Wednesday Racing Tips: Timeform's trio to back at Epsom, Thirsk and Worcester

15:55 Worcester - Phantom Gold an eye-catcher on handicap debut

5

Phantom Gold (Ire)

• J: Sean Quinlan
• T: Jennie Candlish
• F: 56-42

• SBK 4/1
• EXC 5.5

Phantom Gold evidently had his problems after winning a bumper on his debut nearly three years ago, but the signs have been encouraging since he returned in April, now trained by Jennie Candlish.

The eight-year-old has taken a step forward with each run over hurdles and he shaped particularly well on his latest start at Southwell three weeks ago which was also his handicap debut.

Still with plenty to do on the home turn, Phantom Gold powered home under tender handling behind easy winner Prettylady, earning the 'Horse In Focus' flag. He looks very interesting from this sort of mark.

16:40 Thirsk - Al Muqdad narrowly denied last time

4 (13)

Al Muqdad

• J: Conor Whiteley
• T: David O'Meara
• F: 67360632

• SBK 7/2
• EXC 4.9

Al Muqdad has been placed in both his last two starts since switching from the all-weather and a narrow defeat at Doncaster last Friday was a clear sign that his winning turn isn't far away.

With his BHA mark as low as it has been for a while, he stayed on to be beaten a nose by Beale Street and he heads the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings here in a bid to win his first race since November.

Al Muqdad's trainer David O'Meara has the 'Hot Trainer' flag, while good-value claimer Conor Whiteley is on board now and takes a handy 5 lb off his back.

17:20 Epsom - Hello Cotai on course for another Epsom win

Proven ability to handle Epsom's unique contours is no bad thing and Hello Cotai has a good record at the track, with two wins and a second from four runs at Epsom in 2024.

Hello Cotai was trained locally by Adam West at the time but then raced in France in 2025 after his trainer moved across the Channel, notching another win at Chantilly.

However, Hello Cotai is back in Epsom again now with Jim Boyle and opened his account for his new yard at Windsor a month ago. He looks capable of following up, being 3 lb clear in the Timeform ratings.

Now read Alan Dudman's antepost racing tips for Eclipse weekend