Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Saturday 30 December 2023

NEWBURY

Race 2 No3 SECRET SQUIRREL
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: David Bass

Jeriko Du Reponet created a huge impression when sauntering home on his debut under Rules at this course to elevate him towards the head of the market for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He will therefore start at prohibitive odds for top connections, but may be vulnerable to the equally exciting SECRET SQUIRREL. The latter preserved his unbeaten record by storming home at Kempton on debut over jumps and is clearly very smart in his own right. Winner of both outings in bumpers previously, he makes greater appeal at the respective prices.

Race 4 No2 STEAL A MARCH
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville

STEAL A MARCH is a rare jumps runner for HM the King, but is one with plenty of appeal on this return from exactly a year on the sidelines. The eight-year-old’s record since going handicapping reads three wins, three seconds and a failed to complete, and he looked better than ever when scoring on his latest start at Wincanton on Boxing Day 2022. Having pleased his trainer in his preparation, he can deliver in an admittedly tight-knit contest.

Race 5 No2 BOWTOGREATNESS (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones

The historic Mandarin Chase has its customary wide open look, but BOWTOGREATNESS could be a horse with a lot more to offer and is worth backing. Highly tried as a novice over fences, he contested three competitive handicaps and when last seen, and found only Midnight River too strong at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

He’s a very good jumper and on this seasonal return can stave off the challenges of SURREY QUEST, ATLANTA BRAVE and FATASTIKAS.

Prediction: 1st BOWTOGREATNESS, 2nd Surrey Quest, 3rd Fantastikas, 4th Atlanta Brave

Race 6 CORAL CHALLOW NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 1)

No9 WILLMOUNT (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville

A couple of big reputations go the line in this recognised trial for the Ballymore Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. CAPTAIN TEAGUE had his colours lowered when odds-on at the Paddy Power meeting at Cheltenham but could easily bounce back, while JOHNNYWHO is unbeaten in a bumper and novice hurdle for owner JP McManus.

THE JUKEBOX MAN has done everything right in two runs over hurdles for Ben Pauling but I doubt any of the trio will lay a glove on WILLMOUNT. Unbeaten in two bumpers before joining Henderson at Seven Barrows, the son of Blue Bresil hacked up in his first novice hurdle here and now bids to show he’s as good over two and a half miles. He’s the apple of his trainer’s eye, and on the basis of some seriously good work at home can remain unbeaten.

Race 7 No6 PASSING WELL
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Superior jumping played its part in PASSING WELL’s triumph at Lingfield where he ground Heva Rose into submission. The runner-up has boosted the form and on just a third outing over fences Snowden’s charge can follow-up.

HAYDOCK PARK

Race 2 No1 NORMAN FLETCHER (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: James Turner

NORMAN FLETCHER showed with his wide-margin success under a penalty at Aintree that he is progressing at a rate of knots. Since his defeat by Wyenot at Ludlow he hasn’t looked back, and his slick jumping from the front can carry him to a fine hat-trick.

Race 6 No3 REGAL BLUE
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Nick Schofield

With only four races under his belt in this country there’s plenty of untapped potential in REGAL BLUE. Beaten two and a quarter lengths by The Edgar Wallace on chase debut at Leicester, the six-year-old will be a lot wiser and can trump the in form Happy And Fine.

TAUNTON

Race 4 No2 CASA NO MENTO (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

One of the best races run at this country track can fall to CASA NO MENTO who has been in great form since her switch to hurdles. She’s taken out races at Market Rasen and Hereford with the minimum of fuss and is in the form of her life for this clash with Queens Gamble.

Race 5 No5 KING OF THE LAKE
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Rex Dingle

KING OF THE LAKE finished second in a bumper and two novice hurdles before a less lucrative effort on handicap bow at Exeter. He’s a horse that could raise his game, and is sure to be competitive getting weight from his four opponents.

Race 6 No3 PEDLEY WOOD
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell

PEDLEY WOOD showed how much he’s benefitted from a breathing operation when storming home on chase debut at Hereford. He landed some good bets and should have more to give from a stable whose handicap chasers are doing their trainer proud.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 2 No4 SWINGING EDDIE
Trainer: Grant Tuer – Jockey: Jack Mitchell

SWINGING EDDIE posted a third career success at this course with a clear cut verdict over Blue Collar last week. While on his A-game he’s taken to follow-up and can do so at the main expense of Mumayaz.

Race 3 No8 VERDANSK (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Trevor Whelan

VERDANSK has claimed a cheque on each on two outings on sand since joining his trainer earlier in the year. The No Nay Never gelding went down in a tight finish with Starshiba on a fifth successive run in a handicap but is now back in novice company, and in a race that should take little winn8ng.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)

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

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