Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Saturday 25 March 2023

NEWBURY

Race 1 No5 INNESTON (Nap)
Trainer: Gary Moore – Jockey: Jamie Moore

From a stable that is going through a purple patch, INNESTON should hold the whip hand over his foes providing he’s recovered from his EBF Final run, in which he finished second to Crambo. He’s been a model of consistency but will need to be near his best to take out this competitive opener.

Race 2 No4 MESSIRE DES OBEAUX
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Daryl Jacob

Veteran MESSIRE DES OBEAUX showed that he’s retained a good portion of his old ability when scoring at Warwick, and following that game success can get the better of Super Six and Heltenham in this two and a half mile handicap chase.

Race 7 No8 SIR IVAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Lorcan Murtagh

SIR IVAN posted his last career success at this venue and has put in a number of earning runs in veteran chases subsequently. He’s a very good jumper who should enjoy the conditions, and though the oldest in the field at 13 can run into the money at a double figure price for a jockey that gets the best out of him.

BANGOR-ON-DEE

Race 1 No1 ED KEEPER (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: David Bass

This stable has done well for us through the winter and ED KEEPER can underline his potential by making this a first success under Rules. He was narrowly denied by the useful Atlanta Brave after looking the likely winner approaching the final flight at Chepstow, and is the clear form pick on that evidence.

Race 6 No2 METHODTOTHEMADNESS
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Brian Hughes

METHODTOTHEMADNESS has benefitted from some shrewd placing by her handler and is on the cusp of completing a fine hat-trick. The nine-year-old has champion jockey Hughes in the irons for the first time and can notch a fourth success of the season.

KELSO

Race 5 No1 BALLYGEARY (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Peter Kavanagh

It’s no surprise to see McCain claiming off BALLYGEARY following his successes at Catterick and Doncaster that earned him a double penalty. It was only be a head that he staved off the challenge of Circus Act last time, but he has his tail up, and can repel the threat of the promising Caithness.

Race 7 No3 CONISTON GORGE
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin

CONISTON GEORGE improved from a promising first run under Rules to open his account with the minimum of fuss at Ayr. Highly regarded and from a stable that does well with horses of his ilk, he can prove the one to beat in this Bumper Final.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 2 No2 GOLDKIT (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Mohammed Tabti

GOLDKIT deserves a change of luck after going close in two of her three career starts. She moves into handicap company on a first visit to Dunstall Park, which should prove a winning one.

Race 4 No9 TRANQUIL ROSE
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Luke Morris

TRANQUIL ROSE can prove the Godolphin pick in this interesting fillies’ maiden, even though she carries the second colours. The Kingman filly has shown promise in her work and from a good draw three off the fence can master more experienced foes in Dubai Crystal and Roadway.