Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Plumton, AYR and Wolverhampton.
PLUMPTON
Race 1 No4 LA REINE POUTINE (Each Way)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: San Twiston-Davies
This stable is not only amongst the winners but has formulated a high strike-rate, and while LA REINE POUTINE is no star she’s managed to earn in all but one of her five career outings. That makes her of interest as she enters the handicap arena in a weak-looking contest.
Race 3 No5 NATURAL HISTORY (Nap)
Trainer: Gary Moore – Jockey: Jamie Moore
Former useful Flat performer NATURAL HISTORY stands out on this handicap debut over jumps for a local stable that is reaching its zenith at the right time for Cheltenham. The Nathaniel gelding finished second over course and distance in January before running into the hugely impressive Lucky One at Wincanton. There was daylight between them which has enabled the selection to get into this off what I feel is a handy mark. Furthermore two of his three wins on the level were gained on good ground, which he will probably encounter today.
Race 4 No3 DORKING LAD
Trainer: Gary Moore – Jockey: Jamie Moore
The Moores will be scratching their heads if DORKING LAD doesn’t finally break his duck over jumps although his pilot will require the patience of Job before deciding when to commit him. His second to Annual Invictus here in January is more than good enough for him to take the spoils, we just need to believe that on this occasion he won’t end up beating himself.
AYR
Race 4 No5 VICTORY ECHO
Trainer: Maurice Barnes – Jockey: Ross Chapman
If getting onto an uncontested lead there’s every chance that VICTORY ECHO will prove a hare that doesn’t come back. He jumped his rivals silly at Newcastle before Christmas and looks the type to do much better as a chaser. He’s had a freshening break and competes from what still looks a reasonable handicap mark.
Race 5 No13 BILLY RAY (Nap)
Trainer: Sam England – Jockey: Jonathan England
The two that interest me are both equipped with first time cheek pieces. Doyen Breed would be a deserving winner following two near misses, but might find the task of conceding 19 lb to BILLY RAY beyond him. When racing on the Flat, Billy Ray was at his best a decent stayer, finishing second in the valuable Marsh Cup at Newbury. But he sustained training issues and when finishing second to Embole at Wetherby last month was having a first outing after wind surgery. He attracted plenty of support that day, and is at the right end of the handicap to put in another bold showing.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 4 No1 SUMMERGHAND
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Adam Kirby
This sprint is packed with pace, the inclusion of trail blazers Fizzy Feet and Major Jumbo setting up the possibility of SUMMERGHAND being able to swoop to conquer in the short home straight. The top weight bagged a couple of Class 2s last season as well as placing in a Group 3 and a Listed sprint. He needs the cards to fall right, but that can happen.
Race 7 No2 DANCING KING (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Johnston – Jockey: Ben Curtis
Recent winners Damned Elusive and hat-trick seeking Classy Dame should take a large chunk of the betting handle out of the market and make handicap debutant DANCING KING the value play. The Free Eagle gelding put in his best of three juvenile efforts at this course and might have got in off a favourable mark.
Race 8 No9 JUST JEAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Micky Hammond – Jockey: Aiden Brookes
JUST JEAN showed much improved form to trouble the judge for the first time since her debut at Newcastle at the end of January. She had been well and truly in the wilderness, but if backing it up off her lowly weight in first time cheek pieces can be competitive and take home another cheque.
Place Accumulator Perm: Race 2 – 8
3, 8, 4 x 3, 10 x 1, 5 x 4, 3 x 3, 1 x 2 x 9, 2, 6
R144
