Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Thursday 11 July 2024

NEWMARKET (JULY)

Race 1 BAHRAIN TROPHY (Group 3)

No5 SPACE LEGEND (Nap)
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: James Doyle

This trial for the St Leger has cut up and SPACE LEGEND can take advantage. The Sea The Stars colt put in a career-best when second in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot and should have the measure of paper favourite Ancient Wisdom, who underwhelmed in the Derby and looks to bounce back for Godolphin.

Race 3 No6 TROPICAL ISLAND (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Fahey – Jockey: Billy Garritty

TROPICAL ISLAND appeared to blow up after travelling best in a competitive sprint at York. That first run of the season should have served to blow away any cobwebs and put the cutting edge on her for this good betting heat in which ELMONJED should also figure.

Race 4 PRINCESS OF WALES’S STAKES (Group 2)

No4 HAMISH
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Tom Marquand

Haggas has excelled with his handling of HAMISH who seeks to make this an eight success from his last 11 starts. In many ways, his defeat by Luxembourg in the Coronation Cup was close to a career-best from the eight-year-old. Any further rain will be welcomed by his connections, with GIAVELLOTTO his main barrier to another victory in the Group 2 feature.

Race 6 No3 LEAD ARTIST
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark

LEAD ARTIST brings strong York form to the table and appeals as the type of upwardly mobile three-year-old his trainer excels with. The son of Dubawi came home unchallenged in that novice and is more than ready for the move into Listed company, in which KITTY ROSE looks the main threat.

DONCASTER

Race 3 No2 CHANCELLOR
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Rab Havlin

By Kingman out of a mare that was top class, CHANCELLOR can go in at the first time of asking. His blue-blooded qualities will be immediately required, however, in order to stave off the challenges of AYSGARTH and REPOSADO who bring decent form levels to the table.

CARLISLE

Race 1 No3 MOUNT KING (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Sean Kirrane

MOUNT KING was probably ridden too close to the pace when well held at Pontefract while it was a similar story on his previous start at Wetherby. A Class4 winner last year, he could be the one to bustle up the so far disappointing Individualism in this small field.

Race 5 No3 LADY FLORA (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: PJ McDonald

LADY FLORA has had a few chances but this maiden handicap over 1400 metres looks her cup of tea. The daughter of Derby winner Masar can outpoint the unexposed Bateman, and justify the long journey from Hampshire in the famous Mill Reef silks.

EPSOM DOWNS

Race 5 No2 CHIPS AND RICE
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt

CHIPS AND RICE deserve a change of luck and can experience it in this low-grade handicap. The Golden Horn mare signalled through earning runs on her last two starts that she’s close to a breakthrough, which can materialise at the main expense of Tayala.

Race 6 No6 CHARLES MORIN (Nap)
Trainer: Pat Phelan – Jockey: Paddy Bradley

After a narrow delivery on turf at Lingfield, CHARLES MORIN couldn’t strike a blow at Windsor but his effort was better than it looked. Although never able to put a glove on the principals he was never nearer than at the finish, and having been given a freshening break the former French-trained gelding can prove a bet worth waiting for.

NEWBURY

Race 2 No6 BRIAN (Nap)
Trainer: Sylvester Kirk – Jockey: Liam Keniry

On the strength of his earning run in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot, BRIAN is the horse to beat. Not only does the Shaman colt have the best form, but he’s now in much calmer waters and should make no mistake for his local connections.

Race 4 No6 VANISH
Trainer: Owen Burrows – Jockey: Trevor Whelan

VANISH displayed abundant promise when second on his introduction at the April meeting here since when he’s changed stables. The Galileo colt finds himself in a weaker heat, and if ready for this first outing in three months should open his account.

Race 5 No6 WILLY CAMPBELL (Each Way)
Trainer: Sylvester Kirk – Jockey: Liam Keniry

WILLY CAMPBELL can play a part in making it a good night for his small stable with a triumph on handicap debut. Although ignored in the betting he was beaten in a blanket finish when last seen at Kempton last September, showing in the process that he has untapped reserves. This doesn’t look the warmest of contests, and he’s the least exposed runner.

BIPOT Perm (Races 1-6)

4, 2, 3, 8 x 6 x 7, 2, 1 x 6, 1 x 6, 1, 7, 5 x 8, 9, 7

R288