Neil Morrice brings us his best bets and tips from Carlise, Huntingdon and, Lindfield Park.
CARLISLE
Race 2 No7 RELEASE THE KRAKEN
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Callum Bewley
Runners from the Richards stable can have extra significance at their local track, and any support for RELEASE THE KRAKEN would be of major interest. The selection chased home a decent sort on his latest of two outings at Hexham in March, and has the same jockey that piloted him back in the saddle. He has schooled satisfactorily for this first run over jumps.
Race 3 No5 KILLER KANE
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
KILLER KANE is the one with most scope for improvement in a race that recognises one of the best trainers that have operated in the North, the late Gordon Richards. While both the unbeaten Dreams Of Home and Papa Tango Charly need inclusion in all exotics, KILLER KANE can make the long journey from Dorset pay off. The former winning Irish pointer landed some good bets when opening his account under Rules in an Exeter maiden hurdle and it’s of note that his trainer has elected to pitch him straight in at the deep end on this first chase outing.
Race 5 No3 FIDDLERONTHEROOF (Nap)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
This intermediate chase has a high class roll of honour, and while it would be no surprise to see Espoir De Romay add his name to it, the one that could well become the finished article this season is FIDDLERONTHEROOF. A former class act over hurdles, the seven-year-old ran well in a sequence of defeats at the highest level in his novice chase season, including at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. He can carry the day in the marquee race of the season here, on the way to a bountiful season in handicaps.
HUNTINGDON
Race 4 No3 CADZAND
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
Connections of CADZAND have elected no fewer than three times to scratch him from recent chases owing to unsuitable ground. This conservative approach to his training is a mark of their high regard for him, and a bountiful first season over fences is anticipated for the six-year-old. If finally green-lighted to run, he can use his finishing speed to telling effect.
Race 6 No1 UNO MAS (Nap)
Trainer: Christian Williams – Jockey: Mr Ellis Collier
Such was the ease of his triumph in a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at Aintree a week ago that it’s very hard not to see him completing a hat-trick running without a penalty. He is on the crest of an upward surge, with his last three successes happening under today’s amateur rider.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 4 No9 BRIANSTORM (Each Way)
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: David Noonan
The fact that BRIANSTORM hasn’t won for his trainer and has had two wind ops encourages me that there is a ‘last chance saloon’ element to his performances this season. Interestingly, he posted two near-misses in a select campaign last winter, and should have more to offer getting weight from each of his opponents.
Race 7 No11 ECHO WATT (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hobson – Jockey: William Kennedy
The grey ECHO WATT endured a topsy-turvy season over fences last winter but is a capable performer on his day. His enjoyment of testing conditions will be present should this area of Surrey receive further rainfall.
