Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Hereford and Sha Tin on 25 February 2024.
HEREFORD
Race 3 No9 MIGHTY MOTH (Nap)
Trainer: Noel Williams – Jockey: Robbie Dunne
MIGHTY MOTH posted her only blip with an underwhelming run at Newbury but has been given plenty of time to recover from those exertions. The Champs Elysees mare had earlier chased home Jango Baie and Tellherthename in a much better race than this at Ascot. If she can run even close to that form she should take care of business.
Race 5 No1 SAMMY’S GUARANTEE
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Lacey is enjoying a hot streak with his handicappers and SAMMY’S GUARANTEE makes plenty of appeal trying to remain unbeaten in a second start following wind surgery. She was the comfortable winner of a novice hurdle at Doncaster. Now on handicap debut, she can show it was no fluke.
Race 6 No4 JACK SPRAT (Each Way)
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
JACK SPRAT may prove the answer to the most competitive race on the card. The six-year-old has been a regular earner this season, often shaping as if he would relish stretching out to a longer trip, as is the case today. He can again get involved, with Awesome Foursome, Bertie B and Iron D’Ex also recommended for exotic wagering.
SHA TIN
Race 7 HONG KONG GOLD CUP (Group 1)
ROMANTIC WARRIOR short-headed Luxembourg in the Hong Kong Cup in December and now bids to consolidate in a historic race in which the Danny Shum-trained gelding will command a large chunk of the betting handle. As the winner of eleven of his 16 races he is bettered only by GOLDEN SIXTY for legend status here, but with the last-named horse absent he just needs to overcome the outer gate in order to prevail.
STRAIGHT ARRON is an improver who didn’t enjoy the best of luck in running when fourth to Romantic Warrior at the International meeting. He will nevertheless need to make abnormal progress to topple the favourite, and for better value at a huge price BEAUTY JOY is considered. The chestnut has work to do with VOYAGE BUBBLE from last month’s Stewards’ Cup, but could turn the tables if finding racing real estate at the business end.
Prediction: 1st ROMANTIC WARRIOR, 2nd Beauty Joy, 3rd Voyage Bubble, 4th Straight Arron
