Phill Anderson's tips for Wednesday include selections from Navan, Bangor, and Nottingham.
There are five race meetings today, mixed between Flat and jumps. We have four bets to get stuck into from a mix of them, including in the feature jumps race of the day plus a quality Flat handicap.
DISTILLATE @ SP (Navan 14:55)
MORRICONE @ SP (Bangor 16:05)
YOU OWE ME MONEY @ SP (Navan 16:25)
NAVARRE EXPRESS @ SP (Nottingham 17:12)
Express to steam home
One of the highlights of the Nottingham card is the Handicap at 17:12. This can go the way of NAVARRE EXPRESS (SP), trained by Hugo Palmer and ridden by leading young pilot Harry Davis.
This lightly-raced three-year-old filly showed some ability in maidens but relished the switch to handicaps when winning by five lengths at Ffos Las last time. Though that was over a mile and a half on soft, today’s test on heavy ground will take plenty of getting and her proven stamina can prove crucial.
Moreover, she is still likely to be improving rapidly and a 6lb penalty shouldn’t be enough to prevent her doubling up. Recent dual winner I Still Have Faith looks to be her most serious rival.
Morricone for Mullins
Respected Irish trainer Mags Mullins rarely sends runners across to the UK, so it is time to sit up and take note when she does.
Her improving gelding MORRICONE (SP) contests the feature tote.co.uk Never Beaten By SP Handicap Hurdle at Bangor-on-Dee over 2 miles 7f and he can make the journey worthwhile under the trainer’s son Danny.
He has shown improved form on his last two starts, getting off the mark in a Downpatrick handicap hurdle last month. While never stronger than at the finish over 2m2f up the stiff run-in at the Northern Irish track, he has good prospects of staying this longer trip on a flat track like this.
Peter Bowens’ Olivers Travels and Emma Lavelle’s King’s Threshold are probably his main stumbling blocks to success.
Distillate to win under penalty
At Navan, the Book Your Discounted Tickets On NavanRacecourse.ie Apprentice Handicap over an extended five furlongs can go the way of DISTILLATE (SP), trained by Adrian McGuinness.
This consistent filly won her third race when bolting up by three lengths at Bellewstown on soft ground last time and can win again under a 7lb penalty.
Conditions are similar today and the longer trip will be no issue for her as she has won over seven furlongs in the past.
Her main danger may again be Art Of Unity, who finished second to her last time. Classy apprentice Adam Caffrey is unable to claim on this occasion but that is for good reason, as he has ridden loads of winners, so his experience will be a good asset in this race.
You Owe Me to land the money
Later at Navan, in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies & Mares Handicap over a mile, YOU OWE ME MONEY (SP) can win her third race of the season.
An improved sort this season, she won twice at Gowran Park within the space of a week back in May before going on a summer break. She was an eyecatcher on her return to action at Punchestown a few weeks ago when making up plenty of ground from the rear.
With that run under her belt, plus a return to softer ground, she can take this competitive event at a nice price under 7lb claimer Conor Stone-Walsh.
