Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Doncaster, Kelso and Southwell.
Newbury Best Bets
Race 2: GOWEL ROAD (9) (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Re-routed here from the abandoned card at Chepstow, GOWEL ROAD is in hotter company but will start a bigger price as he attempts to endorse the promise of his eye taking first effort at Ffos Las. He gave the useful Bear Ghyllis something to think about in Wales and will be more streetwise this time.
Race 4: KATESON (2)
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
A winner of a novice hurdle at this course, KATESON displayed gritty determination to see off Eternally Yours at Aintree and makes plenty of appeal competing off her revised mark. She will enjoy the ground and stays this two and a half miles well.
Race 5: REDFORD ROAD (6) (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
It’s only a year ago that REDFORD ROAD was proving himself a decent novice over hurdles, and although his three runs over fences have proved underwhelming he’s too good to be safely ignored in the Mandarin Handicap Chase. He acquitted himself well behind Not That Fuisse in a novice chase at Perth but has been beaten a long way since in a handicap chase here and a Class 2 novice at Haydock. At likely double-figure odds he should be backed to put in an earning run.
Race 6 MANSIONBET CHALLOW NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 1)
STAR GATE (4)
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Adam Wedge
This stable has been in very good form during the first half of the campaign, and while it was disappointing that their Welsh Grand National challenge had to be put on hold, a success for STAR GATE can put things right. The selection attempts to complete a hat-trick under Rules and remain unbeaten after a crushing win at Sandown last time. The former Irish point winner hasn’t really been tested up to press, and though raised to the top level should prove hard to beat.
Doncaster Best Bets
Race 3: MAJOR DUNDEE (8)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
In famous colours not see as often on our shores, MAJOR DUNDEE is one to take seriously for a yard captured the big chase at Wetherby on Boxing Day. The Scorpion gelding put in a career best over jumps when chasing home the smart Bothwell Bridge at Warwick, an effort that if bettered can see him deny the dangerous Sometimes Always.
Race 4: CHILLI FILLI (2)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
CHILLI FILLI has run well in each of her races over fences and is closely matched with Casablanca Mix in this Listed mares’ chase. Having beaten that rival on seasonal return at Market Rasen, she gave My Old Gold a good race at Carlisle and chalked her highest figure in so doing. It’s hard to strike your pen through any of the names on the card here, but at the revised weights she can turn the tables on her borders conqueror.
Race 6: PROGRESSION (8) (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Nathaniel filly PROGRESSION showed ability in all four outings on the Flat for a big Newmarket stable, notching one win on the all-weather at Newcastle. She’s out of a Lomitas mare which suggests soft ground will not be a problem, and has worked and schooled well at Seven Barrows ahead of this debut over hurdles.
Kelso Best Bets
Race 2: C’EST LE BONHEUR (1)(Nap)
Trainer: Dr Richard Newland – Jockey: Lee Edwards
Under a penalty for his resounding Sedgefield success, the hooded C’EST LE BONHEUR is taken to follow-up,in an admittedly hotter race. He’s looked a more settled individual since being equipped with the headgear and should show a liking for this undulating course which is not unlike Sedgefield.
Race 5: FETE CHAMPETRE (6)
Trainer: Rose Dobbin – Jockey: Craig Nichol
Winner of a bumper on Rules debut here in November, FETE CHAMPETRE has shown an aptitude for jumping hurdles in his schooling at home. Hailing from a stable that houses some promising novices, he can remain unbeaten at the main expense of Elysian Flame.
Race 7: CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL (10) (Each Way)
Trainer: Sandy Forster – Jockey: J Walton
Although his three offerings so far this season have yielded little, CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL can close the big gap that separated him from The Delray Munky here earlier in the month. The selection has taken a drop in the ratings and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise to see him bounce back, with an earning run at a working man’s price.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 3: ESTICKY END (6) (Nap)
Trainer: David Barron – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
This back end nursery can see ESTICKY END follow-up his cosy success in a similar race at Newcastle. That represented a big step up on previous efforts on handicap debut and the Estidhkaar gelding should have plenty more to offer from his revised mark.
