3:05 Southwell (9th February) Racing Tips

3.05 Southwell - a fairly tight class 6 claimer.  Four horses, Al Khan, Electric Qatar, Hot Sugar & Jiminy have been known to lead, so there should be plenty of early pace. This should set it up for one of the hold-up types. Edith Anne and Monsiuer Jamie usually like to track the leaders, leaving just one true hold up horse Shawkantango. Derek Shaw has a respectable eighteen percent win rate in claimers. plus the selection is ridden by the seven pound claiming apprentice Adam Mclean who has already ridden ten winners for the yard. I think the allowance could make the difference and swing things in this bay gelding's favour. (E.R.I.C.)

3:05 Southwell - Shawkantango 2nd 4/1

6:10 Kempton (16th October) Free Horse Racing Tips

A 0-60 rated nursery over 5f on this turning course. By all accounts a limited race comprising a field of twelve two-year-olds who have yet to taste victory. Derek Shaw is no stranger to talented horses and although none of his juveniles have achieved greatness this season there was no getting away from the performance of Dynamo Walt last start at Nottingham when racing over the minimum trip on good ground. This son of Acclamation - running in the familiar silks of Brian Johnson - is a strong-looking colt, who cost a pretty penny at the yearling sales for 50,000gns. Race watchers couldn't help but consider this April foal unlucky last start when badly hampered after moving stylishly through the field. All serious hope was lost when involved in a bumping match but this horse deserves a dose of good fortune in this lowly affair. After showing limited ability in four starts you have to consider the application of the visor was the catalyst for that promise. Raul Da Silva keeps the ride and the handicapper gives a blessed six pound drop in the weights, which hints a big run should be on the cards. It wouldn't be a surprise to see this horse touch greater odds this evening and, perhaps, backed nearer the off. If available at each way odds a horse with a fighting chance.  

5:40 Wolverhampton (Thursday, 7th March) Free Horse Racing Tips

A Maiden Stakes over 5f 20y. Eight horses take part, including one debutante. By all accounts this looks out of three horses with the rest of the field unlikely winners.

Top Boy, trained by Derek Shaw, is a bonny gelding. This son of Exceed And Excel always caught the eye and he is a good-looking bay. Shaw purchased this horse as a yearling from Tattersalls for 42,000gns. Although a 14/1 shot on debut, he was held in some regard by connection but fluffed his lines that day trailing home last. He went close to winning second start when making impressive headway in the final furlong. In nine races to date he has had a number of stiff tasks at pattern class including the Coventry Stakes (Group 2) & Richmond Stakes (Group 2). The form of the latter race at Goodwood would make these horses look pretty ordinary opposition. At his best Top Boy is a talented horse who should win a race of this nature. Perhaps some would question why he has struggled to find victory, which in many ways is a fair comment. I don't think he is the most straightforward of characters and that does bring concerns when priced odds on. Another crucial factor is trying to assess the fitness of this gelding after completing his two-year-old career in September. Will he make a winning return? At best this will be a walk in the park. However, I would tread careful backing at short odds. 

Bapak Bangsawan is drawn on the inside of Shaw's horse and a speedy sort. If there is any jostling for position it might be the case Kevin Ryan's colt has the run of the race. I would be tempted to have an each way bet on Bapak Bangsawan if price allows and a lay in-running at short odds. A fascinating race.

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Conclusion: If Top Boy is primed for the day he could win this race in style. However, taking odds on would be a brave choice. Bapak Bangsawan is fit and ready for action and while no more than an average horse should hit the frame and may sneak a win if the favourite is ring rusty on this turning course. 


Note: pity to see Green Millionaire a non runner. Just a watching race.