UK racing tips – Tuesday 22 January 2024

NEWBURY

Race 1 – NAVAJO INDY 4/1

NAVAJO INDY just about sets the standard in division one of the Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Maiden Hurdle.

The five-year-old impressed when coming out on top in what looks a strong bumper at this track in November before heading to Exeter to make his hurdling debut last month.

While ultimately unable to lay a glove on the clear-cut winner Alcedo, Navajo Indy was clearly the best of the rest for Tom Symonds, suggesting he is more than capable of winning a maiden of this nature.

Race 3 – KABUKI 9/2

As a solitary runner on the card for trainer Donald McCain, KABUKI must be taken seriously in the Newbury Welcomes Sky Sports Racing Junior ‘National Hunt’ Hurdle.

The four-year-old displayed a willing attitude and no little ability when making a successful start to his career in a junior bumper at Newcastle a month ago.

While the form is difficult to assess, with most of the field previously unraced, Kabuki could do no more than win with something to spare and McCain would not be sending him from Cheshire to Berkshire alone if he did not think he was capable of collecting another win.

Race 5 – MOVIDDY 9/1

MOVIDDY is the pick in the Ray Dalfsen Mares’ Handicap Hurdle.
The Noel Williams-trained eight-year-old won twice over the smaller obstacles last term and has this season embarked on a career over fences.

She has not been disgraced in three outings so far, placing on each occasion, including in a Listed race last time, but it is no surprise connections have opted to revert back to hurdles in order to preserve her novice status over fences for the autumn.

The way she stuck to her task over two and a half miles at Wincanton last month suggested this point-to-point graduate is ready for this first start over three miles under rules.

Race 6 – ISSAR D’AIRY 8/11

ISSAR D’AIRY can notch a second successive victory at Newbury in the Download The BetVictor App Handicap Chase.

Although a dual winner and placed three times from nine outings over hurdles, Gary Moore’s charge looks set to take his game to another level over fences, judged on his debut at this track last month.

The six-year-old was taking on more experienced rivals over the festive period, but you would not have known it, as he stretched effortlessly clear in the style of a horse destined for bigger and better things.

An 8lb hike is not expected to be enough to prevent him from following up.

LEICESTER

Race 1 – GAIA VALLIS 9/1

GAIA VALLIS is a previous course winner and ran an encouraging race under this rider when fourth at Taunton 15 days ago.

Has solid each-way claims, but could grab a first win since January 2022 at Ffos Las.

Pipers Cross finished second in a 3m3/4f handicap at Doncaster less than a fortnight ago. Only 3.3lb higher with the same rider and has a strong chance.

Shesupincourt had eight lengths to spare over Pipers Cross when winning at Bangor at the start of last month. Has a 8.8lb higher mark to contend with but likely to go well.

The consistent Ede’iffs Rock can threaten the places once again.

Race 3 – MT FUGI PARK 8/15

MT FUGI PARK looks one of the more exciting prospects on show at Leicester as he puts his unbeaten record on the line in the Next Meeting @leicesterraces Wednesday 31st January Novices’ Hurdle.

Being a point-to-point winning son of Walk In The Park, the six-year-old was always going to be a star turn at last February’s Tattersalls sale at Cheltenham and trainer Jonjo O’Neill had to go to £290,000 to secure his services.

He did at least give his new connections an immediate return on their significant investment when winning on his hurdling debut at Ffos Las in October and, while the form of that race has not worked out particularly well, Mt Fugi Park is expected to defy the mandatory penalty in the Midlands.

Race 5 – SUPER SURVIVOR 9/2

SUPER SURVIVOR failed to complete when fancied for the Welsh National latest but was an encouraging second at Lingfield the time before.

Presented with a good opportunity to score here for the first time since December 2022.

Top weight The Wolf disappointed at Cheltenham recently but looks well treated when his rider’s 6.6lb claim is taken into account.

Mylesfromwicklow was second over slightly shorter at this track last month and remains open to improvement as a chaser.

Course and distance winner Risk and Roll is another to consider as he returns to fences after two runs over hurdles.

SOUTHWELL

Race 1 – GLORY NIGHTS 11/2

GLORY NIGHTS gained her sole career success under Tilly Evans who is reunited with the gelding after two runner-up efforts from three runs since winning at Wolverhampton in October, so will in the mix in the opener.

Four-time all-weather winner Way Of Life made the frame on seven of his past ten races. Rates an obvious danger.

Sarsons Risk landed a handicap here last month and is feared down in trip.

Race 3 – ROGUE RAIDER 5/4

Punters are advised to put their faith in ROGUE RAIDER, who looks the one to beat in division two of the BetMGM: It’s Showtime Restricted Maiden Stakes at Southwell.

Tom Clover’s gelding has a nice pedigree, being out of a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Hootenanny, and was well backed ahead of his introduction at Kempton early in the new year.

He showed more than enough in finishing a close-up third to suggest a race of this nature is well within his compass.

Race 6 – DARK SIDE THUNDER 10/3

DARK SIDE THUNDER enjoys this venue boasting three successes from five runs over course and distance. Hard to oppose in this moderate contest.

Penultimate start Wolverhampton winner Rock Opera won nicely that day and will appreciate returning to this trip after finding the extended journey here too testing last time. Will be the main danger.

Race 9 – KING VICTOR 7/4

KING VICTOR is two from four at the track with a narrow success tackling the trip. Bold bid likely representing yard in form.

Eagle One made the frame on both previous course visits and looks a danger stepping up in distance.

Desert Quest opened his account under Ryan Sexton seven days ago at Newcastle. Could easily have more to offer.

It would be foolish to dismiss the chances of Smokey Malone who finished with a couple of these behind him winning here attempting the journey twelve days ago.