Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips from Wednesday’s racing at Epsom, Fontwell, Perth and Taunton.
Epsom Best Bets
Race 1: MIDNIGHT MALIBU (3)
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Jockey: Rachel Richardson
With course form counting for so much, MIDNIGHT MALIBU looks sure to figure even though she carries a 5lb penalty for her recent Southwell win. She displayed good overall pace on that occasion and goes into battle with her tail up. Her trainer has a number of in-form smart sprint handicappers in his stable, some of whom have worked with the selection.
Race 4: MILDENBERGER (1)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: James Doyle
Returning from the best part of a year’s absence, MILDENBERGER could be a class act in this historic handicap. The top weight hasn’t been the easiest to train, but with only three outings under his belt has the scope for significant improvement. If he shows up in the same form that saw him chasing home Roaring Lion in the Dante 12 months ago he’ll be very hard to beat.
Fontwell Best Bet
Race 5: HERE’S HERBIE (3)
Trainer: Sue Gardner
Jockey: Lucy Gardner
Veteran HERE’S HERBIE is in the form of his life and should prove hard to beat as he jumps a peg up the distance ladder. There was absolutely no fluke about the way be made a hack out of Nelson’s Touch at Exeter, and with his ability to handle the drying ground assured, he can successfully shrug off a 7lb penalty.
Perth Best Bet
Race 3: EUR GONE WEST (4)
Trainer: David Pipe
Jockey: Tom Scudamore
A tendency to jump right shouldn’t mar the momentum of EUR GONE WEST on this right-handed course and the hooded 5yo has a great chance of completing a hat-trick. Three of his five rivals are in equally good form, meaning this won’t be easy, but the ease with which he delivered at Taunton last time makes him the one they all have to beat.
Taunton Best Bets
Race 2: LANDSMAN (1)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan
Jockey: TBA
Though no great shakes in an ultra-competitive handicap hurdle at Aintree, LANDSMAN is back in his comfort zone in a race where only Umndeni looks capable of giving him a race. The selection is a lightly-raced individual, has shown winning form at this level and has going, track and trip in his favour.
