Redcar tips: Lord Protector can reign supreme

A sunny Redcar gets to host a seven-race card on Thursday afternoon and the recent hot temperatures should ensure lightning quick ground at the North Yorkshire venue.

There are a couple of three-year-old maidens sandwiched between run-of-the-mill handicaps, although the feature on the card is a Class 3 event at 4:35 worth just shy of £8,000 to the winner.

Horse Racing Odds

Today's Horse Races

13:45 - Zappata @ 4/6

Storm Kitty is an interesting runner on handicap debut having had three quick runs in maidens, but Zappata is going to be difficult to stop under his 6Ib penalty.

The George Scott-trained three-year-old was a staying-on second on his handicap debut at Yarmouth only nine days ago, but he went one better off the same mark when turned out quickly at Wetherby on Sunday.

The penalty requires more but Liam Wright’s 5Ib claim negates the majority of that and he should be able to follow up as he appears to be improving with each and every run.

On his handicap now, Zappata was held up, but he was ridden far more prominently at Wetherby five days on and that tactical nous makes him tough to beat.

16:35 - Lord Protector @ 13/2

See That Storm returns to action after 226 days off, bidding to complete a four-timer in the 1m2f handicap, which is the feature on the card, and two of those victories came on quick ground over this course and distance.

However, he does have to concede fitness to some interesting rivals and it could be a strongly-run contest with Ey Up Its The Boss in the field.

That would favour the chances of Lord Protector, who is slipping down to an extremely dangerous mark for the Ruth Carr yard, and he has returned this year with two placed efforts at Newcastle and Ripon.

Allowed to race off the same mark of 84, which is 10Ib lower than his last winning mark when with Ralph Beckett two seasons ago, he is well-treated and should be coming home strongly under what are favourable conditions.

17:10 - Blueandtangerine @ 10/1

This is a tough race featuring lightly-raced three-year-olds, four of which are handicap debutants, but the step up to 1m2f looks a fascinating move for Blueandtangerine.

Michael & David Easterby’s filly is one of the more exposed runners in the field having had nine starts, but she caught the eye when running on over a stiff seven furlongs at Beverley last time out and is bred to be getting this trip and even further.

Having opened up in handicaps four starts ago off a mark of 73, she has already slipped down to a rating of 66 and it may not be long before she takes advantage of things.

Horse Racing Tips from Betfred Insights.