Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Thursday’s racing taking place at Taunton, Southwell, Lingfield Park and Chelmsford City.
TAUNTON
Race 1 No10 RUNSWICK BAY
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Ben Jones
After two runner-up finishes at Exeter, RUNSWICK BAY finds himself with a favourite’s chance to make it third time pick over jumps. The five-year-old hails from a stable that’s knocking in the winners and has an above-average team of novices.
Race 5 No14 SHESHOON SONNY
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
Bumper winner SHESHOON SONNY had some tough tasks over hurdles when taking on such talented foes as Chantry House, Fix Sun and Mister Coffey. When beaten five and a half lengths into third by that rival at Sandown the gelding might have been attempting the impossible, but is now in calmer waters and has a very good chance to deliver.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 2 No8 TRIBESMANS GLORY (Nap)
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
TRIBESMANS GLORY came out of the wilderness to trot up at Bangor, looking a completely different horse to that which struggled in four outings over hurdles last season. The unbeaten pointer is clearly in his comfort zone now chasing, and has a great chance to follow-up.
Race 5 No10 THE MICK PRESTON
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Hereford bumper winner THE MICK PRESTON was not disgraced when finding Flic Ou Voyou too hot to handle on hurdling debut at Newton Abbot. Although ultimately well held by that rival, the selection will have learned much from the experience. His stable is in fine form, and he can go one better.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 7 No6 DOUBLE REFLECTION (Nap)
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Josephine Gordon
Gordon has partnered DOUBLE REFLECTION to both her successes this year, most recently in a clear cut delivery over course and distance last week. The combination came home unchallenged and it’s no surprise connections are looking to strike while the iron’s hot with the daughter of Showcasing.
SOUTHWELL
Race 4 No7 WAR DEFENDER
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Ella McCain
WAR DEFENDER showed an instant liking for Fibresand when breaking his maiden here at the beginning of the month. The War Command gelding was in control some way out to suggest he’s not going to mind dropping back to seven furlongs in this follow-up attempt from his revised mark.
