Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips coming your way from Newbury, Southwell, Newcastle and Kempton on 17 January 2024.
NEWBURY
Race 1 No1 LUMP SUM (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
LUMP SUM clashes with Southoftheborder in a mini-trial for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Preference is for Lump Sum, a winner of three of his four starts under Rules who now faces the acid test as he steps up in class. Having started favourite for each of those races, he will now offer better value, with his rival carded to head the market.
Race 2 No7 RAYMOND TUSK (Each Way)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
Since scoring on his racecourse debut here back in 2018, RAYMOND TUSK has shown a liking for Newbury. When switched to hurdles he was unlucky to run into I Am Maximus but owing to training issues, today is his first run over jumps in exactly a year. The now nine-year-old has Group placed form in France and could have more to give, although the lightly-raced Rascal is another to take seriously, and should go into all exotic perms.
Race 3 No5 STORM CONTROL (Each Way)
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
The last time STORM CONTROL visited the winners’ circle was at this course two years ago. His subsequent form has a chequered look to it but he is undoubtedly well handicapped. He beat a hasty retreat on his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham before Christmas, but that might have been needed, and he is worth a small speculative bet.
Race 5 No3 FINE CASTING
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Kielan Woods
Speech Bubble would be an interesting contender for this should she be denied a run on Tuesday, but regardless of that FINE CASTING could be the answer. He’s always looked a ready-made chaser, and hasn’t done much wrong in placing in both starts over fences this season. This is less demanding than the Cheltenham race in which he took away a minor cheque last time, while the galloping nature of the track should also play to his strengths.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No2 BREAKING COVER (Nap)
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball – Jockey: Harry Cobden
BREAKING COVER makes abundant appeal on this first outing over fences. Purchased out of the Point-to-point field in Ireland, he’s troubled the judge in each of three races over hurdles. In the colours of Harry Redknapp, he can take care of business.
Race 5 No4 GREATNESS AWAITS (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
GREATNESS AWAITS possibly put up his best effort over hurdles when chasing home Spot On Soph at Market Rasen last summer. Cut in the ground has always been an important commodity to him, and he should encounter that in abundance today.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No1 MATTELLA (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
MATTELLA left her connections with scorched fingers on her first run of the year here last week. The five-year-old is better than the bare form indicates, and the decision to run her again quickly can pay off with a first career win.
Race 5 No6 CHEESE THE ONE
Trainer: Stella Barclay – Jockey: Faye McManoman
CHEESE THE ONE has frequently troubled the judge since being equipped with blinkers. Her figures since that move read 14343472. The grey faces stiff competition from Intoxicata but the top weight may struggle to successfully concede her 9lbs.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 4 No9 TEA LEAF TED (Nap)
Trainer: Dominic Ffrench Davis – Jockey: George Rooke
TEA LEAF TED has limited experience of sand, but on two visits to this track has enjoyed racing on Polytrack. He was denied by inches earlier in the month but should avenge that defeat as there is probably more to come from him.
Race 6 No4 DAVID’S DIVA
Trainer: Rod Millman – Jockey: Gina Mangan
DAVID’S DIVA got off the mark in a Southwell race that has subsequently worked out. The Master Carpenter filly now visits Kempton for the first time, and if proving as adept on the Polytrack has a good chance of going back to back.
