UK Racing Tips – Saturday 20 May 2023

NEWBURY 

Race 1 – NOBLE STYLE 4/6

Charlie Appleby should also be on the mark with Noble Style in the BetVictor Carnarvon Stakes. Unbeaten at two, he did not appear to see out the mile distance in the 2000 Guineas on what was his first start beyond six furlongs, eventually being beaten just over five lengths in sixth. Dropping back to six furlongs and Listed company, Noble Style appears well ahead of his rivals and should strip fitter for his Newmarket spin.

Race 2 – HASKOY  10/3

Ralph Beckett and Juddmonte charge Haskoy is worth a shout in the Al Rayyan Stakes. She was second past the post in the St Leger but demoted to fourth after causing interference, although it was still an excellent effort on what was just her third career start. The daughter of Golden Horn looked sure to improve again at four and moving back to 12 furlongs on her return should be no issue.

Race 3 – EXOPLANET 5/1

Exoplanet was brushed aside by Military Orders at this track on his seasonal bow, but compensation awaits in the BetVictor London Gold Cup. Beaten four lengths by the leading Derby hope, Exoplanet holds a clutch of Group-race entries and winners of this race often gone on to much better things, with Bay Bridge, Headman, Defoe and Time Test all on the recent roll of honour.

Race 4 – MODERN GAMES 7/2

Modern Games can bounce back from a surprise defeat on his reappearance by winning the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. The four-year-old has four wins at the highest level to his credit, having the distinction of being a dual Breeders’ Cup winner following victories in the Juvenile Turf in 2021 and the Mile in 2022. He also landed the French 2000 Guineas as a three-year-old and the Woodbine Mile in what has been a fine global campaign masterminded by Appleby, although it did mean he was limited to just two British starts last year.

NEWMARKET 

Race 2 – ACOTANGO 7/2

It looks best to side with Acotango, who finished a good second at Haydock on his reappearance last month. He bumped into a progressive rival that day, who has subsequently followed up off a 6lb higher mark. The gelded son of Kodiac could be well handicapped nudged up 3lb in the ratings, and he’s well fancied. 

Race 3 – EMINENCY 5/2

Eminency can take a starring role in the Aspall Suffolk Draught Cyder Handicap at Newmarket. He endured a luckless run when beaten less than two lengths in fourth at Kempton last month and his current mark of 86 still looks competitive. 

Race 4 – POWERDRESS 10/3

A case can be made for most of these but marginal preference is for Powerdress, who struggled in the 1000 Guineas last time but her previous effort over course and distance suggests that a mark of 88 should be workable.