13:50 Thu 11 May 2023

UNIBET HORSERACE BETTING OPERATOR OF THE YEAR HANDICAP (4)

Distance 7f 14y

Prize £6,542 Rated (0-85) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 7

Going Standard

1. Yorkshire: Yorkshire made a strong impression last year and continued his good form with a win in a valuable 6f novice race here in March, leading on the line. He was good value for that winning margin under a penalty and is likely well treated. The step up to 7f shouldn’t be an issue given his previous performances. However, this is his first time racing over this distance, which could pose a challenge.
2. A Taste Of Honey: With two wins over this distance at Lingfield, including a commanding victory on her handicap debut where she dictated the race throughout, A Taste Of Honey appears to be a strong contender. However, this is her debut on Tapeta surface, and her ability to adapt to this change is yet to be seen.
3. Choisya: Choisya has shown steady progress in four AW races, finishing a clear second at Kempton most recently. The drop back to 7f could be beneficial, as she won her novice over the same distance. Her adaptability to different conditions is a positive, but she’ll need to continue her upward trajectory to challenge the top competitors.
4. Odin Owns You All: This horse took a big step up in his form to win well over this course and distance in February, and his latest second-place finish at Wolverhampton shows continued promise. He goes again off an untouched mark, indicating he’s heading in the right direction. However, as he’s still relatively unexperienced in handicap races, he might need a bit more exposure to fully realise his potential.

Overlooked Horse:

Little Edi: Despite being tailed off at Newbury three weeks ago on his first run on soft ground, Little Edi had previously shown improvement with cheekpieces on the AW, winning over 7f at Kempton and narrowly defeated on his return visit. If he can bounce back from his latest performance, especially with Billy Loughnane booked, he could be a surprise contender. However, his inconsistent form is a concern.

14:25 Thu 11 May 2023

READ RICHARD HANNON’S CHESTER BLOGS @unibetracing MAIDEN STAKES (5) (D.I)

Distance 6f 16y

Prize £4,104 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 10

Going Standard

1. Dear Daphne: Despite a disappointing fourth place in a Pontefract novice last time, Dear Daphne had been placed in her three previous starts, including a close second in a handicap over this course and distance. She is becoming a bit exposed but still holds a solid chance if she can bounce back to her previous form. However, it’s important to note that her recent performance may signal a form slump.
2. Ormolulu: On her debut over this course and distance, Ormolulu managed a second place, even though the form appears ordinary. She should be expected to improve and holds each-way claims. However, as she is relatively inexperienced, her ability to compete against more seasoned horses is yet to be fully tested.
3. Kracking: In his Wolverhampton debut, Kracking finished last of three but managed to keep the distance relatively close despite losing significant ground at the start. He should have a better understanding of the race this time and is one for the shortlist. The major concern with Kracking would be his ability to maintain a good pace from the start.
4. Miss Willows: Although she had long odds in her first two starts, Miss Willows hinted at some ability when she finished fourth of 11 at Doncaster 13 days ago. She may find a race but it’s more likely to be in handicaps after this. Her long absence from racing could be a concern, as her current form is hard to judge.

Overlooked Horse:

Okami: Okami is a debutant from a top yard. His dam was a 1m2f winner and he’s a half-sibling to some useful winners. While he lacks race experience, he could be a surprise package, especially if the market shows confidence in him. However, as a debutant, he’s yet to prove his abilities on the track.

15:00 Thu 11 May 2023

READ RICHARD HANNON’S CHESTER BLOGS @unibetracing MAIDEN STAKES (5) (D.II)

Distance 6f 16y

Prize £4,104 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 10

Going Standard

1. Cruise: Cruise has shown improvement in her last two starts since switching trainers. She has managed to get close over 6f at both Kempton and Wolverhampton, indicating a good adaptation to the track conditions. If she continues to hold this form, she has a strong claim in this maiden. However, as she has switched trainers, her consistency might be a concern.
2. Exorbitant: Despite a rocky start in his debut at Kempton, Exorbitant showed promise towards the end of the race. If he can build on that initial form and avoid early issues, he could pose a serious threat. However, his single previous race may not provide enough evidence to fully gauge his potential.
3. Crazy Crackers: On his debut, Crazy Crackers showed some promise, coming fifth out of 15 at Doncaster. The drop in trip and switch to Tapeta could see him improve on that initial performance. A negative could be his slow start in his debut race, which he will need to overcome to be competitive.
4. Optiva Star: Optiva Star’s best effort was his debut third at Windsor a year ago. He’s been tried over various distances, and his performance when returning to 6f recently suggests this is his preferred distance. However, his form has been inconsistent, making him a bit of a risky prospect.

Overlooked Horse:

Rogue Soldier: In his debut at Chelmsford, Rogue Soldier demonstrated some ability despite racing freely and tiring towards the end. This race’s shorter distance could suit him better, and if he manages to settle more effectively, he could surprise. However, his tendency to tire towards the end of races could be a concern.

15:35 Thu 11 May 2023

MORE EXTRA PLACE RACES EVERYDAY @ unibet.co.uk HANDICAP (6)

Distance 6f 16y

Prize £3,245 Rated (0-60) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 12

Going Standard

1. Bishops Glory: Bishops Glory’s best performances could put him in a good position for an each-way chance. His recent lacklustre performance on soft ground at Doncaster could be attributed to the conditions. However, he will need to improve to secure a win.
2. Thornaby Beauty: Thornaby Beauty showed promise on her handicap debut over this course and distance, coming in close second. Although she didn’t perform to the same level at Newcastle, she showed improved form on heavy ground at Catterick. Her performance could be influenced by track conditions, and she could be competitive if she replicates her best performances.
3. Kasino: Kasino made significant progress to win at Newcastle last September, although at a lower handicap. Since then, the handicapper seems to have had her measure, but her best recent performance was over this course and distance. A drop in handicap could be beneficial, and she might be in contention.
4. Protest Rally: Protest Rally has shown minor progress in his last two starts, but he failed to make a significant impact in his latest race at Chelmsford. He would need to improve to win at this handicap, but that isn’t entirely out of the question.

Overlooked Horse:

Ginny Jo: Ginny Jo has shown moderate form in her 11 starts. However, she produced a career-best in her latest race at Wolverhampton, coming in second. If she can replicate or improve upon that form, she could be an each-way player. Despite her moderate record, her recent improvement should not be overlooked.

16:10 Thu 11 May 2023

UNIBET 3 UNIBOOSTS DAILY PER CUSTOMER HANDICAP (5)

Distance 6f 16y

Prize £3,873 Rated (0-70) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 7

Going Standard

1. Bill Plumb: Bill Plumb has shown significant improvement since reverting to 6f this year, with wins in a Wolverhampton maiden and a handicap debut at Kempton. Although he didn’t win with much in hand, he’s only 2lb higher now and being lightly raced, there’s room for further progress.
2. Blazing Son: This horse has shown strong form over 6f, his only defeat in his last four races coming on his reappearance in March. His last outing at Newcastle in April was a determined one, keeping challengers at bay. Despite a 3lb rise in his ratings, he should still be competitive.
3. Rhythm: Rhythm has notched up three consecutive wins at Newcastle, both on Tapeta and turf. She was slowly away and couldn’t reach the leaders in her last run at Doncaster, but her record on the all-weather track is promising (2-3), making her an interesting contender returning to sand.
4. Roshambo: Roshambo didn’t make much of an impact in her return to turf in September but had shown promise previously at Newcastle, finishing strongly to lead near the finish. Her reappearance at Wolverhampton was also encouraging, suggesting there could be more to come from her.

Overlooked Horse:

Masterclass: Despite the fact that Masterclass’ 6f maiden win at Brighton didn’t turn out to be the strongest form, he was close up in two subsequent 6f handicaps on Polytrack. If he takes to Tapeta on his reappearance, he could be well-weighted to perform well. His adaptability to a different surface should not be ignored.

16:40 Thu 11 May 2023

UNIBET HANDICAP (6)

Distance 1m 13y

Prize £3,245 Rated (0-65) Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 10

Going Standard

1. Golden Maverick: Golden Maverick has shown solid progress lately, with an impressive third-place finish over the course and distance last month and a win off the pace at Wetherby just 11 days ago. Even though he carries a penalty this time, he’s demonstrated potential for further improvement, especially back on Tapeta, making him a key contender in this race.
2. Na Scoitear: Na Scoitear achieved a narrow victory in a maiden handicap over this course and distance last month, his ninth race. His perseverance to beat a subsequent winner is commendable, and with only a 1lb increase in his ratings, he’s a respected contender.
3. Twilight Guest: Twilight Guest’s form has been inconsistent, but he showed promise when finishing third in a Windsor handicap over 1m on soft ground. He’s making his all-weather debut in this race and, being unexposed at this trip, could offer possibilities if he can build on his last run.
4. Threebars: Despite being a maiden after six races, Threebars came close to a win when she finished second in a Bath handicap. If she can replicate that form back on the all-weather, she’s a serious player, especially considering she’s due to be 2lb higher in future.

Overlooked Horse:

Royal Dream: Royal Dream is a half-brother to seven winners and, although he didn’t make much impact in his first three novice/maiden events, he showed some promise when finishing fifth at Wolverhampton. Upped in trip on his handicap debut, he could be an improver and is worth watching, particularly after having undergone gelding/wind operations and with a tongue-tie added.

17:13 Thu 11 May 2023

UNIBET MONEYBACK RACES DAILY THIS WEEK HANDICAP (6)

Distance 4f 214y

Prize £3,245 Rated (0-63) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 7

Going Standard

1. Grandfather Tom: He demonstrated good form when winning comfortably at Lingfield last week. He’s treated favourably, only carrying a 3lb penalty for his previous win, which makes him an obvious contender. He hasn’t fared well at this track previously, but there were extenuating circumstances for those performances, and he’s proven on other Tapeta tracks.
2. Dapper Man: Dapper Man is operating off a relatively low mark currently and has shown consistent form at this track, especially over 5f on the new surface. He won his last two races here, and even with a penalty, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him do well again, especially with Jonny Peate taking off 5lb.
3. Yimou: Yimou has a losing run to break but is well treated on 5f Polytrack form as recent as midwinter. The refitted cheekpieces replacing the hood could be a help. He’s not out of this back on the AW, but in-form rivals could stand in his way.
4. Birkenhead: A C&D winner on Fibresand, Birkenhead is back below his latest winning mark at York last summer. He becomes more interesting now with headgear refitted for the first time this year (all five handicap wins in aids).

Thegreatestshowman could be worth keeping an eye on as well, as he is a C&D winner on Fibresand and didn’t look like a lost cause when finishing a close sixth to Dapper Man over C&D on Monday.

17:43 Thu 11 May 2023

UNIBET 25% BOOST ON DARTS PROFITS HANDICAP (5)

Distance 1m 4f 14y

Prize £3,873 Rated (0-70) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 7

Going Standard

1. Theonlywayiswessex: Theonlywayiswessex started the year well with wins over 1m4f at Lingfield and Southwell. Despite hanging left in his latest outing at Lingfield, he put in a commendable performance and should be considered for this race.
2. Glen Cove: Glen Cove has had two handicap wins (including one at Southwell) once upped to 1m4f on Tapeta last term. Although he was tailed off when returning to turf, he may have further progress now back on the AW in this new campaign.
3. Tio Mio: Tio Mio put in his best performance since 2021 in his latest outing, winning comfortably from the front over 1m3f at Southwell. Although he’s up 7lb now, he’s a more appealing option than most of the other competitors in this race.
4. Golden Keeper: Golden Keeper has been placed on Tapeta in his last two starts last season and showed positive signs in his latest outing. He’s returning to a good mark, which should put him in contention for this race.

Worth noting: Bay Of Naples has all his wins on AW, with his last three wins at Southwell over two years ago. His second-place finish to Tio Mio in their penultimate outing and a rare turf run that could excuse his latest performance make him an each-way contender to consider.