Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Thursday’s racing taking place at Ludlow, Carlisle, Chelmsford City, and Lingfield Park.
LUDLOW
Race 3: No2 – WYNN HOUSE (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
It’s hard to see this mares’ novices’ hurdle not falling into the lap of WYNN HOUSE, who impressed on her debut over jumps at Bangor to endorse the promise shown in two bumpers last season. She jumped well and can defy a penalty at the main expense of Champagne Lilly.
Race 8: No8 – GRAND COUREUR
Trainer: Oliver Greenall – Jockey: Mr Toby Wynne
With a first time visor and getting weight from all his foes, GRAND COUREUR can regain the winning thread in this amateur riders’ handicap chase. A clear-cut scorer at Southwell in July, he’s run well in each of his three subsequent outings including twice at this venue and can repeat his winning effort at the track of almost exactly a year ago.
CARLISLE
Race 1: No8 – O’HANRAHAN BRIDGE
Trainer: Donald McCain – Jockey: Brian Hughes
A recent wind operation could make the difference for O’HANRAHAN BRIDGE in this novices’ hurdle. The eight-year-old found one to beat him in all four starts last season, and if deriving benefit from the surgery can outpoint Grandads Cottage under the champion jockey.
Race 2: No8 – QUICK DRAW (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
QUICK DRAW kept good company and ran with credit in bumpers at Aintree and Cheltenham before making a promising first effort over jumps to chase home Topofthecotswolds at Uttoxeter. The Getaway gelding has thrived since that seasonal comeback and can take this on the way to better things.
Race 7: No12 – CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL
Trainer: Miss S Forster – Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
The strong travelling CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL ran well in each of his five starts before lockdown, scoring back-to-back successes at Newcastle. He’s gone well fresh in the past and can get into the shake-up from his place at the base of the handicap.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 1: No8 – GHOSTLY
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
GHOSTLY needs to overcome a poor draw, but with this step up in trip, his pilot should have the time to get the grey into a position. The selection doesn’t do anything in a hurry but showed with a solid run at Leicester that he’s now ready to put his best foot forward.
Race 2: No1 – BABA REZA (Nap)
Trainer: Mohammed Moubarak – Jockey: Tom Marquand
BABA REZA ran out a convincing winner of a novice here earlier in the month when beating Rommel and Henrik. The last-named horse reappeared quickly to bolt up by six lengths and thereby give the form a notable boost. Should Baba Reza travel with the same conviction he should make light of his penalty.
Race 5: No10 – REINE DE VITESSE (Each Way)
Trainer: Jane Chapple- Hyam – Jockey: Cameron Noble
While failing to quite live up to her early career promise, REINE DE VITESSE can show how effective she is coming back off a break by posing problems to hat-trick seeker Toronado Queen. The daughter of Wootton Bassett has few miles on the clock and gets good assistance from the saddle.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1: No10 – TUNGSTEN TOM (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Robbie Dunne
Value seekers in the opening bumper could do worse than latch onto TUNGSTEN TOM who has worked well ahead of this debut under Rules. He should prove effective on the surface and go well at a working man’s price.
Race 5: No15 – THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Adrian Heskin
This stable is blessed with an abundance of good novices and THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE can show he’s one to follow by scoring in his debut over jumps. The Shantou gelding placed in both bumper starts and has worked and schooled beautifully ahead of this maiden hurdle.
Race 8: No6 – GO AS YOU PLEASE
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Ritchie McLernon
Track, trip, and ground look ideal for GO AS YOU PLEASE to carry on the good work he’s shown this season. He’s progressed for the fitting of cheekpieces by finishing second at Uttoxeter and scoring at Warwick on his last two starts and looked good value for his win.
