We have a busy day’s racing on Tuesday with action from Fontwell and Southwell, live on Sky Sports Racing…
2.12 Fontwell – Virtual Rock bids to defy seven-pound rise
Today’s opener at Fontwell sees Shane Fenelon get the leg up on Virtual Rock who looks to defy the seven-poundin the Betting.Bet Free Racing Tips Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
His Uttoxeter win was the first for new trainer after switching from John Butler’s yard earlier this month and a first success since winning over two miles at Uttoxeter in April of 2024.
Goodwin Face was sent off a warm favourite at Cartmel in June, two days after winning at the same track, but he couldn’t repeat the feat, trailing the nine-runner field. He comes here off an extended break, and could rate an interesting contender if he can bounce back to form.
Tilehurst won nicely at Worcester in July and went up to 110 from 103 for that effort but couldn’t follow up next time out, finishing second over the same course and distance earlier this month. Bradley Harris takes off a handy three pounds this time.
4.55 Southwell – Well-bred Shipbourne faces 10 rivals
The attheraces.com/marketmovers Handicap sees the well-bred Shipbourne looking to return to form under Rossa Ryan as he faces 10 rivals.
This son of Frankel and Guineas heroine Special Duty is rated 87 and looked to be progressive after doubling his tally on his reappearance at Doncaster but he has since regressed with two below-par efforts. This is his second start since a recent gelding operation and he remains of interest.
Londoner was recently denied at Wolverhampton in a tight affair as he went down by a head. He has since gone up two pounds for this effort but is battle-hardened and could well be in the thick of it again.
Politely comes here off the back of two wins from her last four starts and ran well in a strong race at Ascot on her second-to-last start. Shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.
3.57 Fontwell – Siam Park takes on recent scorer Motazzen
Top-rated Siam Park looks to return to form as he takes on a recent scorer Motazzen in the Setford Handicap Hurdle.
The Joe Tizzard-trained gelding hasn’t won since last November but has finished second twice in that time, and comes here today having his first start after a wind surgery.
Fontwell-scorer Motazzen brought up his fifth hurdle win at the beginning of the month, and the handicapper has stung him with a four-pound penalty for this success. Another bold effort can be expected.
Bright Legend is an interesting runner given he went to the Punchestown Festival in April. He didn’t contest the finish but is clearly well thought of and if he can return to the form of his Sedgefield success, he could be there or thereabouts.
Best of the rest
Eight-race Auteuil card including two Grade Three contests and a Listed race.
2.47 Fontwell – Tapley and Jet Smart clash.
3.22 Fontwell – Gredley horse Causing Problems makes first hurdle start for Dan Skelton, rated 62 on flat.
4.20 Southwell – Flight Tracker seeks first win, Shadwell represented also.
5.20 Southwell – Duke’s Command and Hot And Cold lock horns.
6.30 Southwell – Previous winners Handle With Care and Afraj clash.
7.30 Southwell – Edwardtheninth faces a seven-pound penalty.
8.30 Southwell – Competitive Class Three contest.