Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday's racing coming your way from Catterick Bridge and Kempton Park on 3 April January 2024.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 2 No1 VINCE L’AMOUR (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
Never having started shorter than 25-1 in three educational outings as a juvenile, VINCE L’AMOUR showed glimpses of ability on his final start at this course when equipped with a first-time tongue tie. Just out of the money on that occasion and with the device maintained for his first run back, he can successfully concede weight to his foes.
Race 3 No9 LEXINGTON HERO (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Connor Beasley
Beasley enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Channon in 2023, largely through the exploits of Caernarfon who was placed in two Classics. He reignites it on a more humble steed in LEXINGTON HERO who when well supported at Southwell lost his position before staying on for a minor cheque at the finish. The gelding can better that effort if he is ridden more enterprisingly on this stiffer track.
Race 5 No8 MR STRUTTER (Each Way)
Trainer: David Thompson – Jockey: Tom Eaves
MR STRUTTER has been round the block a few times and on some of his visits to this course run well without winning. The Catterick specialist is however adaptable and if enjoying the rub of the green at the business end of this 1400 metres handicap can claim another cheque. He has a good draw from which to grab a stalking position on the inner.
Race 6 No7 SOUL SINGER (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
SOUL SINGER has gone close on his last two outings and wouldn’t be winning out of turn in this 1200 metres sprint. Getting chinned at least shows the Land Force gelding to be in better form than most of his rivals, and if enjoying turf as much as Tapeta he should open his account.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 1 No5 GREAT CHIEFTAIN
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
GREAT CHIEFTAIN ran well to claim a minor cheque on his first outing of the season at Wolverhampton and probably needed it. If making normal progression the Gleneagles colt can take out this maiden, with Loughnane an eye-taking booking.
Race 2 No9 SCREAMING EAGLE
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
SCREAMING EAGLE finished second here on the final of two outings as a juvenile. It was a big step up on his first run and he shouldn’t be inconvenienced by the return to a mile. He’s a very well-related individual who has done well for his winter break, while he has also benefitted from being drawn one off the rail.
Race 4 No4 CELTIC WARRIOR (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
CELTIC WARRIOR was beaten inches on his seasonal return in a Class4 handicap at Southwell, form which sets a high standard for his foes in this maiden to aim at. That experience should prove valuable to the Saxon Warrior gelding who is perfectly drawn three off the fences for this 1400 metres contest round a right-handed bend.
Race 7 No4 WHITELEY WAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Roger Teal – Jockey: William Cox
WHITELEY WAY has run above the expectations her starting prices suggested when second at 125-1 at this course and third at 22-1 at Chelmsford. The daughter of Sixties Icon finds herself in a good spot to gain an overdue first career success.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)
9, 7 x 4, 5 x 4, 7 x 7, 3, 9 x 6 x 4, 9 x 1, 3
R96
