A pick of todays better races away from Aintree.

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16:20 TauntonThu 13 Apr 3m Hcap Hrd

  1. Copper Coin: With three wins in 2021 and proven ability to handle today’s conditions, Copper Coin is one to take seriously in this lower-grade race. His performance at Newbury in November showed that he has retained his ability and could be a strong contender.
  2. Hititi: In pursuit of a hat-trick following comfortable wins at Exeter and Wincanton last month, Hititi has demonstrated staying power and is unlikely to be handicapped out of the race just yet. Although untested at 3m, his performance at Exeter suggests he could cope with the increased distance.
  3. Jet Of Magic: With a Hereford win in November and a narrow C&D defeat shortly after, Jet Of Magic has delivered solid performances in recent races. His early unseat at Wincanton in February shouldn’t detract from his overall appeal, making him a more attractive option than many.
  4. Sayadam: A winner of four of his eight starts, Sayadam has not progressed significantly since November but has potential for improvement with the step up to 3m and his stable’s current form. He is one to take seriously in this race.
  5. Stellar Magic: Stellar Magic’s performance at Wincanton on Boxing Day and his fourth-place finish at Uttoxeter last month demonstrate his competitiveness. Returning to the scene of his two rules wins, he should not be ruled out in this slightly easier contest.

15:55 NewcastleThu 13 Apr 1m Hcap

  1. Broctune Red: With seven course wins, including a recent victory over 1m2f, Broctune Red is in good form and well-treated under a 4lb penalty. Although this is a stronger race, his recent performance suggests he has a strong chance.
  2. Outsmart: A C&D maiden winner last year, Outsmart has been placed twice off slightly lower marks. With the yard in reasonable form, he shouldn’t be discounted.
  3. Ravenglass: Demonstrating progress at the end of his 3-year-old campaign with two turf wins over 1m, Ravenglass has potential for further improvement in 2023. Though he may need this outing after a six-month break, he’s one to watch.
  4. Ron O: With four AW wins since December, including two over C&D, Ron O is an in-form contender. Although he’s not obviously well-treated under a 5lb penalty, he still deserves respect.
  5. Streak Lightning: Ruth Carr’s team is in good form, and Streak Lightning returned to winning ways over 7f recently. With previous success over 1m, he’s expected to perform well up 4lb.
  6. Star Shield: A two-time C&D winner, Star Shield narrowly missed out on a C&D victory last month. While he requires some things to go right, he’s capable of winning off his current mark.

14:35 TauntonThu 13 Apr 2m Nov Hrd

  1. Aurigny Mill: After showing improved form to win over C&D last month, Aurigny Mill looks to have solid claims under a penalty if he can repeat that promising performance.
  2. Iliko D’Olivate: Despite a disappointing showing at Newbury, Iliko D’Olivate has previously demonstrated promise, including a win at the same course in January. If he can bounce back from his latest outing, he could be a key player for his top yard.
  3. Mardoof: Building on his three consecutive placings, Mardoof scored an easy win over C&D last month. If he can maintain that level of performance, he’s a leading candidate under a penalty.
  4. By Pass: While By Pass had a fairly encouraging third-place finish at Hereford in February, her form has been inconsistent. She might not be the top choice but could be a potential contender with the right conditions.

The other runners, such as Boolamore Glory, Dark Moon, Emanate, Only Fools, and Tango For Sally, would need to significantly improve their form or show a considerable transformation to be competitive in this race.

17:30 Chelmsford CityThu 13 Apr 1m2f Hcap

  1. Wynter Wildes: A consistent performer in handicaps last year, including on the all-weather. She is feasibly handicapped and could be well-prepared for her seasonal return, given that her stable won this race last year.
  2. Mountain Queen: A promising type, Mountain Queen achieved a career-best when winning an 11-runner maiden at Wolverhampton and followed that up with a close second in a handicap at Southwell. There’s likely more to come from her, making her a strong contender.
  3. My Little Queens: With a good record on turf and a solid performance on the all-weather at Newcastle, My Little Queens won on her reappearance last year. She should be considered for this race.
  4. Miss Harmony: Although this race might be tougher than her recent Lingfield handicap win, she has shown consistent efforts this winter, including on this course and distance. She could be in the mix if she maintains her form.

Other runners like Dal Mallart, New Heights, and Flower Of Thunder may need to improve or receive some assistance from the handicapper to pose a serious threat.

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