UK Horse Racing Tips: Nottingham

VASILIEV put in a very encouraging performance when finding a rival with previous race experience just a neck too good on his introduction at Kempton in November. The son of Dutch Art is fully entitled to improve for that and he should have more to offer this year. Mokammal bumped into subsequent UAE 2000 Guineas winner Estihdaaf on his debut and his pedigree suggests he will progress as a three-year-old. King Ademar showed promise as a juvenile and also merits a place on the shortlist, along with King Of Change and Dubai Instinct.
Prediction : 1st Vasiliev 2nd Mokammal 3rd King Ademar

PHOENIX STAR made an encouraging start to his career with Amy Murphy when finishing third at Wolverhampton in February and that relatively recent run could prove to be vital, given that most of his rivals are making their seasonal debuts. Enchanted Linda won twice as a juvenile and her handicap bow at York in October was very promising. Others to consider are Pink Iceburg and Typhoon Ten.
Prediction : 1st Phoenix Star 2nd Enchanted Linda 3rd Pink Iceburg

This appears to be a good opportunity for POCKET DYNAMO to make a winning seasonal return and earn a step back up in grade. Robert Cowell's colt failed to fire at the Breeders' Cup when last seen but his previous form, including a nose defeat in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot, suggests that he can outclass these rivals. Garrus struggled slightly in Group and Listed company towards the back end of 2018 but it is too soon to be writing him off. Broken Spear is the clear pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Pocket Dynamo 2nd Garrus 3rd Broken Spear

This is not the strongest renewal of this Listed contest but the one that stands out is PILASTER, who does not have to carry a penalty for her success in a Group 2 at Glorious Goodwood. The daughter of Nathaniel was close up in the Park Hill on her next start, and her Champions Day effort over an inadequate 1m4f can be forgiven. Elegiac, who had a spin around Chelmsford last month, was a progressive three-year-old last year and will be the most likely beneficiary if the selection needs the run. Amazing Red is a useful stayer, but Ravenous is out of his depth.
Prediction : 1st Pilaster 2nd Elegiac 3rd Amazing Red

Bowerman was held in high regard by the Roger Varian team a couple of years ago and it is easy to see why given that he won twice following a narrow defeat to Stradivarius on debut. He will be hard to beat off 94 if fully revved up, but the absence is a worry and a safer option might be QAYSAR. A first-time-out winner in 2018 and deemed good enough to run in the Britannia at Royal Ascot, he shaped well at this time last year and won't be deterred by the likely quick ground. New Graduate needs a market check on his handicap debut, and Ptarmigan Ridge is worth noting on his first start for Richard Hughes.
Prediction : 1st Qaysar 2nd Bowerman 3rd New Graduate

WHERE'S JEFF showed promise in better races than this last season, and the four-year-old will relish the return to quick ground after finishing tired on the soft at Hamilton in September. The winner of that race is now rated 17lb higher, so there should be a bit more to come from Mick Easterby's gelding. Ambient has performed well on the all-weather the last twice but needs to transfer that form to turf, while Saisons D'Or and Donnelly's Rainbow can battle it out for some minor money.
Prediction : 1st Wheres Jeff 2nd Ambient 3rd Saisons DOr

Buriram showed flashes of potential in three starts last season and looks sure to be popular in the betting with Silvestre De Sousa booked to do the steering for the first time, while Bo Samraan should be ridden positively from a good draw. There was much to like about the reappearance effort of SHE'S APPLES, who will be suited by the step up in trip after finishing full of running over a mile on the all-weather, and she gets the nod.
Prediction : 1st Shes Apples 2nd Buriram 3rd Bo Samraan

Roger Varian has been in fine form recently and his NABBEYL is tough to oppose on his handicap debut. The son of New Approach should appreciate a first try at 10 furlongs, and the return to turf could also spark extra improvement. Fantastic Ms Fox ran well for third behind a couple of talented animals on the all-weather in November, while Startego and Mayfair Spirit are just two others to consider closely.
Prediction : 1st Nabbeyl 2nd Fantastic Ms Fox 3rd Startego