Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets from around the UK and Ireland on Sunday 9 April. UK action comes your way from Ffos Las and Plumpton while Irish racing is set to take place at Fairyhouse.
Ffos Las Best Bets
Race 3: VICENZO MIO (4)
Trainer: Chris Gordon
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Conditions are perfect for VICENZO MIO to bring his A-game to the table in a race that shouldn’t take that much winning. This ground will be far more testing than that he encountered when a creditable runner-up to The Dubai Way at Plumpton last time, but this is tempered by the fact the selections is dropping back to two miles from two and a half.
Race 5: JABULANI (7)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Only the strongest stayers will get home in the deep ground and JABULANI is one that will be in his comfort zone. He had to find extra reserves of stamina to repel Copper Gone at Newbury which was a fully deserved first success of the season for the grey. But as this is just his fifth outing there should be more to come.
Plumpton Best Bets
Race 1: HIT THE HIGHWAY (1)
Trainer: Chris Gordon
Jockey: Harry Reed
Though his chance isn’t obvious on recent efforts, HIT THE HIGHWAY would readily dispose of his foes if rediscovering his old form. He’s been quietly campaigned this season, and though beaten a long way in a Class 4 at Kempton last month, this is easier.
Race 2: ZANZI WIN (5)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Second in his last two starts at Fakenham and Hereford, ZANZI WIN threw away a winning chance at the last-named track by hanging left on the run in. Whittington is convinced it cost the gelding the race and is taking the logical step of putting him back on a left-handed course, reporting him to have taken last Tuesday’s exertions in his stride.
Fairyhouse Best Bets
Race 1: TENS OR BETTER (15)
Trainer: Pat Fahy
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Great White Shark will start favourite for this but the greater experience of TENS OR BETTER might tilt the balance in her favour. She was the subject of an on course gamble over today’s course and distance in February and looked all over the winner when leading over the last, only to get chinned by Chavi Artist. There’s every chance compensation awaits.
Race 2: LA TEKTOR (14)
Trainer: Tony Martin
Jockey: Denis O’Regan
Although proving expensive to follow, with his three straight near-misses LE TEKTOR has done nothing wrong and deserves a change of luck. A minor mistake two out didn’t help his cause at Cork last time when the money came for him on the show. It’s only a matter of time before he opens his account.
