Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets from Sunday’s racing at Ludlow, Plumpton and Killarney.
Ludlow Best Bets
Race 3: HEYDOUR (4)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Having just a second outing over fences having been beaten inches at Huntingdon, HEYDOUR can keep up his trainer’s good recent record with his small team of jumpers. The gigantic gelding is a terrific jumper and connections are using this as a stepping stone to the valuable Summer Plate at Market Rasen.
Race 4: COURT ROYALE (5)
Trainer: Evan Williams
Jockey: Adam Wedge
A recent course and distance Win and the confidence boost that came with it can see COURT ROYALE carry on the good work in this admittedly competitive handicap hurdle. The selection should confirm his superiority over Peruvian Bleu which leaves hat-trick seeker So Lonely as the main threat.
Race 5: VALSEUR DU GRANVAL (5)
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Paddy Brennan
Top weight Hatcher sets a solid standard for the others to aim at but I just prefer VALSEUR DU GRANVAL in receipt of 16lb. His course and distance triumph last month might have been at the expense of just two rivals but such was the ease of the win that it should have given him a big confidence boost.
Plumpton Best Bets
Race 2: BOSTIN (6) (Each Way)
Trainer: Daniel O’Brien
Jockey: M Bastyan
The claims of BOSTIN are not obvious, but owing to the rareness of his racecourse appearances he’s become difficult for the assessor to weigh up. Importantly he is a winner over this course and distance and the fact that he’s now in the veteran stage is covered by the few miles he has on the clock. At a double-figure price, he is both Win and Place material.
Race 7: MOUNT WINDSOR (1)
Trainer: Chris Gordon
Jockey: Tom Cannon
Considering he took a keen grip MOUNT WINDSOR found plenty at the business end of his latest start at Fontwell, surging clear of College Oak. Well regarded by his trainer, the penalised 4yo should have too many guns in this similar event for Richidish.
Killarney Best Bets
Race 1: MORNING SKYE (1)
Trainer: Denis Hogan
Jockey: D G Hogan
Plenty of attention will be directed at hurdles newcomer Stronghold but as Flat form doesn’t always transfer itself to jumps MORNING SKYE looks the safer option. The selection was the only one to make a race of it with the useful Lethal Steps at Sligo which makes him the more streetwise of the two, whilst he will also represent better betting value.
Race 2: HAMMERSTEIN (1)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy
HAMMERSTEIN was found to have broken a blood vessel when pulled up on his jumps debut at Wexford but that happened quite late in the race, meaning he has an experience edge over Mambo Dancer. Furthermore, Gordon Elliott has afforded him plenty of time to get over that, and he can outclass his rivals.
