Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Monday’s racing coming your way from the UK.
MARKET RASEN
Race 2 No1 BREAK THE RULES (Nap)
Trainer: Martin Smith – Jockey: Nick Schofield
BREAK THE RULES came out of lockdown to put in a readying run on the Flat, before responding positively to the fitting of first time cheek pieces to land a novices’ hurdle at Southwell earlier in the month. The Aussie Rules filly has incurred a penalty for that but is firmly in the zone, and can follow-up at the main expense of former French trainer Coulances.
Race 3 No5 WISECRACKER
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Bryony Frost
WISECRACKER had several of these foes in his wake when returning to finish second to Peterborough at Stratford, a run that was his first since landing a handicap chase at Hereford last November. He gets on well with his jockey and represents a small yard that’s made a bright start to the new season.
Race 5 No4 THE VOLLAN
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Tom Buckley
THE VOLLAN delighted connections when chasing home Mister Universum on his seasonal return at Uttoxeter, a run that is thought to have put the edge on him. His best form last year happened in the summer and in spite of meeting a couple of in form and dangerous-looking rivals he may well be good enough to go one better.
REDCAR
Race 1 No1 WINTER POWER (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
Representing the connections of smart sprinter Art Power, WINTER POWER can provide a good omen for that Goodwood-bound stablemate by landing the opening nursery. The Bungle Inthejungle filly has proved expensive to follow, starting favourite at 13-8 and 4-6 for both he starts at Newcastle and Wolverhampton. However she is almost certainly better than she’s shown, and should appreciate moving onto grass and into the handicap sphere.
Race 5 No5 DREAMLOPER
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: William Buick
A daughter of Lope De Vega, DREAMLOPER could hold the cards in this second division of the novice stakes. She’s troubled the judge on both career starts so far, proving easy to back but finishing fourth at Newmarket and third at Doncaster. She’s on a different terrain to those Grade 1 courses here, and firmly within her comfort zone.
Race 8 No4 WAR DEFENDER
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
This trainer/jockey combo appear set for a rewarding afternoon, and WAR DEFENDER can prove another effective arrow from their quiver. He’s one of the least exposed in the field but has got better with each of his races, narrowly missing out at Newcastle last time. He could have too much for recent winners Swinley Forest and Silver Samurai.
WINDSOR
Race 1 No8 KNOCKABOUT QUEEN (Each Way)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Brett Doyle
Since landing a seller here on the night before Royal Ascot two years ago, KNOCKABOUT QUEEN has proved a good money spinner for her subsequent trainers. She scored at Brighton and Bath for Carroll last year, and looked on the cusp of a return to form when third to Devils Roc at the last-named track. That was her third run since the resumption of racing, and has made her cherry ripe.
Race 6 No9 OSKANA ASTANKOVA
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
The weekend rain will have assisted the claims of OSTANA ASTANKOVA who looks to have plenty going for her. The Cable Bay filly gamely delivered on her reappearance on Polytrack before taking home a cheque in a competitive handicap at Ripon. That was her first handicap run, and only a third start in her career, meaning that there should be space for a bit more progression.
Race 8 No3 ARCTIC VICTORY (Nap)
Trainer: George Boughey – Jockey: Ryan Moore
ARCTIC VICTORY looked the part when scoring on her debut at this course last month and has a great chance of making it 2 from 2. The step up to a mile and a half should suit the daughter of Ivawood, who has the in-form Moore doing the steering.
