Today’s Horse Racing Tip – 2:45 Leicester 15-02-18

Today’s horse racing tip is an each way bet in the 2:45 Leicester, a Class 3 two and a half mile handicap chase with six runners.

Bright New Dawn hasn’t always been the most reliable sort but has been much more consistent since joining Venetia Williams’ yard a little over 12 months ago. Aside from his fall in last year’s Topham Trophy, the gelding has been running well without success in higher company than he faces today.

The 11 year old ran well enough on his seasonal appearance at Cheltenham when just found lacking in pace in the closing stages and should strip fitter today, despite a three month absence. Bright New Dawn has six wins over fences in Ireland and his handler could well have him prepared for a first victory this side of the Irish Sea.

Last year’s winner Crosspark is the obvious favourite and should run a big race having shaped well in two of his three outings this term. The eight year old was pulled up when going off favorite at Newbury in December but ran well for most of the race before being found wanting for stamina at Warwick last time out. Returning to a course and distance that suits and off the same mark as when winning last year, Crosspark should have every chance – albeit at a rather skinny price.

Creep Desbois won at Fakenham last time out and looks open to further improvement. The trio and ground will suit Ben Pauling’s charge but this is a sterner test for the six year old gelding.

Nigel Twiston-Davies is represented by Colin’s Brother, another being tipped up in the papers this morning. The eight  year old is a consistent performer and returned to winning ways beating Festive Affair at Ludlow in December. Th e gelding seems to produce his best at that track and it’ll be interesting to see how he fares at Leicester.

O Maonlai is useful on his day but it’s difficult to gauge how he wants to perform. Tom George’s ten year old looked disinterested when pulled up on his seasonal bow at Newbury in December but shaped more eagerly when a decent second at Wincanton last time.

Azzurri completes the line up for the Leicester race and probably wants faster ground than he’ll find today. Dan Skelton’s inmate won twice at Southwell in the summer but struggled to make an impression his last two starts on soft and heavy ground.

Today’s forecast is sunny at Leicester with the ground expected to run soft and heavy in places.

The underfoot conditions should pose no problems for today’s horse racing tip. It’s looks a competitive race with a case to be made for at least five of the six runners. At around 12/1 Bright New Dawn looks the pick on value and a worthy each way tip