UK Horse Racing Tips – Thursday 9^th September

 

A cracking card at Doncaster on day two of the Cazoo St Leger meeting. We have five selections today with one at Doncaster and four at Chepstow.

 

Tip 1 – 1.00pm Chepstow

 

The opener only really concerns a couple of the runners, primarily the top three in the market. Alhezabr won last time but was subsequently demoted for causing interference. However, I’m keen on the chances of Karouka. Progressive earlier in the year when in the care of Saaed Bin Suroor, this Awtaad filly changed hands for 77,000gns in July.

She was disappointing on her first start for new connections at Kempton but ran much better in handicap company last time at Sandown. Arguably, on her runs at Bath and Sandown she sets the standard. Karouka has had more chances than the favourite but I feel they should be closer together in the market. Back to a mile on fast ground should suit and the yard remain in good form.

 

1.00pm Chepstow – Karouka 1pt win 15/8 general

 

Tip 2 – 1.40pm Doncaster

 

Gnat Alley was an eye-catcher last time and has been supported this morning but Allayaali looks the bet at the prices. A beautifully bred daughter of Dark Angel, herself a half-sister to Just The Judge, it would be disappointing if she doesn’t prove to be better than mark of 80.

She displayed a good attitude when winning over this course and distance on debut. Travelling nicely in to the race, she battled on willingly to prevail by a narrow margin. She surpassed market expectations that day given she went off a relatively big price considering her pedigree. Then pitched in to a listed event last time, she was out of her depth. There were some positives to be taken from that run, she again travelled nicely but didn’t pick up in the final 2f. Tenderly handled thereafter, she was allowed to come home in her own time.

Now sent in to a nursery, an opening mark of 80 doesn’t appear to be too much of a burden. I’d be hopeful she can resume her progression back in calmer waters at the scene of her maiden victory.

 

1.40pm Doncaster – Allayaali 0.5pt each way 11/1 general

 

Tip 3 – 3.05pm Chepstow

 

A typically competitive low-grade handicap and chances can be given a large number of the runners. I think that Rainbow Mirage is overpriced and worth considering. Progressive earlier in the year on the all-weather, she continued that progression when switched to turf in April. She dotted up on quick ground at Windsor before narrowly being denied on soft ground over today’s course and distance.

She was below par in two runs at Brighton and Nottingham afterwards but she had been on the go for a good while and perhaps needed a break. The near two-month break seemed to have benefitted her when running well at Goodwood last time. I think that run can also be upgraded. She didn’t get the best start and was out of her ground from an early stage. The race also developed up the stands rail and she was caught in the middle.

Rainbow Mirage could also improve for that run and if she does, then she has a big shout. Now back down to a mark of 57, the same mark she was narrowly beaten off here in April. She isn’t fully unexposed on turf after only six runs and, based on the Windsor victory, she’s suited by good-to-firm ground.

 

3.05pm Chepstow – 1pt win Rainbow Mirage 6/1 general (some 13/2 available)

 

Tip 4 – 4.05pm Chepstow

 

Despite being backed this morning, Delahoussaye still appeals at the prices. This doesn’t look a strong nursery and there have been signs that Delahoussaye has ability and scope off an initial mark of 62. I’m happy to completely disregard the run at Lingfield last time, the ground was absolutely bottomless and barely any horses handled the conditions. Nevertheless, he showed up well enough for a long way but struggled to pick up on the ground.

His previous run over today’s course and distance was very encouraging after a moderate debut. Leading the field along for the majority of the first 5f, it was a promising effort. That race has worked out okay with plenty of the horses running well since.

Returned to this course on a quicker surface, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go well on handicap debut.

 

4.05pm Chepstow – 1pt win Delahoussaye 15/2 general

 

Tip 5 – 4.35pm Chepstow

 

This looks a prime opportunity for Coronation Cottage to get back on the scoresheet. She’s now 11lb below her last winning mark and looked to have arrested her decline at Bath last time. That was a stronger race than this contest, she’s now another 2lbs lower and holds Blue Venture on that form. She has a length to find with Glamorous Force but that rival was in much better form going in to the Bath race.

I would have Coronation Cottage as clear favourite today and hopefully this durable mare can get herself back in to the winners’ enclosure.

 

4.35pm Chepstow – 1pt win Coronation Cottage 3/1 general