We’re racing at Leicester, Southwell, Wetherby, and Lingfield today! Take a look at all of our best bets and tips for these UK centres here.
LEICESTER
Race 2 – ETIHAD RAIL 9/4
ETIHAD RAIL was up with the pace throughout when a useful third on debut at Newbury and if taking a step forward now can put that experience to good use in this restricted maiden stakes at Leicester today.
The front two in that contest look set for Royal Ascot juvenile contests so there is plenty to like about the quality of the form and Marcus Tregoning is not one to fully wind his horses up on debut, suggesting there could be plenty more lurking in the locker.
Race 5 – ZIRYAB 5/4
There could be a classy colt on show at Leicester where ZIRYAB can make it third time lucky in the fifth. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the Juddmonte-owned son of Kingman cost 525,000 guineas as a yearling and has shown considerable potential in two outings so far.
He was green on debut when keeping on in eyecatching fashion at Yarmouth and learnt a fair amount on that occasion judged by the progress he showed on his second start at York. The three-year-old was no match for stablemate Mostabshir on that occasion, but considering he could be bound for a Royal Ascot Group One next time, it is no disgrace that Ziryab had to play second fiddle.
There is unlikely to be a rival of that quality in this line-up and the Clarehaven representative can take full advantage, with Derby-winning rider Ryan Moore in the saddle.
SOUTHWELL
Race 3 – ASTON MARTINI 13/8
Nicky Henderson’s ASTON MARTINI is the interesting one in the third at Southwell today. She makes her debut for powerful connections and, if the market speaks in her favour, is of huge interest.
Granny Hawkins is related to a few winners, including being a full-sister to Klitschko, who struck on his bumper debut for the Alan King stable. The daughter of Blue Bresil boasts an appealing profile and can strike at the first time of asking. Darting Rose could have a say as well.
Race 4 – A DEFINITE GETAWAY 8/11
A DEFINITE GETAWAY has been knocking on the door of late and can land this maiden hurdle event. He has been progressive recently and is taken to break his maiden at the eighth time of asking. Genovese makes his hurdling debut following a fair third in a bumper over 2m at this track and is feared most, while Delta Run returns from a break and is another to consider.
WETHERBY
Race 3 – HUG A TREE 11/4
HUG A TREE showed definite signs of ability on her first start when a running-on third and must be thereabouts in this maiden fillies’ stakes. The main danger might be HOT FRONT, who is related to plenty of winners and has enough speed in her pedigree to suggest she can be competitive on debut. Any market support for ROCKET MONEY would be interesting.
Race 5 – BLUE YONDER 85/40
BLUE YONDER should take the beating as he goes for a hat-trick in this handicap eveny. However, William Haggas has a good strike-rate at this venue and so OPERA LEGEND is a threat and warrants respect. The Night Of Thunder gelding raced exclusively over 7f across his three qualifying runs but, with a step up in trip likely to benefit, he can make a successful handicap bow. CAPTAIN POTTER should also be considered.
LINGFIELD
Race 4 – DARK KESTREL 4/5
DARK KESTREL took a massive step forward after being gelded and following wind surgery on his reappearance at Doncaster and could now take the handicap ranks by storm. Six furlongs looks the ideal distance for the time being and the son of Dark Angel lines up off an opening mark of 80 in the fourth at Lingfield.
