UK racing tips – Sunday 20 August 2023

PONTEFRACT

Race 1 – TAN RAPIDO

Having been bested by a Roger Varian-inmate on his debut, TAN RAPIDO repaid the favour later that month, when he repelled the hot favourite to score at Windsor.

It’s far from a daunting standard set by the remainder who boast previous experience, so this looks a good opportunity for Charlie Fellowes’ colt to double his tally.

Master Of My Fate makes enough appeal on paper to warrant a market check, while Goldmine Girl completes the shortlist.

Race 2 – LUCKY PREDATOR

LUCKY PROTECTOR must concede 5lb to Evening Story, who is rated 1lb superior to Ivan Furtado’s gelding.

However, this can often by a tricky course to negotiate, and the former, who posted a fair second over C&D three weeks ago, could hold the edge with that in mind.

Sheehan is related to a couple of winners and she ought to improve for her recent Nottingham debut.

Race e – BELIEVING

Princess Shabnam made all when defeating Gale Force Maya (second) in this contest 12 months ago and the pair merit respect as they bid to get involved once again, but preference is for BELIEVING.

George Boughey’s filly enjoyed a fruitful start to her three-year-old campaign, winning a similar event at Chelmsford before going on to claim Group 3 honours at Chantilly in May.

She failed to make an impact when sent into Group 2 company the following month, but the daughter of Mehmas sets the standard down in class and could take some beating if running to her true form. Craft Irish is also noted.

Race 4 – YORKINDNESS

A winner on both starts over C&D this season, including last time out, YORKINDNESS could be tough to beat off a mark that is still lower than her career high.

Easter Icon arrives on the back of a 2m victory at Catterick 14 days ago and a 3lb rise for the success is unlikely to prevent him making a bold double bid today, while Miss Cynthia has been threatening to score of late and should be thereabouts again.

Race 5 – ROARING LEGEND

ROARING LEGEND is much better than what he showed at Goodwood last time out and his consistent form prior to that proves as much.
The son of Roaring Lion should have conditions in his favour as he looks to bounce back to winning ways, with the capable Ace Rothstein looking a key threat.

Last year’s winner Wor Willie must enter calculations as well following a promising third at York.

Race 6 – SIR MAXI 17:00

A return to this track could work the oracle for SIR MAXI, having won comfortably over C&D from the reopposing El Montejean (second) last month.

He is preferred to the likes of determined Nottingham scorer Enderman, and Captain Vallo, who has been knocking on the door of late.
The well-handicapped Jill Rose and Rambuso Creek have the form to get involved also.

SOUTHWELL

Race 1 – FLAVIUS TITUS

FLAVIUS TITUS appeared to win with something in hand in a similar contest at Thirsk last week and could take all the beating if running to a similar level on the switch to Tapeta.

Thegreatestshowman posted another fair effort in defeat when runner-up in a handicap at Yarmouth and appears the obvious threat back in a classified event.

Wrath Of Hector is often in the mix in this company and also warrants attention.

Race 2 – HAULFRONHOBBS

HAULFRONHOBBS comes with risks attached after being slowly away and making little impression at Yarmouth in late June.

Nevertheless, Chris Dwyer’s filly offered enough encouragement when placing at the same venue a couple of weeks prior, and a similar performance could be good enough to land this modest contest.

Beast Of Burden arrives as the highest-rated contender and could bounce back to form now returned to 6f, with Hot Scoop making most appeal of the remainder.

Race 3- ANOTHER GIFT

ANOTHER GIFT justified strong support in the market when winning with authority on her handicap debut at Windsor on Monday.
A 6lb penalty doesn’t appear enough to stop Ed Dunlop’s filly from completing a double and better things are expected.

Charlie Mason didn’t enjoy the best of passages when runner-up at Beverley on Thursday and looks an obvious threat racing off the same mark.

Fly Pass and Out Of Line could battle it out for the remaining place.

Race 4 – POWERFUL RESPONSE

POWERFUL RESPONSE is unlucky not to be arriving on the back of a hat-trick, having thrown his race away when wandering around late on and being beaten a neck at Doncaster.

Compensation may await, though, and he is narrowly preferred to Pontefract winner Silk Bird and Panning For Gold, who wasn’t disgraced at Newmarket when failing in his bid for a four-timer. Ibiza Love, Tamaluk and Yeoman are others to note.

Race 5 – ZENJABEELA

A well-bred daughter of Too Darn Hot, ZENJABEELA shaped with plenty of encouragement when third on debut at Newmarket, and with improvement expected, she can get off the mark.

That may be at the main expense of Deep Blue, who herself shaped quiet well on her first outing at Leicester earlier in the month.

Madame Christine and newcomer Lumiere D’or must be noted for market support also.

Race 6 – SHESADABBER

SHESADABBER arrives seeking a hat-trick after victories at Bath and Catterick, and this looks like a nice opportunity to continue her winning sequence.

David Evans’ mare is having her first run on the all-weather since 2021 and is leniently treated compared to her turf figure.

Mehmo can also get involved after running on well into third at Thirsk, while Golden Prosperity and Birdie Bowers should also be noted.

Race 7 – QUEENSLAND BOY

QUEENSLAND BOY shed his maiden tag at the sixth time of asking at Windsor and can follow up that success.

Ian Williams’ charge won more comfortably than the one-length distance would imply and he is fancied to defy a 3lb rise, with 5lb claimer Christian Howarth now on board.

Eloped rates as the biggest danger, despite letting down favourite-backers when fifth on her handicap bow over the extended 1m4f at Newcastle. Lough Leane heads the remainder.