Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday's racing coming your way from Salisbury, Redcar, Ayr and Lingfield Park on 4 May 2023.
SALISBURY
Race 1 No2 MATTERS MOST
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
MATTERS MOST finished just behind Kalik in third when the pair debuted in a Newbury race that looked ok on paper. The son of Advertise was less forward than his foe, ran green and can improve past him to open his account.
Race 2 No2 DESPERATE HERO ( Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
DESPERATE HERO needed his first run back and was in no way disgraced in the Nottingham contest won by Fix You. The grey is going to be closer to full fitness, and while he can improve further from this second run he should run into the money.
Race 4 No2 GREEK ORDER (Nap)
Trainer: Roger Charlton – Jockey: Ryan Moore
Kingman colt GREEK ORDER brings solid claims to the table in this novice stakes in which he should prove hard to beat. He carried a tall home reputation to this course only to be beaten into third on debut and failed to convert against Tegal Honour when similarly well supported on his final start at Newmarket. The vibes from Beckhampton are that he’s made great strides through the winter, and is one to follow.
Race 7 No6 EASTER ICON
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
There’s a dark horse in this stayers’ handicap in the shape of Monjules, who though a maiden on the Flat has been in great form with three successes over hurdles. While respecting his chance the five-year-old will make the market for EASTER ICON, who was gameness personified when opening his account at Southwell. The performance earned more credence by way of the fact that the chestnut wasn’t suited by the sprint finish that ensued, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he cut for home earlier and made this into a real stamina test.
REDCAR
Race 2 No3 INDIANA BE (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
INDIANA BE made an auspicious return to the course when second at Southwell and now switches to turf. The Sioux Nation gelding was recording a third near miss from only six career starts and deserves to get his head in front where it matters. He’s unlikely to find many easier chances than this.
Race 4 No8 COVERDALE
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
COVERDALE showed promise in all four outings as a juvenile and is narrowly preferred to Power Of Gold on this second handicap assignment. The Expert Eye gelding went down in a close photo when last seen at Pontefract in the autumn, and having thrived through the winter and early spring is ready to put his best foot forward.
Race 5 No1 CONCORDE
Trainer: George Boughey – Jockey: Ben Curtis
Curtis gelled with CONCORDE in what admittedly was a penalty kick for the Sixties Icon gelding at Pontefract. The selection is unlucky not to be unbeaten in all three starts since going handicapping, and though higher in the weights should again take care of business.
AYR
Race 2 No4 SIXCOR (Nap)
Trainer: Linda Perrett – Jockey: Mark Winn
SIXCOR has a smart apprentice taking 5lb off his back for this first run of the year. He developed into a useful money spinner for his trainer, and if continuing from where he left off can make a winning start to 2023.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No1 TOTNES
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
It could pay to draw a line through the underwhelming run of TOTNES at Wolverhampton where there were genuine. excuses for her defeat. This long-striding individual can show the form to be all wrong by defying top weight on a first Polytrack outing.
Race 6 No6 GRAND PROVIDENCE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
GRAND PROVIDENCE couldn’t match Flower Of Dubai when the pair clashed on their respective introductions at Kempton but missed the break and has only a length and a half to find with her now penalised foe. Guaranteed to be more streetwise, this daughter of New Approach can turn the tables.
Race 7 No1 SOVEREIGN SPIRIT
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
Course and distance scorer SPIRIT can help make it a bumper day for the Balding/Probert combo by taking out the nightcap. The gelded son of Le Havre appeared to score with bundles in hand and there’s no surprise to see his connections opting for a quick reappearance.
