Wednesday’s UK racing tips come your way from the meetings at Haydock and Southwell on 20 March 2024.
HAYDOCK
Race 2 – PRAIRIE WOLF 10/11
PRAIRIE WOLF can build on his impressive win last time out when returning to action in the Maximum Eco For Biotechnology Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.
Although up 7lb for that Catterick victory, the ground will again be to his liking and he can make it a quickfire double for Sue Smith and Nick Scholfield.
The seven-year-old also gave a good account of himself in a Class Two race at Cheltenham in January when fourth to Ginny’s Destiny, who went on to only be beaten narrowly by Grey Dawning in the Grade One Turners at the Festival.
He is 13lb higher than when winning his maiden chase at Doncaster in mid-December but should have enough in the tank to make it three from five over the bigger obstacles overall.
Race 3 – DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS 3/1
DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS ran well at this venue last month when a good third in a heavy ground two mile juvenile hurdle.
The winner, Salver, posted a strong third in G1 company at the Cheltenham Festival last week and this event looks an ideal opportunity, so has a top chance.
Lady Pretender showed plenty of promise in France and recorded a mares maiden hurdle fifth over two miles at Hereford last month. Now second up and can improve.
Ascending Lark is on stable debut after three jumper flat race attempts last season and is worth a market check.
Race 4 – ALI STAR BERT 5/1
ALI STAR BERT can make it a hat-trick when stepping up in class and distance in the Greyland 25th Anniversary Handicap Chase.
The eight-year-old has just a 3lb rise to contend with from a recent victory over three miles at Wetherby and is only 7lb higher than for a Southwell victory earlier last month, while travelling an extra half a mile on ground he favours will suit.
Race 6 – SHANTOU MOON 9/1
SHANTOU MOON can get back to winning ways in the Maximum Eco For Sustainability Handicap Hurdle.
He was narrowly beaten into third at Catterick at the end of last month when held up and is on the same mark as that race, while only 4lb higher than when a neck second to the fast-finishing Champ Royal at the same course.
On ground he relishes, from the bottom of the handicap, Shantou Moon can add to his January victory at the North Yorkshire venue for Tristan Davidson and Harry Reed.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 – NIGHT RAIDER 3/10
All eyes will be on NIGHT RAIDER in the opening Boost Your Acca At BetMGM Novice Stakes.
Karl Burke’s colt created a huge impression when romping home by nine lengths on his racecourse bow in mid-December and big things are expected of him as a three-year-old.
Race 3 – MY CHIQUITA 8/1
MY CHIQUITA won twice with hurdles when last seen in October. The Ben Brookhouse-trained five-year-old placed off this mark attempting the flat at Chelmsford last season.
It’s impossible to ignore Upepo following back-to-back placed efforts around the 1m4f journey at Wolverhampton.
Caldwell ran third behind a progressive horse at this venue last-time-out, while Eagle’s Realm should also be added to your shortlist.
Race 4 – ISLE OF SARK 9/4
ISLE OF SARK can return to the winner’s enclosure for the first time in nearly four years in the BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap.
Jamie Osborne’s six-year-old has got progressively better on the all-weather and can learn from consecutive second place finishes to go one better under the trainer’s daughter Saffie.
Race 7 – MASTER OF COMBAT 7/2
MASTER OF COMBAT found the frame both outings over course and distance and showed up well when third here fifteen days ago. May receive a good pace to aim at.
Last-time-out Wolverhampton winner Endless Power can remain competitive off this revised mark.
Francesi finished third over one mile at Kempton in November. Could go close off this rating if ready following a break.
