Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Sandown Park, AYR, Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton.
Race 3 No7 DUSKY LARK (Each Way)
Trainer: Robert Walford – Jockey: James Best
DUSKY LARK made a pleasing return from a 21-month absence when chasing home Severano at Exeter. He’s had his problems but usually needs a run to put the cutting edge on him, and although getting longer in the tooth is capable of giving it a good shot with improvement expected.
Race 4 No4 IBLEO
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
When the ground rides very soft chasers from the stable are in their element. It’s representative IBLEO won his first two chases at Wincanton and Huntingdon before finishing second on each of his next three starts. He’s is a progressive individual and has everything in his favour in this two miler.
Race 5 UNIBET TOLWORTH NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 1)
No5 SHAKEM UP’ARRY
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
A race that can throw up a Cheltenham Festival winner could be more open than the market indicates. The unbeaten METIER will command a good chunk of the betting handle on the prize after scoring in a good time at Ascot. The hat-trick seeker faces strong opposition from the only mare in the field GALICE MACALO, who has looked a much-improved performer with two wins and a second from as many starts this season. When second to Benson last time she gained valuable experience of this course. DO YOUR JOB had his winning spree ended by Llandinabo Lad at Huntingdon but hasn’t done much wrong for a stable that is enjoying a bountiful campaign with its novices. However the one that could prove a fly in the ointment to all three is SHAKEM UP’ARRY, who after storming home in testing conditions at Ffos Las showed he can cut it in handicap company when fourth to War Lord at Haydock. Beaten less than five lengths on that occasion, he had previously only succumbed to talented foes such as Shishkin and Envoi Allen last season, and appeals as the value play.
Prediction: 1st SHAKEM UP’ARRY, 2nd Do Your Job, 3rd Galice Macalo,
Race 6 No12 SIR IVAN
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Lorcan Murtagh
The best betting race on the card should see SIR IVAN again taking away a cheque after placing in both his starts at Aintree and Leicester. Either side of his win at Wincanton last season were disappointments, but he’s looked a stronger horse on those latest forays to the track and should relish a return to this three-mile trip.
Ayr Best Bets
Race 3 No5 THE EDGAR WALLACE
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
Having been switched here from Exeter, THE EDGAR WALLACE can prove more than a handful for Melanmix in this maiden hurdle. A winner and placed in two other outings in bumpers, he was backed on debut over jumps at Ascot, and although unable to match Danny Kirwan wasn’t beaten far in finishing fourth. He’s thought to be better than he showed, and can prove it.
Race 4 No5 CLAN LEGEND
Trainer: Nick Alexander – Jockey: Danny McManamin
Respect is paid to front runner Evander, but although almost twice that one’s age CLAN LEGEND can demonstrate his liking for this track by grabbing his rival at the business end. The veteran has definitely benefitted from a wind operation based on the way he powered home at Aintree. He’s enjoyed a nice gap since that early December success, one that was never in doubt.
Lingfield Park Best Bets
Race 1 No4 AZTEC DREAMS (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Rowe – Jockey: Josephine Gordon
On first start for this trainer, AZTEC DREAMS could run on into the money at a decent price. On his day he was more than capable when trained in France and returns from a 14 month absence following wind surgery, which could spark improvement.
Race 4 No5 ACCOMPLICE (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Blanshard – Jockey: David Probert
The ultra consistent ACCOMPLICE is beautifully drawn to get a stalking position in this tight-knit handicap. Her frequent visits to the frame make her an appealing each way entity and she can make this a fourth victory from her last ten outings.
Race 7 No4 HIDDEN BREEZE
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Nicky Mackay
HIDDEN BREEZE will find few better opportunities to get off the mark and boost her paddock value. She returns from a freshening break after troubling the judge on her last two outings and has shown an affinity for the all-weather.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 3 No1 AUSTRALIS (Nap)
Trainer: Roger Varian – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
AUSTRALIS is a fine staying prospect and more than capable of giving away weight in this Class 3 handicap. The Northumberland Plate runner-up showed his liking for the all-weather when gaining a second success at that course in late September, and although disappointing in the Cesarewitch has bounced back with near-misses at Chelmsford and Newcastle. He should dominate from the start and outclass his foes.
Race 5 No5 BLUE HERO
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
Bottom weight BLUE HERO has much going for him stepping up in trip following a gelding operation. He was beaten into third in a blanket finish in the summer and now makes his debut for a man that can improve them.
