Get all of your UK racing tips for Monday 24 April’s meetings coming your way from Pontefract, Windsor and Kempton
PONTEFRACT
Race 2 – CAMACHO STAR 15/2
CAMACHO STAR finally got off the mark at the eighth attempt earlier this month and can make it a quick double in the OAP Free Day Handicap.
Kevin Ryan’s charge had been knocking on the door after his initial first three runs, with a switch to nursery company allowing him to find his feet with three places outings before a winter break. Beaten just a length on his 2023 debut, Camacho Star hit the target when making all at Redcar, using the advantage of being on the far rail to good effect. Raised 3lb, Camacho Star can go in again with his confidence riding high.
Race 3 – SUN KING 10/3
SUN KING can get off the mark for George Boughey at the second attempt in this handicap test at Pontefract.
Formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien, Sun King won one of seven starts for the Ballydoyle handler with his final performance for those connections yielding third place in the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot last year. Beaten five lengths by Missed The Cut there, Sun King was subsequently sold for 120,000 guineas but did not make the track again until coming home fifth on his first run for Boughey in January.
Gelded in the interim, Sun King did not really get chance to sparkle in a race run over short of his best at a mile and with a slow pace, with the handicapper subsequently dropping him 1lb. A mark of 88 still looks fair and Sun King should appreciate moving back to a mile and a quarter and a return to turf.
Race 5 – VINTAGE VALLEY 7/2
VINTAGE VALLEY is the pick in the fifth at Pontefract this afternoon. He was beaten just half a length as a 50-1 shot at Southwell earlier this month, only just failing to make all but showing some promise in the process.
WINDSOR
Race 4 – SWIFT LIONESS 13/2
SWIFT LIONESS can pick up where she left off last year as she heads to Windsor for this fillies’ handicap.
A winner first time up for the Johnston team, Swift Lioness made the frame on her next three spins, missing out by just a neck at Pontefract in September before getting another win on the board on her final start at Doncaster in October.
Triumphing by a head on that occasion, Swift Lioness showed a very determined attitude to win a three-runner contest and this move to 10 furlongs looks a positive move on her return.
KEMPTON
Race 3 – RAFFLE TICKET 11/2
RAFFLE TICKET should have conditions to suit at Kempton as he tackles this competitive handicap chase. Mel Rowley’s charge thrives on a sound surface, as evidenced by his neck victory over Jay Jay Reilly when last seen at Huntingdon in January. The runner-up has boosted the form with a subsequent win and Raffle Ticket appears to be in a strong position here.
