Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday 8 March’s racing taking place at Warwick, Southwell, and Naas.
Warwick Best Bets
Race 1: TRINCOMALEE (2)
Trainer: Lucy Wadham
Jockey: Jockey: Daryl Jacob
Course specialist TRINCOMALEE drops back to two miles after a clear cut success over further here last time. He’s up against the highly regarded Nickolson but will be a bigger price than that rival, while his high cruising speed should enable him to keep tabs on any dangers and outstay them in the straight.
Race 4: ECHO WATT (11) (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hobson
Jockey: William Kennedy
If ECHO WATT stays the distance on his first attempt at more than three miles he will be hard to beat. He made a meal of getting on top of Big Time Frank at Fontwell last time but had been more impressive when starting his winning sequence at Uttoxeter. There could easily be more to come from him.
Race 6: YOUNG BULL (3)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Another taking a huge hike on the distance ladder is YOUNG BULL who is looking to win for the fourth time in as many starts. He showed gritty determination to gather in Ozzy Thomas at Wetherby and has been a fine servant to his connections. He shapes like a proper stayer.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 7: AIRGAD SUAS (5)
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds
Jockey: Page Fuller
The ultra-consistent AIRGAD SUAS will get expert handling from the saddle in this race for female jockeys. In Irish point-to-points, he’s posted four seconds, a win and a third from his last six starts and has worked well in preparation for this Rules debut.
Race 8: OCTOBER STORM (3)
Trainer: Donald McCain
Jockey: Ella McCain
A change of scenery can work the oracle for OCTOBER STORM who looked firmly in the handicapper’s grip last year. He never got closer than when runner up on his final 2019 start at Lingfield and is reported to have thrived for his near 200-day break.
Naas Best Bets
Race 1: DAKOTA MOIRETTE (4)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Davy Russell
It’s taking DAKOTA MOIRETTE plenty of time to gain a first chasing win but he can finally achieve it. He’s gained plenty of experience including in handicaps and the form shown to chase home Sizing Pottsie at Fairyhouse looks rock solid.
Race 5: THE VERY MAN (14)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Davy Russell
THE VERY MAN shaped as if a step up in trip would prove just what the doctor ordered when second to Francin at Navan. He was handy throughout and if running to the same level should prove too hot for Kaatskill Nap to handle.
