Friday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings at Hamilton and Goodwood on 25 August 2023.
HAMILTON
Race 1 – FUSTERLANDIA 2/1
Having won twice already, Granny Budgie rates highly despite a 4lb rise for landing a nursery at Ripon 17 days ago.
However, this is a deeper contest and FUSTERLANDIA, who sets the standard with an official rating of 81, shades the vote as a long-distance traveller on his debut for Dominic French Davies.
Having previously run well when second over 5f at Nottingham and Beverley, today’s stiff finish/longer trip can provide the selection with an ideal test and he is taken to shine.
Woodleigh rates as best of the rest.
Race 4 – GATHER YE ROSEBUDS 1/1
GATHER YE ROSEBUDS hasn’t been seen since a disappointing effort in the Musidora at York 100 days ago, having been fairly prominent in the betting, but she sets the standard here on her facile debut success at Newbury and could be difficult to beat on these terms.
Maxident wasn’t disgraced when finishing fourth behind the talented Gregory, to whom he conceded 6lb, and he is likely to be in the thick of things.
Kingfisher King should not be far away either.
Race 5 – CHILLINGHAM 7/2
In a wide-open contest, only a tentative vote can go to CHILLINGHAM.
Narrowly denied in the Bell-Ringer at Ripon, Ed Bethell’s progressive gelding looks to be more than capable of making amends, so long as his wide draw doesn’t prove a disadvantage.
Sir Chauvelin (second) and Dark Jedi (fifth) are both well treated on their efforts in the corresponding event 12 months ago, while City Streak, Struth and Beraz are just a few others to consider.
Race 6 – GLORIOUS RIO
Although GLORIOUS RIO just failed to get up at Ayr recently, he rarely runs a bad race at this venue and Stella Barclay’s charge may be able to shrug off a 2lb rise.
Wee Fat Mac returns to turf after a solid fourth at Newcastle last Tuesday and could give the selection most to think about, ahead of Your Spirit, who arrives in good heart judged on recent efforts in defeat.
GOODWOOD
Race 1 – NEVER THIS WAY 18/10
Beau Jardine has shown improved form since reverting to sprint trips last month, winning at Salisbury before filling the runner-up spot at the same venue next time.
He merits consideration, along with the consistent Brazen Idol, but preference is for NEVER THIS WAY.
William Haggas’ colt was narrowly denied on his handicap debut at Chelmsford, but the unexposed son of No Nay Never can go one better with improvement on the cards.
Race 3 – ZAIN NIGHTS 3/1
ZAIN NIGHTS has created the impression that staying is his forte and, on the back of a near miss at Kempton, he strongly appeals on his return to these familiar surroundings.
Both Motazzen and Aggagio have finished a short way behind the selection in recent starts and are taken seriously in their respective bids to turn the form around.
Sandown winner State Legend is respected despite a 4lb higher mark, while Flower Of Dubai needs to prove her stamina but is notable given her weight-for-age allowance.
Race 4 – AMERICAN BELLE 18/10
AMERICAN BELLE was a clear second over 7f at Leicester on her latest outing and she can go one better.
James Fanshawe’s filly shaped as if this step up to 1m would suit on that occasion and another bold bid can be expected off the same mark.
Gone is likely to pose the biggest threat to the selection after a decent run when second over 1m at Newmarket last Saturday, while Midsummer Music heads the remainder.
Race 6 – EXQUISITELY 5/1
Buddy’s Beauty almost defied a 10lb rise in the ratings when held by a short head at Nottingham last Tuesday and is sure to prove popular racing off the same mark.
However, EXQUISITELY proved a different proposition on her first start for new connections at Ffos Las earlier in the month and won with enough in hand to suggest that she could defy a 6lb rise in the handicap.
Last-time-out winner Just That Lord is a similar type and can’t be discounted either.
