Horse Racing Tips: Lucinda Russell could have another exciting novice on her hands

Flat racing holds sway across Britain and Ireland on Wednesday with three meetings taking place across the afternoon and into the evening on the level.  

First off is Beverley before Sandown and Yarmouth get underway, while there is also jumps action to enjoy at Tramore and Kelso. Amongst our Wednesday fancies is one for trainer Lucinda Russell who should turn into a fine chaser in time and looks well up to landing the opening novices' hurdle at Kelso. 

16:30 Kelso - Kandor @ 10/3

Tried twice in Irish points, Lucinda Russell’s KANDOR will be of serious interest when the time comes to tackle a fence, but for now he can have a successful season over hurdles and maintain his good form in the opening 2m5f novices' hurdle at Kelso.  

He was behind a couple of promising types who are now rated 136 and 130 when fourth in a Market Rasen bumper in April 2023 and he showed great staying prowess when getting off the mark over hurdles over 2m4f at Perth when last seen in July. 

The form of Kandor's win has been boosted by the runner-up Step Out, who has since obliged in a Downpatrick maiden hurdle, and although he will have plenty on his plate facing off against Irish challenger Intense Approach, he might prove good enough. 

16:53 Beverley - Royal College @ 10/3

Joe Fanning and the Johnstons have built a bit of a love affair with this 1m2f novice, winning it three times since 2018, and ROYAL COLLEGE holds strong credentials for the stable this year. 

The Wootton Bassett colt found Wathan Racing's Wafei much too good when a remote third over 1m1f at Hamilton on his debut and again bumped into a pair of decent types when well-beaten into third over a furlong further at Windsor in July. 

It must be said Royal College did look rather one-paced last time when ridden handily, but most of Charlie Johnston’s runners improve with time and this looks a weaker contest than what he faced in his first two outings. 

17:28 Beverley - Bearwith @ 15/2

BEARWITH was heavily supported in the market when disappointing at Ripon last month but he was really slow away and did well to finish as close as he did, beaten about three lengths into sixth. 

The gelding bolted up in an apprentice handicap over course and distance in September of last year from a mark of 61. That's still 7lb below his current mark but he was running off 72 in the summer and the handicapper is slowly starting to relent. 

You need to be away well at Beverley generally so a lot hinges on his start, but if he gets into a nice early position then Bearwith should be poised to strike for trainer Harriet Bethell. 

It is also worth noting that Bethell is a brilliant trainer. She is operating at a 17 per cent strike-rate this year and is 4-19 at this venue, so anything she runs here has to be respected. 

Click the link for all the latest Horse Racing Odds

Find more Horse Racing Tips here at Betfred Insights