Horse Racing Tips: Hammond has the edge over Sedgefield rivals

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

First off is Sedgefield, Ludlow and Newbury, before they go off in Ireland at Clonmel and then it’s all-weather action at Newcastle and evening action at Chelmsford. Amongst our Thursday fancies is one for trainer Micky Hammond who will be hoping that his charge will finally be able to secure a course victory at Sedgefield.

Horse Racing Odds

Fast Racing Results

13:20 Sedgefield - Beat the Edge @ 5/1

In what looks to be a deep and competitive race many will feel they will have a good chance of winning, however, this could be the day that BEAT THE EDGE finally gets his win at Sedgefield.

Micky Hammond’s eight-year-old has run 10 times at the track in the past and has finished either second or third on eight occasions.

His most recent run saw him finish down the field in third over course and distance, however, he appeared sluggish at times and may have needed the run with it being his seasonal reappearance.

Connections have opted to return to cheekpieces this afternoon and, if his jumping improves, he should be in with a chance of securing that much awaited course victory here.

13:40 Newbury - Wilstar @ 5/6

This Maiden Hurdle over the extended two miles looks to be a competitive affair with the top British trainers having a say in the race.

This represents a great opportunity for some of these to start their life over hurdles in great fashion, including Olly Murphy’s WILSTAR.

The £250,000 purchase is a half brother to two of the best horses to grace the game in Douvan and Jonbon, and if he can replicate any of the class his siblings have, he should take all the beating this afternoon.

Murphy’s five-year-old remains lightly raced and was sent off as a short-priced favourite in his two national hunt flat appearances last year.

While he could only manage a third place finish on debut at Warwick, he later impressed with a dominant performance at Perth.

The gelding was set to make his debut at Wetherby last weekend and was well supported before being made a non-runner on the day. He’s likely to be popular in the betting once more and can make a name for himself here.

14:05 Ludlow - Minniemum @ 6/4

While only four runners are set to take stage in this handicap chase over three miles, the competitive nature remains with a case to be made for all contenders.

However, the selection goes to MINNIEMUM for Henry Daly, who won this race last year.

While looking below-par over hurdles, Minniemum has taken life to fences well. She has only finished outside the top two once from four starts; including two wins.

Her latest run at Chepstow is the only blemish on her chase record, but that was most likely a warm-up for the season.

She was down to an unfamiliar trip that day and ultimately found it too sharp and therefore will much appreciate the return to three miles.

She’ll have to give weight to the rest of the field this afternoon, but if at her best she should be hard to beat.

Horse Racing Tips from Betfred Insights.