UK Horse Racing Tips: Leicester

Unless Alkuwarrior can take a significant step forward from his 11th in last weekend's Brocklesby, this should go to one of the newcomers. Most hold potentially more lucrative entries and the betting should be informative. Connections have covered a couple of early-closer options with VALOR SPIRIT and Richard Fahey's half-brother to 5f winner Air Force One is suggested as the first to consider. Market support for Super Soldier and Calafiori would also be persuasive.
Prediction : 1st Valor Spirit 2nd Super Soldier 3rd Calafiori

EXACTLY RIGHT was well held when introduced at Kempton in December, but looked a transformed character when he returned from a gelding operation to gamely land a novice stakes at Southwell last month. With that experience fresh, the son of Kingman has a decent chance of following up now back at 7f, with the switch to turf not expected to bother him. Dark Tornado was highly tried last year and commands respect debuting for Denis Quinn. Jet Packer and Regal Guest should also be players at this level.
Prediction : 1st Exactly Right 2nd Dark Tornado 3rd Jet Packer

SHELBOURNE was on the back of a 173-day break when he finished an encouraging fourth at Wolverhampton recently. Unlucky in running on that occasion, George Scott's four-year-old is entitled to be sharper and could be tough to deal with back on turf from the same mark. Gincident is feared most as he takes a drop in class on his debut for a new yard, although Marlay Park is dangerous to rule out from 7lb lower than his last winning rating.
Prediction : 1st Shelbourne 2nd Gincident 3rd Marlay Park

Having been denied a clear run at a pivotal point when second over 7f at Wolverhampton last week, STRAIGHT A makes plenty of appeal on this quick turnaround. Reverting to a mile/turf should pose no issues for the son of Aclaim and compensation could be on the cards. Southwell fifth Midnight's Dream is another who didn't enjoy the smoothest of passages last time out and he's feared most, ahead of Saturnalia.
Prediction : 1st Straight A 2nd Midnights Dream 3rd Saturnalia

CHARLIE MASON has been in fine form on the all-weather throughout winter and into spring, and this looks a suitable opportunity for him to regain the winning thread. Gemini Star ended her last campaign with a respectable third at Redcar and market support on her return to action would be interesting. Alice Haynes' mare may serve the most resistance to the selection, ahead of Raft Up.
Prediction : 1st Charlie Mason 2nd Gemini Star 3rd Raft Up

FIREBLADE failed to score in novice company, although he showed enough to make him of interest now handicapping. Dylan Cunha's new inmate finished third, a place behind a subsequent winner, at Kempton in January and James Doyle's presence is another positive. Expert Witness ran well for fourth at Wolverhampton on her debut for new connections and looks worth another try over this longer distance. Orchard Keeper and Zayina make most appeal of those returning to action.
Prediction : 1st Fireblade 2nd Expert Witness 3rd Orchard Keeper

ABOVE has won a couple of races over the minimum trip at Newcastle this year. Robert Cowell's charge has been raised 2lb for his latest success, but has won off a higher figure on the turf in the past and another bold bid looks on the cards. Jungle Run has a bit more to prove off his current mark, although he will be sharper for last month's spin on the all-weather, while Yazaman can make his presence felt on his return to the fray.
Prediction : 1st Above 2nd Jungle Run 3rd Yazaman