UK Horse Racing Tips: Salisbury

St Anton has shown ability in both previous starts and has to be noted, while James Choice put in a promising display when sixth on his racecourse bow at Sandown. However, a chance can be taken on RUNMAN, who lacks race experience but he catches the eye being a full-brother to the Group 3 winner Majestic Glory and a half-brother to the Royal Ascot scorer Running Lion. Venetia and The Outback Arrow are other noteworthy newcomers.
Prediction : 1st Runman 2nd St Anton 3rd James Choice

POETRY OF TIME was only beaten a short-head into second on his racecourse bow at Thirsk a couple of weeks ago and William Haggas' colt appears to be the one to beat on that evidence. The main threat is likely to be Akho Mezzna, who has run to a similar level in all three previous starts, while any market support for Bu Hail or Deadline would have to be noted.
Prediction : 1st Poetry Of Time 2nd Akho Mezzna 3rd Bu Hail

Decem Starr sets the standard having taken a big step forwards to fill second place over 7f at Leicester last month and a repeat of that would give him a big chance. That said, it would be no surprise to see MERTOUN make a winning debut. The son of Oasis Dream cost 100,000gns as a yearling and is the first foal out of a Listed-placed mare. The shortlist is completed by Battosai, Hurricane Laughter and Phantom Shadow.
Prediction : 1st Mertoun 2nd Decem Starr 3rd Battosai

Ralph Beckett fields a couple of highly notable debutants and while the regally-owned Queen's Companion has plenty to offer on paper, MUSIC ACADEMY could be the pick of the locally-based trainer's pair. A 600,000gns yearling, the daughter of Kingman is a full-sister to Group 3 winner Parent's Prayer that should have no issues starting out over this intermediate trip. Black Chiffon is another noted starting out at a winnable level, while the attractively-bred Thursday Girl also makes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Music Academy 2nd Queens Companion 3rd Black Chiffon

The progressive SWORD MAKER was visually impressive when he pulled away from the opposition to register a cosy success in a nursery at Doncaster 20 days ago. The son of Pinatubo faces a stiffer test but could be up to giving weight away at this stage. The unbeaten Pilu has course experience and is dangerous to underestimate despite the official ratings suggesting he needs a big step forward. The class-dropping First Legion could have a bigger say than American Gulf at this level.
Prediction : 1st Sword Maker 2nd Pilu 3rd First Legion

Under The Twilight won this off 2lb lower in 2023 and is dangerous to ignore back at her seemingly favourite venue, while Rock Iguana is unexposed and could be anything on his handicap debut. Wheels Of Fire also warrants close inspection after improved recent form, whereas Buccabay can have a say off 2lb below his last winning mark. Nevertheless, ANOTHER ABBOT was the convincing winner of two of his last three starts and he looks the most upwardly-mobile contender in a very tight race to call.
Prediction : 1st Another Abbot 2nd Under The Twilight 3rd Rock Iguana

Narrowly denied at Bath last time out, GOODWOOD MOGUL could be well treated off a mark of 80 on his handicap debut and the booking of Oisin Murphy catches the eye as he looks to break the maiden at the sixth time of asking. Back to form with a creditable third at Newbury last month, Gloryous can follow the selection home, along with Grecian Legacy, who may be suited by dropping back in trip.
Prediction : 1st Goodwood Mogul 2nd Gloryous 3rd Grecian Legacy

A tentative vote goes to MACARI, who scored over C&D back in May and showed up well when third from the front at Doncaster most recently. Going back up in trip is bound to suit the son of Sixties Icon, who is preferred to taking Bath winner Fair Dinkum. Diamond Bay and Just An Hour are capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Macari 2nd Fair Dinkum 3rd Diamond Bay