Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Tuesday including 10/1 Wolverhampton fancy

Southwell, 14:00 - Back Lilting Verse @ 9/25.50

Fergal O'Brien-trained Lilting Verse improved on a couple of below par efforts when fourth to Smurfette earlier this month and could take another step forward on better ground from a 3lb lower mark.

The nine-year-old mare is now 3lb lower than her last win with Fern O'Brien claiming 5lb, putting her in with solid claims at the weights if able to return to her previous form. She was seen to good effect this time last year, finishing second in two runs during March, including at a higher level, and this could be a feasible opportunity for her to make her presence felt once again.

Having run well at Southwell in the past and on a workable mark currently, Lilting Verse warrants consideration and could be capable of putting in a competitive effort as she seeks a fourth career win.

Taunton, 15:15 - Back Thistle Be The One @ 4/15.00

A leap of faith is needed with Thistle Be The One based on recent form, but the seven-year-old returns to the scene of his best efforts over obstacles to date which could spark improvement. He remains unexposed still in only his eighth hurdling start, and could be well treated at the weights dropping in class from a mark of 100 with 5lb claimer Toby McCain-Mitchell aboard.

The Ben Clarke-trained contender has failed to make a significant impression for his current yard in three starts this term, but had previously run well twice at Taunton for former trainer Keiran Burke. He chased home now 158-rated Alexei and now 146-rated French Ship in those respective efforts, shaping with great potential in races that have been significantly franked.

Things haven't quite worked out for Thistle Be The One since those promising appearances in novice company, but he's back at a track he appears to like, in calmer waters with a first-time visor on as well as a tongue-tie. It's too early to give up on the gelding and a resurgence in form is possible.

Taunton, 15:45 - Back Gyenyame @ 2/13.00

Eight-year-old gelding Gyenyame could make it third time lucky at Taunton following a couple of second-placed efforts at the track, including when chasing home Time To Bite in this race 12 months ago. He's 2lb higher rated now but has an extra year of chasing experience in his favour and, previously suited by this trip in sounder conditions, could be able to go one place better this time around.

The Joe Tizzard-trained contender has been inconsistent so far this term, but has finished second in two of his four runs, on ground with good in the description on both occasions. He has shown enough ability to suggest he can be competitive at this level from his current mark, having been able to make the frame when runner-up to Stans The Man at Wincanton when last seen, and should be able to make his presence felt in this field under Brendan Powell.

Taunton, 16:15 - Back Wolf Walker @ 4/15.00

Seven-year-old gelding Wolf Walker makes his fifth hurdling appearance following a pulled up effort when upped to Grade Three level on handicap debut, after three second-placed efforts in maiden and novice company. In calmer waters here from a mark of 115, he should hold a solid chance, unexposed having already shown a good level of form when second to Captain Hugo at Haydock.

The three-time point winner is trained by Clive Boultbee-Brooks and has already shown promise as a hurdler. There could be further improvement to come from him and his current mark may prove workable in this 2m3f contest.

Wolverhampton, 19:30 - Back Mr Lightside @ 4/15.00

Mr Lightside has dropped to a mark of 79 having been rated as high as 103 during his juvenile campaign in 2024. He hasn't been able to reach the level shown earlier in his career in recent months, but has dropped significantly in the weights as a result and could be capable of a resurgence.

The four-year-old was only beaten a length-and-three-quarters at Listed level last May, therefore should be capable of putting in a competitive effort in much calmer waters from his current rating in handicap company here.

His latest run is worth forgiving and this is only his third run following a gelding operation, too. It could be worth keeping the faith in the son of Earthlight, who had shown so much potential and ability, including when placing at Group Three level to Big Mojo in the Molecomb Stakes.

Wolverhampton, 20:30 - Back Helm Rock E/W @ 10/111.00

Top weight Helm Rock is dropping into a 0-80 handicap here, and should be able to prove his class against the opposition having shown form at a higher level previously. He's only 1lb higher than his last win at Haydock last summer, on a mark of 80 currently, down 2lb for his reappearance effort at Kempton earlier this month.

The course-and-distance winner was able to be competitive from a higher rating against stiff opposition during the early parts of 2025, and should be capable of making his presence felt from his current rating in this field. His penultimate outing is worth forgiving in deep waters having failed to get off to the best of starts, and he may have needed the run when last seen following a 179-day break.

With course form in his favour and having had wind surgery prior to his penultimate start, there is enough evidence to suggest Helm Rock can put in a bold bid from a workable mark for the Daniel and Claire Kubler team, capable of being competitive in his 55th start as he seeks a tenth career success.

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