Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from the Pontefract, Wolverhampton and Statford.
PONTEFRACT
Race 6 No5 HYDROS (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore
HYDROS comes here with a budding home reputation, having been given a more than 100-day break since chasing home Magical Morning on his debut at Doncaster. The son of Frankel works like a Group-class horse and is going to know a lot more, whilst he has a good draw and can showcase his prowess on the way to better things.
Race 8 No4 WIGHTMAN
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
WIGHTMAN and Bass proved a winning combination at Salisbury last month, turning that apprentice handicap into a procession. He returned to the course just a week later in order to run off his old mark, but the earlier exertions had taken their toll. And while he failed to cut the mustard at Chester just a day after, he’s benefitted from a short break and can now bounce back.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 5 No1 BAYSTON HILL
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: David Probert
Following back-to-back successes in Chelmsford handicaps BAYSTON HILL returns to the course at which he broke his maiden back in 2016. The Usher stable stalwart is taking his racing well, and from his new mark can keep up the good work and complete a hat-trick.
Race 9 No4 SHOW ME A SUNSET (Nap)
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Barry McHugh
Having failed to justify market support on debut for a different trainer last year, SHOW ME A SUNSET went down in a photo on reappearance when Fanshawe equipped him with a hood. That defeat by Recall the Show at Kempton demonstrates the gelding’s liking for the all-weather, and with the headgear retained he can open his account.
STRATFORD
Race 3 No10 THE MICK PRESTON
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: San Twiston-Davies
In spite of a persistent whisper for newcomer Camprond, the vote goes to one race unbeaten THE MICK PRESTON who returns from a nine month absence. He landed some good bets in a Hereford bumper before Christmas and is reported to have schooled and worked well ahead of this debut over hurdles.
Race 4 No7 MEDALLA DE ORO (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Jamie Nield
This second division of the novices’ hurdle looks the stronger, with preference given to MEDALLA DE ORO. Since undergoing wind surgery the selection has won a conditional jockeys’ maiden hurdle and finished second in two novices. Now back from a break, he has the best form on offer and is overdue a change of luck.
