Thursday Racing Tips: Lazzar can take advantage of handy mark

Jumps racing holds sway across the UK and Ireland on Thursday among five meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening.

Amongst our Thursday racing tips is one for trainer Richard Hughes who has been running well this winter and looks well placed for more success.

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16:07 Southwell - Forceful Lady @ 66/1

On the face of it, FORCEFUL LADY’s form has not been too impressive. A reasonable fifth place at Chelmsford in December was followed up by two rather uninspiring displays, back-to-back eighth places at Lingfield and then at Wolverhampton when last seen.

On both of those occasions she ran well in the early exchanges, disputing the lead, but faded in the closing stages, possibly hinting that she needed a break having run six times in three months.

However, her second place at Wolverhampton back in November of just 2lb higher gives cause for optimism. On that day, she broke well and led through most of the race and would have made all were it not for the well-backed favourite reeling her in the final strides.

It was a notable performance and if she can replicate that she will do well now.

A two-month break should now have freshened her up a bit and, as a fast starter, she could take advantage of this low mark.

16:20 Chepstow - Inion Tiogair @ 13/2

A course-and-distance winner last month, INION TIOGAIR finally got off the mark over hurdles at the 16th time of asking after being runner-up three times.

A change of tactics seemed to bring out the best in her, whereas previously she was ridden to lead, she was held up and travelled strongly throughout, pulling clear after jumping the penultimate hurdle to take a comfortable win.

It seemed as though the key to success was found for her and more should follow.

That was not to be the case last time out though. While she was held up when last seen at Ffos Las three weeks ago, she looked to have found the heavy ground conditions a bit too testing.

She made her move for the lead at the same time as before, but looked to weaken before the last hurdle and had to settle for a respectable third.

She is only 5lb higher than her course-and-distance win in February and if following similar tactics to her last two outings, she should go well now back on better ground.

18:00 Chelmsford - Lazzar @ 13/2

LAZZAR has enjoyed a successful winter on the all-weather notching four wins, including one over this course and distance, since the beginning of December and he looks well placed for more success at Chelmsford.

The only real disappointment this winter has been a sixth-place finish at Lingfield last month. On that occasion he was a bit keen early which looked to impact him in the closing stages as he faded in the final half furlong.

However he bounced back last time out, running just behind the leaders early on and timing his run to the line perfectly to take a narrow victory in what was a personal best, proving that he can do it at this level.

Lazzar has only been put up 2lb for that latest win, and with his jockey Donagh Murphy taking 7lb off again, he has every chance to double up.

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