Wednesday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings at Ludlow and Newbury on 20 December 2023.
NEWBURY
Race 1 – TORNEO 15/8
Jamie Snowden has been enjoying a fine campaign so far and TORNEO is taken to add another win to his impressive tally in the BetVictor Loyalty Club Juvenile Hurdle.
A decent performer on the Flat in France, the son of Toronado looked well bought at €110,000 to go jumping and can build on a solid second at Catterick on his National Hunt debut, having since been gelded.
Race 3 – BRAVE KINGDOM 15/8
BRAVE KINGDOM made a most encouraging comeback from 690 days on the sidelines when making all to beat the hat-trick seeking General Medrano at Plumpton.
After reportedly working well at home, the three-time hurdles winner jumped superbly throughout and a 5lb rise up the ratings may not stop him following up in the JM Finn Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
Race 4 – GALIA DES LITAUX 8/11
GALIA DES LITAUX sets a strong standard in the Listed-class Make Your Best Bet At BetVictor Mares’ Chase.
Dan Skelton’s charge showed plenty of promise as a novice last season, notably romping home by 13 lengths in a Grade Two contest at Warwick ahead of Complete Unknown, who was favourite for the Coral Gold Cup at this venue recently.
Taking on the top boys at Cheltenham and Aintree proved a step too far but Galia Des Liteaux made a pleasing reappearance against her own sex last month.
Harry Skelton had to keep pushing away to fend off Found On but a strong jump at the last helped her to prevail by four and a half lengths.
The seven-year-old can be expected to come on for that first run, as many of her stablemates have done this term, and this stiffer track should play to her strengths, so it will take a big effort to lower her colours.
Race 5- GIDLEIGH PARK 20/21
The BetVictor EBF Stallions “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle looks a hot contest and GIDLEIGH PARK gets the nod to further enhance his lofty reputation.
Harry Fry’s charge created a good impression when staying on strongly to score by six lengths in a Chepstow bumper from The Jukebox Man, who has since franked the form with three straight victories.
Gidleigh Park again powered up the home straight when striking by seven and a half lengths on his debut over timber at Exeter and the runner-up Range won nicely next time, so he is a rock-solid option and stepping up in trip will suit.
Race 6 – IN THE AIR 9/1
IN THE AIR‘s run at Sandown last time out was too bad to be true and he is given another chance in the Queens Arms In East Garston Handicap Chase.
Gary Moore’s five-year-old was a nice second on his first outing over fences at Huntingdon and previously did well in handicap hurdles, chasing home JPR One at Taunton before scoring under 12st at Fontwell.
LUDLOW
Race 2 – GABORIOT 15/8
GABORIOT remains unbeaten this season after a flawless start to the campaign and looks best placed to continue winning streak.
Quoi De Neuf improved on opening effort at Market Rasen to finish second at Catterick over 2m3 1/2f and has a genuine chance.
Jimmy The Digger found things tough at Warwick running fifth. Takes on easier here and isn’t without hope.
Musical Slave couldn’t handle the market leaders in a tricky race at Cheltenham and might play a role if bringing A-game.
Race 3 – DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS 6/4
DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLRDS turned a promising debut run at Stratford into a winning one at Huntingdon attempting a jumpers flat. Showed plenty of ability and is the one to beat.
Love Tree only narrowly lost out to Dameofthecotswolds last start and could reverse form finding improvement over hurdles.
Virginia Lodge revisits lesser company after pulling up in a Listed event. Big player if replicating maiden hurdle win.
Circle Of Hope finished third at Fakenham on debut over two miles and might find more to play a winning role.
Race 6 – CARTONNE 4/1
CARTONNE improved from seasonal debut effort to land a Doncaster race and will be a leading player.
Mister Marbles returns from a lengthy lay off. Filled a minor placing at Chepstow over two miles and is capable if ready to go.
Barrakhov is having his first start for new yard and will need to improve on fifth placed effort at Worcester Maiden.
Race 7 – GO TO WAR 8/15
GO TO WAR can make it third time lucky over jumps in the Tanners Cava EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle.
Fergal O’Brien’s charge won a Uttoxeter bumper last term before being far from disgraced in Grade Two company at Aintree, but he parted company with Paddy Brennan when put over obstacles at Exeter in October.
His third-placed effort in a well-contested Taunton contest was much more like it, though, and the son of Soldier Of Fortune now looks ready to come home in front.
