Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Carlisle, Ffos Las, and Leicester.
CARLISLE
Race 3 No7 LEGENDS RYDE
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
While unable to put a win on the board so far this season, LEGENDS RYDE has plenty going for her in this novices’ hurdle, not least her sex allowance which ensures she gets weight from all her foes. The five-year-old finished second at Bangor last time when the principals came clear, and should prove a tough act for recent scorers Gaston Phoebus and Ulverston to usurp.
Race 4 No1 CHILLI FILLI (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Richard Patrick
Stepping back a tad on the distance scale shouldn’t bother CHILLI FILLI, who looks an upwardly mobile mare who is going places. She was very impressive in landing a Listed race on comeback at Market Rasen and has a good chance of completing a hat-trick at the main expense of Happy Diva.
FFOS LAS
Race 1 No9 ROAD SENAM (Nap)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
Having moved to Dorset from the top jumps trainer in France, ROAD SENAM can make a winning debut for new connections. The four-year-old displayed a liking for cut in the ground when in the money on all starts overseas, and has given every indication from his work and schooling that he’s ready to deliver at the first time of asking.
Race 3 No2 IMPERIAL ACOLYTE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
It’s taken a while for IMPERIAL ACOLYTE to get his act together. Sloppy jumping cost him dear over fences, but he put in an improved effort to run Dash Of Blue to half a length back over hurdles, showing a glimmer of what he’s capable of. He’s 3lb higher in the weights for this similar contest but should be good enough.
Race 4 No1 EQUUS DANCER
Trainer: Peter Bowen – Jockey: Mr P Bryan
EQUUS DANCER is taking his racing well, and after back-to-back triumphs at Sedgefield can further consolidate by completing a fine hat-trick. He seems to have recaptured the promise shown a couple of seasons back, and once taking control in his latest race last week, quickly put the contest to bed. He is in a good place to defy a 7lb penalty.
LEICESTER
Race 2 No3 BLUE MONDAY
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Paddy Brennan
BLUE MONDAY can prove a well-named opponent of the book for a stable that is going through a purple patch. He started favourite on all four occasions he raced last season, converting at both Hereford and Wincanton. He fell when last seen at Perth in September but can put that uncharacteristic slip behind him.
Race 5 No4 GARDE LA VICTOIRE (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Richard Johnson
GARDE LA VICTOIRE was very fresh for his Hereford reappearance in a race run at a sedate pace. Having looked cooked rounding the bend into the straight, the eleven-year- old got his second wind and was finishing best of all in third place behind Town Parks. The selection looks like he’s still got plenty to offer, and can prove too classy for his foes in this veterans’ chase.
