Nottingham Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Wednesday’s Seven-Race Card
It’s Nottingham Racecourse’s penultimate meeting of the year and today’s seven-race card features the Listed Robin Hood Stakes alongside five handicaps and a maiden race.
Read on for a full preview of the Nottingham card, courtesy of Racing TV, who provide all the latest free bet offers.
We begin with a five-furlong nursery handicap (1.17). Heather Main’s Woolisle has shown ability on soft ground before and should be able to get involved here, running off the same mark as when second of 12 last time out over course and distance on a heavier surface. Ann Duffield’s Master Harry could run a good race too, having been a close second in a four-runner race at Catterick earlier this month.
A handicap over the minimum trip follows, this time for those aged three and over (1.47). Down the bottom end of the handicap, Yazaman could run well, given his reduced mark and form on similar ground conditions. Speed Of Maajid also looks to be a big contender, down to a very tempting mark now after a couple of recent disappointments. He likes soft ground best and could run a big race for Robert Cowell now.
Race three is an extended mile maiden for two-year-old colts and geldings (2.17). Ralph Beckett’s Hell Yeah He Did steps back in trip from 10 furlongs last time and, given his demonstrable ability on soft ground, he must be taken very seriously. Willie Haggas’ Masked Warrior could be of a similar class, having finished a close third of 13 on debut at Newbury, and Ed Walker’s Del Corso looks to have plenty of potential, based on his pedigree.
The feature race, the Listed Robin Hood Stakes, is next, run over the extended mile (2.47). Karl Burke’s Ice Max tops the ratings, having won the Autumn Mile at York last time out, but might not be at his absolute best on a softer surface. In that respect, Ebt’s Guard should be a player, as should the improving three-year-old Fondo Blanco, who won his first start over a mile at Haydock last month.
Our fifth race is a 10-furlong handicap (3.17). We have just five runners here, but this is a nonetheless tight contest. Son Of Man looks to be on a winnable mark here, while the consistent Love Beach is happy on soft ground and Sea Poetry looks to benefit from the step up in trip from a mile. With Owen Burrows’ yard in good sorts and the horses holding their form well, Sea Poetry gets the final vote.
The penultimate race is a mile and three-quarters handicap (3.47). Jonathan Portman’s Personal Best looks very interesting in first-time cheekpieces, having beaten Maxident before today and goes best on ground with some give. The aforementioned Amo Racing-owned Maxident also acts on soft, and made a strong start for Kevin Philippart De Foy last time at Ffos Las, but might struggle to win again off his new mark.
Last of all is a 10-furlong handicap for gentleman amateur jockeys (4.22). Lemos De Souza’s Alpine Stroll won his last start at Newbury and carries a four-pound penalty as a result, making a second win look unlikely. Richard Fahey’s Mystical Maria might have a chance, having been very consistent so far this term, but is perhaps too high in the weights to expect more than a place. Patrick Chamings’Artavian, who won well on heavy ground at Windsor this time last year, could surprise with his preferred conditions in his favour.
Nottingham selections - Wednesday:
1.17 - Woolisle
1.47 - Speed Of Maajid
2.17 - Masked Warrior
2.47 - Fondo Blanco
3.17 - Sea Poetry
3.47 - Personal Best