Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing at Leicester, Pontefract, Windsor and Stratford.
Leicester Best Bets
Race 5: VASILIEV (12)
Trainer: Clive Cox
Jockey: Adam Kirby
Given plenty of time since his encouraging comeback run at Nottingham, VASILIEV can live up to the promise he shows at home. He found himself further back than ideal in the early stages of that contest and put in his best work at the finish. He’s a beautifully-bred individual and has improved sufficiently to open his account.
Race 7: IFTON (4)
Trainer: Ruth Carr
Jockey: Jim Crowley
Picked up relatively cheaply at the Newmarket Sales, IFTON is as dark as they come and several things make me think this is his D-Day. First, he looked to be given the perfect readying run when fourth on his first run for new connections at Carlisle, second, he’s been dropped a pound and will come on for it, and third, his trainer has booked a top jockey who rarely rides for the stable.
Pontefract Best Bets
Race 3: KINKS (1)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Silvestre de Sousa
Far too good a horse not to have won for over a year, KINKS is a winner waiting to happen when getting the rub of the green. He would have gone close in a better race than this at Newmarket last time but for having to be switched, while his draw four off the favoured inside rail is perfect for getting an early position. The booking of champion jockey de Sousa can also be looked upon as significant.
Race 5: UNCLE CHARLIE (6)
Trainer: Ann Duffield
Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Stiff finishes like the Pontefract hill are meat and drink to UNCLE CHARLIE who has improved nicely from race to race this season and should now be cherry ripe. The only problem is his wide draw, but if able to get a decent break from the stalls he can overcome it.
Windsor Best Bets
Race 3: GREAT MIDGE (2)
Trainer: Henry Candy
Jockey: David Probert
Moving back into novice company from handicaps, GREAT MIDGE can endorse the promise of his fine effort at Chepstow. The race was lost for him when he went right leaving the stalls, forfeiting more ground than he was eventually beaten by. He’s the type of powerful individual that his trainer excels with and although forced to play the bridegroom’s role on three of his four career starts he’s strongly fancied to break his duck this time.
Race 7: VENUSTA (2)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: David Egan
VENUSTA obtained a handicap mark when staying on into third on the Kempton Polytrack last month since when she’s given off some pleasing signals at home. Back on grass here, she gets top assistance from last season’s champion apprentice. The combination look sure to figure prominently and can win.
Stratford Best Bet
Race 5: JANE LAMB (5)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
With few miles on the clock there can be more improvement to come from JANE LAMB who although trumped as an odds-on favourite at Ludlow is probably better than she showed. This shorter trip could also play to her strengths.
