Today's Horse Racing Tips: Back this trio at Salisbury on Thursday
We head to Salisbury racecourse for today's racing tips, and we have three selections for the action on Thursday afternoon at the Flat venue...
Salisbury Tips
14:22 Salisbury
Andrew Balding's WODETON made an impressive debut when finishing second at Sandown two weeks ago, and the son of Wootton Bassett will make a quick reappearance on Thursday and is bidding to go one better in the 14:22 contest at Salisbury. He was well fancied in that contest, but he found John & Thady Gosden's Damaar too good that day, but he did shape with real promise.
He is sure to strip fitter for that outing and with some race experience under his belt he has to be the one they all have to beat in what is a trappy novice event. The likes of Hannibal Barca and last time out winner Artaois will be notable contenders here, but it's Balding's charge that could potentially unearth the most improvement.
15:32 Salisbury
Marcus Tregoning's Ribhi is a warm order for the conditions event at 15:32, but the Dark Angel colt could only finish fifth in the Listed Flying Scotsman Stakes last time out, and while this should prove to be a little easier he could find it tough to build on that display. He's sure to improve for his third run here, but he warrants no value, and it's worth siding with either of the next two in the betting Tolstoy or Witch Hunter.
Of that duo, Tolstoy has been well beaten in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and the July Stakes at Newmarket, so while this is a significant drop in grade he's yet to show that he can produce the goods at a higher level. So, it's worth taking a chance with the once-raced Richard Hannon-trained WITCH HUNTER, who finished second at Newbury on debut a couple of weeks ago. Beaten a neck by Deodar that day, Hannon's raider is sure to come on significantly, and in receipt of 4lbs from the aforementioned duo of Ribhi and Tolstoy, Witch Hunter is the selection.
16:07 Salisbury
There's a devilishly difficult betting heat at 16:07 and there will be two last time out winners bidding for glory, and that pair of Endowed and Mamillius have to be leading contenders for the 6f contest. Ascot Adventure is heading the betting, at the time of writing, and he's been performing with credit of late for Clive Cox, but has often found a few too good for him.
The one that catches the eye is the Patrick Chamings-trained SPANISH STAR, who has been in excellent form this campaign, and was a winner three starts ago at Newbury. That success came off a mark of 77, and he will line up off 82, but he impressed last time out when finishing fourth at Newbury, and if he can just find a little bit extra on Thursday then he can claim the win. Second on two of his three starts at Salisbury, Spanish Star will relish a return to the track and has to be considered a lively player at a big price.