UK racing tips – Monday 17 July 2023

Ayr

Race 1 – MISEMERALD 

MISEMERALD built on her debut third at Carlisle when getting off the mark at Beverley and Philip Kirby’s filly, who drops back in trip on this occasion, may prove too strong for the opposition.

Beechwood Star shaped with a fair amount of promise when third at Thirsk earlier in the month and is expected to be sharper for that initial experience, while Terrorise and Petra Celera appeal most of the remainder.

Race 2 – MAC AILEY 15/2

In a competitive renewal it may be sensible to side with MAC AILEY, who could be called the winner a long way out when holding on for a neck success here over further.

If he travels as well today then the drop back to a mile may prove ideal, although Propagation is a major danger.

Only beaten two lengths last time despite a slow start and trouble in running, he may get involved with a better passage.

End Zone was caught close home at Musselburgh and may try to make all, while Chinese Spirit is another to think about for the places.

Race 3 – THUNDER ROAR 11/2

THUNDER ROAR appeared to win with something in hand for new connections over 7f last Monday and a 5lb penalty may not be enough to prevent Tony Coyle’s inmate from completing a quick-fire double.

Illusionist shaped better than the bare form when sixth at Haydock last month and is another to strongly consider now 2lb lower than his last success, while the hat-trick seeking Rock Melody can’t be ruled out in his current mood, despite a 4lb rise for his Musselburgh success earlier in the month.

Race 4 – ONE LAST HUG 11/2

ONE LAST HUG must be considered having been in rude health this term.

He was a cosy winner over five furlongs here last week, but has no problem up at six and could prove tough to beat in the Racing League On Sky Sports Racing Handicap under a 4lb penalty.

NEWTON ABBOT

Race 1 – FRANKIE FAULKNER 3/1

FRANKIE FAULKNER didn’t quite appear to get home when third here over an extended 2m5f and the drop in trip gives Evan Williams’ gelding the ideal opportunity to get off the mark, especially in a contest lacking depth on paper.

Film D’action benefited from wind surgery when finishing third at Ffos Las and is entitled to improve for stepping up in distance, while Fortunate Fred, who was runner-up in this contest 12 months ago, completes the shortlist.

Race 3 – SAN GIOVANNI 11/4

SAN GIOVANNI was progressive last summer, winning two on the spin before disappointing in a valuable contest at Worcester in September.

The seven-year-old returns following wind surgery and is taken to bounce back to winning ways.

Pyramid Place went up 3lb for his Cartmel victory in May and commands respect, while others to note include Vision Des Flos and Thirtyfourstitches.

Race 4 – THE GREY FALCO 85/40

Phoenix Risen was beaten less than a length in a similar contest last month off this mark and the six-year-old could go well again off bottom weight, but he may have to give way to THE GREY FALCO, who caught the eye at Southwell when winning very easily at the end of June.

He does have an added 9lb from the handicapper but appears to be at the top of his game, while Nevendon and Clearance are others to consider in an intriguing contest.

Race 6 – SHAKIYRA 6/4

Point-to-point winner Fountainspinklady has the form in the book after her second to Daytona Beach in a Worcester bumper, but she stayed on well to snatch a place that day and may do better over further in time.

A chance is taken on newcomer SHAKIYRA, a daughter of Passing Glance and related to numerous winners including Call Me Tara, who scored by 40 lengths last time out.

She could yet be above average for Fergal O’Brien, leaving Dontmesswithme to follow them home.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 1 – RUSSIAN RUMOUR 11/4

RUSSIAN RUMOUR won with authority at Bath when making all over further and if he can get to the lead, an added 2lb from the handicapper may not stop him following up whilst he remains at the top of his game.

If he fails to run to form, then Al Azhar could be the one to take advantage trying this trip for the first time after running on into second at Brighton, while Sea Appeal drops in class and may be the one to chase them home.

Race 3 – OH SO GRAND 23/20

OH SO GRAND was value for more than the official margin of a neck when winning at Bath after losing momentum in the final furlong and, if she improves again as hoped, she may be able to successfully give the weight away to all of her rivals.

Doras Tamar ran well on her debut when second over seven furlongs and is immediately stepped up in trip, which seems sure to suit and she may get the better of Sir Raj, who ran below expectations at Windsor but tries cheekpieces for the first time here.

Race 4 – COLOANE 4/5

COLOANE registered a near-miss the last time she raced over this course and distance in March and, as this appears to be a weaker race, she rates as the one to be with here.

Brigitte doesn’t have many miles on the clock and certainly warrants a check in the betting market, while Don’t What Me Boy (fifth) could feasibly get closer to the selection (second) if he settles better than he did when they met at Chelmsford eight days ago.

Senseofentitlement is also respected back up in trip.

Race 7 – AJS LATTAM 1/5

This looks a good opportunity for AJS LATTAM to extend his unbeaten record on his first start in Europe.

Improved from his debut success to win by a length and a half from 15 other runners on his last start in April in Doha, will be fresh from a break and hard to oppose getting a weight for age allowance from older horses here.