Friday horse racing tips: three from Dave Nevison
The freeze continues but Dave Nevison has found three on the all-weather for Friday’s tips. Enjoy Listed action from Market Rasen, racing from Dundalk and week three of the Dubai Carnival from Meydan live on Racing TV.
1.20 Southwell: Liberated Lad
Glancing at a couple of his recent runs and going through his form, I cannot decide whether Liberated Lad doesn’t have a trip or that he is set to improve on recent efforts by going over this extra two furlongs. I certainly think it is worth chancing that he may well be ready for stepping up to 1m6f and he has been found a very modest event in which to try.
Ian Williams’ five-year-old came down in the weights throughout 2022 despite a few decent efforts and when often being ridden by less experienced riders. He ran a promising race last time at Lingfield and he might be worth chancing here from a rating 5lb below his last winning mark.
1.50 Southwell: Pittsburg
He landed a memorable gamble over hurdles at Catterick just over a year ago for Ryan Potter – then pretty much unknown – but we have since learned that such a win was no flash in the pan and the trainer has shown us he is well capable of getting one ready for a big run.
Pittsburg had shown nothing before being backed into favourite for that win but we know more about him now and he showed his turn would not be far away when runner up last time at this course over a mile.
That trip was almost certainly too sharp but the form has worked out, with the horse that finished just behind him having won since. Pittsburg will be much more at home over these extra furlongs and against very weak opposition it would be a surprise if he cannot win.
3.20 Southwell: Run Teddy Run
He seemed to show improvement last time over course and distance and, if he runs even to the same form, a 5lb penalty will not prevent the follow up.
Karl Burke’s four-year-old had hinted that there was better to come on several occasions previously, but he had not followed through on that promise and his mark dropped accordingly. Even with the penalty now he looks well in.
Burke is seemingly always in good form these days and, with course and distance already proven to suit, Run Teddy Run looks a very solid choice.
