Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Wolverhampton on 20 December 2024.
ASCOT
Race 1 No2 STONER’S CHOICE (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Jack Hogan
STONER’S CHOICE returned from a protracted period on the sidelines to put in a solid effort when chasing home Pyramid Place at Kempton, and has greatly benefitted from that experience. He was a prolific scorer over hurdles in his novice days, and is worth following in a season that could see him combine both facets of the NH code.
Race 3 No2 MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Dam Twiston-Davies
In a wickedly competitive heat a tentative vote goes to MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE, who after three non-completions in succession deserves a change of luck. After scoring on his first run back the seven-year-old unseated his pilot and ran out twice, but if the visor that’s added assists him he can get into the shake-up as a lively roughie. At shorter prices WE’RE RED AND BLUE, GOLDEN MOVE and THE WINSLOW BOY might also claim cheques.
Race 5 HOWDEN NOEL BOVICES’ CHASE (Grade 2)
No1 JOHNNYWHO (Nap)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
After a snug delivery on his first run over fences JOHNNYWHO was no match for The Jukebox Man at Newbury, although there was no disgrace in what was on the day an impossible task for the seven-year-old. This contest is valuable in its own right, and should serve the purpose of giving the selection a confidence boost before his trainer steps him up in trip.
Race 6 No2 DOCTOR BLUE (Each Way)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
A number of unbeaten records go on the line in a hot bumper but for value I fancy DOCTOR BLUE to get onto the podium. It was only a minor contest he took out on debut at Taunton, but there was much to like about the manner in which he achieved it, and granted normal progression he could trouble the likes of MONEYGARROW and WINDBENEATHMYWINGS.
UTTOXETER
Race 1 No8 STONE’S THROW (Each Way)
Trainer: Billy Aprahamian – Jockey: Kevin Brogan
STONE’S THROW a was eye catching when running on late to claim a minor cheque on his first run over jumps at Ludlow in the autumn. He’s had to miss out on a subsequent engagement because of the weather, but at a likely each way price in an interesting opener can prove a bet worth waiting for.
Race 2 No1 EBSELYSEES (Nap)
Trainer: Noel Williams – Jockey: James Davies
From a small stable that excels with its mares, EBSELYSEES stands out and can defy a 7lb penalty for her Huntingdon success on debut over jumps. Although starting at 18-1 the victory was not a complete surprise, and she’s been found a very good opening in which to go back-to-back.
Race 6 No12 WONDERWEASLE
Trainer: Tim Vaughan – Jockey: Alan Johns
WONDERWEASLE goes to post in this handicap hurdle carrying a ring of consistency with her. She’s won or been on the premises on each of her last four outings, and showed with a solid run in defeat last time that a trip like this expended two and three-quarter miles is what she wants.
SOUTHWELL
Race 5 No6 HELLO ZAMAN
Trainer: James Tate – Jockey: Clifford Lee
Farandaway needs to shake off the impression that he’s a perennial best man and after going 2222 could again find one to beat him. I’ll take a chance with newcomer HELLO ZAMAN, who is speedily bred and if tuned up can post a minor upset.
Race 8 No8 PICTURESQUE
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette
Another debutant that’s well worth a market check is PICTURESQUE, a daughter of Night Of Thunder and home bred by her owners Cheveley Park Stud. Hailing from one of the top stables in Newmarket, she can cause problems for paper favourite Dark Lyric who has squandered a few chances.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 5 No12 PORT HEDLAND (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Nicola Currie
In the cooers of his trainer, PORT HEDLAND can belatedly open his account. He’s well drawn for this race around a lap of Dunstall Park, and with little experience of the all-weather may improve on what he’s shown already.
Race 7 No4 WILLY CAMPBELL (Each Way)
Trainer: Dominic Ffrench Davis – Jockey: Liam Keniry
WILLY CAMPBELL ran well to a point on debut for his trainer at Kempton which was the first time he’d failed to make the frame in his races on sand. On a first visit to this course he’s quietly fancied to get into the argument and should achieve it.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 3-9)
2, 7 x 3, 6 x 12, 4, 7 x 3, 1 x 4, 12, 6 x 3, 2 x 3, 4
R288
