UK racing tips – Friday 1 March 2024

LINGFIELD

Race 3 – BRAVE EMPIRE 6/1

Brave Empire can take a starring role in the BetMGM AWC 3 Year Old Trial Handicap.

Roger Varian’s charge has a fine record of three wins in five starts, winning twice as a juvenile last term before adding another triumph on his most recent run.

The Dark Angel colt suffered a short-priced defeat on his first start of 2024, but he put that well behind him when prevailing by a head in a thrilling finish over the same six furlongs he faces here at the start of the month.

While Rosario would be the pick on his Group-race placings of last year, top-weight and a lack of a recent run could had the initiative to Brave Empire.

Race 4 – BATAL DUBAI 4/1

BATAL DUBAI should be in the mix once again in the BetUK AWC Sprint Trial Handicap.

A third place on New Year’s Day was followed by a narrow second at Kempton in mid-February and he is clearly capable off his current perch of 92.

Race 5 – SPARTAN ARMY 5/2

SPARTAN ARMY can bring up his hat-trick for Alan King in the BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap.

He was twice a winner in February, scoring by a neck at the start of the month before following up off a 2lb higher mark, with seemingly plenty in hand.

His 5lb penalty here puts him marginally wrong off his revised rating, but the son of Highland Reel appears to have a bit up his sleeve.

Race 6 – DRAGON ICON 5/2

DRAGON ICON showed signs of a return to form with a recent fourth, which looks an excellent springboard for the BetUK AWC Middle Distance Trial Handicap.

Two novice wins prompted Varian to raise his sights to Group Two level in the German 2000 Guineas, where he ran well for a long way before fading in the finish on what transpired to be his last three-year-old start.

He looked in need of his return in January and clearly took a step forward as he was subsequently beaten half a length in fourth at

Kempton, when he was staying on all the way to the line over a mile.
Switching up to 10 furlongs here could bring about further improvement, with his mark of 93 also looking quite appealing.

NEWCASTLE

Race 1 – ASGARD’S CAPTAIN 9/4

ASGARD’S CAPTAIN brings strong form with a good course and distance handicap runner-up effort preceding a four-and-a-half length success in this handicap grade at Wolverhampton attempting 1m1 1/2f on Monday.

Explorers Way bids for a hat-trick after a pair of track and trip handicap wins among easier company and must be respected.

Cusack scored by a neck contesting this handicap level over seven furlongs here two runs ago. Makes for appeal back up in trip.

Sense Of Worth placed in the past two starts and holds claims.

Race 3 – STREAK LIGHTNING 5/2

STREAK LIGHTNING was in good form this time last year and ran with credit at this venue last October when a close 2.5L fifth in the grade contesting a course and distance handicap and can be a serious player on return.

Admiral Nelson produced a fair fifth tackling a 1m handicap here at this level. Can build on that effort, so put on shortlist.

Sir Maxi was a track and trip handicap winner six starts ago and holds claims if displaying best.

Race 4 – ELEUTHEROMANIA 2/1

ELEUTHEROMANIA showed plenty of promise delivering second attempt last July when runner-up in a seven furlong maiden at Lingfield and rates highly resuming on all weather for the first time.

Hollie Doyle and Archie Watson team up with Lakota Brave who is a yet to race gelding by Sioux Nation out of Cartographer. Can be considered on profile.

Gemstar is another interesting newcomer and may feature, along with Agnes Grey who has experience on side and looks one to note.

Race 7 – LEDGER 17/10

LEDGER caught the eye here last week when a 2.75L winner in this grade over course and distance and has a strong chance.

Copper Mountain found success by one length at Southwell two runs ago attempting this level and journey. Enjoys the venue and may go close again.

Coligone Kate did well at this circuit finishing a good third in a 1m handicap and could get in the mix.