Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Tuesday’s racing at Bath, Beverley, Nottingham and Southwell.
Bath Best Bets
Race 4: VALENTINO SUNRISE (6)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Silvestre de Sousa
Although his best form is when there’s a bit of cut in the ground, VALENTINO SUNRISE is the type of overdue sprinter that needs to be seriously considered in a race of this ilk. He was a tad unlucky not to finish a lot closer when hampered in the closing stages of his Windsor run three weeks ago and now gets the services of the champion jockey, receiving weight from each of his foes.
Race 7: THE GAME IS ON (6)
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott
Jockey: Luke Morris
With the Heath House horses starting to show signs of a renaissance this looks a good opportunity for the unexposed THE GAME IS ON to step up to the plate. The fact that he showed nothing in three outings as a juvenile is irrelevant with this trainer and after troubling the judge first time back at Southwell another jump forward is anticipated over this longer trip.
Beverley Best Bets
Race 3: OCTOBER STORM (2)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Graham Lee
Frustration is an experience OCTOBER STORM often brings to his followers but he’s far too talented a horse to ignore off his current mark and arguably Graham Lee gets on with him better than anyone. The 6yo tends to hit a flat spot in his races that compromised his comeback run at Doncaster since when he’s run better than his form figures of 655 indicate. Hopefully he will get a de ent pace to aim at and the stiff uphill finish will play to his strengths so that he can swoop to conquer.
Race 4: PICKETT’S CHARGE (3)
Trainer: Brian Ellison
Jockey: Cam Hardie
You have to go back a long way to find the last time PICKETT’S CHARGE delivered on turf but this was the time of year in 2018 that he started a purple patch on the all-weather. As he is now on the same mark its worth taking the chance that he can start a revival, as he’s too good a horse to remain in the wilderness much longer.
Nottingham Best Bets
Race 3: CHOOSEY (3)
Trainer: Mick Easterby
Jockey: Josh Quinn
The veteran Move In Time sets the standard in a weakly contested sprint but is there to be shot at trying to concede 11lbs to CHOOSEY whose apprentice pilot is good value for his 7lb claim. Interestingly the only time CHOOSEY has looked the part was over six furlongs here exactly 12 months ago when he absolutely bolted up. He’s subsequently changed stables and shown little, but I wouldn’t write him off.
Race 4: WELL FUNDED (5)
Trainer: James Bethell
Jockey: Jane Elliott
It takes a brace man to oppose Champagne Marengo in current form and the top weight will be hard to stop in his bid to complete a four-timer. However, WELL FUNDED has been progressive in her own way this year, opening her account with a fine staying performance at Doncaster. Should that progression continue she can give her rival plenty to think about.
Southwell Best Bet
Race 5: SLAINE (5)
Trainer: Neil King
Jockey: Bryon Frost
Having bumped into one at Uttoxeter last time, SLAINE might find this more her comfort zone and with Frost a good jockey booking the mare can regain the winning thread. The horse that beat her, Takingitallin, is highly regarded while the form of her previous win at Fontwell has been franked. It all points to a bold showing.
