Wexford, Tuesday 30 June: Tips and Analysis

Wexford, Tuesday 30 June: Tips and Analysis

A seven-race card at Wexford on good ground, with showers forecast to keep conditions honest throughout the afternoon. Three races stand out for value, and there is a clear each-way angle in the big handicap chase. England’s cricketers host India in the Test series opener tomorrow, but for now the focus is on the banks of the Slaney.

2:50 Tintern Trails Handicap Chase (2m, 13 runners)

Selection: Femme Magnifique Each-Way at 6/1 (Boyle Sports / Betfred)

Thirteen runners, four places at 1/5 odds, and a field where the form is muddled enough to give a horse in prime form real leverage. Femme Magnifique is the one. She landed a handicap at Tramore last time by over four lengths on a reduced mark, and she did it without coming off the bridle for long. That winning performance confirmed she handles today’s trip and the prevailing going conditions, and there is a strong argument the handicapper has not yet caught up with her fully.

The David Harry Kelly yard has not been dominating the statistics lately but this mare looks ready to go again. At 6/1 in a 13-runner handicap where she has recent winning form and handles the conditions, the each-way case is solid. Mercury Mission is clearly rated highly by the figures and deserves respect, but Femme Magnifique gets the nod on the strength of that Tramore win and the suspicion there is more to come.

3:50 Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase (2m7f, 12 runners)

Selection: Teenage Kiss at 9/2 (Boyle Sports)

This is not complicated. Teenage Kiss won here at Wexford 45 days ago by two and a half lengths, she handles the going, she acts over the trip, and the form figures rank her at the top of the field. She steps into chasing having already made the transition look straightforward, and first-time cheekpieces suggest connections are hoping for another gear.

Harbour Highway has a win to his name and is respected, but he raced too freely at Roscommon last time and the tongue-tie and cheekpieces he carries today are admissions that he is not entirely straightforward. At 9/2, Teenage Kiss is a fair enough price given she is proven at this venue, over this trip, on this going. Back her to go close.

5:20 Racing Again July 3rd Rated Novice Chase (2m3½f, 10 runners)

Selection: Londonofficecallin Each-Way at 5/1 (Boyle Sports)

Costacurta will attract plenty of support given Henry De Bromhead’s record at Wexford and the Darragh O’Keeffe booking, and the case for him stepping forward over a more suitable trip is genuine. But the price of 3/1 into a ten-runner field gives limited room for error.

Londonofficecallin at 5/1 is the more interesting proposition. His chase debut at Kilbeggan 15 days ago was highly encouraging: he finished second beaten just three and a quarter lengths despite having ground to make up, and crucially the run screamed out that a stiffer test would suit. Wexford provides exactly that. Keith Donoghue rides, and while his 15% strike rate at this course is not exceptional, the A/E of 0.82 suggests value slips through when he does hit. The first-time tongue-tie is a minor query but not a dealbreaker. Three places at 1/5 adds each-way appeal at this price in a competitive novice. Garnacho also merits a mention after his Listowel second, with Mark Fahey’s Wexford record of 18% wins and an A/E of 1.50 making him a trainer worth following here.

Today’s NAP

Teenage Kiss — Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase (3:50, Wexford)
Odds: 9/2 — Boyle Sports (others: 4/1 LiveScore Bet)

A course winner 45 days ago, proven on this going over this trip, and rated top on the figures in a 12-runner field. The combination of course form, appropriate conditions, and an honest price makes this the standout bet of the card. First-time cheekpieces add a small upside rather than a concern. Back her to win.