Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield Park, Chelmsford City, and Wolverhampton.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No4 GALAHAD THREEPWOOD
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
With the two jumps cards victims of the weather, Lingfield takes centre stage and with it a highly appealing betting proposition to start the day’s proceedings. GALAHAD THREEPWOOD did us a favour when landing a hefty gamble over course and distance three weeks ago, endorsing the promise of his juvenile season and having the contest in the bag a long way from home. While the handicapper has had his say, there was a great deal to like about the way the gelding travelled and quickened clear in the straight. He will benefit from the 5lb claim of his useful apprentice rider, and can go in again.
Race 4 No5 MAHALE
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
The Channon stable can hit the target again, with MAHALE taken to break her maiden in this fillies’ novice. The daughter of Kodiac had to expend valuable energy getting across to the rail from her wide draw when outgunned by Supercontango over five furlongs here last month. Now the boot’s on the other foot, as she breaks from the rail and should be able to adopt a more controlled passage on or close to the pace.
Race 6 No6 ACCOMPLICE
Trainer: Michael Blanshard – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
One of the success stories here through the winter has been that of ACCOMPLICE, who now seeks a third win on a fourth start in 2021. The flagship of her trainer’s small string, she has a knack of knowing where the winning post is, as illustrated by two short-head verdicts in her favour. While possibly happier in a bigger field in which she can find cover, she can defy another step up the ladder if Crackling sets a decent gallop for her to aim at.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 2 No7 KRAZY PAVING (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Grace McEntee
The refitting of blinkers has helped enable KRAZY PAVING to discover the same rich vein of form he achieved at this time last year. He landed an apprentice handicap in good style over course and distance before looking a shade unfortunate not to follow-up at Wolverhampton. With most of his rivals badly out of form he will be hard to beat.
Race 5 No2 MEHMO
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Frederick Larson
Things need to drop right for MEHMO, but if they do the gelding can gain an overdue first career success. All sorts of headgear have been used on him but the cheek pieces evident today appeared to inspire him at Lingfield last time, and he can progress from that best career effort to go one better.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 3 No5 ARAFI (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Sean Levey
While the assessor wasn’t lenient in putting ARAFI up 6lb for a narrow success at Kempton last week, he probably took into account that the filly didn’t enjoy the run of the race and would have won by further if she had. Furthermore, it was her second success on the trot and shows she’s an upwardly mobile performer from a top stable who stands out as the one to beat.
Race 5 No4 SHENU
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Jamie Spencer
SHENU was unable to go to snowy Chelmsford yesterday but the abandonment of that card could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. His debut third to Western Symphony in a four runner field reads better than it sounds, and the son of American Pharoah has given the impression in subsequent work that he learned a fair bit from it. Furthermore he is going to relish this bold step up the distance ladder.
