Wednesday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a weak 0-100 handicap chase and preference goes to ZARA’S UNIVERSE (best priced at 3/1) who was an impressive winner at Southwell a fortnight ago. The Andrew Cook trained eight-year-old won earlier this month off a mark of 78 by three lengths and only runs here off a 3lb higher mark. She had previously shown good form over an intermediate trip but this was a drop back in trip to 2 miles. 
Zara’s Universe won over this course and distance nearly a year ago off a mark of 73 where she then followed up at Sedgefield on her next start off a mark of 78. The talented Joe Williamson takes off 3lbs and she should prove hard to beat. 
 

With a rating of 113, THEFORMISMIGHTY (best priced at 11/10) sets the standard in this maiden hurdle where he faces the lightly raced duo Dr Seb and Anytrixwilldo.

The Dan Skelton trained seven-year-old was an impressive PTP winner in January 2022 and has run behind smart performers Inthewaterside, Gidleigh Park and Diamond Ri on his starts so far.

Connections have found Theformismighty this weak maiden hurdle rather than contesting a handicap so they obviously expect him to win this and he now returns from 67 days off the track in a first time tongue tie having had a wind operation.

Arlecchino’s Gift is respected from 4lbs “well in” at the weights but preference instead goes to course specialist TOPTIME (best priced at 11/2).

The Roy Bowring trained six-year-old has form figures of 214473212 at the course including victories off marks of 57 and 48. His latest victory came on his penultimate start here over 5f when victorious by a neck and he was only beaten ½ length when 2nd here over 6f last month. 

The handicapper has only raised Toptime 2lbs up to a mark of 54 which means he is still well handicapped and he looks sure to run well with four places widely available.