Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming to you from Windsor, Thirsk, AYR, and Uttoxeter.
WINDSOR
Race 1: No7 – MAHALE (Nap)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
This gives MAHALE a fine chance to open her account following her effort to race over six furlongs in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Kodiac filly tackled that Group 3 after failing to get into the shorter Queen Mary Stakes, showing good early pace before weakening. She will be much more at home now back at the minimum trip.
Race 3: No3 – COLLINSBAY
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Ryan Moore
Moore teams up with his old boss and dons the Royal silks on COLLINSBAY in this interesting maiden. The selection was also ridden by Moore when an encouraging third on his Doncaster introduction when easy to back. He will know a lot more today.
Race 6: No8 – TALKING ABOUT YOU
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
Dropped into a claimer, TALKING ABOUT YOU can raise her game after running better than finishing position suggests at Leicester. She was staying on again towards the finish and will be far happier on the ground, should further rain arrive.
Race 7: No4 – SWEET CHARITY
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
SWEET CHARITY is not an obvious pick in this fillies’ handicap, but Murphy is an eye taking booking for her. It’s well over two years since her only career success at Leicester but she’s on a mark from which she can win, and can get back the losses sustained on her comeback from lockdown at Lingfield.
Race 8: No3 – HEAVEN FORFEND
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore
HEAVEN FORFEND was highly tried in his juvenile season, finishing a respectable sixth to Pinatubo in the Chesham Stakes on his second of three starts. The Frankel colt developed knee trouble after his final start at Sandown and connections have waited for easier ground to bring him back.
THIRSK
Race 5: No1 – CONFIDE
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
The beautifully-bred CONFIDE trotted up on debut at Redcar to suggest he’s inherited plenty of talent from his parents Lope De Vega and Confidential Lady. This first division of the novice stakes is no penalty kick for the gelding, but I fancy his chances of toppling market rival Magnetised.
Race 6: No2 – MONTATHER
Trainer: Roger Varian – Jockey: Jim Crowley
It’s hard to look past MONTATHER taking out the second division, based on his debut success at Chelmsford and comeback third to the smart Al Mutathar at Newmarket. The son of Dubawi needs only to perform up to that standard in order to return to winning ways.
AYR
Race 1: No3 – SELECTED
Trainer: Richard Fahey – Jockey: Tony Hamilton
A son of the emerging sire Mehmas, SELECTED has the points on the board after finishing in mid-pack in the ultra competitive Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. Beaten just under seven lengths by the winner Tactical, he can step up to the plate and deliver in this much more straightforward assignment.
UTTOXETER
Race 1: No3 – DUSTY’S CHOICE
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Paddy Brennan
DUSTY’S CHOICE had good form with a bumper win and two placed efforts over hurdles before joining this in-form stable. Given that he is likely to improve for that change of scenery, he can take this at the main expense of Ginistrelli.
Race 5: No5 – SIROBBIE
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
SIROBBIE proved a real money-spinner for his connections last season with a bunch of successes over hurdles through the summer and autumn. He’s done well through the close season and lockdown and is fit and ready to put his best foot forward on this first run of 2020.
Race 8: No3 – KINGS TEMPTATION
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Kieran Woods
The strong travelling KINGS TEMPTATION showed a preference for a tight track when notching two victories at Fontwell last term. He’s been placed on both previous visits to this course and is forward enough to display further improvement by taking out this long-distance handicap chase.
