Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday's racing coming your way from Ffos Las, Plumpton, Market Rasen and Southwell on 31 March 2024.
FFOS LAS
Race 4 No6 WELL DICK
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Lily Pinchin
WELL DICK put a couple of disappointing efforts behind him when gamely resisting Bretney at Warwick with Pinchin in his saddle for the first time. This big, old-fashioned type kept his rivals at bay with superior jumping, and is now visiting a course where that side of his make up should also help him dominate.
Race 5 No4 JUST OVER LAND
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
JUST OVER LAND had his wings clipped at Taunton when trying to back up a convincing triumph at Lingfield, though in hindsight it wasn’t a bad showing. He finds himself in a slightly easier race, and it will be no surprise if this sound jumper and strong traveller bounces back.
Race 6 No6 BALLYRASHANE (Nap)
Trainer: Christam Williams – Jockey: Jack Tudor
BALLYRASHANE dominated a minor race at Fakenham when showing much-improved form. Now fully in the zone, he is at the right end of the weights to put up a similarly authoritative display and go back-to-back.
PLUMPTON
Race 3 No5 TREGELE (Each Way)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
On only a fourth start over jumps TREGELE could offer up value in this competitive handicap hurdle. He’s been given a freshening break since a solid run at Huntingdon and could outperform his price in a race where Two To Tango and A Tickatickatiming also come into the argument.
Race 5 No9 MR FREEDOM (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Marc Goldstein
The ultra-competitive County Hurdle proved a bridge too far for MR FREEDOM, though in fairness the gelding was bang in contention until losing his position turning for home. A horse that needs to be waited with, he’s shown a liking for this track and if close to the leaders in the home straight can make his short but sharp turn of foot count in the closing stages.
Race 7 No1 TIGHTENOURBELTS (Nap)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
TIGHTENOURBELTS appeared to lose his confidence over fences and was always on the back foot before being pulled up on his latest start at Cheltenham in January. He’s too good a horse to dismiss lightly on this return to hurdles, and has the class to give weight away to his opponents.
MARKET RASEN
Race 2 No6 PITWOOD ROAD (Nap)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Hughes is an eye-taking booking for PITWOOD ROAD, who though thwarted as an odds-on shot on hurdles debut at Bangor can progress from that to open her account.
Race 3 No8 TEETOTALLER
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Liam Harrison
TEETOTALLER can complete a double for the O’Brien stable on debut under Rules in this maiden hurdle. The six-year-old brings winning point-to-point form to the table in a race that lacks strength in depth.
SOUTHWELL
Race 4 No1 ACROSS EARTH
Trainer: Marco Botti – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
ACROSS EARTH has taken away a cheque in each of the three races he contested to obtain a handicap mark. The son of Golden Horn should improve for racing in this different sphere, and can defy top weight.
Race 5 No3 JUST RITA (Nap)
Trainer: Marco Botti – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
JUST RITA didn’t enjoy the rub of the green when fourth on her first outing of 2024 at Kempton. Competing off the same mark, and all the better for the run, she should appreciate stretching out to a mile and is the one to beat.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)
7, 4 x 4, 3 x 1 x 3, 5 x 8, 1, 3 x 5, 6 x 10, 5, 4
R144
