There’s a wide spread of action right across the UK on Wednesday at Bath, Brighton, Kempton, Pontefract and Yarmouth and we have highlighted races from all of them here.
3.20 Brighton Mile – 1m Handicap
Lord Clenaghcastle
Knows this place well and won over Epsom’s undulations last time too. Not ground dependant and still improving, every chance
Helfire
Generally still progressing but mainly on all-weather surfaces. Did well on the turf at Ascot last time though and is a danger.
Exceeding Power
Despite winning over 10f at Lingfield in February he was all the better for the step down to a mile recently on turf and rarely runs a bad race.
Cricklewood Green
Last year’s winner, higher in the weights but comes into this in even better form.
Admirable Art
Not as consistent as some in the race but did win here last autumn. His heavy handicap hit for winning a soft ground race at Chepstow could be too big a burden.
Wasm
Took a big step forward last time at Doncaster but that was on soft ground.
83 Lord Glenaghcastle
81 Cricklewood Green
81 Helfire
79 Exceeding Power
78 Wasm
77 Admirable Art
Summary
LORD GLENAGHCASTLE is the one with more to give and handles this type of track well. Cricklewood Green and Helfire look good for places.
3.30 Bath – Kelston Cup, 1m2f Handicap
Dowayla
A winner here over 1m last time but not one who handles rain softened ground and that may be what is encountered on the day.
Anythingtoday
Improving nicely and can handle easier conditions. Trained superbly and ready for another step forward here, huge run expected.
Argenterie
Arguably didn’t handle either the step up in trip or the easier ground last time, one to chalk off perhaps.
Nayel
Likes this trip and has well here before, however is another who appears to much prefer faster ground.
Cosmeapolitan
In and out on the flat but may handle conditions better than some.
100 Anythingtoday
88 Cosmeapolitan
85 Dowayla
85 Nayel
80 Argenterie
Summary
If the rain arrives in buckets (forecast at the time of writing) then plenty will be inconvenienced here but ANYTHINGTODAY should not be one of them. Hugo Palmer’s gelding is progressing nicely and could be well clear of this field. Cosmeapolitan could be best of the rest.
3.40 Pontefract – 1m4f Handicap
Hot Beat
Been running over further but last won over this trip in the winter. Half a shout if back to form.
Mutadaffeq
Generally progressive but perhaps not on softer ground.
Sennockian Star
Consistent sort from a top yard, last three wins have have come on the AW though.
Icefall
Will be all the better for his season opener at Ripon, handles most conditions and could represent good value.
Kasperenko
Best form is on top-of-the-ground so the potential rain won’t help, still getting better though and can take a hand.
93 Icefall
92 Hot Beat
89 Kasperenko
88 Sennockian Star
80 Mutadaffeq
Summary
Although narrowly, the ratings show a potential win for Tim Easterby’s ICEFALL at hopefully a big price. Hot Beat could also go well.
4.40 Pontefract – 1m Handicap
Buckland Beau
0-16 on the turf but the handicapper hasn’t really ever done him any favours. He’s now 7lbs lower than his last win but maybe needs more of a hand.
Stanley
Still progressing when the ground isn’t fast and can do so again here, big shout.
Chiswick Bey
Good record but probably wants it faster than this.
Rockwood
Consistent and not particularly ground dependant, does have limitations though.
Echo Of Lightning
Has plenty to recommend him but is perhaps not one who likes the rain too much.
Rousayan
Conditions should be ideal and so he’s not one to dismiss lightly.
84 Stanley
83 Buckland Beau
79 Rousayan
78 Echo Of Lightning
77 Rockwood
75 Chiswick Bey
Summary
Jonjo O’Neill’s STANLEY will love conditions here and can grab the win. Buckland Beau may do better than some think and has place chances.
6.45 Yarmouth – 5f Handicap
Arzaak
Still improving overall but like most handicap sprinters is hard to catch right.
Discreet Hero
Yard in form, handles most ground and is on the upgrade.
Just Us Two
Last time out winner who could be peaking now, definitely one to watch.
Madame Bounty
May have been harshly treated for her Newbury win but can still show up well.
Olivia Fallow
Hard to know exactly what sort of run she’ll put in but she’s certainly capable. Paul Midgley brings just the two down from Yorkshire.
90 Just Us Two
88 Discreet Hero
88 Olivia Fallow
82 Madame Bounty
81 Arzaak
Summary
It’s always difficult to try and second guess these sprint handicappers but JUST US TWO could be worth a punt. Discreet Hero may also go well.
8.35 Kempton – 1m4f Handicap
Whinging Willie
Strangely given that he won last time he was here, he hasn’t run here since last January. Still getting better despite his age and must go well again.
Distant
Won her maiden at Chelmsford but has done just as well here. Looked the winner 3 from home last time and will be better for the experience.
Arab Moon
Best form on the all-weather, especially here, and another step forward may be taken.
Artful Rogue
Does OK on this surface and may put in another useful display.
Panko
Ran reasonably well here last October and in fact seems to run similarly on most surfaces. A bit below par last time but want expected to win.
Voski
Just the four runs (two on the AW) and in small fields. We haven’t got near the bottom of this one yet and there’s plenty to come. A better start would mean a much better showing.
Rubensian
Not enjoying the turf so much recently but does well here. If back to his best he’ll be right up there.
93 Distant
93 Voski
91 Rubensian
89 Arab Moon
89 Artful Rogue
89 Whinging Willie
85 Panko
Summary
It’s close on paper, but improved runs are possible rather than probable for Voski and Rubensian whereas DISTANT looks just about certain to put in a career best.