Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Plumpton, Musselburgh, Chelmsford City and Wolverhampton.
PLUMPTON
Race 2: No2 – THEBANNERKINGREBEL
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
THEBANNERKINGREBEL to make all in the intriguing three-cornered novice chase is easy to conjure up in the imagination as long as the free-going gelding shines at his fences on chase debut. His trainer wasted no time in switching him to the larger obstacles after his midfield run in the Welsh Champion Hurdle, and if getting onto an easy lead the seven-year-old may prove hard to peg back.
Race 3: No2 – MIDNIGHTREFLECTION
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Bryan Carver
MIGNIGHTREFLECTION caught a tartar in Robin Gold at Ascot but still stayed on to get to within a flattering half length of that rival. It was a solid enough effort and sets the standard for the others to aim at in this mares’ handicap hurdle.
Race 4: No8 – SMURPHY ENKI (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Tom Cannon
The best bet on the card is SMURPHY ENKI who had smart bumper form last season and has made a smooth switch to hurdles with a narrow defeat by Seelotmorebusiness at Chepstow. That makes him stand out as the one to beat.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 3: No1 – GALILEO SILVER (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
This small stable is cutting the mustard with a high strike-rate and GALILEO SILVER looks another winner waiting to happen in spite of carrying a welter burden on debut over fences in the novices’ handicap chase. He’s enjoyed a bountiful summer and autumn campaign since joining the stable with a win and three seconds, and is ready to return to the number one spot.
Race 5: No3 – TAXMEIFYOUCAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish – Jockey: Craig Nichol
The handicapper might have afforded TAXMEIFYOUCAN sufficient leeway to gain a first success in almost a year in a race that should be run to suit. The strong traveller gets cheek pieces replacing a visor and can post a first success at this course on only a second visit.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 1: No9 – WATER IRIS (Nap)
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: James Doyle
The beautifully-bred WATER IRIS went off 40-1 on debut at Newcastle, only to give the useful Holy Endeavour plenty to think about. The daughter of Sea The Stars has the perfect draw to enjoy a clean trip and go one better, at the main expense of Miss Finland.
Race 8: No3 – ALDRICH BAY
Trainer: William Knight – Jockey: Pierre-Louis Jamin
ALDRICH BAY is the least exposed contender for the nightcap, and can prove worth waiting for. The Xtension gelding put in a career best when returning from a three-month absence at Kempton to finish third to Helix and can go one better.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 5: No3 – RHUBARB BIKINI (Nap)
Trainer: Archie Watson – Jockey: Adam McNamara
With few miles on his racing clock, RHUBARB BIKINI can make this a third triumph from just five career starts. His success over a similar distance at this venue last month was gained with a degree of authority to suggest there’s more in his locker.
