Today’s Horse Racing Tip – 7:20 Bath 2 May

Today’s free horse racing tip runs in the Strakers Handicap at 7:20 Bath. Nine runners are due to go to post for this Class 6 five and a half furlong handicap for four-year-olds and up.

Tony Carroll’s yard is enjoying a productive spell with four winners in the last fortnight and the Cropthorne handler sends out six runners today. We’re interested in one of two entries making the relatively short trip to Bath.

Today’s horse racing tip is De Vegas Kid who got off the mark when winning a seven furlong handicap on the all weather at Wolverhampton on his most recent outing in February. And, showed he’s quick enough for shorter trips when finishing second of 10 runners over the minimum trip on the same course two weeks previously.

There’s not much in the way of quality in this race and a look back at De Vegas Kid’s three-year-old form indicates he should be capable of beating this type of company on the turf too. He was twice runner up in similar grade at Brighton in the Autumn and his performances this season suggest he could make a better four-year-old.

It’s been a long time since Bonjour Steve made it to the winners’ enclosure but the seven-year-old showed a return may be approaching when a creditable third at Southwell four weeks ago. Richard Price’s charge has dropped down the weights since his last success 16 months ago and could be the one to give our horse racing prediction most to worry about.

Dalness Express has been campaigned on the all weather over the winter. The five-year-old won a weak race at Kempton in January and put up a decent performance when runner up at the same track in March. Trainer John O’Shea fits cheekpieces for the first time which could help the gelding’s cause but a bigger concern is how the horse will handle the turf.

Black Truffle has been most consistent of late and although 1lb out of the weights looks leniently treated following a 9lb drop in the handicap. However the eight-year-old has been campaigned exclusively on the all weather for the past four years and has shown his best form over longer distances.

Course and distance winner Jaganory has obvious claims on his best form but ran under par when fifth of six here in October and has subsequently been off the course for seven months.

Top weight Athassal has a chance if rediscovering his old form but the nine-year-old has shown little of late to suggest he’s retained the ability. Marjoret is a maiden making her handicap debut and is best watched after a long absence while Ambitious Boy was slowly away last time and can ill afford to give ground away in this company. Finally, Hit The Lights has gone 21 runs since a win and being 4lb out of the weights, is better left alone.

The going at Bath this evening is good. The weather forecast is cloudy with sunny spells and a moderate westerly breeze.

De Vegas Kid had been getting closer and closer and finally got his head in front last time. He’s penalised for that win but can build on the run against a fairly weak field with questionable claims.