UK racing tips – Saturday 23 March 2024

DONCASTER

Race 1 – ASTRAL BEAU 7/2

It would be no surprise to see ASTRAL BEAU put up a staunch defence of her crown in the Doncaster Mile.

The well-related five-year-old ploughed through the Doncaster mud to claim this Listed prize 12 months ago and went on to perform well in defeat in Pattern company, most notably finishing fourth behind the top-class Nashwa in the Falmouth at Newmarket.

She is readily forgiven an underwhelming final run of 2023 on a fast surface and having proven she goes well fresh when landing this event last year, another bold bid should be anticipated.

Race 2 – MYSTICAL ELEGANCE 2/1

A newcomers race where a market check could prove a helpful guide. MYSTICAL ELEGANCE represents notable connections and profiles well on debut, so is likely to be in the mix.

Roysdelight makes for appeal on paper being a gelding by Bungle Inthejungle. Could go close when resuming.

Atherstone Warrior and Dukes Of Haather both rate as interesting newcomers.

Race 3 – HELTER SKELTER 25/2

HELTER SKELTER catches the eye in the William Hill Epic Boost Spring Mile.
Placed twice in maiden company in Ireland for John Joseph Murphy, the gelded son of Elzaam was subsequently snapped up for 38,000 guineas by The Horse Watchers and sent to Rebecca Menzies.

He only made his debut for his new connections last week, but there was plenty of encouragement to be taken from finishing fourth in a novice contest at Wolverhampton, with the run having blown away any cobwebs.

Making his handicap debut off a mark of 74, he could go well for his shrewd connections.

Race 4 – MARSHMAN 7/2

MARSHMAN appears another likely winner for Karle Burke in the Cammidge Trophy.

The four-year-old looked a potential top-notcher after winning his first couple of starts as a juvenile and has always been held in the highest regard.

He kicked off last term with a Group Three win in soft ground in France and went on to perform well in some high-level sprints on home soil.
Marshman has not been seen in competitive action since July, but looks to have conditions in his favour and is fancied to make a successful comeback.

Race 5 – LIBERTY LANE 4/1

LIBERTY LANE can strike Lincoln Handicap gold in testing conditions in South Yorkshire.

A typically competitive field has assembled for the traditional curtain-raiser and the vote goes to a horse from an in-form yard with plenty of scope for improvement.

Liberty Lane has run seven times for Karl Burke and won twice, most recently showing plenty of heart to score over this course and distance in soft ground in September.

The four-year-old subsequently failed to fire when well fancied for the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket, an effort which perhaps gave conclusive proof that he needs an ease underfoot to show his true colours.

The son of Teofilo is actually two from two on the soft, having also dominated his rivals on his racecourse debut at Nottingham, and with the Burke yard having been among the winners on the all-weather of late, expect Liberty Lane to be fully tuned for his seasonal bow.

BANGOR

Race 1 – PICKANUMBER 3/1

PICKANUMBER appeals from a low weight. Brings the additional benefit of a conditional claim. Bids for a hat-trick after delivering a 5.5L success at Lingfield.

Uncle Bert aims for back to back wins following a Wetherby victory. Tackling tougher opposition and could be firmly in the mix.

Jungle Jack carries top weight. Good second attempting a Kelso handicap hurdle in latest.

Cheddleton was a last start fences winner, now reverts to hurdling with a place chance.

NEWBURY

Race 2 – IDY WOOD 17/2

IDY WOOD proved consistent these past few months and holds Graded form.

Well-beaten third in the G2 Dovecote Novices Hurdle when last seen, but now returns to handicaps and has a big chance.

Into The Park bids for a hat-trick. Justified favouritism scoring by three lengths at Taunton. Continues the same level with solid credentials.

Onethreefivenotout could be an interesting place prospect from current weight. Switches to handicaps after a maiden hurdle win at Wincanton.
Spirits Bay holds each-way claims following a success at Exeter.

Race 3 – HELTENHAM 11/10

HELTENHAM can defy a 6lb hike in the weights to notch a second successive course-and-distance win for Dan and Harry Skelton in the Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Handicap Chase.

Race 4 – EL ELEFANTE 11/2

EL ELEFANTE looks a suitable candidate for the British EBF BetVictor “National Hunt” Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle.

Lucinda Russell’s Scottish raider has been highly tried in between a couple of low-key wins at Perth and Ayr and does not look badly treated with a rating of 122 ahead of her handicap debut.