UK racing tips – Monday 14 August 2023

Wolverhampton

Race 1 – MUSTERION 9/2

With solid form thin on the ground, this could be a good opportunity for MUSTERION to gain a breakthrough success. John Butler’s filly should appreciate the stiffer test compared to the 7f at Kempton last time and she may take some stopping.

She’s A Mirage returns to this sphere after finishing a respectable fourth in classified stakes company at Ffos Las a fortnight ago. The daughter of Kodiac is feared most, ahead of Louaizeh.

Race 2 – BIBENDUM 2/1

There were plenty of positives to be taken from BIBENDUM’s debut third over 5f at Yarmouth last month and the Showcasing colt may find enough improvement going up in distance to gain a breakthrough success.

Zipster should have learned plenty when finishing fifth on debut at Chelmsford and could emerge as the chief threat to the selection, ahead of Stanley Spencer.

Race 4 – GISELLES IZZY 5/1

GISELLES IZZY has thrived on being kept busy and she may be able to extend her run of good form by posting another personal best.
The Iain Jardine-trained filly was a comfortable winner over 6f on her penultimate start and only went down by a neck when attempting to follow up off this mark last time.

The return to 7f creates hope for the likes of Lily In The Jungle and Carlton And Co if stamina becomes an issue for the selection.

Race 6 – BERNIE THE BEAR 3/1

Stoney Lane is shortlisted after winning over C&D 10 days ago and, while he is respected in a race of this nature, he has struggled with consistency and has never won back-to-back races before now.

The same applies to He’s Our Star, who is respected but might find this tougher than the similar event he landed at Brighton recently. With that in mind, BERNIE THE BEAR gets the nod given he has improved since fitted with headgear and has posted several respectable efforts over this trip recently.

Kempton

Race 1 – JAKIMA 33/20

Easel debuts in a nursery off a workable mark and, as a half-sister to an all-weather winner, she may improve now switched to a synthetic surface.

There may also be more to come from Cherry Hill, whose latest start is worth forgiving as she never recovered after an early stumble. However, preference is for JAKIMA, who posted a solid effort when third in a deeper race at Chester.

Race 3 – VALIDATED 16/1

Sir Mark Prescott is noted for his meticulous approach with his youngsters and, while many of his tend to get better with experience, the master of Heath House is more than capable of readying a newcomer.
The well-bred VALIDATED, whose dam is a half-sister to Infallible, a Group 3 winner over this trip, appears to be one who can rubber-stamp that theory. Majolica and Maith An Farhh are other interesting debutants.

Race 5 – DAPHNE MAY 7/2

DAPHNE MAY arrives having notched up two Epsom victories either side of a good second at Newbury. The daughter of Mayson should have no problem with the return to an artificial surface and past exploits would suggest she can cope with a further 3lb rise in the handicap.

Mildyjama was perhaps a little disappointing when a beaten favourite at Pontefract last month but she retains potential and could go well from her low draw, while Sainte Colette appeals most of the remainder.

Race 6 – BUNKER BAY 17/2

Arcadian Friend romped to success in an amateur riders’ event at Chelmsford six days ago and, though respected under a 5lb penalty, BUNKEY BAY is preferred.

Having won over an extended 1m3f at Yarmouth on his penultimate start, the son of Australia looked outpaced when filling the runner-up spot over 1m6f at Sandown later that month.

He enters uncharted territory with regards to trip, but that effort would suggest it might see him to greater effect. Others to note include Masterdream, Bodygroove and Devizes.