Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets for Monday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield Park, Ayr and Chelmsford City on 11 December 2023.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No7 JURI
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
German-bred JURI is an interesting recruit to jumping who enters the arena by way of this bumper. The Sea The Moon gelding has joined a top outfit for owners who have done well with their limited number of National Hunt horses over the years.
Race 2 No13 ROYAL ATHENA
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Lily Pinchin
Golden Horn filly ROYAL ATHENA has acquitted herself well both over jumps and on the Flat since joining her trainer. She reacted positively to the fitting of a hood to open her account under Rules at Fakenham and possesses the necessary speed to be competitive against paper favourite Madam Ryder.
Race 5 No1 MOONLIGHTER
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: Kai Lenihan
MOONLIGHTER might have needed the race when returning from a seven-month absence at Chepstow. He hails from a stable whose horses are nicely running into form, and numbers a bumper and three chases as his four career successes. Against mainly out of form opponents he can defy top weight.
Race 6 No4 I’D LIKE TO KNOW (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Rex Dingle
Lightly-raced I’D LIKE TO KNOW showed he can operate fresh when scoring on debut under Rules in a Worcester bumper. Asked to run before he could walk in a Grade 2 novices’ hurdle at Sandown, he then lost out in a close photo on his latest start at Fontwell. Fit and fancied for this seasonal return, there could be plenty more to come from him.
Race 7 No7 FELTON BELLEVUE
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Harry Bannister
FELTON BELLEVUE appeals as a horse running into form after a near miss at this course last month. He’s been a regular earner since his attention was turned to chasing, and figures to take away another decent cheque, with Art Decco lurking as a danger that is worth saving on.
AYR
Race 3 No4 ESPRIT DU POTIER (Nap)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Derek Fox
ESPRIT DU POTIER brings smart bumper form to the table as well as a solid first effort over hurdles when second at Kelso. Considered one of the nicest young prospects in a yard brimming with talent, he is strongly fancied to go one better and should make no mistake.
Race 6 No5 MILCREE
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
MILCREE enters the fray as a once-raced winner in a point and with a very good pedigree for jumping. In the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings he can make an immediate impact against Cather Roes Den and Inox Allen.
Race 7 No1 AUBIS WALK
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
From the same stable, AUBIS WALK can prove a bet worth waiting for. She steps straight out of novice company over hurdles to tackle this handicap chase but has schooled well at home. Her trainer sent out a smart winner on Saturday and his horses are worth following in the run up to Christmas.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 3 No8 POST RIDER (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Rob Hornby
POST RIDER made a good start to her career when chasing home Rochelle over today’s course and distance. She finished off the race well and can go one better at the main expense of Mrs Morrell in a contest the pair can dominate.
Race 6 No7 GAVI DI GAVI (Each Way)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
GAVI DI GAVI was in good form on turf when last seen in the summer, winning at Sandown and finishing second at Salisbury. He included four Wolverhampton successes on his CV, and one each and Lingfield and Kempton. He can make this a first Chelmsford triumph on only a second visit.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)
6, 8, 4 x 8 x 8 x 5, 7 x 3, 8, 1 x 4, 6 x 2, 1, 3
R108
