Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Thursday including Southwell nap

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Haydock, 17:13 - Back Wheels Of Fire @ 15/82.88

Four-year-old gelding Wheels Of Fire has winning form on soft ground which should hold him in good stead in this contest, and, although he's now 7lb higher than his last winning mark, he remains open to further improvement still, capable of improving on his latest couple of efforts as he drops down in class.

The Richard Hannon-trained contender shaped with promise as a juvenile, shedding his maiden tag at Lingfield during his debut campaign whilst also putting in competitive efforts against good opposition. He was able to be competitive from a mark above 80 last year, including when second from 82 at Southwell, and has been gaining valuable experience, often in big field handicaps.

This assignment should suit and there's enough in his favour to suggest he can pose a threat and make his presence felt under Joe Leavy.

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Musselburgh, 17:35 - Back Invincible Crown E/W @ 7/18.00

Top weight Invincible Crown makes appeal for Ruth Carr in this 5f sprint, dropping in class following a sixth-placed effort on reappearance at Pontefract last month.

Entitled to improve for the run and 3lb lower rated than when promoted to first in his latest success in September, the four-year-old could return to the winners' enclosure from a workable mark under Tom Eaves. He should be capable of putting in a bold bid at this level and should fare better than in his previous outing.

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Chepstow, 19:10 - Back Wodao E/W @ 15/28.50

Making his first start for Steph Hollinshead, six-year-old gelding Wodao is one to note under Clifford Lee, having dropped to a low mark of 67. He's winless since a Listed success at Tipperary in 2022 when trained by Donancha O'Brien, for whom he also placed at Group Three level.

Although the son of Showcasing was unable to record victory for former trainer Jamie Osborne, he did threaten on occasion from much higher marks, including when narrowly denied at Goodwood from a rating of 92. He was able to show he still retains some ability with some decent efforts over the winter, and, having dropped again at the weights, he could finally be able to be competitive once again.

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Limerick, 19:18 - Back Likable Chancer E/W @ 8/19.00

Twelve-year-old veteran Likable Chancer has proven he still retains ability in some of his recent runs, finishing third twice over the winter, including at odds of 40/141.00 over hurdles at this venue. He wasn't at his best but still emerged with some credit when fifth of 12 runners at Tramore in his most recent start, and could come on for his first outing in 69 days at this stage in his career.

Now 5lb lower than his last winning mark with 5lb claimer Patrick O'Brien in the plate, the experienced performer could be capable of a bold showing. He is well treated at the weights and should be suited by conditions in this extended two-and-three-quarter-mile contest.

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Limerick, 20:18 - Back Battle Of Mirbat E/W @ 7/18.00

Nine-year-old gelding Battle Of Mirbat is one to note for owner-trained Michael McDonagh in this extended three-mile contest. He's 5lb higher than his last win when successful at Down Royal in November, but has since finished second from a 2lb higher rating and can be competitive from his current mark of 113.

The experienced performer should be suited by this distance and this challenge from a workable mark as he bids for a fourth career win, and he has emerged with credit from both of his latest two runs at Thurles and Leopardstown respectively. 

Making appeal at the weights over this trip, Battle Of Mirbat warrants consideration and could make his presence felt under Sean O'Keeffe.

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Southwell, 20:30 - Back The Cutest E/W @ 22/123.00

Although she remains a maiden after 13 runs, five-year-old mare The Cutest hasn't quite seen things fall right for her as of yet and she could be worth keeping the faith in. She has caught the eye on a few occasions, sticking to the task late on, but usually struggles to get into a position from which she can be competitive, costing her a placed finish.

When last seen over this course-and-distance, the daughter of No Nay Never failed to find a clear run in the straight, but did stay on nicely once finding daylight. If she's able to get a more favourable trip, she can make the frame and remains capable of better.

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Southwell, 21:00 - Back Forever Noah E/W @ 12/113.00

Five-year-old gelding Forever Noah has been performing consistently well so far this year, bar a couple of below par efforts, making the frame on six occasions during 2026 to date, as well as winning once at Chelmsford from a 4lb lower mark. He wasn't seen to best effect when last seen at Wolverhampton but had excuses that day, and could be worth keeping onside, capable of bouncing back here.

The son of Dark Angel is 2lb higher than when only narrowly denied in his penultimate start, but remains on a workable rating from which he can pose a threat. He has been knocking on the door of late and could find an opening under Jamie Spencer for Joey Ramsden in his 24th career start.

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