Best Bets for Thursday’s Racing: Nic Doggett’s Top Picks
As the excitement of the racing season continues, Nic Doggett is here to guide you through Thursday’s meetings, highlighting the best bets to consider. With a standout selection at Ludlow, let’s dive into the details of each race and the horses to watch.
SO SAID I – 3.20 Ludlow (NAP)
The Tizzard yard has made a strong start to the season, boasting five winners from 25 runners, which translates to a level stakes profit of +13.83. This positive trend bodes well for So Said I, who is set to run in the NAP (Next Best Bet) at Ludlow. Although she has yet to secure a win on her seasonal reappearance, her performances have been commendable. Last seen finishing fourth at Cheltenham, she seemed to benefit from the application of blinkers, running well despite being 4 lb out of the weights.
A previous course winner over hurdles, So Said I is expected to thrive with a step back up in trip over fences. Positioned 7 lb below her highest winning mark, she is well-placed to capitalize on her current form and is fancied to secure a victory.
BUGISE SEAGULL – 1.48 Carlisle
In the opening race at Carlisle, Bugise Seagull is the horse to watch as he makes his chase debut. While Johnnywho, a Timeform ‘Horse In Focus’, is a respected contender after opening his account over hurdles last season, Bugise Seagull has the pedigree and recent form to suggest he could take the win. Trained by Charlie Longsdon, this six-year-old comes from a family of successful chasers, including the notable Spot Thedifference.
Having finished a solid third in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree last spring, Bugise Seagull is expected to perform well on the good ground at Carlisle. Longsdon has a commendable strike rate at the track, and this horse is poised for success.
FOUR ADAAY – 2.38 Nottingham
The race at Nottingham promises to be fast-paced, thanks to the likes of So Smart and Abate. This scenario should play into the hands of Four Adaay, a strong-travelling mare trained by Rod Millman. After a victory at Sandown in September, she demonstrated her current form despite a less-than-ideal outing at Windsor, where she finished third to Balmoral Lady.
With the ground conditions suiting her and still sitting 4 lb below her last winning mark, Four Adaay is well-positioned to bounce back and reclaim her winning form.
ANOTHER BUNGLE – 4.20 Southwell
Another Bungle may have had a lackluster debut at Beverley, but there’s reason to believe he could offer each-way value in this race. Following in the footsteps of his half-brothers, who both improved significantly after their initial outings, Another Bungle has the potential to surprise. His maiden race has already produced a subsequent winner, indicating the quality of competition he faced.
With Michael Dods’ impressive record at Southwell (+45.74 level stakes profit), Another Bungle could be set for a much-improved performance.
MY KIND OF GIRL – 5.10 Wolverhampton
In the final race of the day at Wolverhampton, My Kind of Girl stands out, especially with the eye-catching booking of jockey Clifford Lee. While stablemate My Genghis is chasing a hat-trick, My Kind of Girl has solid course form and is expected to thrive with the drop in trip.
Her keen-going nature and strong travelling ability should play well into the race dynamics, and she is well-positioned to shed her maiden tag.
SUPPORT ACT – 1.15 Cheltenham
In the opening race at Cheltenham, Support Act is a rising star to keep an eye on. Nicky Henderson’s new recruit, In The Air, is a strong contender, but Support Act has shown promise as a Wetherby bumper winner. His performance in a novice hurdle at Doncaster was impressive, and with a mark of 113, he could be well-suited to this trip.
If he is fit and ready to perform, Support Act could pose a significant challenge to the favorite.
HARTUR D’OUDAIRIES – 1.41 Newbury
Brian Ellison has had a successful week, and Hartur D’Oudairies could continue that momentum at Newbury. This son of Kapgarde has shown he prefers testing conditions, and his recent sixth-place finish at York suggests he is in good form. With dual wins over hurdles, he is well-equipped for a stamina test on the Flat and is worth considering at a favorable mark.
WIDE MARGIN – 6.15 Wolverhampton
Finally, Wide Margin is a horse to watch as he makes his handicap debut. Trained by George Boughey and ridden by Billy Loughnane, Wide Margin is expected to improve after a recent outing that served as a sharpener. His pedigree suggests he will handle the step up in trip well, and with decent form from his last race, he could be a strong contender.
Responsible Gambling
As you consider these selections, remember to gamble responsibly. Recommended bets are advised for those over 18, and it’s essential to wager only what you can afford to lose. If you have concerns about your gambling habits, support is available through the National Gambling Helpline and organizations like GamCare and BeGambleAware.