Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Huntingdon and Wincanton on 16 April 2023.
HUNTINGDON
Race 4 No4 MATTERHORN (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
MATTERHORN restored his dented reputation with a runaway triumph at Taunton and needs to be followed running under a 7lb penalty for an outfit that has gained reward with a similar horse in Blueking D’Oroux this month. Very well regarded at Ditcheat, he can make light of his relative inexperience to stave off the challenge of Cruz Control.
Race 6 No8 EURKASH (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Liam Harrison
EURKASH should go well in this three-mile handicap chase for a stable whose recent runners have upped their game. He races handily and was still in with every chance when falling four out on his latest start at Plumpton. It was too far from the finish to say he would definitely have won, but getting not far short of two stones from Drop Him In can give him the edge on that rival here.
Race 7 No6 MAN OF MY DREAMS
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Kielan Woods
MAN OF MY DREAMS is an interesting former pointer having a first outing under Rules in this first leg of the concluding bumper. There are good vibes for the selection, who can get the better of Borodale and newcomer Land Genie.
Race 8 No6 CRYSTAL MER (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
CRYSTAL MER brings solid form to the table in the nightcap, having just missed out on a cheque on a better race at Cheltenham and finished second to Luckie Seven at Doncaster. He went well in his winding up gallop for this and appeals as a strong win and place option.
WINCANTON
Race 2 No2 THE BOMBER LISTON
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Max Kendrick
The addition of cheek pieces can play a part in THE BOMBER LISTON notching an overdue first win of the season. He’s 1lb higher than when edged out at Kempton on the Saturday of Cheltenham week, but this is a class drop for the gelding who can have the edge on stablemate SCARPIA.
Race 5 No4 WICK GREEN (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Luca Morgan
WICK GREEN has fewer miles on his racing clock than his foes and looks to have turned a corner since joining his trainer. He won at Ffos Las and finished second at Taunton showing how good he can be when returning from a break. Last season his form dipped after a couple of good runs, and he needs to buck that trend.
