UK racing tips – Thursday 21 December 2023

EXETER

Race 4 – MOLLY OLLYS WISHES 7/2

MOLLY OLYS WISHES has been below her very best of late but showed signs of a minor renaissance when edged into second at Wetherby last month.

A multiple Listed and Grade Two winner in her pomp, Molly Ollys Wishes is without a win since October last year and her rating has duly dropped from a peak of 147 to her current mark of 132.

An initial run at Chepstow in October did not offer much encouragement for Dan Skelton, but with cheekpieces applied at Wetherby, she posted a much better effort in finishing a near five-length second.

That should be a welcome confidence boost ahead of the Naf Metazone Handicap Hurdle.

Race 5 – JUBILEE EXPRESS 13/2

JUBILEE EXPRESS catches the eye in the Join Us On New Year’s Day At Exeter Handicap Chase.

The Sam Thomas-trained six-year-old won once and finished second twice from four attempts over hurdles, with his runner-up effort behind Broadway Boy at Market Rasen in March reading particularly well in light of the winner’s subsequent achievements over fences.

Jubilee Express disappointed on his first foray over the larger obstacles at Ludlow last month, with an early mistake setting the tone for an overall underwhelming performance.

While he will need to raise his game significantly to make his presence felt, that comeback run should have blown away a few cobwebs and the application of cheek pieces could sharpen him up.

SOUTHWELL

Race 1 – GIFT OF RAAJ 5/1

GIFT OF RAAJ scored narrowly over this distance at Newcastle last time.

A 2.2lb higher mark won’t pose too many problems and is selected to win again with an excellent record among Class Six company.

Cold Henry produced some decent efforts on turf during the autumn months and holds major claims in this grade.

Prince Abu is tough to rule out based on his neck second here, as is Easy Equation who finished third over course and distance in October and can feature after a break.

Race 3 – HONOUR YOUR DREAMS 7/1

Last-start Wolverhampton runner-up HONOUR YOUR DREAMS is considered in a wide-open event with the same apprentice booked to ride once more.

Sassy Belle scored narrowly over this distance at Leicester and warrants respect representing new connections.

Beauty Choice finished third tackling six furlongs at Wolverhampton last-time-out and looks a notable contender racing off the same mark.

Billyjoh will likely feature dropping back to Class Five level.

Race 4 – CLEARPOINT10/3

CLEARPOINT can chalk up a second successive victory in the Build Your Acca With BetUK Handicap.

The Ardad gelding made a splash in winning his first two juveniles starts for Richard Fahey last year, but a try in Group and Listed company proved beyond him and after a lacklustre effort at Royal Ascot in June, he was sold for 22,000 guineas after originally costing £100,000.

He made an inauspicious start for Charlie Fellowes when last at Haydock in September, but quickly righted the record when winning next time out and again when most recently seen.

Those victories sandwiched a slightly disappointing effort upped in class, but it appears Clearpoint is at his best when allowed to dominate, so a total of six rivals here should help on that front.

Race 6 – WHATAWIT 7/4

WHATAWIT can maintain his fine record with victory in the BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Novice Stakes.

Winner of three of his five starts under rules, encompassing two bumpers and a Wolverhampton novice, Whatawit has finished second and third on the other two occasions for Sir Mark Prescott.

His most recent outing was that Dunstall Park win, when he successfully dropped in trip to a mile and half, with a further dip to 11 furlongs his task this time.

That may not prove too much of an issue, with his rider likely to take a positive approach again.

CHELMSFORD

Race 2 – SEA OF ANGELS 7/1

Both SEA OF ANGELS and Via Blanca shaped nicely when fourth and second respectively over five furlongs at Lingfield.

The former comes here slightly better off at the weights and is considered with a first-time hood fitted while the latter could go well receiving a nice draw in stall seven.

First-time cheekpieces could bring about improvement from Bitcoin Profit who was third over six furlongs at Wolverhampton last time.
Market support behind stable debutant Gogo Yubari could prove telling.

Race 4 – ANNAFEL 5/4

ANNAFEL has shown some ability in two racecourse starts to date and his time can come at Chelmsford.

John and Thady Gosden’s charge stepped up from his initial debut fourth to be beaten just a short head last time, suggesting something like the CCR Novice Stakes should be within his compass.

Race 7 – DICKO THE LEGEND 7/2

Previous course and distance winner DICKO THE LEGEND went well finishing runner-up over five furlongs at Wolverhampton. Can return to winning ways attempting this distance.

Bidding for a hat-trick Havechatma commands respect on the back of victories attempting this journey at Southwell and Lingfield.

Fiscal Policy looks feasibly handicapped and could go well dropping back to six furlongs after two months off.

Sassy Redhead finished third behind the second selection in the aforementioned Southwell handicap and is weighted to get closer here.

Race 9 – GRAND DUTCHESS OLGA 9/4

GRAND DUTCHESS OLGA goes well at this venue. She finished third over two miles here a month ago and looks the most solid proposition with this drop back in distance not an issue.

Philos won with authority adopting first-time visor at Kempton and can remain competitive if headgear has the same desired effect.

Others to note are Churchella who disappointed last time but won at Newcastle prior and recent Fakenham hurdle winner Royal Athena.