Welsh Racing Festival Day 3 - Race Previews with our picks for all 7 races.
- Grab the Reins
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Day 3 of the Dragonbet Welsh Racing Festival boasts a listed chase over 2 miles 3 1/2 furlongs with Blueking d'Oroux the current favourite at 2/5. The Welsh Champion Hurdle is the big race on the final day, now being a handicap should provide a better race with more runners. Celtic Dino for trainer Sam Thomas is the current favourite at 5/2 as 11 runners go to post.
Click on our racecard below for all 7 races.
13:32 Champion Equestrian Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
To win
Safe Destination
Has had a consistent last 10 months, winning twice and being runner up twice. Had a return run at Perth 17 days ago and ran a good 3rd. Toby McCain-Mitchell takes off 6lbs. Should feature again.
Next best
Deep Purple
Won a Chepstow maiden hurdle in April, but hasn't hit the heights since. Switched to fences and has seemed to improve for it, with the addition of cheekpieces. Goes up in trip and could improve for that.
14:07 Dragonbet / EBF Mares’ “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle
To win
Settle Down Jill
Useful in bumpers but hasn't hit the heights over hurdles yet. Has had a wind operation and returned well at Market Rasen, where he was 2nd in a novice just two weeks ago. This is the right race for him to finally get his head in front.
Next best
Nana Noodleman
Second in a Point-To-Point before joining Olly Murphy. Ran in a bumper and won at Worcester, but disappointed on hurdle debut when 4 of 4 back at the same track. Showed improvement at Newton Abbot, when finishing 3rd last month. Steps up in trip and is capable of better.
14:42 Tom Malone Bloodstock Novices’ Chase (Listed Race)
To win
Blueking d'Oroux
Talented hurdler who won the grade 2 Coral Hurdle at Ascot, beating Strong Leader. Didn't hit this form in 6 races after but won the bet365 Selected Hurdle (Grade 2), beating Salver. Now goes novice chasing, which looks to be his ball game.
Next best
Speculatrix
Three time winning mare in all types of races. Has had 3 chase runs, winning her second at Downpatrick by 8.5 lengths. Has race fitness after running only 18 days ago. Sean Bowen takes the ride.
15:17 DragonBet “Welsh Champion” Hurdle
( Limited Handicap)
To win
Tutti Quanti
Lightly raced 5 year old, with only 6 starts. Had one run in France for Francois Nicolle, before joining Paul Nicholls, where Tutti Quanti has a record of 21261. The only blip being a sixth place, which was in Grade 1 novice company at the Cheltenham Festival. Got his head back in front in April at Ffos Las by 13 lengths under Freddie Gingell, Harry Cobden takes over for this ride. Would likely be a non-runner if the ground quickens.
Next best
Celtic Dino
Four wins from eight starts, winning two bumpers and two hurdles. Had his shot at a Grade 1 novice where he was 4th, only by 11 lengths. Then, placed twice in ultra-competitive races at Kempton Park & Aintree, where he beat Jack Hyde by 4 lengths, who ran okay in the Persian War on Friday. Sam Thomas won this race last year and looks to retain his title.
15:52 DragonBet John Ayres Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
To win
Saint Segal
Only a 7 year old, who has already won 4 chases, including an impressive win at Chepstow in April, where he beat Light N Strike (140 rated). Consistent through 2025, with form figures of 2331. Returns from a break. Has form on Good ground but has never run on anything quicker.
Next best
Jet Plane
Nine years old now, who as been a yard stalwart, running consistently well in most of his starts. Went hunter chasing last year, where he was 1st, 3rd, 2nd and 5th. Returned back in to handicap company at Worcester, where he was 4 lengths being Courtlands, who finished 2nd on Friday. Looks like the type to go well under Harry Skelton.
16:27 dragonbet.co.uk Born From The Betting Ring Seniors’ Handicap Hurdle
To win
Moveit Like Minnie
Hasn't been the easiest type over the last couple of seasons, running out in successive races. Finished last season well, running a cracking race at Ascot in a class 2, only being beat4 lengths at 20/1. This is his first run after wind surgery. Has run once at Chepstow, where he ran okay.
Next best
King William Rufus
Consistent handicapper, who won a competitive race at Cheltenham in April. Only went up 4lbs for the win and comes here off a 179 day break, not uncommon for all horses in this race who are not race fit. Freddie Gordon gets a good tune out of him.
17:02 Wasdell Group Open National Hunt Flat Race (Category 1 Elimination ) (GBB Race)
To win
Cooltobecareless
Won a bumper for Colin Bowe, bought by Highclere and now joins Dan Skelton. Would expect him to be ready for this and could be the one to beat.
Next best
Lake Tiberias
Well related to winners (flat, bumper & hurdle). Has no racecourse experience with no runs in a point-to-point. Hard to know whether he is the type to win first time but his breeding shows promise.
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