Tom Lunn has analyzed the cards, form, conditions, and more to guide your horse racing bets.
West Balboa
Friday racing tips
WETHERBY
1.15: West Balboa 4/5 (2pts)
2.25: Liam Swagger 6/4 (1pt)
3.00: Prairie Wolf 7/2 (1pt)
NEWMARKET
1.43: Magic Mild 7/2 (1pt) & Running Queen 9/1 Each-way (1pt)
UTTOXETER
12.20: Lookaway 1/2 (2pts)
2.35: Kay Tara Tara 16/1 each-way (1.5pts)
This mare stands a strong chance of winning despite only placing fourth in her last outing.
Though 4/5 odds-on may not attract everyone, her significantly higher rating than Farnoge, combined with the mares’ allowance, suggests a 2-point bet could be worthwhile.
With the Skeltons in excellent form, West Balboa should fare better in her second chase, especially with the increase in distance—likely a strategic move rather than pushing her over 3m for her first time over fences.
Farnoge, at 10/3, also has potential, but following a wind operation, will need a solid performance on his chase debut.
Liam Swagger
Liam Swagger is a clear favorite after an easy hurdle debut win against more experienced horses.
Torrent finished not far behind him in that race and now returns 3lb lighter, a 12lb shift after carrying up to 8lb more at Market Rasen.
Torrent’s current 16/1 odds could appeal to each-way backers, though with only seven runners, another contender could still claim second.
Several unexposed horses are in the mix, including Denzil from the Skeltons’ stable, who won by a wide margin in a three-horse race on debut.
However, Liam Swagger’s strong debut form suggests the weight shift won’t be a big issue, especially with Sam Twiston-Davies on board to manage tactics.
Prairie Wolf
The Class 1 bet365 handicap chase over 2m3f at Wetherby is next, featuring five runners with close ratings, making it a wide-open betting race.
All runners are priced within a few points of each other, ranging from 10/3 to 11/2. Midnight River tops the weights and ratings at 153, carrying 11lb more than Heltenham and nearly two stone more than Genois, the lowest-weighted and highest-priced.
Galop De Chasse, last season’s winner, hasn’t raced in nearly a year, while Midnight River also returns after a long break, stepping back in trip.
This makes Heltenham (with Ciaran Gethings on board) or Prairie Wolf appealing bets.
Prairie Wolf, who had a recent prep run, was strong over fences last season and has continued improving under trainers Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith.
Magic Mild & Running Queen
Nardra is the favorite here after her impressive debut, winning by over eight lengths at Haydock.
However, her limited exposure makes her 6/4 odds challenging to back with confidence. This could be an opportunity to look at longer odds, hoping to test the favorite.
Running Queen has performed well over 5f, winning on soft ground in May against Betty Clover, though Betty Clover reversed the form on good ground at York.
A step up to 6f could suit Running Queen in listed company.
Magic Mild has shown consistency, beating Adoon Valley in July, followed by a win over It Ain’t Two at Newmarket in August, and a strong Group 3 performance behind Tabiti at Salisbury. Her reliable form suggests she could compete closely in this race.
Lookaway
This matchup between Lookaway and Personal Ambition promises excitement, as both make their chase debuts. Lookaway’s higher rating and graded-race experience make him a strong contender.
He placed close to Iberico Lord in a Grade 3 last November, took second behind Captain Teague in December’s Challow, and finished third at Aintree in April, ahead of runners like Mistergif, Lump Sum, and Personal Ambition.
Personal Ambition has shown solid form with wins at Kelso, Doncaster, and Warwick, including a Grade 2 victory over Jango Baie and an eight-length win against Inoui Machin at Doncaster.
Though he struggled at 2m4f due to jumping issues, Lookaway’s graded experience makes him a likely choice for a promising chase debut.
Kay Tara Tara
This mare placed second behind El Elefante in March, a strong showing considering El Elefante’s ratings of 130 over fences and 124 over hurdles.
Though Kay Tara Tara was expected to improve, she pulled up in a Class 1 novice hurdle, indicating possible issues.
After a wind operation in September, she’s now down 3lb from her last competitive outing, and if her previous issues are resolved, she could be well-weighted for this race.
