UK Horse Racing Tips: Nottingham

MEDICI CHAPEL has been running with credit on the all-weather over the winter months and connections might wonder how she has yet to get her head in front. The daughter of Iffraaj is bred to appreciate further than the minimum trip but she's likely to be allowed the lead here and, if stamina comes into play on forecast soft ground, the others might find it hard to catch her. Popular Dream shaped with promise when finishing a good third at Chelmsford in December and he must enter calculations with improvement likely. Storm Fox ran well on soft ground at Beverley last season and this less demanding finish could see her to greater effect.
Prediction : 1st Medici Chapel 2nd Popular Dream 3rd Storm Fox

INVESTED kicked clear to score over 6f at Chelmsford in February and, with stamina in her pedigree, a step up in trip could unlock further improvement. Her biggest danger could arrive in the form of Goldkit, who continues to run well in defeat and she may relish the switch to turf. Expressionless outran her odds in a valuable auction race at Newmarket first time out and, though he failed to kick on, Dylan Cunha's gelding is likely to have strengthened up over the winter and should not be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Invested 2nd Goldkit 3rd Expressionless

Bauhinia Rhapsody sets the standard with an official rating of 76 and he's likely to make his presence felt, along with Bleak, who made a promising debut at Newcastle 22 days ago despite racing freely. However, the vote goes to MILITARY TYCOON, who wasn't beaten far by a potentially smart rival, Yaanaas, first time out. Jim Crowley alluded to the latter having the ability to contest much stronger races in the upcoming season, giving a solid look to the form. With improvement likely from Hugo Palmer's charge, and in the hands of promising apprentice Harry Davies, he could open his account.
Prediction : 1st Military Tycoon 2nd Bauhinia Rhapsody 3rd Bleak

Just Bring It landed the odds at Kempton on his reappearance last month and a subsequent 4lb rise in the handicap could prove lenient, but WOODSTOCK edges the vote. He finished a good second on his racecourse debut having attracted significant market support and the Sixties Icon colt gained immediate compensation, winning his next two starts. The switch to turf should hold no fears and he could provide Jack Channon, who has enjoyed a productive start to his training career, with another winner. Racingbreaks Ryder should relish the forecast ground conditions and he merits respect on his handicap bow.
Prediction : 1st Woodstock 2nd Just Bring It 3rd Racingbreaks Ryder

It might pay to side with the Michael Bell-trained HAARAR in what would appear to be a wide-open contest. He kept on powerfully over 1m4f at Newmarket when last seen, only to be narrowly denied by a well-treated rival. His pedigree, along with that effort, would offer hope that he can stay the marathon trip and connections could use this as a springboard to other staying events over the upcoming turf season. Three-time hurdles winner Coquelicot remains open to improvement in this sphere, while Orin Swift has dropped to his last winning mark and he could be involved.
Prediction : 1st Haarar 2nd Coquelicot 3rd Orin Swift

Each of these have the scope to progress up in trip, so only a tentative vote can go to ROADWAY. The 300,000-dollar purchase, a half-sister to Group 2 winner Storm The Stars, perhaps paid the price for pressing the pace at Wolverhampton last month. That shouldn't be the case here, however, and in receipt of weight all round (when factoring in Benoit De La Sayette's 3lb claim), she could get her head in front. Entrancement won here in October and that track craft could prove vital as she looks to mount another serious challenge on her stable debut for David Menuisier, while Reflective Star merits the utmost respect as the Godolphin juggernaut attempt to continue their dominance.
Prediction : 1st Roadway 2nd Entrancement 3rd Reflective Star

ECTOCROSS took a marked step forward on what he'd shown in novice events to make a successful handicap debut at Lingfield last month. Simon Dow's colt was value for much more than the winning margin would suggest, having been short of room in the closing stages, and a subsequent 2lb rise in the ratings might not be enough to halt further progress. Dog Fox ought to benefit from a step up in trip and he's one to monitor closely in the betting market ahead of his handicap bow, while similar comments apply to the Charlie Johnston-trained Peaceful Night.
Prediction : 1st Ectocross 2nd Dog Fox 3rd Peaceful Night