RACE PREVIEW & TIPS (TUESDAY)

14:50 Redcar

A staying maiden handicap is not always the most ideal betting proposition. But of

the ten runners in this field only four have a realistic chance.

The likely favourite Fantastic Mrs Fox has improved since being stepped up in trip, even though her pedigree doesn’t suggest it would suit, her run style looks like the extra distance is necessary.

Sea Art ran a satisfactory race last time in the retained visor, but lacks some of the potential of a couple of the other runners. He looks likely to run well, but is overlooked for win purposes.

The two completely unexposed horses in the race are most interesting. Anyonecanhaveitall (by Nathanial) didn’t show much last season, but Mark Johnston’s runner could definitely have more to offer.

This is the time of year when Sir Mark Prescott emerges from hibernation and his Land Of Oz is the selection.

A typical backward two year old last season, brought along steadily with handicaps in mind. He starts off on a mark of 60 which is likely to underestimate him, and there is plenty of room for improvement. Stoutly bred, with stamina undoubtedly going to be his forte, he is taken to get off the mark on handicap debut on his way to more success.

LAND OF OZ (WIN)

15:50 Redcar A one mile handicap contest with the dreaded 15 runners entered. A nightmare for each way punters with only three places on offer but we’re hoping our selection finishes with their head in front in the fourth race on the card at Redcar. A hugely competitive affair where you could easily make a viable case for over a third of the field. Tukhoom, Zodiakos and Verdigris all aim to go one better after finishing second in their most recent efforts and all three have a lively chance of doing so. Course and distance winner Shamaheart has a great record at today’s venue and could be one at a bigger price that could go well but at the age of nine and making his seasonal return it’s probably best to look elsewhere. First Response and Dubai Acclaim both need to be watched in the betting and any significant market support needs to be taken seriously however it’s Hitman we turn to for today’s best bet. Trainer Rebecca Bastiman isn’t in a rich vein of form but don’t let that put you off as she can often get a horse ready out of the blue. A course winner in the past this six year olds record here at Redcar is one win and one 2nd in just two visits to date. If the old saying “horses for courses” is anything to go by then Hitman certainly fits that criteria. A few are concerned about the trip however he’s finished 3rd over a mile before so it doesn’t seem as big an issue as some may make out. Jockey Danny Tudhope is riding very well at the moment and actually rode the horse when it last tasted success. With a few runs under its belt already this season he’ll have shook off any ring rust and can put in a much more improved effort today especially with less weight to carry. HITMAN (WIN)

The Cambridge News – PicksfromthePaddock.co.uk:

14:50 Redcar – LAND OF OZ (WIN)

The Jersey Evening Post – Rory Paddock:

15:50 Redcar – HITMAN (WIN)

East Anglian Daily Times – Dean Kilbryde:

16:10 Brighton – HATSAWAY (WIN)

Norwich Evening News – Chris Connolly:

19:20 Ayr – POLYPHONY (WIN)

Ipswich Star – Matt Polley:

20:50 Ayr – HAYMARKET (WIN)