Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Kempton Park, Ffos Las, Newcastle, and Wolverhampton on 11 January 2025.
FFOS LAS
Race 4 No ROSSCAHILL
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey:
ROSSCAHILL puts an unbeaten record on the line in this stayers’ hurdle which is his first run in a handicap. The former Irish-based gelding, who dishes when he gallops, had to dig deep to make it two out of two at this course before Christmas. This step up in trip is probably going to play to his strengths.
Race 6 No JUST OVER LAND (Each Way)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
JUST OVER LAND is a good jumper who has taken well to the switch to fences. He’s run respectably in all three races this season, and while falling short has useful experience of this track. He should also benefit from the return to two miles.
NEWCASTLE
Race 1 No2 LERWICK
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
LERWICK might not be the most straightforward of rides, but holds strong claims in this Class4 if his rider can get the timing of his challenge right. He was making a first visit to Gosforth Park and only a second outing on the AW when claiming a minor cheque over course and distance before Christmas, has scope for progression and should benefit from the addition of a first time hood.
Race 2 No5 DASH GORDON (Nap)
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Joanna Mason
On a first outing for Appleby DASH GORDON can take the spoils. He was making just a second outing on sand and paying a first visit to this venue when opening his account last autumn, and now carries the colours of owners who have enjoyed prolific success with their purchase out of other yards.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 No1 CITY CYCLONE (Nap)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: William Carson
Arguably the best bet on this card is top weight CITY CYCLONE who looked very good value for his cosy course and distance triumph a week ago. He’s running off a 7lb higher mark, but can take care of business.
Race 5 No6 SARAFINA MSHAIRI (Each Way)
Trainer: Edward Smyth-Osbourne – Jockey: Josephine Gordon
My eye is drawn to SARAFINA MSHAIRI, who can cash in on having the luxury of the rail in this 1200 metres sprint. The daughter of Cable Bay has troubled the judge on each of her three starts prior to her first handicap assignment while holding more scope for progression than her opponents.
Race 7 No9 JERSEY ROCS
Trainer: Charlie Hills – Jockey: Marco Ghiani
JERSEY ROCS ended 2024 operating at the peak of his powers which augurs well for his attempt to complete a fine hat-trick in this Class5. He’s well berthed to enjoy a trouble free run, and can prove a bet worth waiting for in the final race of the day.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 1-7)
1 x 11, 10 x 2 x 5, 4, 6 x 6, 2, 1 x 1, 11, 8 x 9, 1, 4
R162
Jackpot Perm (Races 4-7)
5, 4, 6, 8, 3 x 6, 2, 1 x 1, 11, 8, 9 x 9, 1, 4, 7
R240
