Neil Morrice best bets – Wednesday 8 February 2023

SOUTHWELL

Race 2 No5 ARDMAYLE
Trainer: Ali Stronge – Jockey: Daryl Jacob

ARDMAYLE had to skip an opportunity earlier in the week owing to unsuitable ground, but the veteran should find conditions in his favour here. Far from disgraced when posting an earning run on his seasonal reappearance back in November, he can show that there’s still a tune to be played from him.

Race 3 No5 SORCERESS MEDEA (Nap)
Trainer: Laura Morgan – Jockey: Brian Hughes

From a stable that is red hot at improving recruits from other stables and with Hughes an eye-catching booking, SORCERESS MEDEA requires close inspection in this mares’ handicap hurdle. An earner in two of her three outings over hurdles, she clearly has ability and can step lively on her first run in this sphere.

Race 5 No1 SEDGE WREN
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings

SEDGE WREN shoulders a penalty for her clear-cut win on debut over hurdles but should still be too strong for her foes of whom Chosen Port looks the main threat. She had good bumper form, while her trainer has done well with other members of her family.

LUDLOW

Race 1 No4 GREATNESS AWAITS
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Kielan Woods

GREATNESS AWAITS was rarely out of the money during his career on the Flat, looking the type that would excel over hurdles. Having changed stables at the Sales he can make the perfect start to his new role. He’s a strong travelling horse that stays well and has taken well to jumping at home.

Race 2 No1 GREENROCK ABBEY (Nap)
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Richard Patrick

GREENROCK ABBEY made it two wins from only three attempts over fences when bolting up in first time cheek pieces at Hereford and looks in the mood to keep up the good work competing off his revised mark. There’s very little in the weights between top and bottom of this novices’ handicap chase, in which he can again play a dominating role.

Race 4 No7 JOBESGREEN LAD
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke

JOBESGREEN LAD has ridden on the crest of a wave since his return to fences and looked to score with plenty in hand at Ludlow last time. He should enjoy the strong pace he likes to aim at and come through to claim the spoils at the business end of the contest.

KEMPTON PARK

Race 4 No6 BERNADINE
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt

BERNADINE looked like a filly that might have turned a corner when scoring on her first outing of 2023 here last month. It was progression from a near miss on her previous start, and though handed a tricky draw she could easily have more to give and follow- up.

Race 6 No3 BERKSHIRE ROCCO (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Jason Watson

BERKSHIRE ROCCO has his tail up following a resounding success in a Southwell Class2 last month. He took that class drop with open arms and should confirm his superiority over Rainbow Dreamer on the way to better things, while also having too many guns for Earl Of Tyrone and Earlofthecotswolds.