Horse Racing Tips: Friday 5th August

15:10 – Lilly Bonbon @ 13/2 (each-way)

Here we’re talking about a lightly raced filly, who, in truth, hasn’t shown a great deal thus far, but what she has shown looks positive in relation to today’s race.

Gary Moore’s three year-old filly has only had seven runs in her career and for the most part has disappointed. She’s failed to win a race as of yet, nor has she gone especially close. However, two of her runs catch the eye and potentially point towards a decent performance here.

Lilly Bonbon’s best run to date came at this track, over 7f back in September of last year. This was her third racecourse appearance and, having chased the leaders, she stayed on well enough in 4th place – beaten less than three lengths. The way in which she finished the race suggested as though further would suit.

Having then gone on to disappoint in two all-weather appearances in the winter of the 2015 season, the filly reappeared at Bath just over a month ago. Where again she showed minor promise. Over an extended trip of 11f this time she was dropped out at the back and traveled into the race well, before staying on in 5th place at the finish. Two things about this race stand out. 1. The manner in which she traveled into the race and 2. the fact she stayed on in ground that was probably softer than ideal.

Returning to Brighton, the scene of her best run last year, on better ground, could see an improved performance. What’s more is that fact that, having got a run under her belt, she should be fitter today. And if the return to this venue does suit, this certainly isn’t the hardest race to win.

When, and of course if, she does win it is likely to be in a race of this nature. If not given too much to do late on, over a trip that looks as though it will suit, it would be no surprise if we saw a career best performance from this horse today.

15:40 – Frozen Force @ 3/1

The next horse in question is the Amanda Perret trained Frozen Force. This is a three year-old colt who, having taking a while to get the hang of things, has steadily progressed in handicaps and still very much looks like a horse on the up.

Since landing his first handicap at the back end of last season, Frozen Force has enjoyed a good 2016, winning twice and placing twice in six runs. His wins this season include here at Brighton in a race that doesn’t look too dissimilar to this one and at Lingfield two runs ago. A 2nd place finish last time out at Bath was also fairly encouraging form.

Ground slower than good would be a slight worry, but with forecast sunshine and temperatures as high as 20 degrees on Friday, this shouldn’t be a problem.

In truth, this looks a very winnable contest. In terms of the opposition, strength in depth is clearly lacking and even just a repeat of his Lingfield win would see Frozen Force go very close. But, it is fancied that he has more to give. Returning to the scene of his only turf win is a big plus and the extra two furlongs (won over 8f here), coupled with the addition of cheek-pieces should see him put in a big run.

16:40 – Sarmadee @ 8/1 (each-way)

This Mick Channon runner has disappointed since running a very credible second over course and distance back in April, although, now under conditions that previously suited, a better run is expected.

That C&D 2nd back at the start of the season was a decent piece of form in relation to this race. The problem was that, even though flying home in the final furlong, he was simply given too much to do. Under the same jockey today, it is fancied that the same mistake won’t be made.

It’s fair to say that we’re talking about a potentially tricky horse and the key to winning with this one looks as though it will be getting him well placed and getting the gaps at the right time. Something that is often easier said than done. Having said this, he’s back at the course where he ran well. And, considering Brighton is generally a course horses either like or dislike, another decent run could be on the cards.

Since his 2nd over C&D his rating has dropped from 73 to 64 and it feels as though the time is near. If Sarmadee is going to win a race of this class, or at least go very close, then he probably won’t get many better chances. This really isn’t a strong looking contest – there are question marks over several of the other runners – and it’s definitely there for the taking.

17:10 – Ask The Guru @ 7/1 (each-way)

The Michael Attwater trained Ask The Guru appears to have saved his best form for this venue and, given how important a liking to this course is, it’s surprising to see him chalked up as big as he is. At 7/1 this horse makes plenty of appeal.

His three runs at the course have yielded form figures of 313. The win came earlier this year in a race that, in terms of quality, looks stronger than today’s. On paper at least. Since winning that day, the six year-old hasn’t been in the best of form but, as a result, he’s slipped down to an attractive looking mark of 59. 4lb’s lower than when winning over C&D in April.

Perhaps the one worry you might have is the ground, since his only two wins came on good-to-firm and firm, although providing it doesn’t get any softer than good, it is fancied that he could have enough quality, in relation to his opponents, to overcome this minor inconvenience.

See all of today’s tips here.