Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Fakenham, Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton.
Fakenham Best Bets
Race 1 No5 JOHN BETJEMAN
Trainer: Mark Gillard – Jockey: Theo Gillard
A plunge on JOHN BETJEMAN that fell on stoney ground at Wincanton is set to be recouped with interest by the gelding in this maiden hurdle. His narrow defeat there when an 11-10 shot marked a big jump up from his only previous outing over jumps and gives him the form that the others have to aim at.
Race 7 No6 THE WREKIN
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Richard Johnson
THE WREKIN has a record that reads one from one in points in Ireland and as a son of Shirocco representing a yard that does well with his ilk, could be worth chancing against several others with placed form under Rules to their names. Hardie Fashion might prove the best of them following two earning efforts from as many starts in the bumper division.
Lingfield Park Best Bets
Race 4 No7 GOLD STANDARD
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: David Probert
GOLD STANDARD was pipped in a desperate finish here after scoring by a similarly narrow margin on his previous visit, the only occasions he’s had Probert in the irons. That in-form jockey is back in the plate, making the combination an alluring team to follow for more.
Race 5 No7 SECRET SHADOW
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
In a race involving three Newmarket raiders will definite claims, the value play is to look to the filly SECRET SHADOW to usurp her male rivals. The daughter of Camelot was no match for the impressive Mystical Air on debut here, but was weak in the market and will have learned plenty for this step up to a mile and a quarter.
Race 7 No2 CAFE SYDNEY
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: David Probert
CAFE SYDNEY can successfully defend an unbeaten record at this course and make it three wins from as many visits. The mare steps back in distance after opening her account for the season with a bit up her sleeve. She’s well drawn to obtain a good stalking position, and her stable is firing out winners.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 4 No5 HERMOCRATES
Trainer: John Mackie – Jockey: PJ McDonald
Perennial bridesmaid HERMOCRATES looks the way to go in this long distance handicap and would be a most deserving winner. He’s twice followed the shadow of his nemesis Notation at Southwell, but now tries the Dunstall Park Tapeta on which he’s a dual scorer.
Race 5 No7 TERMONATOR
Trainer: Grant Tuer – Jockey: S James
Getting weight from all his rivals, TERMONATOR can prevent the buoyant Richard R H B from completing a hat-trick. He came back from a short break to score in gutsy fashion at Newcastle and with few miles on the clock has scope for further progression.
