Thursday’s UK racing tips come your way from meetings at Fontwell and Chelmsford City on 24 August 2023.
FONTWELL
Race 1 – MY GIFT TO YOU 11/10
MY GIFT TO YOU has been a revelation since joining the James Owen stable and returning to the smaller obstacles should not inconvenience him, given he won easily in this sphere at Southwell last month.
A taking winner over course and distance in May, Happy Company can give him the most to think about, ahead of Bari Breeze, who performed with plenty of credit when second at Market Rasen.
Race 2 – CAST A SPELL 1/1
A taking winner on her first start for the Gary Moore stable in a bumper at Southwell in June, CAST A SPELL may just set the standard on form as she makes her hurdling debut.
The five-year-old is open to improvement over further and she gets the vote ahead of hurdling debutant Gearing’s Point and Love Mystery, who has plenty of experience.
Race 4 – CITY OF RUINS 5/4
CITY OF RUINS has shaped on his two starts to date as though a win could be just around the corner and he’s fancied to shed his maiden tag.
Donald McCain’s charge was beaten just under five lengths last time when a clear second over the extended 2m at Stratford, and he can go one better in this contest if taking another step forward.
Unification is having his first run over timber after being with Jim Bolger in Ireland and commands respect, while Book Of Tales can also have a say.
Race 6 – BASHFUL BOY 17/10
BASHFUL BOY won as he liked over the extended 2m5f at Newton Abbot last time and he looks primed to follow up.
David Pipe’s charge has been raised 8lb for that 10-length success and that doesn’t appear likely to halt his progression.
Watergrange Jack also won last time out over 2m4f at Worcester, but a 4lb rise for that neck success may leave him vulnerable to some better treated rivals, while Uggy Uggy Uggy should also be on the scene.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 1 – WONDERWALL 18/10
WONDERWALL has made a pleasing start to life on the Flat after successive second-placed efforts at Pontefract and Doncaster, and he can go one better on this occasion.
Richard Spencer’s charge is likely to be running on well at the line and he can shed his maiden tag.
Arctic Mountain is feared most after a good run when second over 1m2f at Nottingham latest, while Delta Legend is also respected.
Race 2 – BELO HORIZONTE 83/100
BELO HORIZONTE arrives here seeking a hat-trick after wins at Yarmouth and most recently at Lingfield on Monday, and this looks to be another good opportunity.
Richard Spencer’s runner has hardly been tested in those victories and connections are looking to strike while the iron is hot.
Adace is also a last-time-out winner, scoring over 1m at Windsor, and she rates as the biggest danger to the selection, ahead of Shabs.
Race 4 – WYVERN 11/2
WYVERN showed marked improvement for the application of a first-time visor over course and distance latest, headgear which is retained, and he has only gone up 2lb for that second-placed effort.
Aljari is seeking a hat-trick after showing his versatility by securing a double over different trips, and he warrants plenty of respect too.
Riot is a course and distance winner who is well treated off a mark of 81, so he’s noted as well.
Race 6 – FISCAL POLICY 9/2
The Waiting Game attracted strong market support over course and distance last time, and she duly obliged by banging out of stall three and making all in a classified stakes event.
She merits consideration again, but preference is for FISCAL POLICY, who just got up at the death at Wolverhampton last week and, providing the quick turnaround doesn’t pose him any problems, he could be tough to stop. Oriental Spirit is another to note.
