Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from ASCOT, HAYDOCK PARK, NOTTINGHAM, HEXHAM, LINGFIELD PARK, WARWICK and THIRSK.
ASCOT
Race 1 No2 LIGHTS ON (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Although up 7lb for her impressive last-to-first triumph at Nottingham, LIGHTS ON has it in her to go back-to-back in this lively fillies’ handicap. The daughter of Siyouni can utilise her impressive turn of foot to get the job done in the closing stages.
Race 4 No5 GREENSIDE (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Marco Ghiani
Veteran GREENSIDE frequently attracts market support, and the same could occur on his comeback in a wickedly competitive Victoria Cup. The Dubawi gelding has a good record fresh, and although yet to win here went close to doing so at Royal Ascot last June.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 4 No14 COPPERLESS (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Aidan Coleman
COPPERLESS is the proverbial ‘winner without a penalty’ following his second-last flight fall when travelling powerfully in a valuable handicap hurdle at Aintree. He was certainly going just as well as eventual runner-up Camprond, and should again prove too hot for that rival to handle.
Race 8 No6 EAMON AN CNOIC (Each Way)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Fergus Gillard
Dual-purpose horse EAMON AN CNOIC Aran well in a handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival before troubling the judge in a warm heat at Carlisle last month. Everything looks right for him to stage another earning run in this open-looking contest.
NOTTINGHAM
Race 3 No5 SEAGULLS NEST (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
Camelot filly SEAGULLS NEST jumps off the page as one that will enjoy a step up to a mile and three-quarters. She has recovered well from a fairly hard race at Lingfield last time and must have a great chance of taking home a big cheque on this handicap bow.
Race 4 No11 LIGHT REFRAIN
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Shane Kelly
The Queen’s LIGHT REFRAIN has been in her comfort zone over this sprint distance, with her second in a Listed race at York reading very well in the context of her returning to winning ways on reappearance. She’s done well both mentally and physically through the winter.
HEXHAM
Race 1 No3 ITSNOTYOUITSME
Trainer: Maurice Barnes – Jockey: Ross Chapman
On a tricky card, ITSNOTYOUITSME looks to have a great chance of converting on chase debut. He’s knocked on the door on his last three hurdling starts and could have more to offer at this new discipline.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 2 No1 GALAHAD THREEPWOOD
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: William Buick
GALAHD THREEPWOOD has taken a hike in the weights, but after a satisfactory effort in the Great Met at Epsom, now gets the chance to return to winning ways over a longer distance than he has encountered before. He looked in great heart blowing out for this at West Ilsley on Friday.
WARWICK
Race 6 No2 GOODNIGHT CHARLIE (Nap)
Trainer: Miss C Fryer – Jockey: Tabitha Worsley
Course Specialist GOODNIGHT CHARLIE is 1lb lower than when a creditable third at Cheltenham last time. He has a new jockey and can gain an overdue success returned to his favourite hunting ground.
Race 7 No5 STORM DENNIS
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Joshua Moore
STORM DENNIS must be excused his latest run at Newbury, where he unseated his pilot after enduring tack trouble. However, his precious Ascot and Fontwell efforts put him right into the front line of this concluding bumper.
THIRSK
Race 5 No16 ZOOM TIGER (Nap)
Trainer: Ian Balding – Jockey: Duran Fentiman
Zoffany colt ZOOM TIGER should be ready to put his best foot forwards after a couple of earning runs. He handles grass well when third to Al Waqidi at Newmarket and can build on that.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 1-7)
9 x 12, 7, 6 x 8, 12, 9 x 6, 10 x 16, 4 x 6, 4 x 10, 3, 12
R216
