Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Thursday 14 December 2023

NEWCASTLE

Race 5 No1 IMPERIAL ALEX (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard

IMPERIAL ALEX has edged closer to a first win of the season with each outing, latterly when second in a tight finish with Goodoldbill at this course. The form of his previous near miss against Percy Veering has worked out, and on ground that will play to his strengths he can prevail.

Race 7 No10 TIGGA TIME (Each Way)
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Ryan Mania

TIGGA TIME brings an unbeaten record in points to the table and if fit after a long absence can prove a value alternative to Get A Superstar in a race that shouldn’t take much winning.

WARWICK

Race 2 No5 HIGH TREASON
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

HIGH TREASON hails from a yard doing well with its novices. He earned in both starts in bumpers last season and has worked well ahead of this first run of the season. He’s bred to enjoy plenty of cut in the ground and can prove too strong for Bob Bob Ricard.

Race 5 No3 MARSH WREN (Nap)
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings

MARSH WREN is the winner of four of her last five starts and impressed on her chase debut at this course last month. The German-bred therefore brings a very strong record to the table and in similar conditions can surprise hat-trick-seeking favourite Arclight.

Race 6 No3 SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE shaped well on his return to the fray at Huntingdon. He’s missed out on a good subsequent opportunity owing to the weather but in slightly calmer waters here can give his local trainer a timely winner.

TAUNTON

Race 1 No3 PHOENIX AQUILUS (Each Way)
Trainer: Seamus Durack – Jockey: James Bowen

PHOENIX AQUILUS didnt have any luck on the all-weather earlier in the year, but showed with earning efforts in his last two outings in chases that he’s a better prospect over jumps. A market check is advised on the six-year-old who will receive good handling from the saddle, and is ready to win.

Race 3 No13 TREGELE (Each Way)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass

TREGELE needs close inspection as he embarks on a winter campaign that can prove bountiful. The Mahler gelding might have scored on his only start over hurdles at Worcester back in May but for an error that was no fault of his own. A good looking individual, he’s fit and should get into the argument at the very least.

Race 4 a No1 BALLEE (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Mickael Nolan

BALLEE was ultimately a convincing scorer over this course and distance two weeks ago. He’s taken those exertions in his stride and despite shouldering a 7lb penalty is a confident choice to follow-up, on the way to better things.

CHELMSFORD CITY

Race 2 No4 SUN GOD
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Harry Davies

SUN GOD faces a couple of hat-trick seekers but the Fastnet Rock colt could well improve now entering the handicap arena, while his trainer’s all-weather and jumping teams are in good order and amongst the winners.

Race 3 No4 LORD NORMANDY (Each Way)
Trainer: Tom Clover – Jockey: Danny Tudhope

Paper favourite Prometeo is handicapped by a bad draw which makes LORD NORMANDY a value alternative. The Le Havre gelding shaped well when troubling the judge on debut at this course and will know more of what’s required.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 1-7)

1 x 4, 1 x 4 x 5, 1 x 7, 9, 2 x 7, 5 x 4, 2, 9

R72