Valsad to get back on track at Newcastle

By Tony Kelshaw

Valsad is forgiven for a disappointing effort at Newbury last time out and looks worth another chance in Newcastle’s BetUK. It’s Where The UK Bets Handicap on Tuesday.

Harry and Roger Charlton’s charge had previously won a shade cosily in a highly-competitive Racing League contest at Southwell, which featured a number of rivals that ran well either immediately before or since.

The four-year-old was then made favourite for the Autumn Cup but simply failed to handle ground officially described as heavy, but which his connections felt had become tacky.

That performance was just too bad to be true and getting back on an artificial surface can help Valsad to resume what had looked a promising upward curve.

Star Shield has been dropping down the ratings and now goes into the Bet £10 Get £40 At BetMGM Handicap over a mile on a favourable mark compared to wins at Ayr and Wetherby earlier this term.

David O’Meara’s eight-year-old gelding can also boast a couple of victories at this course among his nine career strikes and has been a marvellous servant for his connections.

Primo Lara made a good first impression when fourth behind Edge Of Blue at Yarmouth and is backed to build on that with a bold showing in the British EBF Maiden Stakes at Leicester.

Jayne Chapple-Hyam’s half-brother to decent performers Statement and Self Belief was a 425,000 guineas purchase and attracted plenty of support in the market prior to his debut.

Adaay In Devon may have bitten off more than she could chew when fifth in a valuable Goodwood contest last time out but is worth sticking with on her previous form in the British EBF 40th Anniversary Fillies’ Conditions Stakes.

Rod Millman’s filly had given the Horniwinks Racing Syndicate plenty of fun by completing a hat-trick of convincing victories when storming home by over four lengths at Carlisle and has established she likes plenty of cut underfoot.

Donald McCain’s seven-year-old claimed four wins in 2022, including one at this venue, and is back down to a mark 3lb lower than his last victory.

At Hereford, Regarde was well backed when leaving his moderate hurdles form behind him on his debut over fences at Huntingdon last week and is taken to follow up in the Go Racing With Vickers.Bet Racing Club Novices’ Handicap Chase.

The six-year-old once fetched £90,000 at the sales after winning an Irish point-to-point by 12 lengths and has always looked likely to fare better over the bigger obstacles.

Top tips for today’s UK meetings

TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

HEREFORD: Race 1: 14.50 Parade Away, 2.25 Tique, 3.00 Regarde, 3.35 Classic Concorde, 4.10 Ben Buie, 4.45 Happy Index, 5.20 Top Cloud.

LEICESTER: Race 1: 15.15 Macho Sun, 2.50 Primo Lara, 3.25 Adaay In Devon, 4.00 Bellestarr, 4.35 Spirit Genie, 5.10 Lowton, 5.45 King Of Fury.

HUNTINGDON: Race 1: 15.38 Norman Fletcher, 3.13 Great D'Ange, 3.48 Kay Tara Tara, 4.25 Boom Boom, 5.00 Parc D'Amour, 5.35 Master Malachy.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 17.20 Oh So Grand, 4.55 VALSAD (NAP), 5.30 Flickering Flame, 6.00 Socialise, 6.30 Pop Favorite, 7.00 Star Shield, 7.30 Cosa Sara, 8.00 Jazzagal, 8.30 Blackcurrent.

For fields, race betting and more information go to www.tab4racing.com