Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets from Monday’s racing at Beverley, Windsor, Bath, Warwick and Kempton.
Beverley Best Bet
Race 2: LITTLETON HALL (1)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Steering problems in the final three furlongs of last week’s race at Chelmsford meant LITTLETON HALL’s ultimate nine lengths-plus defeat by Lambeth Walk should not be taken at face value. At a track where his trainer has already struck with a two-year-old this season, the colt can bounce back and make his greater experience pay dividends.
Race 4: MUATADEL (2)
Trainer: Roger Fell
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Something of a captain of industry in the first months of 2019, MUATADEL has successfully mixed it between all weather and turf and can play the consistency card against largely out of form foes. He’s competing over his optimum distance and this good ground is what he wants.
Windsor Best Bets
Race 3: HUMMDINGER (7)
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
HUMMDINGER steps one rung up the class ladder following a defeat when favourite at Nottingham. However, that was his first outing of the season and also a career best. His conqueror Ignatius is no pushover and there might not be another of his ilk in this field.
Race 5: GREENSIDE (3)
Trainer: Henry Candy
Jockey: Harry Bentley
The subject of a sizeable on course gamble in the Newbury Spring Cup, GREENSIDE looked a tad unlucky not to nearly win that ultra-competitive handicap after meeting traffic problems at a vital stage. To finish within four and a half lengths of the winner Chatez was a heroic effort, and the eight-year-old can show that the losses are merely lent in this very much smaller field.
Bath Best Bets
Race 6: CORONATION COTTAGE (1)
Trainer: Malcolm Saunders
Jockey: Pat Cosgrave
Having posted a 20-1 shock when scoring at Windsor last week, CORONATION COTTAGE can show that was no fluke despite carrying a 5lb penalty and having to contend with the worst of the draw. The faster underfoot conditions shouldn’t be a problem, while that comeback effort suggests the horse has improved.
Race 7: COBWEB CATCHER (4)
Trainer: Rod Millman
Jockey: Rob Hornby
On both his races at Windsor and Nottingham COBWEB CATCHER has flattered to deceive, travelling well only to find less than expected at the business end. However, it might be hasty to write him off as this strong traveller could get the fast pace he requires to challenge late.
Warwick Best Bets
Race 2: COLDITZ CASTLE (2)
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Wayne Hutchinson
While it’s taking COLDITZ CASTLE a while to put his head in front he’s been taking on better rivals than the others. If any of his recent victors Trevelyn’s Corn, Acey Milan or Winston C were in this they would most likely start favourite. A strong traveller, he looks to be getting better and with trip, track and going all perfect he can finally deliver.
Race 6: MAURICIO (3)
Trainer: Dr Richard Newland
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
A young and improving type that will strip fit for this first run since last autumn, MAURICIO looks one to follow and can prove the point by taking this handicap in which top weight Gwalia looks the main stumbling block. But the latter has to give the selection 7lb and he’s also returning from a break.
Kempton Best Bet
Race 1: LANTIERN (2)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Having shown huge potential in bumpers, LANTIERN has schooled over hurdles like a natural and looks the best bet on an otherwise disappointing card due to fewer runners because of the quick ground. The Lingfield all-weather winner is popping his corks in anticipation for this and can surprise the likes of Tiffin Top.
