My Top picks for Thursday’s meetings in time order.

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13:30 Thu 27 April 2023

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FOLLOW @BetVictor ON TWITTER MARES’ ‘NATIONAL HUNT’ NOVICES’ HURDLE (4)

Distance 2m 47y

Prize £3,696 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 12

Going Good to Soft (Good In Places)

Based on the analysis of the chart and comments, Poetic Music (6/5 odds) is the favourite to win the race, with consistent performance in the season and considered a major player at this level. However, Midnight Shuffle (5/2 odds) also has a strong chance and should be in the shake-up, especially if Poetic Music isn’t at its best.

Magical Maggie (3/1 odds) is another contender to keep an eye on, as it has shown strong form recently, although it was a non-runner in its last race.

As for potential each-way considerations, Donso Star (10/1 odds) showed marked improvement in its last race at Musselburgh, which could make it an interesting option. However, other runners like Beauty To Behold (16/1 odds) and Elmley Lovett (33/1 odds) are considered vulnerable or not good enough to trouble the top contenders in this race.

13:40 Thu 27 April 2023

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COOP AND ALIS 40th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION MAIDEN HURDLE (4) (D.I)

Distance 2m 3f

Prize £4,084 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 9

Going Good to Soft (Good In Places)

Based on the analysis of the chart and comments, Scene One (5/2 odds) is the favourite to win the race, showing improved form in its recent performance at Fontwell. If all goes well in this race, Scene One should play a significant role.

Easy Rider (10/3 odds) is another horse to watch, as its fourth-place finish at Sandown makes it a horse of interest. Despite being well beaten at Kempton, this race is expected to be easier, making Easy Rider a strong contender.

Glorious Fun (9/2 odds) and Kankin (9/2 odds) are also worth considering. Glorious Fun comes from a top stable and has an impressive pedigree on paper, so the market might be a good guide to its potential. Kankin showed improvement in its last race and might be better suited with less emphasis on stamina in this race, making it a potential each-way bet.

Lastly, Arctic Saint (6/1 odds) and Giulietta (18/1 odds) may have more to offer, but they will need to show significant improvement to challenge the top contenders in this race.

14:20 Thu 27 April 2023

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SURPRISE 60th BIRTHDAY CLIFF BARBER HANDICAP (4)

Distance 5f

Prize £5,574 Rated (0-80) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 9

Going Good to Soft

Based on the chart and comments, Ventura Flame (11/4 odds) seems to be the favourite to win this race. Ventura Flame won this race two years ago and had a good performance in the recent race over the same course and distance, finishing second. With the same mark today, Ventura Flame is a key player.

Dandy Dinmont (4/1 odds) also has solid claims, having finished runner-up twice in a row at Newcastle and showing good form when finishing third in a recent race over the same course and distance. With a clear run, Dandy Dinmont could potentially beat Ventura Flame.

Princess Karine (7/1 odds) is another horse to watch, as this lightly raced 4-year-old showed promise in her first campaign last season and finished a close third at Newcastle last month. She could have more to offer and is on the shortlist.

Other horses to consider are Beattie Is Back (5/1 odds) and Sir Titus (7/1 odds). Beattie Is Back showed improvement over 7f on the all-weather last December, but it’s uncertain whether the 5f distance will suit the horse. Sir Titus, on the other hand, has a good record when fresh in the spring and returns on a handy mark, making him a possible contender.

In summary, Ventura Flame is the top pick to win the race, with Dandy Dinmont, Princess Karine, Beattie Is Back, and Sir Titus as other potential contenders to run well.

14:30 Thu 27 April 2023

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ROYAL CALEDONIAN HUNT CREEVYTENNANT CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ VETERANS’ HANDICAP CHASE (4)

Distance 2m 7f 180y

Prize £5,281 Rated (0-110) Age 10yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 7

Going Good to Soft (Good In Places)

Based on the chart and comments, Caboy (5/2 odds) seems to be the favourite to win this race. Caboy achieved a victory in Britain at Wetherby last month and had a solid performance at Newcastle, finishing second off a 3lb higher mark. The return to a longer distance shouldn’t be an issue for this horse.

Niceandeasy (3/1 odds) is another contender, but there are some reservations about this horse’s recent performance, as it struggled over longer trips before experiencing jumping issues at Newcastle. However, this race is in an easier grade, so Niceandeasy cannot be ruled out entirely.

Flying Verse (4/1 odds) is another horse to watch, having won a clear-cut victory at Doncaster. However, this horse has been inconsistent in its performances, and without Ned Fox’s claim, Flying Verse will need to be at its best to compete.

Smuggler’s Blues (9/2 odds) is an unpredictable horse, but it is worth noting that it is racing off its last winning mark. The first-time blinkers may affect its performance, but Smuggler’s Blues cannot be discounted.

In summary, Caboy is the top pick to win the race, with Niceandeasy, Flying Verse, and Smuggler’s Blues as other potential contenders to run well.

14:50 Thu 27 April 2023

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ANDY HILL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION NOVICE STAKES (5)

Distance 1m 1f 207y

Prize £4,320 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 6

Going Good to Soft

Based on the chart and comments, Sea Flawless (10/11 odds) appears to be the favourite for this race. She won on her belated debut at Newcastle and finished second at Lingfield behind an impressive winner. As a well-bred filly trained by William Haggas, who has a 30% success rate at this course in the last five years, Sea Flawless is a strong candidate to win this race.

Liseo (3/1 odds) is another horse to watch. Although he was a disappointing favourite at Chelmsford in his last race, he was placed over 1m2f in his first three runs. If Liseo can reproduce that level of performance, he could be a strong contender in this race.

Auld Toon Loon (7/1 odds) showed improvement in his recent Redcar novice race, finishing third. While others in the race may have slightly stronger form, Auld Toon Loon should stay this far and might not be far away from the top finishers.

Umax (9/1 odds) is another horse that could potentially run well. He was well beaten on his debut but showed promise in his stable debut at Kempton, finishing as a close third. Having cost 300,000gns as a yearling, Umax might have more to offer and should not be ruled out.

In summary, Sea Flawless is the top pick to win the race, with Liseo, Auld Toon Loon, and Umax as other potential contenders to run well.

15:00 Thu 27 April 2023

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BRITISH RED CROSS UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL HANDICAP HURDLE (3)

Distance 2m 4f 35y

Prize £6,865 Rated (0-140) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 6

Going Good to Soft (Good In Places)

Based on the chart and comments, Snake Roll (4/5 odds) appears to be the strong favourite for this race. He has been highly tried in his last two runs in Grade 2 races and performed well, finishing third at Kelso most recently. That form is strong, and Snake Roll seems well handicapped, with the return to a longer trip in his favour.

Rafferty’s Return (7/2 odds) is another horse to watch. He won at Wetherby on Boxing Day and ran well in his next two races. Although he reportedly ran flat at Uttoxeter most recently, he’s had a break since then and could be a contender in this race.

Caius Marcius (7/1 odds) has been successful since stepping up to 3m, winning three races in a row. He’s only 3lb higher and the shorter trip in this race is unlikely to inconvenience him, so he could also perform well.

Blue Sari (12/1 odds) has not reached the heights expected of him since sent over obstacles but has shown ability in the past. If he can overcome his recent issues, he could potentially be a surprise contender in this race.

In summary, Snake Roll is the top pick to win the race, with Rafferty’s Return and Caius Marcius as other potential contenders to run well. Keep an eye on Blue Sari as a potential dark horse if he can return to form.

15:50 Thu 27 April 2023

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BET AT racingtv.com HANDICAP CHASE (4)

Distance 2m 54y

Prize £4,753 Rated (0-110) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 9

Going Good (Good to Soft In Places)

Based on the chart and comments, Sayar (4/1 odds) appears to be the favourite for this race. He returned from a 353-day absence with a satisfactory third-place finish at Market Rasen and is now 2lb lower than when winning over hurdles last spring. If his recent outing has brought him on, he could be a strong contender in this race.

Other horses to watch include Getaman (9/2 odds) and King Of Quinta (4/1 odds). Getaman is a dual chase winner on good ground in the early part of this season, and although he’s been absent since a below-par run last September, his current mark is probably not beyond him. King Of Quinta, while unexposed after only four runs, needs today’s switch to fences to enable significant improvement. With cheekpieces on for the first time, there’s potential for a better performance.

First Angel (odds not provided) is another horse worth considering. While well beaten last month, he may have needed that run, and the soft ground was likely not ideal. He is now 3lb lower than when making the frame twice on good ground last summer, so he could feature prominently in this race with the hood refitted and tongue-tie removed.

In summary, Sayar is the top pick to win the race, with Getaman and King Of Quinta as potential contenders to run well. First Angel could also put in a strong performance if conditions are favourable.

16:15 Thu 27 April 2023

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pigsback.com HANDICAP CHASE (Black Hills) (Grade B)

Distance 2m

Prize €50,000 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 14

Going Yielding to Soft

I would choose DOUGLAS TALKING (10/3) as my top pick to win this race. Trained by Lucinda Russell and ridden by Derek Fox, this front-runner has made a strong impression during his productive British campaign, and a late mistake at Aintree might have cost him the win. He still appears well handicapped, and as a scopey 7-year-old, he should adapt well to this course.

Other contenders who might run well include:

  1. DINOBLUE (7/2) – Trained by W.P. Mullins and ridden by M.P. Walsh, Dinoblue was a close runner-up at Cheltenham and won at Fairyhouse. Despite a 7lb rise, she could still be competitive.
  2. WHISKEYWEALTH (8/1) – Trained by Terence O’Brien and ridden by M.P. O’Connor, this horse has shown progress and was running well at Fairyhouse until an unfortunate fall at the final fence. A 3lb rise is not ideal, but he remains a contender based on his form.
  3. THE FOLKES TIARA (8/1) – Trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Rachael Blackmore, this winning pointer ran well at Leopardstown and should have more to offer in this race.

17:00 Thu 27 April 2023

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JOHN SILLETT MEMORIAL HANDICAP CHASE (4)

Distance 3m

Prize £5,281 Rated (0-115) Age 5yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 7

Going Good (Good to Soft In Places)

Based on the chart and comments, I would pick Northern Poet (IRE) as the potential winner, with odds of 2/1. Northern Poet has been in good form recently, winning his last two races at Huntingdon and Plumpton on good ground. Despite not necessarily relying on his jumping to win those races, he’s clearly in excellent form and is one to watch.

Eclair De Guye (FR) at 4/1 odds also appears to be a strong contender. With a recent second-place finish at Market Rasen, he’s been showing improvement and should not be ruled out. The switch from cheekpieces to blinkers might also have a positive impact on his performance.

Daranova (IRE) at 13/2 odds is another horse worth considering. After winning twice at Bangor last year, he had a disappointing run last month, but it’s easy to forgive considering the circumstances. He should be more competitive in this race.

In summary, Northern Poet seems to be the top pick, with Eclair De Guye and Daranova as other strong contenders to keep an eye on during the race.

17:08 Thu 27 April 2023

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BLUE SKY EVENT SERVICES HANDICAP (6)

Distance 1m 1f 207y

Prize £4,004 Rated (0-65) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 10

Going Good to Soft

Based on the chart and comments, I would pick Cantora as the potential winner, with odds of 11/8. Cantora has shown good form in her previous races, with two wins in nurseries last autumn and a close second-place finish at Redcar on a soft ground. Although the ground might be different in this race, she remains a strong contender if the ground is not an issue.

Papa Ricco, with odds of 10/3, is another horse to watch in this race. He showed significant improvement when he won on his handicap and seasonal debut at Nottingham, stepping up in trip. With a useful pedigree, there’s potential for further growth, making him a solid contender.

Mickey Mongoose, at 10/1 odds, is worth considering as well. Although he had mixed form last year and a disappointing debut at Lingfield, his stable’s 3-year-olds often improve as they go up in trip. As a result, Mickey Mongoose should not be ruled out.

In summary, Cantora appears to be the top pick, with Papa Ricco and Mickey Mongoose as other strong contenders to keep an eye on during the race.

17:20 Thu 27 April 2023

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LIVE NEUTRAL EARTH LTD NOVICES’ HANDICAP HURDLE (5)

Distance 2m 3f 1y

Prize £4,225 Rated (0-105) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 13

Going Good

Based on the chart and the comments provided, I would pick Fame And Fun (IRE) with the odds at 9/4 as the likely winner. Fame And Fun has shown consistent form since switching to handicaps and has recently achieved a comfortable win at Wincanton. With the penalty considered, Fame And Fun still has potential for more progress and previously succeeded over the same course and distance.

Other horses to keep an eye on are:

  1. Sonnemoser (FR) with odds at 4/1: Sonnemoser has performed well in two handicaps for the new yard and can be expected to put up another bold bid.
  2. Just Loose Change with odds at 11/2: Just Loose Change has returned from a break with three creditable efforts and could be respected on this drop back in trip.
  3. Titanium Bullet (IRE) with odds at 12/1: Despite an underwhelming last run, Titanium Bullet started his handicap career with a close second at Huntingdon and may step up again to be competitive in this race.

These horses are worth watching as they could potentially run well in the Live Neutral Earth Ltd Novices’ Handicap Hurdle.

17:40 Thu 27 April 2023

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INJURED JOCKEYS FUND HANDICAP (5)

Distance 7f

Prize £5,051 Rated (0-75) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 7

Going Standard

Based on the chart and the comments provided, I would pick One More Dream with the odds at 6/4 as the likely winner. One More Dream has a strong recent record, having won two times over the course and distance, including a win just a fortnight ago. Although the 5lb rise in weight demands more from the horse, the competition appears to be less challenging, making One More Dream a strong contender.

Other horses to keep an eye on are:

  1. Shades of Summer (IRE) with odds at 5/2: This dual course winner has been turned over at short prices off tonight’s mark twice this spring. The extra furlong might be a factor, but there is no guarantee it will help based on pedigree. Shades of Summer remains one to watch, as it could potentially challenge the favourite.
  2. Winforglory (IRE) with odds at 15/2: Winforglory found success in a couple of weak races last summer and now returns to a shorter distance, which should be beneficial given the lack of stamina shown on the comeback. If the horse can adapt well to the shorter distance, it could run competitively in this race.

These horses are worth watching as they could potentially run well in the Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap.

18:25 Thu 27 April 2023

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INVEST SOUTHWEST HANDICAP HURDLE (4)

Distance 2m 104y

Prize £5,017 Rated (0-110) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 9

Going Good

Based on the chart and the comments provided, I would pick Phoenix Risen as the likely winner with odds at 7/2. Phoenix Risen demonstrated a strong performance in a recent big-field handicap over the course and distance on good to soft ground, winning by 9 lengths. Despite the 10lb increase in weight, the horse seems open to further improvement and is a strong contender in this race.

Other horses to keep an eye on are:

  1. Universal Secret (IRE) with odds at 8/1: Universal Secret has been improving recently, with wins in a maiden hurdle and a handicap at Wincanton. Although the horse is 4lb higher and faces stronger competition, it remains open to further progress and could be a key player in the race.
  2. Cornicello (FR) with odds at 17/2: Cornicello has demonstrated success in previous handicaps at Plumpton and Wincanton, and now returns after a 153-day break. With the yard in good form, the horse could potentially resume progress at this trip and pose a threat to the other contenders.

These horses could potentially run well in the Invest Southwest Handicap Hurdle, and it’s worth keeping an eye on their performance in the race.

19:00 Thu 27 April 2023

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RUN RABBIT RUN MARES’ HANDICAP HURDLE (5)

Distance 2m 7f 198y

Prize £4,225 Rated (0-100) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 15

Going Good

Based on the analysis of the chart and comments, I predict that Ma Belle Noire has a strong chance of winning this race with odds of 5/1. Trained by Harry Fry and ridden by Sean Bowen, this horse has a consistent record and is tackling a new distance which should suit her well given the stamina in her pedigree. The addition of cheekpieces may help her focus and find that extra edge needed to win.

Another horse that could run well is Gaia Vallis, with odds at 11/2. Trained by David Bridgwater and ridden by Caoilin Quinn, this dual hurdle winner has shown signs of returning to form with two respectable third-place finishes recently. She remains well-treated, being 6lb lower than her last win, and is a strong contender in this race.

Little Else, at odds of 13/2, is another one to watch. Trained by Jeremy Scott and ridden by Lorcan Williams, she wasn’t beaten far in a C&D handicap in February and could improve her performance after undergoing wind surgery. This staying trip could be well suited for her.

Lastly, don’t rule out Milanese Rose, with odds of 15/2. Trained by Neil Mulholland and ridden by Harry Cobden, she was the runner-up off this mark at Plumpton on her penultimate run last year. Although returning from a 176-day break, the yard is in good form and she could be worth keeping an eye on in the market, especially with the addition of a tongue-tie.

19:25 Thu 27 April 2023

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IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH CHELMER FILLIES’ STAKES (Listed) (1)

Distance 6f

Prize £45,368 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 13

Going Standard

Based on the analysis of the chart and the comments provided, I would choose BELIEVING (IRE) as the most likely winner of the race, with the odds of 7/2. Believing has shown consistent performances in Listed/Group 3 company and should benefit from the recent turf comeback after a wind operation. The horse’s experience and form make it one of the likelier winners.

Other contenders to consider:

  1. RAGE OF BAMBY (IRE) – Odds 9/2 Rage of Bamby has a strong record, particularly with its third-place finish in the Rockfel (Group 2) last autumn. However, the drop back in trip, the sharp course, and stall 12 might pose a challenge. Nonetheless, the horse sets the standard and should be considered as a strong contender.
  2. GLENLAUREL (IRE) – Odds 8/1 Glenlaurel showed promise with a decent debut win and a commendable closing effort in the Group 2 Lowther. This race appears to be a more realistic target, so the horse has the potential to perform well.
  3. MINNETONKA (IRE) – Odds 8/1 Minnetonka has been consistent in the past season and ran to her best on her comeback last month. The horse is expected to appreciate the drop in trip and the handy draw, but it may be vulnerable to improving contenders.

Keep an eye on WOOLHAMPTON (IRE) at odds of 17/2 as well. The step back up in distance could be beneficial, and with Oisin Murphy on board and the in-form yard behind her, Woolhampton could potentially surprise.

Please note that horse racing is always subject to numerous variables and uncertainties, and there is no guarantee that any prediction will be accurate. Always bet responsibly and within your means.

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