Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Chelmsford, Southwell, Huntington, Sedgefield and Maydan.
Chelmsford Best Bet
Race 4: ORIGINAL CHOICE (1)
Trainer: Nick Littmoden
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
The blinkered ORIGINAL CHOICE ran well in a Class 3 at Lingfield last time, staying on to chase home the impressive Mildenberger. With nothing of that ilk in opposition, the 6yo can regain the winning thread.
Race 7: ACCOMPLICE (4) (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Blanchard
Jockey: David Probert
A more than 150 day absence may not stop ACCOMPLICE get into the argument in this finale. The 6yo doesn’t often enjoy the rub of the green but has some good form to her name and, importantly, is taking a class drop.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 2: OLD HARBOUR (5)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: Joe Fanning
Too green to do himself justice on debut here last week, OLD HARBOUR can endorse the promise of that third placing behind Sansevero. After trying to lead throughout he kept on gamely to finish three lengths off the winner in third and will have learned plenty from that.
Huntingdon Best Bets
Race 3: THE PREMIER CELTIC (7)
Trainer: Pat Phelan
Jockey: Sean Houlihan
There’s a race is this ilk to be won with THE PREMIER CELTIC who in two of his last three starts has looked like winning. He was heavily backed to land an old fashioned touch over the Christmas period only to be reeled in late, and last month only weakened towards the end of a slightly longer race than this at Fontwell. Cutting back in trip here, this strong traveller can oblige.
Race 6: BARDD (9) (Each Way)
Trainer: Mrs D O’Neill
Jockey: Page Fuller
BARDD made a bold attempt to lead throughout only to be mugged in the final two strides in a similar race at Warwick. He’s always had plenty of ability and is now in the right spot to compensate his connections for that unfortunate near miss.
Sedgefield Best Bets
Race 3: PC DIXON (5)
Trainer: Victor Thompson
Jockey: Conor O’Farrell
Despite his uninspiring form figures there’s a race to be won with PC DIXON and connections may have found the one. He’s a habitual visitor to this course and has on occasions flattered only to deceive. However, there will be a chunk of value in him against a couple of bang in form course winners. Worth a small bet to provide a shock.
Race 6: JIMMYJAMES (7)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan
Jockey: Alan Johns
The lightly raced JIMMYJAMES didn’t get very far at Ffos Las last month but has the profile to go well in this handicap chase as he’s normally a reliable jumper. He can race off a workable mark in a race that doesn’t have much depth and should go well.
Meydan Best Bets
Race 1: DESERT ENCOUNTER (5)
Trainer: David Simcock
Jockey: Jim Crowley
The Group 3 Dubai Millenium Stakes remembers Godolphin’s greatest horse and its star player here is Ghaiyyath. The 5yo won a German Group 1 by 14 lengths last summer and will start long odds on, but he might find DESERT ENCOUNTER a dangerous foe. The selection proved a revelation last year when winning his last four starts including the Grade 1 Canadian International and his shrewd trainer predicted he would do well at the Carnival.
Race 3: DUBAI LOVE (5)
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor
Jockey: Pat Cosgrave
This Group 3 UAE Oaks looks booked for DUBAI LOVE who landed the UAE 1,000 Guineas in the smoothest fashion. She has every right to confirm her superiority over Down On Da Bayou and can also see off the dangerous-looking Japanese raider Serein to keep the Classic at home.
Race 4: ZAKOUSKI (1)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: James Doyle
In a race the ‘Boys In Blue’ threaten to dominate, ZAKOUSKI can beat stablemate Mythical Magic and Dream Castle. The Group 2 feature is sure to provide a pointer to World Cup night and Zakouski, who went off the radar after flopping in the Craven Stakes last spring, can continue making up for lost time. He was hugely impressive in winning handicap last month and is more than capable of stepping up to this level.
