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FEBRUARY

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Saturday February 28th

Today is difficult to the point of being unappealing. I have two pieces of news I can pass your way, although it is difficult to get enthusiastic.. Both run at Doncaster

Doncaster Racing Comments

4.00: Fidelis. This comes from a yard that has a winner when the planets are in alignment. It runs in a race that is impossible to assess. As a piece of information it is probably next to useless. All I know is that it is fancied.

5.10: Dev. This can win but the race is not easy.

At Newbury, I am attempting to construct a case around Norman The Great in the 3.45. He does look to have a chance but I am guilty of trying to find something. I did not get where I am today (and I am not sure where that is) by manufacturing bets.   At present nothing stands out.

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Friday 27th Feb

This does not look like a day to dwell on, so it is more of a case of passing on a few tit-bits.

NEWBURY: Looks difficult and nothing appeals as betting material.

DONCASTER RACING TIPS:

Mail De Bievre is confidently expected to win by his stable. Short-priced horses in bumpers are largely a waste of time.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

3.25: Statute Book has improved since winning at Southwell where he did the job nicely. He is fancied to follow-up.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.20: Quince can win this but the key will be a decent pace. He really wants an extra couple of furlongs based on evidence so far seen.

7.50: Tourist is one of the more interesting runners of the day. After two promising runs this year with new connections, he looks the sort his yard will do well with. However, the draw makes it difficult to be confident and it seems more a case of watching him for next time.

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Thursday 26th Feb

Plenty of opportunities today so let’s get cracking…

LUDLOW RACING TIPS:

3.20: Patsy Finnegan is expected to appreciate the extra trip and follow up on a recent success.

5.20: Despite the presence of the odds-on Eradicate, Sampson’s Son has reportedly schooled exceptionally well since his Doncaster debut and is expected to finish second at worst.

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

2.10: This could be tighter than the betting indicates. Form lines suggest Barataria may come out on top; although More Time Tim could be improving and Rock Anthem is not out of contention.

5.10: Trueblue Wizard returns to the track where he opened his account. He did not look as effective at Wolverhampton last time and is taken to recover the winning thread here. He is worth backing.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

8.20: Wine ‘N Dine will be suited by the pace that is assured in this; whereas last time, in what developed into a sprint, he was caught flat-footed. Had looked impressive at Kempton when winning and should get back on the right track tonight.

NAD AL SHEBA RACING TIPS:

4.15: Roman’s Run, on advantageous terms with Art Of War, looks the one to beat here in a race that concerns only a limited number of runners.

4.45: Veracity should win this but will be priced accordingly. There has to be a doubt about Mourilyan staying this far.

5.15: Reports of J J The Jet Plane have so far appeared exaggerated. Of course that is based on one run on dirt and he reverts to turf today. However, Hatta Fort lines up from a yard in terrific form, having beaten the smart Imbongi and subsequent winner, Balthazaar’s Gift. In another race that may not concern too many runners, even if J J The Jet Plane justifies the hype, Hatta Fort should finish second and has every chance of upsetting the favourite given his current wellbeing.

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Wednesday 25th Feb

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

2.30: The two of interest here are Hunt The Bottle and Great Knight, both of whom ran as if approaching winning form last time. Neither is well drawn. Hunt The Bottle faces a daunting task from the eleven box but is worth keeping an eye on with a view to the future. Great Knight’s task is not impossible from eight but will need luck in running..

6.00: Waldorf is considered better than a 56-rated horse here but tends to get revved-up prior to his races. The sort that could win but equally could throw his chance away.

FOLKESTONE RACING TIPS:

2.10: Old Pretender is taken to put an unfortunate run behind him over this course.   Nothing stands out as a bet today, so these are no more than ideas. Hopefully, tomorrow will provide better opportunities.

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Tuesday 24th Feb

To be honest it is not much of a day. The stand out horse as regards class ought to be Song Of Songs in the 2.20 at Leicester, having put up such an encouraging round of jumping on his fencing debut behind Planet Of Sound at Newbury. He looked in need of the run that day, apparently blowing up over the final two fences. I say ‘apparently’ because he was something of a mystery horse over hurdles when lightly-raced and a major disappointment at both Cheltenham, when failing to stay, but more notably at Aintree when running a shocker.  His class ought to be enough but he is a short price for a horse that has such a fragile history.

Dance And Dance looks as if he gets his chance in the 2.30 at Lingfield having bumped into a useful debutant of Andrew Balding’s last time. Another likely to be short; he has had a few chances and would be vulnerable to an improver or to the unraced Hector Spectre if he turns out to be any good.

This has the look of a day to either watch or to leave alone.

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Monday 23rd Feb

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

2.10: Almaty Express is probably on the decline but has a chance of winning this event on his way down the rankings. An easy ride, he has the services of an excellent apprentice, reducing his mark to 65 – if one is prepared to take McHugh’s 7lb allowance at face value. Far from a good thing, he nevertheless deserves consideration from such a level in a race that lacks depth.

4.10: National Monument may represent value against Badge Of Honour as his third to Love Pegasus (a stablemate of Badge Of Honour’s) posted promise, particularly after a slow start. Badge Of Honour does not look anything special.

5.10: Man Of Gwent has put together a couple of fair efforts and the right race may have been found.

HEREFORD RACING TIPS:

2.30: Calificial carries stable confidence in this. Apparently a couple of wind operations are expected to allow this horse to realise his potential. Taking 9/4 about a horse that has had a couple of operations does not seem like a sensible course to me. However, I pass the message on. The race certainly looks winnable but I shall sit it out.

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Sunday 22nd Feb

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

3.55: Alpes Maritimes has not been an easy horse to train – not when with Geoff Wragg or now he is with Gary Moore. However, the ability has always been in place and he ran an encouraging race last time when fifth to King Olav from a 2lbs higher mark. Rated 76 today, that means he is 7lbs below his assessment when second to Silver Pivotal a year ago when at the height of his form. If able to even part- replicate that in this suitable event, he should be hard to beat. Worth taking a chance with.

5.25: Moon Crystal is another for whom the right race has been found. She may be 2lbs higher than when winning last time but it is difficult to nominate what will beat her today.

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Saturday 21st Feb

This has the look of a knotty day – a typical Saturday with value and betting opportunities thin on the ground. After what has been a good week, hopefully signaling the upward shift one hopes for at this time of year, it is not my intention to risk winnings on a day that looks bookmaker-friendly.

However, this is possibly the last Saturday to throw out Cheltenham clues so it is not without interest.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

2.05: Ainama is supposed to be a high class prospect. He is not a bet at the price today but if he beats Dee EE Williams on only his second start, then his stable has every right to believe they have a potential star on their hands.

3.10: In a race where Big Fella Thanks represents no value, I intend to have a small bet on Endless Power, who has the look of a horse that has been laid out for this. Having won over the National fences at a trip just short of 2m 6f, there is every reason to believe he will stay and he does not look badly treated. He is a front-runner which may be his undoing (that and nineteen opponents) but if Robert Thornton can settle him early, he could go well. At 33/1, I am prepared to be wrong!

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

LINGFIELD presents another hard card. I would not dismiss Swiss Franc in the 3.40 despite the fact he cannot win at the weights.

4.10: Suits Me ought to extend his winning run but faces tough opposition.

5.15: I make this between Whistledownwind and Wasp, who on a line through Red Somerset are closely matched. I thought Whistledownwind disappointing last time, but in Premio Loco he was beaten by a decent animal. It is hard to gauge how good Wasp might be, whilst at the age of nine and never having won over this trip, it seems a bit late in the day to nominate Bonus.

A day to play with caution…

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Friday 20th Feb

SANDOWN RACING TIPS:

2.45: According To Dick is taken to justify his home reputation. Strongly fancied on his hurdles debut when last seen at Exeter, he travelled well but got tired in desperate ground. Today’s conditions should be more to his liking and he will take the beating.

NAD AL SHEBA RACING TIPS:

3.00: This looks a weak handicap. Diana’s Choice should be good enough.

3.35: Dohasa failed to obtain a clear run when third to Diana’s Choice last time. Without such antics and providing Diana’s Choice has endorsed the form in the opener, Dohasa should make appropriate amends.

4.10: Snaafy and Noble Citizen are closely matched on their running here two weeks ago. It would be no surprise to see Snaafy confirm the form as he overcame plenty of obstacles to win. There is just the suspicion however that the race was run at a suicidal pace and played into the hands of a finisher. This is not an event to get heavily involved in but Jonquil’s second to Yamal last time is solid and I am hoping he will reward a small each-way investment.

4.45: Fiery Lad is taken to edge out Strategic News here, although on some form lines Big Robert could be given a chance at a price.

5.20: Warsaw seems a better horse on dirt, where things happen a shade slower and he seemed much more at home on this surface when winning last time.

5.50: Not much went right for Bankable towards the end of last year. He was almost certainly over the top when only sixth on his last run for Luca Cumani but, on his second to Eagle Mountain, he would win this. With the trip looking inadequate for both Macarthur and King’s Gambit, Red Eye Express may provide the biggest threat as he failed to stay last time when strongly fancied. it could be significant that Bankable may have changed stables but not owner. He is worth another chance.

6.20: Deem and Front House are closely matched in this.

6.55: Via Galilei was unlucky not to finish closer last time and could be the answer to the concluding handicap.

According To Dick and Bankable are suggested as the best prospects on the day.

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Thursday 19th Feb

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

2.00 Under Review should get favourite punters off to an appropriate start.

4.05: There should be little between Back In The Red and This Ones For Eddy based on their last meeting. If there is an interloper, it could be Imprimis Tagula who has been campaigned over the wrong trip whilst his rating has slid to a winnable level. Returned to six furlongs and racing off 73, he could go well at a price.

HUNTINGDON RACING TIPS:

1.50: The fact Ravello Bay breaks blood vessels makes her a flimsy betting proposition. Win or lose, backing horses that burst will cost you money.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

7.20: Cinematic got caught in the shadow of the post last time. An ideal race seems to have been found and if held on to for longer, on this quicker track he should be capable of striking late.

NAD AL SHEBA RACING TIPS:

This has not been an easy meet so far, but hopefully that can change today.

4.55: Moonquake handled the dirt surface like a natural last time and appeals physically as the sort that is only now filling his frame. He is closely weighted with Jack Junior (unlucky last time) and Trust N Dustan but is taken to record a narrow win from Jack Junior.

5.55: One of the secrets of success here is not to overace contenders. Gladiatorus, whose form with Calming Influence and Biarritz is solid and who broke the track record last time, has been given a month’s break and will line-up tonight relatively fresh. He faces a stiff test against Imbongi (not won over trip) and Summit Surge, with whom he is closely weighted through Calming Influence, but looks as if he can progress sufficiently to take this major prize.

6.25: Swop and Yamal may dominate here but it is a close call as, despite a good run here last time, Swop may be more effective with more juice in the ground.

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Wednesday 18th Feb

To my mind this looks a tricky day. Picking out horses is not hard but there are reasons why some of them need a rethink.

LUDLOW RACING TIPS:

3.35: Despite appearing to be staying on last time, Working Title’s best form is undeniably over today’s trip of two miles. Chief Yeoman finished just behind him at Ascot last time and went on to run a big race on Saturday in a similar contest. However, apparently the Nicky Henderson yard has been hit hard by the weather, with most of their inmates missing work. For that reason confidence is reduced. The race appears between Working Title and the consistent King’s Revenge who will take advantage of any shortcomings in the likely favourite.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

1.00: Zero Cool is not straightforward, but in a race full of monkeys is presented with his best recent chance.

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

6.50: Grimes Faith appears a reformed character and his form ties in with recent winners. However, his renaissance has occurred at Southwell so there must be a doubt whether it will be maintained on Polytrack. Giving the impression he needs to win on the snaff, it may be best to let him run tonight.

7.50: The trip may scupper King’s Head, whilst it will suit Quince providing there is a proper gallop.

8.20: According to my arithmetic, Emerald Wilderness has a 3lb weight turnround with Robby Bobby for a head. That ought to be enough, but Robby Bobby (despite a defeat by Kandidate on Sunday) may be improving and it would come as no surprise if he confirmed form. Emerald Wilderness has never been Mr Reliable.

So, not for the want of trying, comments rather than bets. Not what I am looking for either, but that is the way it appears to me…

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Tuesday 17th Feb

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

There are a couple of possibles at Southwell on what, once again, has to be referred to as a non-descript day.

3.00: Shining Gale is taken to concede weight to pint-sized West End Rocker. He looks more of a natural chaser, despite his tumble in hot company last time, and has every chance to get back on course today.

4.00: Somewhat more speculative is Along The Nile here. Although his best form over this code is at Musselburgh (was an intended runner at last week’s abandoned meeting), he has a record of going well left-handed. This sharp track should therefore suit and not faze him. Stamina is something of a worry but he is fit and seems reasonably weighted based on an excellent second last time to European Dream who ran well yesterday. We have to assume his stable has got the trip right.

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Monday 16th Feb

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

2.25: On the assumption that a mile-and-a-half will suit a match-fit and in form Diktatorship, he looks the one to beat in this second division of the amateur riders’ handicap.

4.40: Inside Story finally gets the trip likely to bring out the best in him. Following such horses over a cliff is not advisable and his attitude did look a tad suspect at Kempton last time, so it is a case of put and take. Today presents his best chance for some while (despite an unfavourable draw) with a possible revival from Penang Cinta feared.

MARKET RASEN RACING TIPS:

3.10: Bench Warrent is apparently fancied from a stable in good form at present.

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Sunday 15th Feb

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

There are one or two interesting contenders on this card that deserve consideration at least:

3.00: This Ones For Eddy turned in a good effort in a competitive race on Thursday – his first run after a forty day break – doing his best work at the end of the five furlong dash over this course. This extra furlong should suit.

4.00: Formation looks likely to be a warm order here. However, he has no form on Fibresand and this race may not be as simple as it appears. The one contender with a proven record on the equivalent of dirt is Kandidate, a winner at Nad Al Sheba last February on that surface from a 10lbs higher mark. Worryingly, he was tailed off behind Formation last time, but that was on Polytrack. Even at the age of seven, he cannot be ruled out of this. He is the class act.

4.30: Eastern Aura created a favourable impression on his debut when second in what looked like a good race. The winner, Mulamaashi, is well thought of and Eastern Aura was one of three in the event that looked booked for future success. Mark Johnston rarely, if ever, runs horses at Southwell that fail to handle the surface.   Leopardstown stages a cracking card for National Hunt enthusiasts but it is one I shall leave to those that know better.

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Saturday 14th Feb

Today’s racing schedule is a bit like the old saying: You wait an hour for a bus to come along only for eight to arrive all together. For me, the classy Ascot card and Lingfield look to present the best opportunities…

ASCOT RACING TIPS:

1.40: Belcantista has the right profile for a race such as this. His price is likely to contract throughout the morning though and I am very wary of taking on Dave’s Dream, a horse that has been described as a future Gold Cup winner by some of the more forward-thinking members of the powerful Henderson team. His inexperience may be his undoing today, but running him in such company suggests his trainer is not afraid to pitch him in at the deep end.

3.20: I can pass on a word here for Santia who appears to be in a race she can win.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

2.35: Greeness appeared to be the undoing of American Spin last time and he gets another chance here which, with that run under his belt, he looks capable of taking.

3.05: Any market interest in Alpes Maritimes should be heeded, but the signs are he is unlikely to return to form. Man Of Gwent was noted in running last time and in a competitive heat is taken to run well.

3.35: Titan Triumph, a last gasp loser at this track last time, has the weight pull with Red Somerset to reverse an unfortunate defeat into victory today.This small field should suit his style of racing.

4.45: Turn On The Style looks hard to oppose as he has so much in his favour. Harry Up will force the pace which will suit the selection, whilst it is extremely unlikely that Matsunosuke is capable of conceding weight to Turn On The Style,a winner in Dubai this time last year and a horse that shows no signs of losing his edge.

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Friday 13th Feb

SANDOWN RACING TIPS:

A tough card, likely to be run on very soft ground. Blazing Desert is fancied at a big price in the 4.20. He has a bit to find but did run his best race at this track and will benefit from this step up in trip. Hohlethelonely will be popular as he races minus a penalty. However, he won a poor race last week in bottomless ground and may find this coming a bit quickly. Whatever, with Blazing Desert we can afford to be wrong at the price.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

4.05: Count Ceprano is overdue a win. His fourth last week to Gallantry when beaten two lengths puts this course and distance winner in here with every chance. There is no guarantee that Capricorn Run will repeat the form he showed last time and Southandwest seems to have gone off the boil, so a winnable event.

4.40: Canadian Danehill seems reasonably treated and is taken to recover winning ways after a big effort last time.

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Thursday 12th Feb

KEMPTON RACING TIPS:

4.40: Returned to a mile, Inside Story has his optimum trip and conditions and deserves serious consideration. Tactics of running him over an inadequate six and seven furlongs have failed to fool the handicapper, but a mark of 63 means Inside Story (similar chance to Salt Of The Earth on the book) is in with a solid chance.

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

1.50: United Nations ought to be good enough in this seller, particularly returning to Southwell where he has such a good record.

3.35: This looks a tight race. There is a word for Figaro Flyer who, having banged his head on the stalls last time, may be capable of improving on that run. Back In The Red and This Ones For Eddy (should be suited by trip) look dangers.

NAD AL SHEBA RACING TIPS:

3.15: Green Coast returns to his best trip. There was no disgrace in being beaten last time by My Indy.

4.55: Godolphin’s good run looks set to continue here as they field the front two in the market. City Style ought to be up to the task, but if not Jose Adan looks an able deputy.

5.30: Likely to be a short price, J J The Jet Plane is apparently hard to oppose. 6.05: Although not so cut and dried, once again the Godolphin pair, Desert Party and Vineyard Haven, appear to monopolise the UAE 2000 Guineas.

6.40: Kirkless does not face a straightforward task here. At the weights, his stable companion, With Interest does beat him. Add the unknown quantity of Barbaricus into the mix and this may be an event to sit out.

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Wednesday 11th Feb

It looks like something of a dead day and one I can shed little light on.

The 2.40 at Lingfield looks as if it may go to an unraced contender as those we have seen in action look of limited ability. After Coldplay’s victories at the Grammy’s, the topical tip has to be Viva la Vida but that is nothing more than speculation.   I hope to provide some inspiration for tomorrow’s cards at Nad Al Sheba.

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Tuesday 10th Feb

There are two possibilities today:

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

3.50: Xpress Maite has a major chance at the weights of overturning recent form with Ingelby Arch. The race should be run to suit him.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

2.10: No prizes for originality here, but Woodcote has an obvious chance in a seller on his recent second to a revitalised Grimes Faith.   Advice is to tread carefully at present. We are approaching the busy time of the year, and pretty soon it should be all systems go.

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Monday 9th Feb

A poor start to the week and a day I am intent on swerving. Hopefully, there will be more to come as the week gathers pace.

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Sunday 8th Feb

KEMPTON RACING TIPS

2.10: Leo The Lion is likely to be a short price after a promising debut run. It is hard to assess the value of the form but he showed enough to encourage the belief he can win today.

2.40: It is surprising to see Quince racing over 1m 3f considering he was staying on over 1m 5f last time. He is worth watching with an eye to the future when returned to a more suitable trip.

 3.40: Premio Loco is hard to oppose. Last time he beat subsequent winners, Red Somerset and Capricorn Run with a fancied Whistledownwind in fourth. Bonus is capable of testing him but at the age of nine it seems he has reached his plateau. Orchard Supreme ought to beat Councellor on recent form but is not that reliable so that cannot be assumed. Fifth in the Cambridgeshire, Premio Loco is the logical selection today.

5.10: For those still in the game at this late hour on a Sunday, Mistress Cooper is becoming well handicapped. Her best form is at the minimum trip and for that reason, a bit like Quince, she has to be watched today. This quick six may suit, but a reasonable run may tee her up for a win next time if reverting to her optimum

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Saturday 7th Feb

KEMPTON RACING TIPS

12.40: Tinagoodnight is fancied by her stable to kick off a card many of us thought was unlikely to take place. Considered a Cheltenham horse at one stage, she faces a much easier task than any Festival target in this.

1.10: Turkish Surprise remains a horse his stable believe will scale the heights. This is a winnable race for him and he should deliver today if he is the horse they believe him to be.

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS

4.10: Gallantry has a chance of regaining the winning thread in this. A valuable 3lbs allowance from a capable rider puts him on a winning mark.

4.45: There is a message for Geese A Laying here. Beaten a country mile on his debut, that was at Southwell; the assumption being he failed to handle the surface. A much more prominent showing is expected on the Polytrack.

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Friday 6th Feb

NAD AL SHEBA RACING TIPS:

Stages an interesting but tough card tonight. However, there are a few betting opportunities, the best of which to my mind appears in the:

5.05: Biarritz ran well under tender handling when third in January behind Gladiatorus and Calming Influence. With Jay Peg and Bruges [ran well yesterday] down the field, that is beginning to look like a solid contest. On the assumption that Biarritz can improve for the run, his first since last summer, it seems reasonable to expect him to go close today. Whatever Kings Gambit achieves, he will surely be better over a couple of extra furlongs.

 4.30: In a much more speculative vein, Plavius may prove to be in a similar mould to last year’s winner, Jalil. A well publicised expensive yearling, he has scored twice on dirt since being transferred to the UAE. A powerful sort, he looks a dirt horse and although he will need to raise his game, may represent value for those brave enough to take a chance.

5.40: Not many races are run over this trip at this track. This is not a race to dwell on but I am tempted to think, at the weights, Young Mick may have his day in the sun – or moon as it will be local time.

6.45: Kal Barg may ring down the curtain on the meeting. He finished second to Alexandros last time in a race sending out mixed messages. But we know he is fit, whereas Russian Sage is having his first run at the carnival and his best form seems to be over further.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

On a somewhat speculative day, American Spin may take the 7.20 at Wolverhampton. An easy winner from the versatile Dontpaytheferryman on his second start, he was a most promising third to Mr Napper Tandy at Newmarket as a juvenile. We are flying in the face of the bounce factor here, but his mark of 75 is tempting ad he may justify a small stake. He looks well-treated.

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Thursday 5th Feb

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS:

4.00: With the Jamie Osborne stable on a current high, Amber Moon, second on his previous visit here, looks primed to get off the mark in a poor contest.

WOLVERHAMPTON RACING TIPS:

8.20: No prizes for nominating Dansant in this, but he should win.

NAD AL SHEBA RACING TIPS:

4.45: Bound To Honour looks the best bet on the card and the day. A Group performer in South Africa, his comeback effort over an inadequate trip last time behind Alexandros reinforced his well being and commitment. Squeezed for room on the inner, he was battling on in dogged style and that run should have sharpened him up for a tilt over this more suitable trip.

6.15: There are no fitness worries about Munaddam after his latest win over Leandros. There may be little between them again but Munaddam’s overall record at this track could give him the edge. Imbongi may just need this and Hatta Fort – arguably unlucky last time – may still have something to find on the selection.

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Wednesday 4th Feb

LINGFIELD RACING TIPS:

2.00: Quince should be suited by a step up in trip to 1m 5f and on balance his form exceeds that of claiming level. From a yard in form, he should be hard to beat and is seen as the best opportunity of the day.

1.00: Lacrosse turned in a promising debut when not beaten far over course and distance. Normal improvement should be good enough to see him off the mark here.

3.35: Satwa Street is not a confident selection, but has an 8lb weight pull with Five Star Junior for less than a length. Overhauled close home by Hellbender – who split the two – that represents solid form. There is just a suspicion that Satwa Street may be better suited by five furlongs, but if held up he may be capable of nailing Five Star Junior close home in a race that appears to concern just the two runners.

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Tuesday 3rd Feb

SOUTHWELL RACING TIPS

Hardly a card to get excited about; however, two horses appear interesting.

1.40: World of Choice gets a step up in trip, which looks likely to suit. A couple of spins round this track confirm he handles the surface. From a stable not adverse to a tilt at the ring, any market move should be heeded. Last year’s winner, Cragganmore Creek, is a reliable sort at this level but looks as if he wants further nowadays.

3.10: On a similar straw-clutching theme, Spiritual Healing takes the eye. Far from disgraced on debut at Lingfield, this Invincible Spirit filly has a pedigree that gives her every chance of handling this unique surface. It may also be significant that Martin Dwyer makes the trek to Southwell for two rides for Jamie Osborne. It is hard to make a case for the other runner so if there is a plot, it looks like it would be Spiritual Healing.