Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Thursday’s racing taking place at Newbury, Market Rasen, and Kempton Park.
NEWBURY
Race 2: No3 – AMARILLO SKY
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Robbie Power
Irish point winner AMARILLO SKY is the subject of favourable reports from a stable laden with young talent. The Westerner gelding has done everything right in his preparation for this debut under Rules.
Race 3: No2 – HOUSE ISLAND (NAP)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
This might be looked upon as a baptism of fire for HOUSE ISLAND on his debut over fences, with The Big Breakaway taking a big home reputation to post. However, the former has shown on the schooling ground that he’s going to be better as a chaser and has already forged a bond with Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies. Furthermore, he is going to represent a valuable alternative to the odds-on favourite.
Race 4: No5 – GRAN LUNA
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Henderson often uses this race to showcase one of his best distaffers and in GRAN LUNA the Seven Barrows has another talented strong to his bow. The daughter of Spanish Moon created a favourable impression when taking out a bumper over course and distance back in February, and has worked with aplomb in the build-up to this seasonal reappearance.
Race 6: No9 – MORNING VICAR
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
With few miles on the clock as a chaser, MORNING VICAR can endorse the promise shown when he chased home Demachine on seasonal reappearance at Uttoxeter. He suffered a crashing fall on chase debut last December but was footsure on his latest start, one that has brought him fully to the boil.
MARKET RASEN
Race 2: No1 – BALLINGERS CORNER (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Jerry McGrath
Henderson casts his net far and wide on what should be a beneficial day for the trainer. In this mares’ maiden hurdle he looks to hold the key with BALLINGERS CORNER who impressed in her only point and is well regarded at Seven Barrows.
Race 5: No1 – IMPERIAL ACOLYTE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
Although proving something of an underachiever to date, IMPERIAL ACOLYTE might have gone close had he not unseated his pilot here three weeks ago. Granted a clear round the top weight is fancied to gain compensation.
Race 8: No3 – KILBREW BOY (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Mr Charlie Case
KILBREW BOY ran well for a long way at Newton Abbot before weakening but has an opportunity to similarly dominate this handicap hurdle on a more suitable track. If repeating his earning run at Kempton back in March he can take home a cheque.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 3: No10 – WIRKO (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
Kingman colt is much better drawn than market rival Barn Owl and can take out this second division of the novice stakes. He gave Beau Nash plenty to think about on debut at Wolverhampton when in need of the experience, and has come on a fairway judging from the standard of his work in Newmarket.
Race 8: No8 – GAVLOR
Trainer: William Knight – Jockey: Adam Kirby
Although winless for more than two years, GAVLAR gets a chance to put one on the board as an in-form contender for this stayers’ handicap. He served notice that his winning turn was close at hand when second at Wolverhampton last time, and can go he better.
