Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Thursday’s racing taking place at Exeter, Ffos Las, Ayr, and Chelmsford City.
EXETER
Race 2: No1 – SHINOBI (Nap)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
Exactly a year after striking on his debut in a bumper here, SHINOBI looks a worthy favourite for the opening novices’ hurdle after his successful debut over hurdles at Uttoxeter. He achieved that with plenty to spare on what was a first outing since wind surgery, and it’s doubtful a penalty will stop him.
Race 4: No4 – MISSTREE SONG
Trainer: Dan Skelton: Jockey: Bridget Andrews
Having rattled the crossbar a couple of times, MISSTREE SONG failed to complete when a warm favourite for a similar race to this at Newcastle. None the worse for that uncharacteristic mishap, the mare can put the record straight by taking out this mares’ maiden hurdle.
FFOS LAS
Race 1: No2 – MOUSEINTHEHOUSE
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Adam Wedge
MOUSEINTHEHOUSE came good over this course and distance in the early new year and returns in a race that shouldn’t take too much winning. The youngest member of the field, he’s taking on some out of form rivals and should be good enough.
Race 2: No11 – TRUCKERS PASS (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Richard Johnson
Point-to-point winner TRUCKERS PASS has been a shade unlucky not to add to his laurels under Rules, having finished second in a brace of bumpers last season. The Kalanisi gelding has worked and schooled well ahead of this first run over jumps, and is marginally preferred to Do Your Job.
Race 5: No1 – BLACKFINCH
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
Although finishing runner-up in four races on the bounce, there’s nothing ungenuine about BLACKFINCH, who brings easily the best form on offer to the table on a first outing since mid March. He disappointed when last seen in the EBF Final at Sandown but that was a red hot affair and the reverse is forgiveable, while he’s been in good order in his prep for this seasonal return.
AYR
Race 1: No2 – BURSCOUGH (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
BURSCOUGH has good form in the soft and showed he is getting the hang of things when chasing home Strike Red on his second start at Pontefract. Juveniles from this stable normally take a race or two to come to the boil and the son of Garswood will be hard to beat in colours made popular by that stallion.
Race 2: No9 – AYR POET
Trainer: Jim Goldie – Jockey: Phil Dennis
Despite bagging a trio of successes AYR POET remains at the base of the handicap. He’s remained in good order through the late summer and autumn and started favourite for each of his last four outings. He started his winning spree here at the end of August and signalled with another earning run in a better race at a Hamilton that he is capable of adding to his tally.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 3: No1 – HENRIK (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Blading – Jockey: William Carver
Freshened up by a more than two-month break, HENRIK holds the cards in this novice auction stakes. The Gutaifan colt was beaten by Rommel on debut at Lingfield when the latter had the benefit of a previous outing. However, he’s taken great strides subsequently, opening his account at Chepstow before chasing home the very useful Gear Up in a novice at York. Meeting Rommel at level weights he should have the call on that rival and will be very hard to beat.
