Neil Morrice previews Tuesday’s racing from around the United Kingdom. UK meetings on 9 April will be held at Pontefract, Exeter and Southwell.
Pontefract Best Bets
Race 4: EDGEWOOD (9)
Trainer: James Bethell
Jockey: Luke Morris
This is a tightly knit handicap for three-year-olds but EDGEWOOD looks sure to give us a good run for our money with the benefit of a recent all weather run behind him. Having opened his account on the final day of the 2018 turf season he reappeared at Newcastle last month and showed he’d trained on by coming off worst in a three-way photo. From his outside draw today his pilot will hopefully get him tucked in and make his bid late in the game.
Race 7: ALFRED BOUCHER (2)
Trainer: Henry Candy
Jockey: Tom Queally
Although he hasn’t grown very much through the winter ALFRED BOUCHER looks to hold all the cards and should open his account. Tom Queally takes the reins on the grey and will be a part of the Candy operation after the sudden retirement of Fran Berry. The Nap ran well on all three racecourse appearances last season culminating in a paper-thin defeat by Mohaather over course and distance in October.
Exeter Best Bets
Race 2: LEGAL HISTORY (5)
Trainer: David Pipe
Jockey: Tom Scudamore
Rewarded for his consistency with a clear cut triumph at Ascot, LEGAL HISTORY looks in a good place to follow up under a 7lb penalty. He hardly came off the bridle in putting that handicap to bed and looks like a horse with plenty more to offer. Any odds against are worth taking.
Race 3: NESTERENKO (5)
Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Training issues have confined NESTERENKO to just four public outings in the last two seasons meaning the now ten-year-old has very few miles on the click. He signalled he’s retained much of his ability by running Clondaw Westie to half a length at Stratford and shouldn’t mind cutting back a fair way on the distance ladder in this two and a half miler.
Southwell Best Bet
Race 7: HENRIETTA BELL (5)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Mr Jamie Neild
Having skipped the Aintree Bumper HENRIETTA BELL faces a far less daunting task and can demonstrate how unlucky she was not to score at Newbury when beaten three lengths into third by Getariver last month. Given an ambitious ride from well off the pace, she was making stealthy headway when getting stopped in her tracks. She has a smart turn of foot and can outspeed her foes if enjoying racing room this time.
