Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Exeter and Southwell.
EXETER
Race 1 No4 CASCOVA
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Former smart bumper performer CASCOVA showed much improved form over jumps when chasing home Good Ball at Newbury in November. The six-year-old has been freshened up for what should be a profitable campaign in the second half of the season.
Race 3 No2 CHANTRY HOUSE (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Henderson is looking to aim CHANTRY HOUSE at a two and a half mile novice chase at the Festival, having Shishkin as a potent arrow for the shorter Arkle. The selection, third to his stablemate in last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, has not looked a total natural since being switched to fences but is a lot better than his defeat at Cheltenham before Christmas indicates.
Race 5 No9 SIR IVAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Lorcan Murtagh
After three very good runs in defeat this season, SIR IVAN is of considerable interest and can make his superb jumping count. He’s only slightly higher in the ratings than when starting out, and showed that three miles is within his stamina compass when third in a valuable veterans’ race at Sandown last time.
Race 6 No6 BRINKLEY
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
Any market move for Champagne Platinum might be worth heeding, but the least exposed in this cracking betting heat is BRINKLEY. The grey made it two from three for his trainer with a wide margin conversion at Wincanton last time, looking in first time cheek pieces an entirely different proposition to the horse that was pulled up on return here in December.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No2 DIAMOND DOUGAL (Nap)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
Although unable to build on a first success for his trainer at Wolverhampton in November, DIAMOND DOUGAL is worth chancing to raise his game. He wasn’t beaten far by Ornate over course and distance last time and if able to find his true ability would be in the thick of things at the finish.
Race 4 No2 MASTER BURBIDGE
Trainer: Neil Mulholland – Jockey: Liam Keniry
Strong travelling MASTER BURBIDGE could see this run to suit him. The veteran takes home a cheque more often than not, and can post a first all-weather success in two years before going back chasing.
