Steve Ryder's daily tips look to Bath and Newcastle for a winner today.
5:02 BathSee All Odds
Pierian 2/1 (1pt)
The William Haggas trained PIERIAN (best priced at 2/1) is the least exposed in this 0-85 fillies’ handicap and she should be well suited by this softer ground. She is out of Great Heavens who won the Irish Oaks on soft ground and is a full sister to Nathaniel who excelled in soft ground.
Pierian won two novice races prior to running with credit when 4th a listed race at Longchamp in June. She was sent off only 17/2 on her handicap debut last time at Goodwood when not getting a clear run late on and the handicapper has been kind dropping her 1lb for that run. She looks the one to beat dropped in grade into this Class 4 handicap.
5:45 NewcastleSee All Odds
Defence Missile 11/2 (0.5pt ew)
The Linda Perratt trained DEFENCE MISSILE (best priced at 6/1) has shown his best form on the AW so he can be excused his latest run at Hamilton and can bounce back to form back over this course and distance. The four-year-old has only run twice on the AW, the first in August 2024 when 4th beaten only 3 lengths off a mark of 80 and then on his penultimate start when defying odds of 22/1 to win by ½ length over this course and distance.
That was the first win in his career for Defence Missile off a career low mark of 47 but he won comfortably and should hold strong claims off only a 4lb higher mark.
