Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from the AINTREE, HEXHAM and WINCANTON.
AINTREE
Race 2 No7 BALLYDINE
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Brian Hughes
The presence of the champion jockey aboard BALLYDINE could prove significant in this veterans’ handicap chase. The selection has never been able to string together a sequence of appearances owing to training issues, and only ran once last season. He fell in that Becher Chase won by Walk In The Mill but should be given another chance to show his undoubted ability, as he’s run well when fresh in the past.
Race 3 No3 ITCHY FEET
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Aidan Coleman
ITCHY FEET looked very good in his first two chases last season before unseating his pilot in the two and a half mile novice chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Coleman replaces the injured Gavin Sheehan on the gelding, and the pair schooled in harmony last week. The selection could have most to fear in this featured Old Road Limited handicap Chase from Midnight Shadow, but has the measure of that rival on the book.
Race 4 No7 JAMMY GEORGE (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
In the same colours as Itchy Feet, JAMMY GEORGE can take this novices’ limited handicap chase for his in form stable. The gelding returns from a lengthy absence, following an operation to cure a kissing spine. The surgery has been successful judging from his excellent schooling, and he looks well treated after being unlucky not to win last season.
HEXHAM
Race 7 No6 TAXMEIFYOUCAN
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish – Jockey: Billy Garrity
Following a readying run when placed over hurdles at Perth, TAXMEIFYOUCAN should be fully fit and primed to now put his best foot forward on this switch to fences. A winner over hurdles here, he’s a strong traveller who possesses a useful turn of foot and can put it to good use at the business end of this two and a half miler.
Race 8 No4 ORIONNVERNESS
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Stephen Mulqueen
ORIONINVERNESS looked to be compromised by a penalty when second here earlier in the month but can bounce back to show how much the fitting of a visor had benefited him. He faces mainly out of form rivals and again teams up with a jockey that’s ridden him in each of his last 23 starts.
WINCANTON
Race 4 No1 STEP BACK
Trainer: Mark Bradstock – Jockey: Jack Tudor
With Manofthemountain almost certain to scratch after his run at Cheltenham yesterday, STEP FORWARD can spring a minor surprise on a first start since August. The former Bet365 Gold Cup winner hasn’t had much to shout about subsequently, but is in good order for this Desert Orchid Silver Cup Handicap Chase.
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