Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Tuesday 19 December 2023

WINCANTON

Race 4 No2 MARSH WREN
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings

MARSH WREN and Arclight were due to clash last week, only for the meeting to be abandoned. The former has been in great form and seeks a fourth triumph from her last five outings. She looked a natural for fences when scoring at Warwick and is a flagship horse for whom further success looks on the cards.

Race 5 No9 PENTIRE HEAD
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden

Though disappointing at this course on his reappearance last month, PENTIRE HEAD is worth another chance. An earner for his champion trainer in all three bumper starts, he should have learned something from that introduction to jumping and can leave it behind with Cobden returned to his saddle.

Race 6 No5 PILSDON PEN (Nap)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Lorcan Williams

The best bet of the day is PILSDON PEN, who did us a favour when coming from last to first to score over the course and distance last month. The narrow margin of his victory disguises how much he had in hand, and he’s one to follow to run up a sequence.

FAKENHAM

Race 2 No6 LINCOLN LYN (Each Way)
Trainer: Tom Gretton – Jockey: Sean Bowen

LINCOLN LYN delivered here off 1lb higher and can utilise her liking of the track to good effect and at a fancy price. She needed her first run back which has served to bring her to the boil, though this remains a wide-open heat, with most of her opponents also in good form going into it.

Race 5 No2 SERGEANT WILSON (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Daryl Jacob

SERGEANT WILSON had a tall order taking on Brentford Hope at Newbury but was not disgraced in finishing second to that foe. It was his second run back, and has served to make him fitter, while his stable remains amongst the winners.

CATTERICK BRIDGE

Race 4 No12 SOLDIER OF DESTINY (Nap)
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Snowden and Sheehan have a very good record at this course and SOLDIER OF DESTINY a looks sure to be at short odds for his belated return to the fray. Highly tried over fences, he won’t get many better chances to open his account under Rules, and can take the spoils before returning to fences.

Race 5 No10 JUST JESS
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Ross Chapman

Although not the most consistent of performers, JUST JESS comes right into the equation here following her recent second at Newcastle. She can also boast winning form at this specialists’ track, and should again finish in the mix.

Race 6 No4 FANFAN DU SEUIL
Trainer: Nick Kent – Jockey: James Bowen

For a new stable FANFAN DU SEUIL has earned on all three starts and put in his best effort when returning to fences and finishing second at Doncaster. Lightly raced over the past year, he’s going to enjoy the sharp track and the underfoot conditions.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 4 No2 KITBAG (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass

KITBAG was clear second best at Chelmsford last time but in turn clear of those behind him. His trainer adds a visor and this switch of headgear might make a difference to a horse that’s overdue.

Race 5 No9 SIXCOR
Trainer: Linda Perrett -Jockey: Andrew Mullen

SIXCOR has limited experience on the all-weather but displayed a lik8ng for this track when successful last month. He’s well drawn for this race around a left-handed bend and can handle his higher mark against Dark Side Prince.

Race 8 No10 NORTHCLIFF (Each Way)
Trainer: Mike Murphy – Jockey: Callum Shepherd

With a string of earning efforts for a new trainer NORTHCLIFF appeals as a horse who will soon have his day in the sun. The Dandy Man gelding visits Dunstall Park for the first time as well as being introduced to the Tapeta surface. If he acts on it he should again trouble the judge.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)

9, 1 x 1, 3 x 2, 4 x 9, 4 x 7, 4 x 3, 5, 12 x 10, 4

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