Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips from Tuesday’s racing at Brighton, Hamilton Park, Stratford and Chepstow.
BRIGHTON
Race 2 No1 MIQUELON (Nap)
Trainer: Archie Watson – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Former French-trained MIQUELON needs to put behind him a costly defeat at Hamilton. Backed as if defeat was out of the question, he put in a lacklustre performance but his earlier form gives him every chance to return to softer ground today.
Race 4 No3 SONNETINA (Each Way)
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: Charles Bishop
SONNETINA is another looking to bounce back from a recent disappointment. That happened when she went off a well-supported favourite here, only to find little off the bridle. The strong travelling mare showed in her previous placed starts that she’s better than the latest evidence indicates, and is worth another chance.
HAMILTON PARK
Race 2 No1 LUBNA (Nap)
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor – Jockey: Pat Cosgrave
It probably didn’t take much for LUBNA to open her account in a Brighton maiden last week but she is of abundant interest under a penalty on this handicap debut. That was a big step up on previous efforts, and she will be very hard to beat.
Race 3 No3 GENERAL SAGO
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
GENERAL SAGO is in calmer waters compared to the competitive handicap he contested at York, which proved a baptism of fire. His previous form reads very well in the context of what’s needed to land this novice stakes and open his account.
STRATFORD
Race 2 No6 ISOLATE
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
Although lacking the hard experience of some of his foes, ISOLATE is a fascinating recruit to fences who needs to be respected. The dual novice hurdle winner faced some stern tasks in handicaps but has always looked the type that wants a fence, and connections are not hanging around to give him that.
Race 4 No3 SHORTCROSS STORM (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Honour – Jockey: Bryan Carver
SHORTCROSS STORM has looked a new horse since being equipped with blinkers, posting a novices’ handicap hurdle win at Exeter followed by a second and a win over fences at Huntingdon and Newton Abbot. He looks a more assured performer over fences, and a 5lb rise might not be enough to halt his progression.
Race 5 No4 MORDRED (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
Camelot gelding MORDRED hasn’t shown much in a couple of Flat handicaps since joining his trainer but promises to be a different kettle of fish with his career now switched to the jumps. He’s schooled well in preparation for this maiden hurdle and can take home a cheque.
CHEPSTOW
Race 3 No12 DIAMOND COTTAGE
Trainer: Malcolm Saunders – Jockey: John Egan
Conditions are likely to be testing after a couple of days of heavy rain, which is a slight issue for DIAMOND COTTAGE, most of whose form is on firm. However, he produced an improved display to go down fighting over course and distance earlier in the month and may have more to offer than stablemate Pastfact, who should nevertheless go into all exotics.
Race 5 No3 DIDTHEYLEAVEUOUTTO (Nap)
Trainer: Nick Gifford – Jockey: Jamie Spencer
This trainer’s runners on the Flat are few and far between, but in DIDTHEYLEAVEUOUTTO he has a lightly-raced improver that has his tail up after a snug success at the start of the month. The selection is a worthy favourite on the strength of that performance and can see off the attentions of DYNALI.
Race 6 No4 SISTERANDBROTHER
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
This looks a weak race for SISTERANDBROTHER’s handicap bow. He’s shown nothing so far but could have more offer.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races1-7)
2, 1, 7 x 3, 13 x 12, 9, 14 x 11, 3 x 3 x 4, 6 x 8, 10
R144
