UK racing tips – Wednesday 13 December 2023

HEXHAM

Race 1 – LUNAR DISCOVERY 23/20

LUNAR DISCOVERY (1) made a winning return over course and distance after a seven-month absence. Bold bid anticipated with apprentice claim to help.

MARCH WIND (3) finished second in a Newcastle jumpers flat end of the previous prep. Makes hurdling debut holding chances.

SMURFETTE (5) was a fair fourth in a novice hurdle at Warwick on seasonal reappearance. Capable. PRINCESS OF MERCIA (4) is a first race starter. Market watch required.

Race 2 – ARCTIC MAN 7/2

ARTIC MANN (3) could take advantage of an apprentice claim. Placed both starts since a break when hurdling. Switches to fences. Leading chance.

BREEZE OF WIND (5) improved from a reappearance third to finish second at Sedgefield. Can continue to progress. Firmly in the mix.

BEBSIDE BANTER (7) started the new campaign with a 2.75L success attempting a Sedgefield novice handicap chase. Entitled to improve for the run. CARRIGEEN CASTLE (2) ran eighth resuming.

Race 3 – JUGE ET PARTI 4/1

JUGE ET PARTI (5) returned after a seven-month absence with a good second over course and distance.

ZWICKY (4) missed on a hat-trick when third in a fifteen-runner Doncaster handicap hurdle. Still only denied 1L and could be competitive off current mark.

APPLAUS (2) brings the advantage of race fitness. Steps up in distance following a well-beaten last of five at this track. BEAUMESNIL (6) rates each way on seasonal reappearance. Holds some fair form from previous campaign.

Race 4 – GIBBERWELL 3/1

GIBBERWELL (7) holds form in these conditions. Finished runner-up over course and distance in latest. Leading chance carrying a low weight compared to main rivals.

BALLYLINCH (3) started the new season producing a 2L success at Sedgefield. Followed up with a good second and drops back in journey. Proven stayer.

Top weight FAITH LOVING (1) scored by a nose at Fairyhouse two starts back. Interestingly this gelding is travelling from Ireland. EVENT OF

SIVOLA (2) was a useful fourth at Newcastle in latest.

Race 5 – THE VILLAGE WAY 15/8

THE VILLAGE WAY (6) was a good second on sole point-to-point outing. Made a promising start to rules career when runner-up at Wetherby. Leading chance where apprentice claim to assist.

ROWDY ROMEO (4) was a useful third at Sligo two starts back. Not disgraced finishing fifth against a seventeen runner field at Navan subsequently. Contender.

ROCK DANSE (3) improved from a reappearance eighth to finish runner-up at Uttoxeter. Progressing with every experience. BOY DE LA VIS (1) holds each-way claims based on a jumpers flat win in December 2022. Not seen since.

Race 6 – DOYOUKNOWWHATIMEAN 15/8

DOYOUKNOWWHATIMEAN (2) improved from a reappearance fourth at Chepstow to finish third at Uttoxeter. Progressing every outing. Leading chance.

CUDGEL (5) started the new campaign with a good third at this track. Only denied 3L when fourth at Carlisle subsequently. In the mix.

TRAVAIL D’ORFEVRE (1) scored by 0.5L at Carlisle after a seven-month absence. Entitled to come forward for the run. Apprentice claim offers further assistance. AUGHARUE (4) holds each way chances providing a clean round of jumping.

Race 7 – COWBOY COOPER 3/1

COWBOY COOPER (6) returned after a seven-month absence with a third over course and distance. Enjoys these conditions. Improvement possible.

VELASCO (2) ended last season with a win. Third on reappearance attempting a Newcastle handicap hurdle. Contender with progression to come.

YOU SAY ITS OVER (7) bounced back to form finishing a good second tackling track and trip. Worth considering. MY LAST OSCAR (1) holds each way claims based on a third resuming at Warwick.

LEICESTER

Race 1 – APPLE AWAY  4/6

APPLE AWAY (4) sets the standard after a solid third at Haydock Park upon return. Entitled to improve for the run and drops in level.

MAKIN’YOURMINDUP (2) started the new campaign with a fourth at Exeter. Only beaten 6L and can come forward for the outing.

ALAPHILIPPE (1) was pulled up on second start against considerably tougher opposition. Better judged on reappearance second at Carlisle.

MEETMEATTHEARCH (3) is the outsider of this quartet. Would need to find improvement to win.

Race 2 – HAPPY AND FINE 5/2

HAPPY AND FINE (3) started the new campaign finishing third attempting a thirteen-runner Wetherby open handicap chase. Switches to novice company with further improvement to come.

LORD OF KERAK (1) carries top weight. Fourth in a four runner Aintree novice handicap chase behind a subsequent Graded placed performer. Faces easier task.

KEPAGGE (2) produced a fair third at Ffos Las on return. Well-beaten and progression expected. PRESENTING NELLY (4) was denied a hat-trick when sixth tackling a track novice hurdle. Switches to fences.
14:05 (Leicester) Justshortofabubble

JUSTSHORTOFABUBBLE (4) won twice from past four outings including a 4L success at Taunton. Fell two out when firmly in contention at Ludlow. Top chance.

ROYAL MER (2) started the new season with a 1.3L victory at Ffos Las. Capable of going back-to-back.

VAL DANCER (1) returned after a seven month absence producing a good Ludlow third. Improvement expected. Confirmed stayer.

Race 4 – BENNY SILVER 13/10

BENNY SILVER (3) is drawing closer to a well-deserved success with three placings since a break. Good third at Hereford in latest. Bold bid anticipated.

JOHNNY MAC (5) EXTRAORDINARY MAN (1) started the new campaign with a Hereford success. Could improve for race fitness. Carries top weight.

HOWYOUPLAYTHEGAME (4) was a useful third on reappearance after eight-month break. Holds each-way claims. LONIMOSS BARELIERE (6) rates an each way contender with race fitness. Pulled up in latest.

Race 5 – THE EDGAR WALLACE 7/4

THE EDGAR WALLACE (1) started the new campaign with a 2L success at Wetherby. Entitled to improve for the run. Steps up marginally in trip.

MYLESFROMWICKLOW (4) has made gradual progress with each outing since a break. Scored by 2.25L at Huntingdon attempting a lower graded contest and deserves to tackle tougher opposition. Receives the benefit of apprentice claim.

FIRAK (5) won three times from final four outings of the previous preparation. Interesting when resuming. UBETYA (2) was a good third on reappearance. Improvement anticipated.

Race 6 – BRULURE NOIRE 5/4

BRULURE NOIRE (2) commenced the new campaign with a 3.5L success at Ffos Las. Entitled to come forward for the run and takes a deserved step up in grade.

CLONAKILTY (1) was a fair fourth at Huntingdon delivering first outing of the season. Improvement expected based on form from last year.

ARTEMIS KIMBO (3) provided a solid standard of racing at this grade when third at Lingfield. Apprentice claim offers further assistance. NO

QUARTER ASKED (5) holds each way chances following a reappearance second at Ffos Las.