Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Ludlow, Chepstow, and Sedgefield.
LUDLOW
Race 2 No1 WICKED WILLY
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jack Savage
WICKED WILLY completely lost his form last season but has staged a renaissance with frame finishes in back-to-back sellers at Leicester. As this is a non seller in name only, the ten-year-old can improve on his latest near miss to open his account for the season for a stable that’s picking up plenty of races at the smaller tracks.
Race 6 No2 QUINTA DO MAR
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Nico de Boinville
This stable is running into some form, with its horses enjoying the better ground, but QUINTA DO MAR needs to show he can handle it after scoring in testing conditions over course and distance earlier in the month. He put that race to bed stylishly enough, and on what is only a third start for the yard the former French-based gelding can show he also enjoys this quicker terrain by following-up.
Race 7 No5 COPAIN DE CLAISSE (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
The Nicholls yard has a strong team for hunter-chasers and looked unlucky not to bag the Cheltenham Hunter with Bob And Co last week. In the Andy Stewart colours COPAIN DE CLASSE can prove a valuable addition, and score in his debut in the discipline. Twice a winner over fences under Rules, the fact that he’s returning from two years off shouldn’t put you off making him the best bet on the card.
CHEPSTOW
Race 1 No11 FLANAGANS FIELD (Each Way)
Trainer: Bernard Llewellyn – Jockey: Lewis Stones
FLANAGANS FIELD has run some of his best races here and will be suited by the likely strong pace that’s forthcoming in this big field. The strong traveller has shown versatility on both sharp and galloping courses, and as a course winner will hopefully be able to pick off his foes in the long home straight.
Race 4 No8 GOODNIGHT CHARLIE
Trainer: Miss C Fryer – Jockey: Bridget Andrews
Veteran GOODNIGHT CHARLIE is suited by courses at which superior jumping is the name of the game. The grey mare had experienced a quiet spell before bouncing back to gallantly fail to make all at Warwick, only succumbing to Volcano as the pair drew clear. Not only does that good effort show the eleven-year-old is back close to her best, but she enjoys Chepstow, where she recorded her previous success exactly two years ago.
Race 7 No1 BECKY THE BOO (Nap)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Liam Harrison
BECKY THE BOO shaped well to trouble the judge in what was a baptism of fire at Newbury, before stepping up to overcome a muddling pace to open her account in a weaker race at Newcastle. She finished behind three previous winners on that debut, and with the help of the experience card can now prove too strong for newcomer Parisian Blue.
SEDGEFIELD
Race 4 No3 SIR SHOLOKHOV (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
From the rail KOMMANDER KIRKUP should be able to grab a nice sit behind the leader turning into the straight before making the best of his way home. He signaled when chasing home prolific scorer Owhatanight over course and distance last time that he’s ready to deliver.
