UK racing tips – Thursday 19 October 2023

BRIGHTON

Race 2 – HABRDI 9/2

HABRDI can also hit the target for the first time at the seaside track in the Docker Hughes Memorial EBF Restricted Novice Stakes, with Hollie Doyle on board.

The Calyx colt was well backed for his racecourse bow at Newmarket and ran with credit despite eventually coming home in fifth place, with a slow start forcing him to use up too much energy getting into a challenging position two furlongs out.

There were still clear signs of greenness when seventh at the same track next time out, following which Habrdi was switched from George Boughey to Jane Chapple-Hyam.

A tilt at a valuable sales race earlier this month always looked ambitious but this is a much better chance for him to confirm that early promise.

Race 3 – CASTLE IN THE SAND 11/10

CASTLE IN THE SAND has shown enough encouraging signs to suggest he can break his duck at Brighton.

Andrew Balding’s juvenile made a promising debut when fourth to Devil’s Point on soft going at Ffos Las, just slipping back from second in the closing stages.

He then probably found the ground too fast in a valuable York maiden but went back into many notebooks with a good second to odds-on favourite Zabriskie Point at Thirsk.

The homebred son of New Approach, out of well-related six-time scorer Crossing The Line, is rated a form pick in the Breeders’ Cup On Sky Sports Racing EBF Restricted Novice Stakes and still has scope for more improvement.

Race 5 – CHINTHURST 9/4

CHINTHURST improved with each run since a break and drawing closer to a well-deserved success after a neck second over course and distance rates a leading chance.

Send In The Clouds completed a double two starts back with a victory tackling track and trip. Disappointed switching to the all-weather subsequently.

Sun Festival carries top weight and is justified favouritism with a nose success at Chelmsford before a good second in the same conditions.

Race 8 – EL TESORO 4/1

EL TESORO is open to improvement on current handicap mark.
Resumed with a sixth and followed up with a close second at Wolverhampton all weather and has a big chance here.

On Edge aims for a fourth consecutive victory and is in excellent form after a six-furlong success at Windsor.

Batchelor Boy seeks back-to-back wins after a victory at this track over five and half furlongs, and like Fifty Year Storm could bag a place.

CHELMSFORD

Race 1 – WHIP CRACKER 4/9

This looks like a good opportunity for the Richard Hughes-trained WHIP CRACKER to get off the mark.

He produced a promising debut when runner-up at Newmarket last month and the well-bred son of Cracksman may go one better.

Newcomers might prove the biggest threat with No Nay Never filly Silvaplana preferred to Wide Margin.

Race 3 – RIOT 9/4

With a likely strong pace up front this could suit RIOT. The O’Meara-trained six-year-old finished a solid third over course and distance just five days ago when things didn’t really pan out and he may gain compensation this time around.

Gulmarg holds strong claims dropping back to seven furlongs after finishing fourth off 1lbs higher at Kempton in this class.

Maid In Kentucky was seventh in that Kempton handicap but might bounce back wearing first-time cheekpieces while Media Guest won his sole outing tackling track and trip.

Race 5 – ALMATY STAR 4/1

ALMATY STAR should relish switching back to an all-weather surface in Chelmsford’s Illuminate Christmas Ball Handicap after just getting caught flat-footed at a key point when fourth on the turf at Leicester.

Roger Varian’s three-year-old gelding had previously hacked up by five lengths in a Lingfield maiden and also has a nice neck second to Wallop at Kempton from April on his CV.

Race 8 – LUNAR SPACE 9/4

LUNAR SPACE impressed winning in commanding fashion over one mile here five days ago.

Stepping up to one and a quarter miles is unlikely to pose an issue and the gelded son of Dawn Approach can defy a 6lbs penalty.

Barney’s Angel finished a good second over this distance at Haydock last month.

Interesting if turned out quickly following a fourth at Leicester on Tuesday.

Swing To The Stars is not to be discounted after shaping nicely when fifth tackling track and trip last time.

CARLISLE

Race 2 – SNAKE ROLL 5/4

SNAKE ROLL to win the second at Carlisle. Lucinda Russell has her string in fine form and it is worth taking Snake Roll’s fitness on trust in the Rhino.bet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

The six-year-old ran in some hot novice hurdle races towards the end of last season following victories at Kelso and Newcastle and a solid third behind Nemean Lion was franked when that winner landed the Welsh Champion Hurdle on Sunday.

Race 3 – EASTER JUNCTION 5/2

Easter Junction looked set to finish a good second to Wordsworth when well-backed for his debut over obstacles at Bangor until unseating Brian Hughes at the second last.

He should gain compensation in the Daily Charged Up Offers At Rhino.bet Novices’ Hurdle.

Southwell maiden hurdle winner Cabhfuilfungi looks the obvious threat upon return despite having to give weight all round.

Recoded showed ability finishing third in a jumpers flat at Ayr during April and could go well on hurdling debut.

Race 6 – KILBRAINY 13/8

KILBRAINY is a seven-year-old who escapes a penalty for winning a conditional jockey handicap hurdle in fine style at Kelso last time.
Now 9lbs ahead of his future mark so is worth considering.

Ring Of Beara arrives fit from recent outings on the flat and looks to be on a workable mark back hurdling.

Cancan hasn’t been seen for 573 days and could go well if strong in the market having shown some decent placed form hurdling off higher ratings in the past.

Serious Ego makes for each-way appeal.

Race 8 – LORANGI DE L’ISLE 2/1

Irish point-to-point winner LORANGI DE L’ISLE looks good on paper.
Joined connections who do well in this sphere and can make a winning debut under rules.

Tommy’s Law twice finished runner-up tackling point-to-points and represents a stable in excellent form.

Perth jumpers flat winner Cracking Rhapsody gives away the penalty but is considered.