Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing at Windsor, Pontefract, Plumpton and Southwell.
Windsor Best Bets
Race 3: VOLTAIC (4)
Trainer: Paul Cole
Jockey: Sean Levey
Having proved impossible to win with this drop into claiming company is something of a last chance saloon for VOLTAIC but he can prove up to the task in hand. Connections adopted new tactics when he raced away from the other runners on his latest start in a Class 4 handicap at Newbury, but to no avail. Hopefully he can be kidded home as he has the ability to win and will handle the heavy ground.
Race 7: OUTCROP (2)
Trainer: Jennie Candlish
Jockey: Joe Fanning
An infrequent visitor to the Flat, OUTCROP has been running well over hurdles and has been a tricky horse for the handicapper to assess. There was plenty of money for him on his latest start when third to Prince Khorramshahr at Bangor where he only capitulated in the last few strides. He’s fit and fancied to go well.
Pontefract Best Bets
Race 6: TAXMEIFYOUCAN (4)
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish
Jockey: Joe Fanning
Although his appearances on the Flat have been few and far between, TAXMEIFYOUCAN goes into this Phil Bull Trophy with all guns blazing, having landed some good bets in style over hurdles at Hexham at the beginning of the month. He’s a strong traveller that loves to get his toe in and though having something to find on the book is more than capable of it.
Race 7: SHEEPSCAR LAD (12)
Trainer: Nigel Tinkler
Jockey: Joe Fanning
Critics of SHEEPSCAR LAD will say he is a weak finisher but from a good draw he needs to be given another chance. His form figures read 323333 but getting weight from the vast majority of his rivals with a jockey whose quiet riding style will suit him he’s worth chancing to put the record straight.
Plumpton Best Bets
Race 5: DAN McGRUE (2)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
The lightly raced DAN McGRUE demands serious respect on his return to action in this handicap hurdle. The 6yo hasn’t been without his problems but has done well for his summer break. His best effort last season came when there was plenty of cut in the ground, while back in the 2017/2018 campaign he looked a useful prospect with successive wins at Taunton.
Race 7: HEAVENLY PROMISE (5)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien
Jockey: Conor Brace
HEAVENLY PROMISE looks poised to open his seasonal account and can turn the tables on his recent Fontwell conqueror Luck Of The Legion. The 8yo has improved race by race, and although well held by his market rival is now weighted to beat him on revised terms.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 7: MARVEL (4)
Trainer: Julie Camacho
Jockey: Harrison Shaw
NOT ON YOUR NELLIE had a couple of these foes behind her when making her nursery debut over the course and distance. She did all her best work at the finish in what was an eye catching run, and now competes off the same handicap mark together with an additional tongue tie.
Written by Neil Morrice for Hollywoodbets