UK racing tips – Saturday 20 January 2024

LINGFIELD

Race 1 – REVOLUTIONISE 7/2

This could pan out nicely for REVOLUTIONISE. Trainer Stuart Williams is in excellent form and this six-time all-weather winner looks set for a return to winning ways after posting a solid third-placed finish off this mark at Chelmsford.

Runner-up in that contest Ultramarine is going the right way and with 5.5lb apprentice Jordon Williams back on board a bold bid is anticipated.
Thapa VC scored by a neck over course and distance and cannot be discounted bidding for a hat-trick.

Race 2 – ROMAN EMPEROR 6/1

ROMAN EMPEROR makes the move from the novice sphere in the Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Handicap.

He gained momentum in each of three runs, graduating from third place on debut to second next time out and then victory at Southwell earlier this month. An initial mark of 80 looks reasonable.

Race 3 – AMAZING 9/4

Hollie Doyle has a strong chance with AMAZING in the Boost Your Acca-Fenwa With BetUK Handicap.

The four-year-old shrugged off a lengthy absence to win first time up at a mile and a half on Boxing Day, showing plenty of heart to fend off Glory Nights by three-quarters of a length.

Given she had not run since June, Amazing can be expected to improve for the outing.

Race 4 – DRAGON ICON 7/2

The Roger Varian-trained DRAGON ICON looks a most interesting contender resuming from an eight-month break having been pitched among German G2 company on the back of two impressive all-weather successes.

May find this opening mark well within range from a nice draw.
Last-time-out Kempton winner Talis Evolvere rates a strong player with Ryan Moore booked.

Fantastic Fox could be firmly in the mix racing off the same mark as when third attempting a Class Two handicap over 1m at Newcastle on New Year’s Day.

Each-way claims go the way of Al Rufaa and Forca Timao in what looks a competitive affair.

Race 5 – DIOMED SPIRIT 7/2

Doyle can double up with DIOMED SPIRIT who is on a roll, with a fifth successive victory in his sights in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap.

A winning juvenile back in June 2022, Stuart Williams then had to wait well over a year before his charge resumed the winning thread.

However, his patience has been rewarded as the four-year-old struck gold at Wolverhampton in October, before adding two Chelmsford victories and another win at Dunstall Park for good measure.

Diomed Spirit has progressed from a mark of 66 to his current rating of 85 but he does not appear to have reached his limit yet.

Race 6 – BEHIND THE SCENES 9/1

BEHIND THE SCENES can take a starring role in the BetMGM Winter Oaks Fillies’ Handicap.

James Tate has tried her in Listed company the last twice, finishing a three-and-a-half-length third at Dundalk in November before being beaten less than three lengths when sixth at Deauville on her most recent run last month.

Her rating of 87 merited a shot at that kind of level but moving back to handicap company should help her cause.

A winner off 84 at Wolverhampton in August, the Saxon Warrior filly then went close off her current perch in October, when she got going a bit too late over a mile.

Behind The Scenes certainly looked to get an extended nine furlongs at Deauville, so this edge up to a full mile and a quarter should suit and offers a chance to eke out a little bit extra.

Race 7 – HAVANAZAM 9/2

HAVANAZAM returned to the level with a success attempting 1m4f at Wolverhampton.

Now two from two on the Polytrack and with further improvement certainly possible a 4.4lb rise in weights may prove manageable.

Man Of Riddles caused a surprise in latest winning over two miles at Chelmsford. Not certain to back that effort up however is trained by Max Young and remains well-treated judging by earlier form.

Two Past Eight produced a decent effort finishing third at Wolverhampton on his last flat outing and could go well alongside Le Rouge Chinois.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 1 – WAKE UP HARRY 10/3

WAKE UP HARRY found success by two lengths attempting this handicap grade and journey at Kempton and will be a leading player.

The main danger will be Circles who was a close second at Dundalk in a seven furlong handicap before a 1.75L course and distance handicap victory.

Comedian Leader is another last start winner landing a 1m handicap by a nose at Kempton tackling this level on Wednesday and is appealling.
Place hopes come from Plumette who was a decent fourth contesting a track and trip handicap earlier this month.

Race 5 – ENGLISH SPIRIT 7/4

ENGLISH SPIRIT ran well here producing a solid third in this handicap grade over course and distance last week. Can easily build on that effort.
Win Win Power enjoys this surface. Posted a good third tackling a track and trip handicap in this grade last week and will be the main danger.Tio Mio and Muhalhel should also been on your shortlist.

Race 7 – FOOTSY 7/4

FOOTSY is the pick in the second division of the Find More Big Deals With BetUK Handicap at Wolverhampton.

He has made the frame on each of his last four starts, winning once, finishing second once and taking third twice all at this track.

Race 9 – HANNAH’S RETURN 9/4

HANNAH’S RETURN has been running well in recent outings providing a seven-furlong handicap success by a neck here before a five furlong handicap third at this venue.

Monsieur Fantaisie ran well at Chelmsford last week finishing a good third attempting this standard and journey and should be respected.

Arlecchino’s Gift will also be in the mix after finishing third tackling a track and trip handicap on Monday.