UK Horse Racing Tips

In the EBF Breeders’ Series Fillies’ Handicap (4.00) at Goodwood on Friday, Hestina confirmed the promise of her racecourse debut, over 1 mile 2 furlongs, at Sandown last month when easily winning her maiden, over 1 mile 4 furlongs, at Beverley ten days later and begins life in handicaps on an attractive mark. The winner at Sandown, Southern Stars, finished last of ten, beaten 10½ lengths, behind We Are Ninety in a Listed race at Newbury on Saturday, having raced freely and the second, Amjan, was narrowly beaten in a similar race at Ascot two weeks ago, but that shouldn’t count against Hestina, who was noticeably green in the preliminaries.

The daughter of Irish Derby winner Soldier Of Fortune makes her third appearance within the space of a month, which suggests she’s thriving, and she can make her presence felt against largely exposed rivals. The prevailing good to firm going is an unknown but, with heavy, thundery showers forecast in the South East, some easing of the ground is a distinct possibility.

Selection: Goodwood 4.00 Hestina to win

In the Betway Huxley Stakes (2.40) at Chester on Thursday, Western Hymn was turned over at odds-on on his seasonal reappearance at Sandown last month, but looks to have a decent opportunity to make amends. John Gosden’s 5-year-old finished in front of Cannock Chase a couple of times last season and, with his old rival penalised 7lb for winning the Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine last October, is favoured by the race conditions. His high head carriage at Sandown is a slight worry, but it’s a trait he’s shown before and doesn’t appear to be any reflection of his genuineness or otherwise. He won both starts at this level last season and ran creditably in defeat in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Coral-Eclipse, so sets a high standard.

Selection: Chester 2.40 Western Hymn to win

At the time of writing, the going at Chepstow is good but, with an unsettled outlook and widespread, heavy showers forecast for the latter part of the week, some easing of the ground is a distinct possibility. Medburn Dream has shown improved form since stepped up in distance on soft ground this season and appears to have every chance of defying a 6lb penalty in the Tradeteam Handicap (4.00), especially if the rain gets into the ground.

The son of Showcasing won with plenty in hand over 1 mile 114 yards at Epsom nine days ago and is 2lb well in compared with future engagements, so it’s understandable that connections are keen to strike while the iron is hot. Medburn Dream failed to trouble the judge in three starts over 6 furlongs as a juvenile, including on good and good to soft going, but has yet to prove conclusively that soft ground is a necessity. He’s clearly going the right way, so looks worth chancing whatever the weather in South Wales between now and Friday afternoon.

Selection: Chepstow 4.00 Medburn Dream to win

This summer, tens of thousands of flat racing fanatics will travel to Ascot for Royal Ascot – one of the highlights of the racing season. Every year, the fastest thoroughbreds compete in some of the most prestigious races of the calendar year and this summer will be no different as the best trainers, jockeys and owners battle it out on the big stage.

The meeting spans five days and plenty of famous faces are usually spotted throughout the week, including the Royal Family and other celebrities. In fact, the Queen’s horse Estimate was actually crowned winner of the Ascot Gold Cup back in 2013 and Her Majesty’s delight was evident from the beaming smile on her face.

With eight Group One races, Royal Ascot truly is one of the sporting highlights of the summer and you can keep up with all of the latest Royal Ascot tips and news via Coral’s website. Who knows, there might even be a few hurdle horses – such as the Mullins-trained Limini – who features this year, she’s certainly capable of switching to the flat.

But this year is all about finding a horse that can emulate the legendary Frankel. The late Sir Henry Cecil-trained colt was phenomenal on his day before retiring to stud and won a number of races at Royal Ascot. Now, he has his own statue overlooking the winner’s enclosure and spectators may be treated to the next big flat racing legend with a bit of luck this summer.

As previously mentioned, Limini may make the switch to the flat ground this summer after struggling to impress over hurdles at Cheltenham and Aintree but there are plenty of other thoroughbreds that could follow in her tracks. Our Thomas and Mysteree, are two possible contenders across jumps and flats and Coral writer David Metcalf may be offering Royal Ascot tips on these two should they make the switch.

If nothing else, the 2016 Royal Ascot meeting will be a festival of fun and entertainment, culminating in the Ascot Gold Cup. The Queen won’t have a runner in this year’s event but there will still be plenty of reason to tune in and watch one of the most exciting and prestigious races in the sport. And with horses travelling at up to 35 miles per hour, it will be both fast and furious…