Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday's racing coming your way from Fontwell Park, Uttoxeter and Kelso on 26 May 2024.
FONTWELL PARK
Race 2 No5 MISTER UPTON (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Rex Dingle
MISTER UPTON could hardly have been more impressive when scoring over this course and distance on his first outing over fences. He jumped well, looking good value for his margin of victory, and can follow-up off an 8lb higher mark for a trainer who ended the season with his horses operating at the peak of their powers.
Race 5 No2 SANDY BROOK
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Freddie Gordon
SANDY BROOK left previous form a long way behind when powering home at Plumpton and is now operating from a 7lb higher mark. It doesn’t appear insurmountable, granted how impressive he was and taking not into account how well the Gordon horses are performing.
UTTOXETER
Race 1 No6 DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Miss Maverick is on a hat-trick but I will be surprised if she can successfully give 18 lbs to DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS, who deserves a change of luck and can record a first success over jumps. Since landing a Huntingdon bumper she’s earned in six of her seven outings over hurdles, and is versatile regarding her ability to handle drying underfoot conditions.
Race 2 No2 NATIVE MOON
Trainer: Victor Dartnall – Jockey: Alan Johns
NATIVE MOON has bypassed a couple of opportunities with his trainer playing a game of patience. The Sea Moon gelding is the least exposed in this novices’ handicap hurdle, and having improved from race to race is now ready to win.
Race 4 No5 EATON COLLINA (Each Way)
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Richard Patrick
EATON COLLINA is one of a handful of recent winners contesting the Clarke Chase, a race named after the man who escalated this racecourse to its current position as one of the best in the Midlands. The selection posted back-to-back successes at Wetherby, as well as earning on his last visit here at Christmas. Importantly he handles good ground, so will not be inconvenienced if the going dries up.
KELSO
Race 1 No5 GEORDIES DREAM (Nap)
Trainer: Paula Robson – Jockey: Craig Nichol
GEORDIES DREAM has much to recommend him taking stock of the fact his last three runs have seen him earn in handicap company. He’s shown promise throughout his career and has few miles on his racing clock, and he will surely enjoy dropping into novice company.
Race 3 No1 JUNGLE JACK
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Having missed out on an intended run last week owing to the weather, JUNGLE JACK can raise his game with the help of first-time blinkers. He’s in very good order, and should give us a good run for our money though a saver is advised on CRACKING DESTINY.
