7:12 Bath Tips

Virtual Hug looks to hold strong claims of following up after an impressive success last time out at Bath Racecourse. That victory came over 1m 3½f on good ground off a mark of 50, where he was held up before finishing strongly to win well. The performance was particularly eye-catching given the race setup. In a field of nine he was the only runner to come from off the pace, while those finishing 2nd to 5th were all ridden prominently or raced close to the lead. He clearly enjoys Bath and has a solid course profile, with figures of 12324 at the track. He also ran well here several times last season, including a 3rd and a 2nd, showing consistency around this unique circuit. The latest win came in a 0-60 handicap, while this race drops into a weaker 0-55 contest. Although he carries a 4 lb penalty, he still runs off just 54 and looks fairly treated considering the strength of his recent performance. With conditions to suit and proven course form, Virtual Hug looks to have another strong chance here.

Gelded son of Mehmas & French Battle ( Dam's sire Declaration Of War ) who was last seen racing over this course and distance 9 days ago where finishing 5th/9 currently operating on a mark of 52 P D Evans's inmate looks poised to strike and shed the maiden tag especially having found a race up to his capabilities with his favourite pace level very well likely to be at his disposal given the horse enrolled to run here which will play extremely well into his strengths here at the Bath turf course jockey Laura Coughlan takes off a handy 3lb which can only help his cause here must enter calculations in a race of this nature . Respected .

Weakened a furlong out over a mile and three-quarters at Salisbury last time out. Remains on the same mark but should appreciate the drop in trip.