Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Ludlow, Kempton Park And Southwell.
DONCASTER
Race 4 No4 FAGANTrainer: Alex Hales – Jockey: Harry Bannister
FAGAN came out of the wilderness to take advantage of a dropping handicap mark at Newbury, and as that was a first success for his trainer on only a second outing over fences there should be more to come, especially as he will get better ground on the Town Moor today.
Race 5 No5 SUPAKALANISTIC
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
As a winner of four of his last seven starts in hurdles, jumper-bumpers and on the Flat, the versatile SUPAKALANISTIC should prove hard to beat on a first jumps start since November. Several in the field also take good recent form to post, but he can put his best foot forward for a stable doing well in the approach to Cheltenham.
Race 6 No1 CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK (Nap)Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Liam Harrison
It was probably a decent hunter-chase that CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK contested when third to Sametegal at Wincanton at the start of the month. He travelled smoothly enough until the smart winner turned the screw early in the home straight, but will be fitter for that first outing in a year for a new stable.
Race 7 No2 SKYTASTICTrainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
This yard is finding its feet with a steady stream of winners, and the success of one of its bumper horses in a strong race at Newbury on Sunday augers well for SKYTASTIC taking the spoils in this. The selection also delivered at Newbury to outpointing Orbys Legend on debut, and with normal progression should defy his penalty on the way to better things.
LUDLOW
Race 5 No7 SUBCONTINENT
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: Rex Dingle
SUBCONTINENT has been a difficult horse to weigh up but a return to this course can help him regain the winning thread. His last career success happened here, and though it was two Christmases ago he’s been competitive in each of his four outings over fences this season, picking up a cheque on three occasions. He will represent a bit of value against Volcano and Ballycross.
Race 6 No4 ONCHAN (Nap)Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
In colours seen less frequently on the National Hunt circuit these days, ONCHAN has a great chance to open his account in a race that shouldn’t take too much winning. His second to Theme Tune here last month was given a boost when the winner went in again at Carlisle on Monday, while he has scope for plenty of improvement.
Race 7 No6 EDDIEMAURICE (Each Way)Trainer: John Flint – Jockey: Robbie Dunne
EDDIEMAURICE ran well on his latest visit to this country track a year ago and has earned in most of his subsequent races both over hurdles and fences. He’s taken on smart foes like Buzz and Cadzand of late, and should now find himself in calmer waters. He is always ridden cold, and only gets competitive at the business end.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 5 No5 TOP FOX (Nap)Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Courtesy of three earning runs from as many starts, TOP FOX sets the standard for the others to aim at in what looks a weak maiden. The gelded son of Frankel should open his account unless Gooner Boy is on his game on debut for top connections.
Race 8 No4 DARK PHOENIX (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Mohammed Tabti
This trainer-jockey combo struck with a big priced winner at Lingfield last week and can again take away a portion of the prize with DARK PHOENIX, who since winning here a year ago picked up all-weather prizes at Wolverhampton and Lingfield and is fresh and well for this first outing since the autumn.
Place Accumulator Perm: Races 2-8
7, 10, 2 x 2, 1 x 7, 10, 9 x 5 x 4, 1 x 5, 11, 1 x 4, 1
R216
SOUTHWELL
Race 5 No3 NIVEN (Nap)Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Kevin Stott
On a mainly tricky card NIVEN stands out as the only bet on today’s Fibresand card. The eight-year-old is better known as a chaser, but travelled well into the race when third on his debut here earlier in the m9nth, suggesting he is now after three jumper-bumper outings, ready to deliver.
