s mare powered home to score by a dozen lengths and will again be coming on strong as others cry enough in tough conditions.
Race 5 – FORCE DE FRAP 3/1
FORCE DE FRAP looks a force to be reckoned with in the Oncourse Bookmakers Welcome You To Stratford Handicap Chase.
He’s bidding for a hat-trick here as he had an easy 15 length success in Bangor and a narrow win at Ludlow in this grade over two miles.
He’s definitely the main danger to current market leader
Doyouknowwhatimean and could pip him to the win.
TAUNTON
Race 1 – INSIDE MAN 1/2
Jane Williams is having a fantastic season with her juvenile hurdlers and INSIDE MAN can continue that trend at Taunton.
Castelfort, Kel Du Large and Captain Marvellous have done the yard proud in this department, proving the old adage that success breeds success.
Inside Man began his career by giving Liari a good test at Wincanton and Paul Nicholls’ charge has since franked the form by scoring in Listed company at Aintree and Musselburgh.
That promising effort was followed up by a convincing eight-length victory at this venue and he sets a strong standard in the William Hill Epic Value Junior “National Hunt” Hurdle.
Race 3 – JUST OVER LAND 15/8
JUST OVER LAND came good at Lingfield last month, justifying some strong support in the betting ring when making all to romp home by 18 lengths.
The five-year-old had been costly to follow before that, disappointing his backers when well fancied on several occasions, but a wind operation appeared to work wonders.
A full-brother to the useful Good Risk At All, this Sam Thomas-trained five-year-old has the scope to go in again in the William Hill Extra Place Races Handicap Hurdle.
Race 5 – LADY BALKO 5/4
LADY BALKO is backed to complete a quick hat-trick for David Pipe in the William Hill Lengthen Your Odds Handicap Hurdle.
This lightly-raced five-year-old followed up a 19-length Hereford success by battling on well to prevail over this course and distance and can carry on improving.
Pipe had two winners out of a possible three at a meeting just over a week ago and will look to add to his growing collection of Taunton winners here.
Race 6 – GOORCOMBE MOONSHINE 3/1
GOORCOMBE MOONSHINE looks to continue his good run of form in the William Hill Cheltenham Offers Handicap Chase.
He won over two miles and two furlongs at Fontwell in this handicap chase grade, before a decent third at Plumpton over 2 miles and one furlong.
On his last outing he was unlucky to unseat his rider at Ludlow, but he has a leading chance here.
