Neil Morrice: UK Best Bets – Wednesday 31 March 2021

Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Ludlow, Southwell, Hexham, Kempton Park and Dundalk.

LUDLOW

Race 4 No1 BALLYMOY (Nap)

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy

BALLYMOY has his tail up after a wide margin success at Catterick and now goes back into a handicap with most of the boxes ticked. The multiple hurdles scorer can outclass his foes to underline the well being of his trainer’s team.

Race 5 No3 BARNADOS BLUE

Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville

Getaway mare BARBADOS BLUE has room for improvement after just three starts this season and should enjoy the better ground. She ran Burren Walk to half a length at Doncaster when last seen at the start of the month and is strongly fancied to go one better.

Race 7 No1 CHEF D’EQUIPE

Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: David Maxwell

Heralding the return of amateur riders’, popular Corinthian David Maxwell can take this hunter-chase on CHEF D’EQUIPE. It’s more than a year since he was last seen scoring at Wincanton, but is more than ready for a race in which trip and ground are perfect for him.

SOUTHWELL

Race 3 No5 NOTHIN TO ASK (Nap)

Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Liam Harrison

The previous experience of NOTHIN TO ASK can tip the scales in his favour over unraced Hob House in this bumper. The former Irish pointer finished second in back-to-back bumpers at Wincanton and Catterick and has a cutting edge on him for a stable amongst the winners.

Race 5 No2 LUCKOFTHEDRAW (Each Way)

Trainer: Nigel Twiston- Davies – Jockey: Archie Bellamy

LUCKOFTHEDRAW proved an underwhelming favourite at Taunton last time but can bounce back. He’s carded to start a double-figure price in this numerically more competitive race, and can put in an earning run for his in-form stable.

HEXHAM

Race 8 No2 DYNAMITE KENTUCKY (Nap)

Trainer: Dr Richard Newland – Jockey: Cillin Leonard

DYNAMITE KENTUCKY can prove a bet worth waiting for on a trapped card. His second to Arthur’s Seat at Kelso reads particularly well on debut for the Newland stable.

KEMPTON PARK

Race 4 No2 MAHALE

Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: David Probert

MAHALE wasn’t beaten far when returned to a handicap here earlier in the month after three solid runs in defeat in maidens. She now finds herself in a weak-looking race and is drawn to obtain a good early stalking position on this step up the distance ladder.

Race 7 No3 SHOULDERING (Nap)

Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Jamie Spencer

SHOULDERING created a good impression when breaking her maiden on second career start at Sandown last summer. The daughter of Epaulette has trained well on an artificial surface at home ahead of this return to the fray.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 3-9)

10, 1, 3 x 2, 1 x 8, 3 x 5, 8, 4 x 3 x 1, 3 x 2, 5

R144

DUNDALK

Race 1 No2 NIGG BAY (Each Way)

Trainer: Johnny Levins -Jockey: Donagh O’Connor

After an underwhelming second run back, NIGG BAY could be largely overlooked in the opener, which in itself might prove a mistake. His movements have been confined to the Polytrack for the last eighteen months during which time he’s earned on seven of 12 starts. The Exceed and Excel gelding can now reward each way support.

Race 4 No9 GOLDEN LYRIC

Trainer: Ger Lyons – Jockey: Gary Carroll

As a well related daughter of Lope De Vega who has solid form for her comeback, GOLDEN LYRIC can open her account. Her splendid effort to run Messidor to two and a quarter lengths gives her every chance, even though her conqueror didn’t live up to expectations here the other day.

Race 5 No10 AROHA

Trainer: Paddy Twomey – Jockey: Billy Lee

On debut for this stable, AROHA has to be of serious interest breaking from the favoured rail.The Kodiac filly proved a perennial bridesmaid when trained in England last year. She was unlucky not to put her head in front, and is ready for this return to the fray.

Race 6 No MAOILIN (Nap)

Trainer: Paddy Twomey – Jockey: Billy Lee

A recent addition to the powerful Team Valor ownership, MAOILIN shaped with considerable promise to chase home Allagar on debut over course and distance in the autumn. The daughter of Gemologist has a cracking chance of going one better if she can overcome a far from ideal outside draw.