Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing at Market Rasen, Ripon, Stratford and Naas.
Market Rasen Best Bets
Race 2: ISTIMRAAR (8)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Like many of the Skelton jumpers ISTIMRAAR has shown the versatility to cope with plenty of racing and this is his fourth quick run. He also has the burden of a double penalty and the embarrassment of a defeat at 2-7 last time to cope with, but he nevertheless looks head and shoulders above his foes and should win.
Race 4: AKARITA LIGHTS (1)
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson
While Deputy Jones has the advantage of already having run over hurdles, she may struggle to cope with market rival AKARITA LIGHTS who showed decent form round here to finish second in two bumpers. He’s been working well and can successfully concede 9lb to the mare.
Ripon Best Bets
Race 3: TIMETODOCK (1)
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Jockey: David Allan
The Easterby yard fields two for this sprint but TIMETODOCK gets the nod, having shown when third over five furlongs at Beverley last time that he wants a bit further. That race was his second of the campaign and should have brought him nicely to the boil.
Race 6: EXCELLENT TIMES (3)
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Jockey: David Allan
EXCELLENT TIMES us a filly that needs a run to bring her forward and her comeback outing at Doncaster last month has done just that. She was ultimately beaten almost 11 lengths but it’s given her a fitness boost to be competitive in this sprint.
Stratford Best Bet
Race 6: THE KINGS BABY (2)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jnr
Having finished third in a mares’ only handicap Chase at Fontwell THE KINGS BABY is cherry ripe to pop. Unable to lead that day, she stayed on well at the finish but connections might well elect to be positive this time in order to make the best of her excellent jumping.
Naas Best Bet
Race 4: FINAL VENTURE (2)
Trainer: Paul Midgley
Jockey: Liam Roche
There’s a very fine line between top handicappers and Listed class horses and FINAL VENTURE can bang that drum in this. A rare runner here for his trainer, he failed by only three-quarters of a length to successfully give 18lb to Saaheq at Musselburgh which suggests the old man of the party has it in him to go one better.
