Race Day Preview: Beltane, Macedonian & Tarlac

We’ve got three runners heading out today under the Ursa Major Racing banner, and it’s a busy afternoon with horses at both Leicester and Hamilton.

Beltane makes his return in the 2.20 at Leicester with Oisin McSweeney taking the ride. It’s been a little while since we’ve seen him on the track, so naturally, he’s expected to come on for the run. That said, he’s on a very workable handicap mark now, and if he can find his rhythm, we’d like to think he’s capable of getting himself into the first three or four today. His last few runs haven’t quite gone to plan, but the team has been working hard to get him back in the right frame of mind and physical condition. Today is very much about seeing him take that step forward and hopefully begin to build some consistency again.

Later in the afternoon, we’ve got a double interest in the 4.43 at Hamilton where both Macedonian and Tarlac line up. Connor Beasley rides Macedonian while Jason Hart partners Tarlac.

It looks a fairly weak contest on paper, which gives both horses a chance to get involved. Tarlac has already proven he enjoys Hamilton, having run well here recently, and if he can reproduce that level of form again, he should be right in the mix. He’s in good order at home, and this race looks a nice opportunity for him.

Macedonian (pictured below) on the other hand, is a little more of a question mark. The track and ground are both unknowns for him, so this will be a bit of a fact-finding mission. Last time out he wasn’t quite himself — he came out of the race a bit sore, and that explained why he never really showed his true running. The good news is that he’s moving beautifully again at home, and if he does handle Hamilton, we’d be hopeful of a much-improved showing.

Overall, it’s an exciting day with three runners and a few chances. As always, we wish the very best of luck to all connections involved. We’ll be keeping everyone updated through our website and social channels as the day unfolds.