Neil Morrice shares his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing from around the United Kingdom and Ireland.
UK racing on Thursday comes your way from Wincanton, Carlisle, Southwell and Chelmsford while Irish racing is from Thurles.
Here is the list of racing on offer at Hollywoodbets on Thursday 7th March 2019. Click the venue link to view the current betting at Hollywoodbets. (Scheduled time of first race).
Opening prices to be added early on Wednesday morning!
Wincanton Best Bets
Race 5 LORD DUVEEN (5)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs
Jockey: Michael Nolan
A real chasing type for whom success over hurdles will be a bonus, but looks all set for a big challenge on this with his stable running into form just ahead of Cheltenham. Easy to back when fourth at Wincanton last time but the step up to two and a half miles should see with it notable improvement.
Race 6: COLDITZ CASTLE (2) (Each Way)
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson
Has knocked on the door on his last two outings and though finishing only fourth to Acey Milan at Plumpton last time he was beaten only five lengths in what looked a warm heat. Doubting that any of his ten rivals are in that class, he should be on the premises at the very least.
Carlisle Best Bets
Race 4: CHRISTMAS IN USA (5)
Trainer: Nick Alexander
Jockey: Lucy Alexander
Looks the banker on the card and rightly so courtesy of the way he dotted up in handicap company at Ayr last month. Abundant confidence in CHRISTMAS IN USA was mirrored by a big market move in his favour that day and a 7lb penalty for his seven lengths triumph shouldn’t prevent a follow-up.
Race 6: BARRAKILLA (1)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien
Jockey: Mr Zac Baker
Although fragile and requiring the ‘kid glove’ treatment from his connections BARRAKILLA has the ability to go a long way in the hunter-chase division this spring. You have to look a long way back to find the last time he put in a disappointing run, and he’s a regular money earner. This is by no means a penalty kick but he will be hard to beat with the assist of a very competent pilot.
Southwell Best Bet
Neil Morrice brings you his only bet from a Southwell meeting reduced to a total of just 20 runners owing to the trainer boycott on Arena Race Company for its decision to reduce prize money contributions.
Race 6: TRICKY DICKY (1)
Trainer: Olly Williams
Jockey: Robbie Walsh
The effect of Walsh’s 7lb claim means TRICKY DICKY is receiving weight from his only rival and as he returns to his optimum distance (1200m) he can return to winning ways.
Chelmsford City Best Bets
Race 4: PATTIE (5)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Callum Shepherd
Channon names many of the progeny of his own stallion Sixties Icon after figures from that decade and the talented PATTIE is the equine version of Pattie Boyd, who was married to George Harrison and Eric Clapton and inspired the songs ‘Something’, ‘Wonderful Tonight’ and ‘Layla’. Stepping up from a Class 3 handicap to this conditions race is nothing new to the 5yo who looked in good order breezing up the woodchip at West Ilsley yesterday. In a race that should be dominated by her and Clon Coulis, she can come out on top.
Race 2: JACK THE TRUTH (8)
Trainer: George Scott
Jockey: Jessica Cooley
An old hand on the sprint track here, JACK THE TRUTH can gain a deserved first win of the year following some near misses. He did nothing wrong when third to Miracle Works last month when a popular order in the betting, and will probably be at least as effective stepping up to the 1200m distance this evening.
Thurles Best Bets
Race 4: MACHO MOVER (16)
Trainer: E Doyle
Jockey: J S McGarvey
Mick Channon sent out this grand type to win several times on the Flat last summer and always felt he would make up into a decent hurdler. Having obtained a handicap mark, he was the subject of an on-course gamble for new connections in a similar contest at Clonmel, but having been ridden patiently towards the rear had a bit too much to do. He put in some eye-catching late work to make the frame and should step up on that if ridden closer to the pace.
Race 5: FINAL LIST (2)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy
Three dominate the betting for this but as Debuchet was beaten a long way last time and Walk Away lacks experience FINAL LIST is the safest card to play. A winner once and placed in his other four starts this season, he met good company when third to the promising Insult at Punchestown last team, a repeat of which will make him the one to beat.
