By Ashley Iveson, PA
Federal Envoy threw away any chance of winning on his turf debut but compensation awaits in the Royal Windsor Supports Developmental Races Novice Stakes.
A narrow winner over a well-touted rival on his racecourse bow at Southwell, Federal Envoy was a short price to double up in a Pontefract novice contest last month on his first try on grass and attempted to make all of the running.
Everything appeared to be going to plan until he hung badly across the track entering the final furlong and in the end he was beaten just over four lengths into fifth place.
At this early stage of his career, that waywardness can be put down to greenness and with cheek pieces applied, he can reward those who keep the faith.
Federal Envoy’s trainer Karl Burke might also land the Royal Windsor Maiden Fillies’ Stakes with the promising Storm Call.
The Soldier’s Call filly shaped with huge encouragement on her introduction at Southwell a fortnight ago, travelling as well as anything before briefly encountering trouble in running and then running green when she did get daylight.
That was a commendable effort against the boys and with that run under her belt, she should prove hard to beat back against her own sex.
Paul and Oliver Cole have been among the winners of late and it is not too difficult to make a strong case for Let’s Get Em in the curtain-raising Commercial Acceptances Ltd Handicap.
Although winless in five starts to date, the gelded son of Wootton Bassett has picked up the silver medal twice, including on his most recent appearance at Brighton.
The application of a tongue-tie and a step up to seven furlongs looked a positive move that day and a further hike in trip to a mile could bring about even more improvement.
After finishing second on his first two starts, Monfrid looks banker material in his bid to make it third time lucky in the Racing Welfare Supporting Mental Health Awareness Novice Stakes at Catterick.
No match for odds-on favourite Gamekeeper on his autumn debut at Wolverhampton, the three-year-old then pushed The Ice Phoenix close at Lingfield, form which was well advertised by the winner’s victory at Ascot on Friday.
There does not appear to be anything of that calibre in this field and given he is the only runner on the card for trainer William Haggas, there are likely to be some long faces at Somerville Lodge if he is unable to return to Newmarket with a victory.
Alfa Moonstone is of interest on her reappearance in the Bet At racingtv.com Handicap.
A winner in maiden company over the course and distance 12 months ago, Craig Lidster’s filly has largely struggled since, but was thrown into deep waters in Listed company at Ayr and in a valuable sales race at Newmarket.
She signed off for 2023 with a decent effort when third at Newcastle and returning off a 2lb lower mark, first time out might be the time to catch her.
Specialist View can back up a recent Southwell success in the Tips For Every Race At raceday-ready.com Handicap at Wolverhampton, while Brianna Rose is the Hereford pick.
She contests the Download The Planetsportbet App Mares’ Handicap Chase on the back of a five-length victory over the same three miles and one furlong she faces here.
Better ground seems to suit and a 3lb rise should not be insurmountable.
Top tips for today’s UK meetings
TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.
CATTERICK: 1: 14.47 Asmund, Race 2: 15.17 Monfrid, Race 3: 15.47 Greek Giant, Race 4:
16.17 Alfa Moonstone, Race 5: 16.47 Sherdil, Race 6: 17.17 Night Life, Race 7: 17.47
Motawaazy.
HEREFORD: Race 1: 15.00 Pyffo, Race 2: 15.30 Lightfoot Lady, Race 3: 16.05 Hall Lane, Race
4: 16.35 Brianna Rose, Race 5: 17.05 Kick Up A Storm, Race 6: 17.35 Swift Hawk.
WINDSOR: Race 1: 17.30 Let's Get Em, Race 2: 18.00 Storm Call, Race 3: 18.35 Thyer, Race
4: 19.05 FEDERAL ENVOY (NAP), Race 5: 19.35 Rhythm N Hooves, Race 6: 20.05 Loughville,
Race 7: 20.40 Free Speech, Race 8: 21.15 Stryder.
WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1: 19.20 Big Dream, Race 2: 19.50 Loving Look, Race 3: 20.20
Unthinkable, Race 4: 20.55 Pop Dancer, Race 5: 21.30 Fayasel, Race 6: 22.00 Specialist View.
ALL TO COME: Storm Call and Federal Envoy (Windsor, Races 2 and 4).
For fields, race betting and more information, go to www.tab4Racing.com