Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from the Carlisle, Hungtingdon, and Lingfield.
CARLISLE
Race
3 No1 INSTANT REPLAY
Trainer:
Brian Ellison – Jockey: Henry Brooke
INSTANT
REPLAY towers above his foes on chase ratings and has the advantage of a
readying run when third in a novice hurdle at this course. Back handicap
hurdling for the first time in two years, the Sedgefield specialist can make
light of his welter burden on ground conditions that are ideal.
Race
4 No4 BLACK OP (Nap)
Trainer:
Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
At
nine BLACK OP is the oldest member of the party in this intermediate chase, but
with limited appearances in public and now coming back from a more than 300-day
break the gelding can put his best for forward. He chased home top class rivals
in Graded chases against Champ at Newbury and Slate House at Kempton and still
has the time to realise his potential. Cheltenham Festival scorer Imperial Aura
appeals as the main threat.
Race
6 No4 LATE ROMANTIC
Trainer:
Oliver Greenall – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Soft
ground holds no perils for LATE ROMANTIC who as a horse that goes well fresh
shouldn’t be inconvenienced in coming back from a protracted break. The
ten-year-old scored on his seasonal reappearance at Wetherby last season and
also when last seen at Kelso before lockdown.
HUNTINGDON
Race
4 No6 THE VOLLAN
Trainer:
Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Having
run well for a long way before getting tired at Bangor, THE VOLLAN should
appreciate competing in a smaller field back in a novice chase. He gets a handy
10lb from the penalised Senior Citizen and can seize advantage.
Race
5 No7 DALLAS COWBOY (Nap)
Trainer:
Paula Smith – Jockey: Emma Smith-Chaston
DALLAS
COWBOY has thrived since joining his trainer at the start of the 2019/2020
season, winning two handicap chases and being placed in two more. He’s a strong
travelling front runner that has set up a fine understanding with his rider.
This easy track should play to his strengths, given that his best efforts have
come at similarly untainted venues.
Race
7 No1 WEST TO CROSSGALES
Trainer:
Charles Pogson – Jockey: Cillin Leonard
The
summer jumps form of WEST TO CROSSGALES reads well in the context of this first
division of the handicap chase. He’s earned in all three starts and comes here
freshened-up after a two month break. He has to concede plenty of weight but
the 7lb claim of his capable pilot eases his burden to make him an attractive
betting proposition.
LINGFIELD
Race
5 No1 ALAPHILIPPE
Trainer:
Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Max Kendrick
Former
Irish point-to-pointer ALAPHILIPPE made a perfect start for new connections
when taking out a Ffos Las bumper. He’s adapted well to jumping hurdles at
home, while his trainer has his team in tip top form
Race
7 No3 KENNY GEORGE (Nap)
Trainer:
Sheena West – Jockey: Joshua Moore
KENNY
GEORGE belied his 50-1 odds when only just out of the money in an apprentice
handicap at Newbury, a run that is thought to have put the edge on him for this
return to hurdles. He’s done well for his trainer since being bought out of the
bargain basement and can continue the good form shown by runners from his yard
in recent weeks.
