''Quirky Quirk'' is back at his favourite track and ready to strike

Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, July 22nd 2025 at 13:03 GMT by The Sun
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SUN Racing''s Wednesday picks are below - where we go looking for winners at a price. Back a horse by clicking their odds. LONGSHOT LETTER OF THE LAW (2.20 Salisbury) He bounced back to

Horse Racing Tips for Wednesday, July 23: Expert Picks, Analysis, and Best Bets

As the summer racing season heats up, Wednesday, July 23, promises a packed schedule of action across several UK and Irish tracks. With meetings at Bath, Catterick, Leicester, Lingfield, Naas, Sandown, and Worcester, punters have plenty of opportunities to find value. Our team of racing experts has scoured the form books, analyzed recent performances, and considered ground conditions to bring you the top tips for the day. From handicaps to maidens, we've got selections that could make your midweek a winner. Remember, always gamble responsibly, and odds are subject to change.

Starting with the action at Bath, where the firm ground should suit speedsters. The highlight is the 2:15 handicap over six furlongs, and our nap of the day goes to Albaree, trained by Richard Hannon and ridden by Pat Dobbs. This three-year-old filly has been knocking on the door in recent outings, finishing a close second at Windsor last time out over the same distance. She was unlucky not to win, getting caught in traffic before unleashing a strong late run. With a 2lb rise in the weights, she's still well-treated, and Hannon's yard is in fine form with a 25% strike rate this month. At around 7/2, she looks a solid bet to break her maiden tag in this company. For those looking for an each-way alternative, keep an eye on Safari Dream from the Rod Millman stable. This consistent performer has placed in three of his last four starts and should appreciate the drop back in trip.

Moving to the 3:15 at Bath, a class 5 maiden stakes over a mile. Here, Persian Blue catches the eye for William Haggas. The son of Blue Point showed promise on debut at Newmarket, finishing fourth despite greenness, and the experience should stand him in good stead. Haggas has a superb record with second-time-out runners, boasting a 30% win rate, and with Tom Marquand in the saddle, expect a bold showing. Odds of 5/2 seem generous given the weak opposition. If you're after a longer shot, Eagle's Realm at 10/1 could surprise; he's been working well at home according to connections.

Over at Catterick, the going is good to firm, and the 1:45 novice stakes over five furlongs looks competitive. Our pick is Harswell Dandy, a juvenile from Roger Fell's yard with Jason Hart aboard. She impressed on debut at Beverley, winning by a neck with plenty in hand, and the form has been franked by the runner-up scoring since. Stepping up in class, but she's bred for speed and should handle it. At 3/1, she's value. Watch out for Harswell Sunrise from the same yard as a potential pacemaker.

The 3:30 handicap at Catterick is a trappy affair, but Langholm trained by Michael Dodds stands out. This five-year-old gelding has dropped to a dangerous mark after a string of near-misses, including a third at Carlisle where he was hampered. With blinkers reapplied and Connor Beasley riding, he could bounce back at 8/1. For a favorite, Abate at 4/1 has the class edge but might find the trip sharp.

Shifting to Leicester, where softer ground is expected after overnight rain. The 2:00 fillies' handicap over seven furlongs sees Tahitian Prince as our selection. George Boughey's charge won impressively at Yarmouth last month, quickening smartly from off the pace. She's up 5lb but remains progressive, and Saffie Osborne's 5lb claim helps. At 9/4, she's hard to oppose. Each-way backers might fancy Albeseeingyer at 6/1; she's consistent on turf.

In the 4:00 at Leicester, a class 4 handicap chase – wait, no, Leicester is flat racing today. Actually, sticking to flat, the 3:00 maiden over a mile and a half. Sea The Thunder from Ralph Beckett is the one to beat. This well-bred colt by Kingman was second on debut at Goodwood, beaten by a neck, and the winner has since run well in Listed company. With Rossa Ryan booked, expect improvement. Odds around 2/1.

Now to Lingfield on the all-weather, where the Polytrack should provide consistent footing. The 2:30 handicap over a mile is wide open, but Tahlia from Archie Watson appeals. She's won two of her last three starts here, including a comfortable success last week. Up in class but still unexposed, with Hollie Doyle retaining the ride. At 5/2, she's a strong fancy. Alternative: Smart Deal at 7/1 for those who like a front-runner.

The 4:30 at Lingfield, a sprint handicap. Lahina Bay trained by Rachel Cook looks overpriced at 10/1. She rattled home late at Wolverhampton last time and switches back to five furlongs, which suits her closing style. With a good draw in stall 3, she could pounce.

Across the Irish Sea to Naas, where the evening meeting kicks off at 5:00 with a maiden over six furlongs. Oxford Rock from Joseph O'Brien is our tip. This filly by Starspangledbanner was third on debut at the Curragh, showing speed before tiring. With Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard, and O'Brien's juveniles firing, 4/1 is fair. Watch for Over The Blues as a danger.

The feature at Naas is the 6:30 handicap over a mile. Helpmeout from Willie McCreery has been in sparkling form, winning at Gowran Park and placing at Leopardstown. Up 4lb but still ahead of the handicapper, with Wayne Lordan riding. At 7/2, a must for multiples.

At Sandown, the twilight meeting starts with the 6:00 nursery handicap over five furlongs. Siege Of Troy from Charlie Johnston is progressive, having won at Chester last time by two lengths. Mark Johnston's son has the yard humming, and with Silvestre De Sousa, 3/1 looks solid. Each-way: Hickton at 8/1.

The 7:00 at Sandown, a class 3 handicap over a mile. Tahitian Prince – no, earlier pick, but here Blake from Peter Chapple-Hyam stands out. This three-year-old has improved with each run, second at Newmarket latest. Up in trip, which should suit, at 5/1.

Finally, Worcester for jumps action on good ground. The 2:45 novices' hurdle over two miles sees Hola Vic as the pick. Olly Murphy's recruit from France won on debut at Stratford impressively. With Sean Bowen, 6/4 is short but justified.

In the 4:15 handicap chase, Jerrash from Peter Bowen is interesting at 5/1. He chased home a smart sort at Ffos Las and drops in class.

Wrapping up, our best bets: Nap – Albaree (Bath 2:15); Next Best – Persian Blue (Bath 3:15); Treble – Add Harswell Dandy (Catterick 1:45). For a Lucky 15, combine with Tahlia (Lingfield 2:30).

This day's racing offers a mix of opportunities, from promising juveniles to seasoned handicappers. Factors like ground conditions – firm at Bath and Catterick, good at Sandown and Worcester, all-weather at Lingfield, and good to yielding at Naas and Leicester – will play a crucial role. Trainers in form include Richard Hannon, who has multiple entries, and William Haggas, whose runners often improve second time out. Jockeys to follow: Tom Marquand, with a 22% strike rate this season, and Hollie Doyle, who's lethal on the all-weather.

Delving deeper into the form, let's analyze why Albaree is our standout. Her Windsor run saw her clock a sectional time that was 2 seconds faster than the average for the meeting, indicating hidden ability. Hannon mentioned post-race that she was "unlucky" and expects her to win soon. Similarly, Persian Blue's debut was against a field where the winner rated 85+, so her fourth place flatters her potential rating of around 78, making her well in here.

At Catterick, Harswell Dandy's Beverley win was on good to firm, and with similar conditions forecast, she's primed. Her pedigree, out of a sprinter mare, suggests further progress.

Over at Leicester, Tahitian Prince's Yarmouth victory was by 1.5 lengths, but she was eased down, hinting at more in the tank. Boughey's 28% strike rate with three-year-olds on turf is noteworthy.

Lingfield's all-weather surface favors Tahlia, who has a course-and-distance record of 2-3. Watson's stable is 18% here this year.

Naas tips hinge on O'Brien's juvenile prowess – he wins 25% of such races. Helpmeout's Gowran win was visually impressive, pulling clear by three lengths.

Sandown's evening card often produces upsets, but Siege Of Troy's Chester form is rock solid, with the third-placed horse winning next time.

Worcester's jumps add variety; Hola Vic's French form translates well, as Murphy's imports often do.

For value hunters, consider outsiders like Eagle's Realm or Lahina Bay, who could outrun odds if the pace collapses.

In summary, this Wednesday's racing is diverse and exciting. Whether you're backing favorites or seeking longshots, thorough form study pays off. Stay tuned for results and more tips tomorrow. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The Sun Article at:
[ https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/35963912/horse-racing-tips-wednesday-july-23/ ]

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''Quirky Quirk'' is back at his favourite track and ready to strike

Horse Racing Tips for Wednesday, July 23: Expert Picks, Analysis, and Best Bets