Racing
Uttoxeter Place 6 preview | 19th July
14.40 – Visit stmodwenhomes.co.uk Find Your New Home Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – 1m7f
TEN PAST MIDNIGHT hasn’t threatened in his last three starts but made the frame three times in succession over C&D last summer off a mark of 92, showing a liking for this course. He is essentially down to 85, which means he is seven pounds lower, and back on his last winning mark. With Harry Atkins taking off a further 10Ib, Martin Keighley’s charge is a major player and one of my strongest picks on the card.
Tips: TEN PAST MIDNIGHT
15.10 – Scott McGarry 60th Birthday Bash Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – 1m7f
MANIMOLE has been nothing short of consistent in this sphere and having placed in five of her previous eight starts, she was rewarded with success at Worcester last-time-out, winning by nine lengths. She was previously a good second at this course in a much stronger race over a longer distance and, with the likelihood of more to come, she should have all the essentials to double her tally over timber.
Tips: MANIMOLE
15.40 – Nigel Kirby Photography Handicap Chase – 2m4f
JUDGE EARLE has ultimately struggled since early-October last year but the return to this course might spark a resurgence in form as he finished a half-a-length second to a now 145-rated horse here in September in a class three event. The 11-year-old’s record at this course reads 1122 from four starts, so he should have the ammunition to run very well.
SHOLSANG could be well-treated on his UK/stable debut and would only need to repeat his chase debut second at Down Royal to go close.
Tips: JUDGE EARLE, SHOLSANG
16.10 – Drywall Contracts National Handicap Hurdle – 2m7f
The Milton Harris-trained MR YEATS also has a liking for this course, placing in all three previous visits here. He was second over course-and-distance back in October in a better race and was second over track and trip last time in an even higher grade event (class two). He is up 3Ib but has the best course form and should again be competitive.
The seven-year-old KAZONTHERAZZ is one-from-one here and while she unseated her rider when last seen on chase debut, she was really progressive over hurdles beforehand. She is the backup choice.
Tips: MR YEATS, KAZONTHERAZZ
16.40 – Jacqui Clark Birthday Celebration Novices’ Handicap Chase – 3m
The Sheila Lewis-trained JUNIOR MASSINI has been revitalised by Sheila Lewis, who has a record of 2111 since joining her team. He has been dominant from the front in each of his three wins and was very impressive in scoring by eight lengths at Newton Abbot just over three weeks ago. With the prospect of even more improvement to come, and despite his mark going up another 5Ib, the four-timer could well be on the cards.
I recommend covering with LOUGH CARRA, who filled the frame in every start in handicaps last year over hurdles. He has yet to replicate that sort of form in three starts over fences but he did run well on his last visit to this course and is open to further development. If the favourite fluffs his lines, he might be the one to pick up the pieces.
Tips: JUNIOR MASSINI, LOUGH CARRA
17.15 – Uttoxeter Ladies Day On 28th July Novices’ Handicap Hurdle – 2m3f
SIR CANFORD didn’t fare too badly when fourth at this course last time and the return to this longer trip is worth an experiment. The seven-year-old constantly runs well on the level so if he can put it all together over hurdles, he might be capable of either defying top-weight or making the frame.
OUR MAN PARTY has gradually improved since switching to handicaps and ran a lot better than the beaten margin implied when fourth at Newton Abbot last-time-out. He should have more to come and can improve on previous efforts to acquit himself well here.
Tips: SIR CANFORD, OUR MAN PARTY
