Newsboy's Expert Selections for Thursday's UK Horse Racing Meetings
Racing correspondent David Yates, known as Newsboy, has unveiled his top picks for Thursday's four scheduled horse racing meetings across the UK. His selections include a standout Nap at Lingfield Park and a strong Next Best contender at Wincanton, aiming to guide punters through a competitive day of action.
Lingfield Park Nap: Poke The Bear Poised for Victory
At Lingfield Park, Newsboy fancies Poke The Bear to deliver in the Win £250,000 With BetMGM's Golden Goals Handicap, scheduled for 2.20. Trained by Hayley Burton, this son of Eqtidaar has shown remarkable improvement in recent outings. After a slow start with no wins in his first ten races, including six under previous trainer Amy Murphy, Poke The Bear has now secured two victories from his last four starts.
His recent form includes a notable three-quarter-length win over Bear To Dream over this same course and distance on December 8. Following a couple of defeats at Lingfield and Southwell, he bounced back impressively last Saturday, powering home to win by one length over My Boy Harry in a seven-furlong race at Lingfield, despite a tricky start from the stalls.
Newsboy highlights that the return to a mile distance is a significant advantage for Poke The Bear, who carries top weight but should handle a 5lb penalty with ease. This selection is tipped to notch up his third career win, making him a prime irritant to bookmakers.
Wincanton Next Best: Mutley Crew Seeks Redemption
Over at Wincanton, Mutley Crew is Newsboy's choice for the Travel Incentive For British Buyers Novices' Handicap Chase at 2.03. This pick comes with a story of atonement, as Mutley Crew suffered a heartbreaking nose defeat over the same course and distance on Boxing Day. Now facing six rivals, Newsboy rates him highly to make amends and secure a victory.
The selection is part of a broader strategy for the day, with Newsboy providing a full list of tips across all races at Wincanton, Ayr, Lingfield Park, and Chelmsford City. For those looking to combine bets, he suggests a double with Poke The Bear and Mutley Crew as the key selections.
Full Thursday Racing Selections from Newsboy
Here are Newsboy's complete picks for Thursday's meetings, designed to offer comprehensive guidance for racing enthusiasts:
- Wincanton: 1.33 Coolanna, 2.03 Mutley Crew (NB), 2.33 Pourquois Pas Papa, 3.03 Bradman, 3.33 Jupiter Allen, 4.03 Mr Glass, 4.33 Secret Des Lune
- Ayr: 1.13 Coolkatie, 1.43 Follow Charlie, 2.13 Wendigo, 2.43 Stede Bonnet, 3.13 Adveram, 3.43 Carcaci Castle, 4.13 Katagat
- Lingfield Park: 1.20 Captain Kinsella, 1.50 Maskatto, 2.20 Poke The Bear (NAP), 2.50 Royal Jet, 3.20 Alta Rica, 3.50 Sakura Spirit, 4.20 All Too Beautiful
- Chelmsford City: 5.00 Forever Noah, 5.30 Secret History, 6.00 Dubai Magic, 6.30 Twilight Fun, 7.00 Edergole’s Gift, 7.30 Taranjerine, 8.00 H Key Lails
With these insights, Newsboy aims to provide a strategic edge for bettors navigating Thursday's diverse racing card, emphasizing form, conditions, and recent performances to highlight the most promising contenders.
