Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Friday 5 January 2024

LUDLOW

Race 1 No7 DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

Love Tree had the edge on DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS when they clashed over course and distance last month, but on revised terms the last-named mare can take her revenge. That was her first outing over jumps, and she is sure to be more streetwise.

Race 2 No6 MIDNIGHT CENTURION
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

MIDNIGHT CENTURION returns from well over a year on the sidelines but should be well-equipped to make his presence felt on only a second run over fences and gets weight from all his foes. His trainer is a dab hand at getting one ready.

Race 4 No3 SAINT DAVY
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

SAINT DAVY has missed a couple of good opportunities but should make no mistake on a first start since the spring and on his first outing of the season. He landed a bumper and a maiden hurdle before being asked to run before he could walk at the Aintree Grand National meeting. He’s learned much from that experience and can make this first outing in a handicap a winning one.

Race 5 No3 KESTREL VALLEY
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

KESTREL VALLEY was a convincing scorer on debut for her trainer at Hereford but probably went off too quick when beaten at the same track last time. Granted more conservative handling here, she can return to winning ways.

SOUTHWELL

Race 4 No1 CHARACTER TESTING (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Clover – Jockey: Jack Mitchell

CHARACTER TESTING needs to break a sequence of near-misses but seems to be in the right place to achieve it. The son of Time Test has easily the best form in the race, and hasn’t looked ungenuine in any of those four agonising defeats.

Race 5 No6 HEATHEN (Each Way)
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Hector Crouch

HEATHEN ended 2023 in good order with a wide-margin success here and a narrow defeat at the end of last month. He’s effective at this course and from a plum draw on the rail can soon be competitive and keep up the good work.

Race 9 No11 BARREL AGED
Trainer: Marco Botti – Jockey: JackMitchell

BARREL AGED has a tricky draw to encounter, but if breaking on terms can play a part in the outcome of this long-distance handicap. The Golden Horn gelding has few miles on his racing clock, and after posting a career-best last time can now go be better.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 2 No6 MELEKI (Nap)
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Rose Coakley

MELEKI is lightly raced with room for improvement on this first run in a handicap. The daughter of Muhaarar showed ability in each of her three starts at three and should appreciate returning to the mile-and-a-quarter trip.

Race 3 No4 INFLUENCE
Trainer: George Boughey – Jockey: Billy Loughnane

INFLUENCE has to be taken seriously in this sprint, in which after two good efforts in defeat the No Nay Never gelding can make it third time lucky. He faces strong opposition from Bint Alfella, who is a pea out of the same pod, but should be good enough.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 3-9)

4 x 6 x 2, 3 x 5, 4 x 5, 9, 1 x 9, 8, 4 x 6, 1, 3

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