UK Horse Racing Tips: Hexham

Pop The Question won on his only start here over 2m4f in June, and although beaten twice since, the step up in trip may see improvement as a point-to-point winner over three miles. Jeteye drops in class and warrants plenty of respect as a course and distance winner, but SANTA CLARITA may be the one. A beaten favourite at Worcester over this trip last month, connections persevere and clearly think her stamina is not the issue.
Prediction : 1st Santa Clarita 2nd Pop The Question 3rd Jeteye

Mark Walford seems keen to win this contest, with three of the seven declared in his care, and Irish point-to-point second Some Bro seems the most interesting of them if he is ready to go after seven months off. He might prove the biggest danger to KINGSTON JAMES, with the point-to-point and bumper winner looking for a successful debut over hurdles after a good fourth in a Kelso bumper when last seen in May. Rock On Jet may prove best of the rest in an interesting race.
Prediction : 1st Kingston James 2nd Some Bro 3rd Rock On Jet

BEAT BOX appears to have scared off some of the early entries and faces just the four rivals here. A revelation since switching yards and being sent back over fences, the eight-year-old has won all four starts including an easy success at Worcester last month. Upped 6lb for that win, he has been dropped in class and remains difficult to oppose. Caithness looks interesting ahead of his chasing debut, as does Dream Jet, who has experience on his side after nine starts over fences.
Prediction : 1st Beat Box 2nd Caithness 3rd Dream Jet

INSTANT GAMBLER landed a double over fences at Fontwell with plenty left in the tank. He carries a 7lb penalty for that success, but is due to be raised by a further 7lb in the future and the hat-trick beckons for Alexandra Dunn's progressive chaser. Sean Og had been steadily improving over the larger obstacles before failing to recover from an early blunder at Kelso and isn't out of this with a clear round, while Hey Brother is going the right way over fences based on his second at Uttoxeter last time.
Prediction : 1st Instant Gambler 2nd Sean Og 3rd Hey Brother

Placed in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr in April, Cracking Rhapsody returns to action with a shout on that form. Coastguard Station reverts to hurdling 5lb lower than when winning over fences at Uttoxeter in June and can also feature, but GOT GREY has the more recent form. The five-year-old found only the progressive Saint Riquier too good when upped in class at Market Rasen last week and another bold bid is anticipated off his current mark.
Prediction : 1st Got Grey 2nd Cracking Rhapsody 3rd Coastguard Station

The hat-trick seeking Jimli's Island hasn't looked back since racing under the tutelage of Susan Corbett in August, as evidenced when completing a double over hurdles at Perth last month, and another bold bid is forecast reverting to chasing. However, the combination of a 9lb higher rating and a very different course may leave the eight-year-old vulnerable. With that in mind, it may be worth taking a punt on stable debutant SPUTNIK, a C&D winner here in April 2022 who lurks on an attractive mark. Shadows In The Sky is another that should appreciate a return to this venue.
Prediction : 1st Sputnik 2nd Jimlis Island 3rd Shadows In The Sky

Having travelled with more verve on her fifth-placed finish at Sedgefield last month, MOONLIGHT GLORY looks primed for a big run. Mark Walford's mare scored over track and trip in May 2023 and she makes most appeal. Although Similar Story hasn't proved the most consistent over hurdles, a 163-day layoff may have freshened her up. The six-year-old is feared most, ahead of You Some Girl.
Prediction : 1st Moonlight Glory 2nd Similar Story 3rd You Some Girl