Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Monday 29 January 2024

HEREFORD

Race 1 No7 MONKS MEADOW (Each Way)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy

The value play in an interesting opener is MONKS MEADOW, who though having had a few chances, brings solid form to the table. He’s run into some smart foes including Welcome To Cartries and Destroytheevidence, and though put in his place by that duo meets nothing of their calibre here.

Race 3 No2 WASTHATOK
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Richard Patrick

Kerry Lee fields some strong chances at her local track and WASTHATOK can give her a good start. The Kilbeggan maiden hurdle winner had been in good form for Gavin Cromwell before joining the Lee team, and if ready following a protracted break needs respecting.

Race 4 No4 BLACK HAWK EAGLE
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Richard Patrick

From the same stable, BLACK HAWK EAGLE jumps off the page in this two-mile handicap hurdle. His Wincanton win was boosted when the horse he beat went one better at Sandown last week. That was only a fifth outing under Rules for the six-year-old, who should add to his laurels.

Race 6 No4 ISHOLO DU VIVIEN (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Theo Gillard

Hat trick seeking The Gypsy Davey and ISHOLO DI VIVIEN can dominate in this novices’ hurdle. The Nap has earned on both starts under Rules after joining his trainer as a point winner in Ireland, and sourced from a top provider to his stable. On only a second run over hurdles the French-bred could have a lot more to offer.

PLUMPTON

Race 2 No1 DUHALLOW TOMMY (Nap)
Trainer: Toby Lawes – Jockey: Ben Bromley

DUHALLOW TOMMY landed some good bets on debut over fences here last week and makes abundant appeal turning out quickly under a 7lb penalty. He can take the spoils at the main expense of Filanderer, who put in his best run for a while when second in a better race than this at Wincanton.

Race 3 No5 GEARING’S POINT
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Brendan Powell

A four times scorer on the Flat last year, GEARING’S POINT shaped promisingly on her first run over hurdles when second at Fontwell last August. On the cusp of the money in a Class4 on Polytrack last week, that should have sharpened up the Harbour Watch mare, who can post a minor upset.

Race 5 No6 BORN AT MIDNIGHT
Trainer: Bill Turner – Jockey: Harry Kimber

BORN AT MIDNIGHT proved a good earner on the West Country circuit in 2022 but is returning from a ten months enforced absence. He won off a 353-day break at Taunton which suggests this 333-day lay off might not hinder him, while he’s getting bundles of weight from the other five runners.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 1 No3 EGOISTE
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Kyle Strydom

EGOISTE troubled the judge at Kempton last week when he and the winner finished clear of the rest. The Flintshire gelding is well drawn on this quick return to action, and should benefit from a step up in trip.

Race 2 No10 SEA THE BUCKTHORN (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt

Usher fields a trio of horses with live chances, starting with SEA THE BUCKTHORN. The hooded four-year-old did us a good turn with his course and distance success last week, has taken those exertions in his stride and can follow up.

Race 7 No7 ARLECCHINO’S GIFT
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Rab Havlin

A gamble on Sisters In The Sky went astray last week and the chestnut needs respecting as he tries to recoup the losses. However, at a bigger price ARLECCHINO’S GIFT is preferred. Both his earning starts this year have seen him go down by narrow margins over this course and distance. Given the rub of the green he can deservedly take the spoils.

Race 8 No5 Q TWENTY BOY
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Tyler Heard

Q TWENTY BOY had been unlucky in running at Chelmsford and underlined the fact with his triumph here last week. It was the first time Heard had ridden the selection in public, and if the pair don’t give away too much yardage out of stall nine they can again swoop to conquer.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)

10, 8 x 2, 8 x 1 x 8, 1 x 8 x 7, 2 x 5, 1

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