Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Monday 9 May 2022

CATTERICK BRIDGE

Race 5 No2 THE ARMED MAN (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Fairhurst – Jockey: Paula Muir

THE ARMED MAN can further enhance his rewarding association with Muir by making this a tenth success with that apprentice on his back. The combination returned to form with a clear cut triumph at Wetherby last month, and though higher in the weights the nine-year-old can follow-up off his revised mark.

Race 7 No7 MAHANAKHON
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Graham Lee

Siyouni colt MAHANAKHON faces a couple of likely looking debutants but to all effects and purposes is the clear best of those that have racecourse experience. He’s made the frame on both career starts at Redcar and Hamilton and should open his account now pulled back to the seven furlongs distance.

MUSSELBURGH

Race 1 No3 JUNGLE FEVER (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Johnston – Jockey: Joe Fanning

Although both Chattel Village and Martha’s Moment have runs under their belts the best news in this maiden is for JUNGLE FEVER. Johnston is not averse to introducing his better juveniles at this track and Jungle Fever, a son of Bungle Inthejungle, has given off good signals in his preparatory work in Middleham.

Race 2 No5 SAULIRE STAR
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: James Sullivan

Bargain basement purchase SAULIRE STAR has been edging closer to the winner’s circle for her new connections. She stayed on to claim a minor cheque in first time blinkers at Beverley, and with the headgear retained and pulled back to a mile, can show further progress.

Race 7 No6 MILLION THANKS
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Kevin Stott

While the Ryan yard is yet to really find its stride, it should have the answer to this maiden in MILLION THANKS, who troubled the judge on his starts on turf and sand last year, and has subsequently had a wind op. The Churchill colt will probably not have things all his own way, but can prove too strong for the equally promising Bramham.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 1 No6 BONITA B (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass

BONITA B takes her racing extraordinarily well, and this captain of industry has a good chance to make this her second triumph at Dunstall Park this year. Denied only by T Maxime at Brighton last time, she is in a good place to go one better.

Race 7 No6 FOUR FEET (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Dane O’Neill

In the colours of his trainer, FOUR FEET can gain a belated first victory under Rules. The gelding shaped well when returning from a break over course and distance, but crucial to his chance is that O’Neill rides him for the first time. It can give him the edge that’s been lacking for a jockey and trainer combo that goes back a long way.

SOUTHWELL

Race 1 No2 STEADY THE SHIP (Nap)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

After a long period in the wilderness, STEADY THE SHIP made an impressive switch to fences over course and distance last time. The addition of blinkers appeared to invigorate the gelding, who if in similar mood should follow-up.

Race 4 No3 CLEAR THE RUNWAY
Trainer: Laura Morgan – Jockey: Adam Wedge

After winning three chases and finishing second in two others, CLEAR THE RUNWAY has proved a useful money spinner for his connections. His trainer’s ploy to now run him under his novice status as a hurdler can bear fruit in this match up with Restitution.

Race 5 No5 FANFAN DU SEUIL
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke

FANFAN DU SEUIL was only an occasional visitor to the track last season, and has often disappointed since his novice hurdle win at Exeter three and a half years ago. However, his best efforts have occurred following a break, and this first run since Boxing Day last year could be the time to catch him.

WINDSOR

Race 4 No1 BELL ROCK
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert

BELL ROCK looks the answer to a Listed race that is sure to prove tactical. The six-year-old impressively took out a Class2 handicap on seasonal reappearance last year before acquitting himself well in Group races. His midfield finish behind Master Of The Seas in the Earl Of Sefton Stakes last month is there to be improved on, and he can foil paper favourite Modern News.

Race 6 No1 CRYSTAL DELIGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore

Home bred CRYSTAL DELIGHT was easy to back yet shaped encouragingly to claim a cheque on his Leicester introduction. The son of Derby winner New Approach should prove too hot for the likes of Dubai Leader and Awesome Dancer to handle.

Race 7 No3 SWALLOWDALE (Each Way)
Trainer: Jonny Portman – Jockey: Rob Hornby

Portman does well with his runners at this riverside track and SWALLOWDALE can prove a case in point. She confirmed with a near miss on Polytrack last month that she’s running into form, and can make this a first career success on grass.

Place Accumulater Perm (Races 1-7)

1, 7 x 1 x 8, 3, 6 x 1 x 6, 4, 5 x 1 x 3, 4, 7

R54