Today’s free horse racing tips: Steve Mullen’s top tips for Sunday’s racing at Pontefract, Hexham and Southwell
PONTEFRACT
2.20
MASAAKIN showed plenty of promise when beaten less than two lengths on debut at Haydock 17 days ago. She improved as the race went on and should take a big step forward with that run under her belt.
Soffika is bred to be a middle-distance star and is worth keeping an eye on in the betting with Sir Michael Stoute’s horses in such good order.
Inyamazane has the benefit of three runs and has been a fair second on the last two. The opposition looks stronger but she’s not out of it.
2.55
DANTE’S VIEW should be well suited by this step up in distance after showing promise when third on debut at Chelmsford last time out over 1m2f. He’s bred for this distance and can improve on that encouraging start.
Similar comments apply to Dubai Tradition who is having his third run after being beaten in a photo at Ripon latest. There will be a lot more to come upped in trip.
Monica Sheriff and Grenadier Guard have already scored over this sort of trip and have more to offer.
3.25
ADDIS ABABA has been knocking on the door and was an excellent second in good company at York last time out. He’s a slightly tricky ride and seemed helped by the visor on the Knavesmire.
That’s on again and he should go close. Derevo makes his handicap debut for Sir Michael Stoute from what could be a lenient mark. He hasn’t been asked too many questions so far but won on the all-weather before a more modest effort at Chelmsford last time.
He is capable of a lot better. Hats Off To Larry has proven himself to be a tough cookie with a win at Chester followed by a good Carlisle second last time. He is still on a fair weight and likes this trip.
SIMPLY THE BEST Frankie Dettori should be considered Ascot’s greatest ever jockey
4.00
SPIRIT OF APPIN dug deep to win a Goodwood handicap comfortably last month and warrants this hike into Listed class. She was in front for a long way there and saw out this trip really well.
She handles any ground and can take another step forward. Bayshore Freeway is turned out quickly after winning an AW handicap over 1m6f earlier in the week.
She has a Group 3 place to her name so clearly has enough quality, although this may be coming too soon. Crystal Moonlight shapes as though further will suit but wasn’t disgraced in this class at Goodwood latest.
4.35
SUEGIOO has been running well in stronger races than this and found 1m4f a little on the short side when still going close at Chester last time. He ran a cracked on the Roodee in May too, finishing second over this trip in much better company.
He won this race 12 month ago and Ryan Moore is an eyecatching booking for trainer Ian Williams. Champarisi is progressing through the ranks and won a couple of races against similar opposition this spring.
He was last seen running a good fourth at York and shapes as though this longer trip will be fine.
Latest in Horse Racing
5.05
PENNYWHISTLE has been running in a more realistic level this season than the Group 3 she contest at Newmarket last term. She went close on her turf comeback at Goodwood last time and a 1lb rise in the weights looks fair. This mile trip is ideal and the first-time cheekpieces could just help her concentrate better.
Venusta enjoyed the soft ground when winning at Windsor last time but it was an impressive effort to score despite meeting lots of trouble in running.
This is just her second handicap run and there should be more to come. Bighearted won her maiden well at Windsor last time and hasn’t been clobbered for this handicap debut.
5.40
TRICKY DICKY almost managed to win at Carlisle last week despite having the worst of the draw. He had to come right across early on but was only collared in the dying strides so it was a moral victory even if the form book says second.
He’s down the weights despite that and won well on his last visit here so must have every chance. Captain Dion is back under a penalty just four days after winning at Chelmsford and a fortnight after scoring over course and distance from a stone lower in the weights.
We know trip and track suit so he’s respected again. Mosseyb was a close second behind Captain Dion last time and can hit the frame again.
6.10
BLACK SALT was a close third in a stronger race than this at Hamilton last time and has every chance of going two better here. This trip is ideal and the handicapper has largely left him alone.
Valley Of Fire did well to eventually finish fourth at Newmarket last time after missing the break. He’s had a little nudge down the weights and can figure if coming out of the stalls with the others.
Vallarta is coming right down the handicap and showed positive signs when fourth at Thirsk last time. This trip suits and he’s on the shortlist.
SOUTHWELL
2.00 Love The Leader
2.30 Fortunes Hiding
3.05 Lovely Touch
3.35 Stepover
4.10 Mister Universum
4.45 Bergamot
5.15 Chef De Troupe
HEXHAM
2.10 Sense Of Urgency
2.45 Caius Marcius
3.15 Kick On Dottie
3.50 Classical Milano
4.25 Boltissime
4.55 Ueueteotl
5.30 Father John