Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips from Sunday 14 April’s racing at Stratford, Wincanton and Dundalk.
Stratford Best Bets
Race 6: LAC SACRE (1)
Trainer: John Flint
Jockey: Paddy Brennan
Having been in the wilderness for much of the season LAC SACRE came home unchallenged at Ffos Las last week for which he carries a 7lb penalty. However, now that he’s regained his old form there’s every chance the ten-year-old can keep up the good work.
Race 7: ARTHUR’S SECRET (1)
Trainer: Martin Weston
Jockey: Miss A Banks
Few hunters have impressed to the degree of ARTHUR’S SECRET who is already a winner here while also bolting up at Ludlow (twice). He sets roasting gallop and will be very hard to stop, even though Master Baker and Risk A Fine are respected.
Wincanton Best Bets
Race 1: TIFFIN TOP (6)
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson
While previous winner Heatstroke is respected, thus presents TIFFIN TOP with a fine chance to underline his wee being. The selection has improved from race to race since being sent hurdling and was quite impressive in opening his account at Hereford last time. Furthermore, the form was boosted when his closest pursuer Zanzi Win went one better to give the form a sizeable boost.
Race 2: HERE’S HERBIE (11) (Each Way)
Trainer: Sue Gardner
Trainer: Lucy Gardner
Veteran HERE’S HERBIE has been in a consistent vein of form and will represent a bit of value in this competitive heat. The Gardners are stepping him up in trip and given a repeat of his last couple of placed runs he can get into the argument. The Sweeney and Samson’s Reach appeal as the main dangers.
Dundalk Best Bets
Race 4: SMILE AHEAD (3)
Trainer: Dermot Weld
Jockey: C Hayes
A weakly contested maiden can see SMILE AHEAD upsetting likely market leader Ferretti. The mile here proved a bridge too far for Smile Ahead last month but Weld drops him back to seven furlongs over which he should be much happier. Ferretti was himself well beaten in a maiden at Naas and looks worth taking on.
Race 6: LYRICAL ATTRACTION (6)
Trainer: John Fahey
Jockey: Ronnie Whelan
If her first run in a handicap us anything to go by, LYRICAL ATTRACTION is worth following and can step up to the plate here. She was eating up the ground late in that mile contest here, and will greatly appreciate the extra distance (of nearly three furlongs) here.
