Neil Morrice brings us his best bets and tips from Lingfield Park, Ayr, Newton Abbot and Dundalk.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 4 No6 SIR EDWARD ELGAR
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Rab Havlin
On his return from six months off, SIR EDWARD ELGAR can have a tune to play in this on his fourth straight run on the all-weather. The No Nay Never colt buckled down well to open his account at Lingfield at the end of January, and has had time to mature and develop into his frame.
Race 5 No8 ORIENTAL ART
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Jamie Spencer
ORIENTAL ART has shaped well in both handicap outings to date at Grade 1 courses, and can put his best foot forward now switched back to Polytrack. The Archipenko colt can be seen in a good light cutting back to a mile and a quarter.
NEWTON ABBOT
Race 5 No4 ELIOS D’OR
Trainer: Robert Walford – Jockey: Harry Cobden
Although up a full 9lb for his spectacular Worcester success last month, ELIOS D’OR remains hard to oppose. He landed some good bets on that occasion and with his tail up can go back-to-back.
Race 7 No6 MATTIE ROSS
Trainer: Richard Phillips- Jockey: Daniel Hiskett
MATTIE ROSS ran into one when beaten by Pollypockett at Southwell to record a second near-miss in as many starts this year. She has a good opportunity to gain a deserved first success under Rules at the main expense of Fairy Rose.
AYR
Race 1 No6 STROMBOLI
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: David Nolan
Acclamation colt STROMBOLI is weighted to take his revenge on St Andrew’s Castle following a nose defeat at the hooves of that rival over course and distance last month. A 7lb pull should be more than enough for him to turn the tables.
Race 5 No5 CHARGING THUNDER
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
From the same stable CHARGING THUNDER can score on handicap debut. The gelded son of War Command opened his account on third start at Chepstow and does not look harshly treated, considering his obvious room for progression.
DUNDALK
Race 4 No4 CHICAGO BLACK HAWK
Trainer: Johnny Murtagh – Jockey: Shane Kelly
CHICAGO BLACK HAWK sets the standard following a solid run in defeat at Naas last time. The Night Of Thunder gelding attracted market support for the third time in as many outings this season, and though proving expensive to follow can now redress the balance.
Race 5 No1 ZAHEE
Trainer: John McConnell – Jockey: Donagh O’Connor
Equipped with a first-time tongue strap, ZAHEE is worth supporting off top weight in spite of remaining vulnerable to any plot horses. He’s given it his best in two solid earning runs for his new connections and can fend off the attentions of Polytrack specialist Newland.
Race 7 No7 SAFECRACKER
Trainer: Johnny Murtagh – Jockey: Shane Kelly
In what looks a virtual match with Malawi, SAFECRACKER can deservedly put this one on the board. The Golden Horn colt made Interpretation fight for the spoils at the Curragh with the remainder well beaten off. He can show that the losses sustained on him that day were merely lent.
Race 8 No6 FALLEN FOREST
Trainer: Willie Durkan – Jockey: Conor Orr
Dame Rapide is one for all exotics as she should be all the better for her comeback run, but FALLEN FOREST came back from a fall over fences to score readily enough at Bellewstown and can add to his gutsy success here in early March.
Place Accumulater Perm (Races 2-8)
2, 4, 5 x 7, 2, 5 x 4 x 1, 8 x 4, 10, 1 x 7 x 6, 3, 7
R162
