Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Kempton Park, Uttoxeter, Fontwell Park, Newcastle and Wolverhampton
KEMPTON PARK
Race 4 No7 VIVE LE ROI (Nap)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Harry Bannister
Bold front runner VIVE LE ROI finds himself in calmer waters than when just out of the money in a strong race at Newbury. Runner-up in the Lanzarote Hurdle at this course off a 9lb higher mark, he is weighted to prove hard to catch.
Race 6 No3 CHAMPAGNE MYSTERY
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Four failures to complete over fences sees CHAMPAGNE MYSTERY trying to take advantage of his novice status over hurdles and the gelding finds himself in a relatively weak race. The former Irish pointer should enjoy this easy course, at which his trainer has such a good strike-rate.
UTTOXETER
Race 2 No2 ST BARTS (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Richard Johnson
The lightly-raced ST BARTS could be a horse to follow through the spring, having been given a three month break since his clear cut success in a similar race at Newbury before Christmas. A winner of three of only six outings under Rules, he probably has a lot more to offer.
Race 4 Marston’s 61 Deep Midlands Grand National Handicap Chase
No7 GOLAN FORTUNE (Each Way)
Trainer: Phil Middleton – Jockey: Kielan Woods
This is a terrific betting entity and should make great viewing, with a field of 20 set to cover four and a quarter miles of Staffordshire in the Midlands Grand National. Several appear to have been laid out for the contest, and while last year’s victor Truckers Lodge has more than a stone more to carry, horses such as stablemate Highland Hunter and Irish challenger Screaming Colours are sure to be popular orders in the market. Highland Hunter has to go into all exotics but the one I like at a bigger price is GOLAN FORTUNE. The dual-purpose performer has limited experience over fences and is a raw novice, but that’s the alluring thing about him. He’s met top rivals in Shan Blue and Next Destination in Grade 1 and Grade 2 company and not looked out of place. Furthermore he likes to race competitively, and that’s often an asset in this marathon as he will stay out of trouble. His style of racing gives the impression he will stay, and he should give us a good run for our money.
Race 5 No11 THE EDGAR WALLACE
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
THE EDGAR WALLACE can outpoint Red Rookie and Interconnected in this novices’ hurdle, having been unfortunate to run up against the useful Sam Barton at Doncaster last time. He was making a slight noise, and a subsequent wind operation should give him the extra he needs to open his account over jumps.
FONTWELL PARK
Race 5 No4 FINNEGANS GARDEN
Trainer: Andy Irvine – Jockey: Page Fuller
FINNEGANS GARDEN and Page Fuller look an alluring combination in this, with the rider seeking a seventh success aboard the gelding in a 17th ride from his last eighteen appearances. The veteran knows his way round this figure-of-eight course and is ready to post a first win under the tutelage of rookie trainer Irvine.
Race 7 No2 LILY THE PINK (Nap)
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball – Jockey: Rex Dingle
LILY THE PINK has raised her game since getting her tongue tied down, scoring with something up her sleeve here in January and going down in a tight finish with Valse Au Taillons at Exeter. Her forcing tactics can get her back in the winner’s circle under a jockey that won on her the last time he rode her.
NEWCASTLE
Race 1 No1 DREAMS OF HOME (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
DREAMS OF HOME remains in calm waters after his connections resisted the temptation to go to Cheltenham. He’s impressed on both starts under rules at Wetherby and Carlisle, and if completing the hat-trick could have Aintree on his agenda.
Race 5 No1 PAY THE PIPER
Trainer: Ann Hamilton – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
Multiple scorer PAY THE PIPER survived a couple of sloppy errors to gamely score on handicap debut at Wetherby. Without that he would have prevailed more easily, and granted an improvement in that area he can further extend his impressive winning sequence.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 8 No9 STREET POET
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Tom Eaves
The only bet on this tricky card, STREET POET shaped like a horse getting ready to win when troubling the judge last time. Getting weight from all his rivals and well drawn, he can prove a value-laden end to the day.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)
4, 3, 6 x 7, 5 x 4, 2, 5 x 2 x 2, 3 x 2, 8, 4 x 9, 2
R216
