Thursday’s racing takes us to Nottingham, Salisbury, Southwell and Newcastle in Britain, with plenty of competitive action across both codes.
Salisbury stages the final meeting of its Flat season, while there is also a six-race jumps card at Southwell before Newcastle takes over on the all-weather this evening.
We have picked out three horses worth keeping on side, starting with a runner dropping significantly in grade at Salisbury.
3.14 Salisbury – Social Symbol – 11/8
Tip: Social Symbol to win
Social Symbol has been competing at a much higher level than this for most of the season and looks to have been found a good opportunity in the British EBF Joan Snow Memorial Conditions Stakes.
The two-year-old made a winning debut over five furlongs at Ripon in June and has performed with credit in stronger company since.
That includes finishing fourth in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot before placing in Listed company in France. Social Symbol was also third in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes at Kempton last time, finishing four lengths behind Moonrise.
Those efforts set a good standard for this Class 2 contest.
The return to six furlongs shouldn’t be an issue after the Kempton performance and this is a much easier assignment than some of the races Social Symbol has been contesting.
Dance A Jig looks one of the main dangers for Ralph Beckett, but Social Symbol’s form at Group and Listed level makes the favourite difficult to oppose.
Selection: Social Symbol – 11/8
3.25 Southwell – Gaelic Rambler – 7/2
Tip: Gaelic Rambler to win
Gaelic Rambler is an interesting contender on his return to hurdles for Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill.
The six-year-old produced his best performance for some time when winning over fences at Uttoxeter last month. First-time blinkers appeared to make a significant difference as he travelled strongly before coming home eight lengths clear over two and a half miles.
The headgear remains in place at Southwell and he now switches back to hurdles over a similar trip.
He does have to prove he can reproduce that improved form over the smaller obstacles, while Moments Away sets a decent standard at the top of the market.
However, Gaelic Rambler remains lightly raced and his Uttoxeter performance suggested there could be more improvement to come.
With the O’Neill yard also in good form, he looks an interesting alternative to the short-priced favourite.
Selection: Gaelic Rambler – 7/2
5.25 Salisbury – Dialstone – 5/2
Tip: Dialstone to win
Dialstone could have plenty more to offer now stepping up significantly in distance for his handicap debut.
The Ralph Beckett-trained three-year-old has made just three starts and got off the mark at Bath last time.
He had to work harder than the eventual winning margin might suggest, with Colonnade getting first run at the front of the field. Dialstone was pushed along before his main rival but continued to find and was pulling away at the finish.
That performance suggested there should be more to come over further.
His previous form also has some substance. Dialstone finished second to Fortitudine at Kempton on his second start, and that rival has since developed into a smart performer.
The step from around a mile and a quarter to just short of a mile and six furlongs is significant, but there are reasons to believe Dialstone will appreciate it. His full brother Gnomon was successful over this trip, which provides further encouragement regarding his stamina.
There are more experienced rivals in the field, but Dialstone remains unexposed and could have been handed a workable opening mark.
Selection: Dialstone – 5/2
Thursday’s Horse Racing Tips
3.14 Salisbury – Social Symbol – 11/8
3.25 Southwell – Gaelic Rambler – 7/2
5.25 Salisbury – Dialstone – 5/2
Social Symbol looks the strongest form selection of the three after regularly competing above this level, while Gaelic Rambler is interesting at a bigger price following his comfortable Uttoxeter success.
Dialstone completes Thursday’s selections and could have more improvement to come as he steps up markedly in distance on his handicap debut.