Neil Morrice shares his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Exeter and Uttoxeter on 20 November 2022.
EXETER
Race 3 No7 PILSDON PEN
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Rex Dingle
PILSDON PEN really found his stride when switched to handicaps, with two successes and two near misses in his four outings this year. He could easily have added to his total, and after doing well for a summer at grass can pick up the thread on this return to the fray.
Race 4 No3 BOWTOGREATNESS (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Kielan Woods
The one I’m most looking forward to today is BOWTOGREATNESS, who was denied a first run over fences when Market Rasen became unworkable last week and then skipped his engagement in a much hotter race at Ascot. Pauling understandably wants to give this good prospect as straightforward an introduction as possible, and this galloping track should suit such a bold jumper, who has schooled and worked well at home.
Race 5 No14 HOW’S THE CRICKET (Each Way)
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Bryan Carver
A hugely competitive three-mile handicap chase can see HOW’S THE CRICKET claiming a cheque from his position at the base of the weights. The seven-year-old is unbeaten in two starts for his current handler and was returning from a wind operation when breezing home as a well backed favourite on reappearance at Ffos Las. He’s entitled to the greatest respect, and will surely be in the shake-up if progressing from that fine effort.
UTTOXETER
Race 2 No1 ILOVETHENIGHTLIFE (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
Walkinthepark filly ILOVETHENIGHTLIFE was the cosiest of scorers on hurdles debut at Ffos Las after being highly tried in both bumper outings last season. A 7lb penalty makes life tough for her, but as the outstanding form choice she has a good chance of following-up.
Race 3 No3 FERN HILL (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Jack Quinlan
Bear Ghylls represents a Carlisle race that looked strong on paper, but FERN HILL looks a value option, granted his record of four seconds from only five races over fences. He was coming back from more than 200 days off when chasing home Nothing To Ask at Chepstow, and will be fitter for that.
Race 4 No6 DISCKO DES PLAGES (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hobson – Jockey: James Best
DISCKO DES PLAGES enjoyed a select campaign last season with three outings through the spring that followed a wind operation. He has not been straightforward, but his consistent record of a win and seven places from a dozen runs over fences speaks for itself, and he can pick up from where he left off with another big earning run.
