UK racing tips – Friday 20 October 2023

REDCAR

Race 1 – SACRED FALLS 5/2

SACRED FALLS arrives in excellent form with four runner-up efforts preceding a half-length success tackling this trip in a higher graded handicap at Ayr on soft ground. Has a strong chance here.

Mereside Diva showed plenty of ability in the same event finishing second. The filly won at Nottingham three runs back and could go close.

Blazing Son is a former course and distance winner. Posted a creditable dead-heated fifth in a course and distance handicap two outings ago and holds claims.

Race 3 – EYE OF DUBAI 7/4

EYE OF DUBAI looks the one to beat in the Happy 40th Birthday Gary Sivills EBF Novice Stakes after an eye-catching first run at Chester.

John Quinn’s son of Havana Grey just failed to recover from a slow start, coming through to challenge late on, only to be a neck behind Activated on a rain-softened surface.

Race 5 – PUELLA LAW13/8

PUELLA LAW was a good debut second at Beverley prior to a fair fourth at Chelmsford attempting a similar level over seven furlongs, so is likely to improve up in trip.

Molten Rock rates an interesting newcomer being by Fascinating Rock who was a G1 winner on soft going and out of a Shamardal mare.

Ribble River showed plenty of promise on debut when third in a seven furlong maiden at Newcastle. Open to progress and could go close.

Johnny Ringo dead-heated for second delivering first career start at Musselburgh contesting a seven furlong maiden and is worth considering.

Race 7 – VERBIER 5/4

VERBIER has to carry a penalty for her Wolverhampton win back in March in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Novice Stakes but may have the scope to cope.

The Ralph Beckett-trained Frankel filly, who was purchased for 380,000 guineas by her powerful connections and overcame clear signs of greenness to snatch victory late on, has been given time to mature mentally and physically.

FAKENHAM

Race 2 – WESTERN SOLDIER 23/20

WESTERN SOLDIER was well backed when third on his National Hunt debut at Sedgefield earlier this month and may just have paid the price for running too freely early on when edged out in a tight finish.

He was bought for €62,000 on the back of some useful Flat exploits in Germany and should pay his way for new trainer Milton Harris, so is fancied to quickly recoup those losses in the Opening Of Adrian Flux Bar Today Novices’ Hurdle.

Race 4 – AWESOME FOURSOME 5/2

AWESOME FOURSOME found success by an easy eleven lengths contesting a heavy ground handicap hurdle at Perth and rates a top chance.

My Gift To You is consistent. Ran a third in a handicap hurdle at Hexham last month and may go close.

Boleyn Boy made the frame here in June when a fair third tackling a novices handicap hurdle. Interesting if building on that run.

Steven Seagull improved at Fontwell when fourth contesting a handicap hurdle and holds place claims.

Race 5 – TWEED SKIRT 5/2

TWEED SKIRT has proven she can go well when fresh and is backed to make a winning reappearance in the Sky Bet Handicap Chase.

Nicky Henderson’s mare prevailed in a Wetherby bumper on her racecourse bow and went on to perform at a decent level over hurdles, winning at Ascot and running at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival.

However, she always looked the type to really flourish once put over fences and Tweed Skirt backed up that view by starting out last term with a Kempton and Wincanton double.

The six-year-old was then far from disgraced when stepping up in class and gave the impression that this move to three miles will suit when a staying-on fourth on her most recent outing at Cheltenham in April.

Henderson is obviously not known for putting too much emphasis on getting off to a fast start at this time of year, but his limited number of fancied runners have performed well enough so far to suggest Tweed Skirt will be fit for her reintroduction.

Race 6 – ENTHUSED 5/2

ENTHUSED bids for a hat-trick following victories at Ludlow in this grade and on Tuesday at Huntingdon attempting a two-mile handicap hurdle, so rates a top chance.

Bashers Reflection impressively won by twelve lengths attempting a course and distance handicap hurdle prior to a Plumpton success during April and should be added to the shortlist.

Chaos Control and Ilanz also hold claims.

NEWCASTLE

Race 5 – MACARONE 9/2

MACARONE broke through for a one-length success at Beverley over this distance before a solid fourth tackling a longer trip. Returns to these conditions and makes for plenty of appeal.

Lotting’s Lass could be interesting off a low weight. Rates highly based on a success at Southwell in late September. Has placed third since and is one to look out for.

Zachary aims for back-to-back victories after a success at Chelmsford and is improving with each outing.

Race 7 – LOVE YOUR WORK 85/40

LOVE YOUR WORK finished runner-up in two starts since a break. Won third-up previously and produced a bold effort when beaten over course and distance in latest.

Ventura Rascal caught the eye with a good second at Ayr over 1m before a disappointing run at the same track. Drop back in journey could spark a return to form.

Fiftyshadesofred and Gold Medal hold each-way appeal.

Race 9 NOTEABLE 10/3

NOTEABLE finished runner-up past two outings and deserves to be at the top of the handicap.

Caught the eye with a defeat at Southwell in latest outing and can break through for the benefit of apprentice claim.

One Of Our Own was a Redcar winner over six furlongs before a solid fourth at Carlisle, and can be a contender here.

The Gay Blade has been racing consistently with four placings from past four outings. Likely to be in the mix again.