Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing taking place at Fontwell, Wolverhampton, and Naas.
Fontwell Best Bets
Race 1: ECHO WATT (3)
Trainer: Richard Hobson
Jockey: William Kennedy
The hooded ECHO WATT has looked a different horse in his two outings over fences this season and will be a warm order for this opener. He totally dominated a similar contest at Uttoxeter to come home unchallenged and can win again 9n the way to better things.
Race 5: KILCONNY BRIDGE (2)
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
Jockey: B Godfrey
Connections of KILCONNY BRIDGE look like going back to the well with the in form mare just 48 hours after her smooth Exeter success and that bold policy can be rewarded. Under a 7lb penalty the mare should enjoy a step up in trip, and with no obvious front runners in the field could get onto an easy lead.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 2: GETARIVER (7)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
GETARIVER holds the cards in this jumper/bumper as she has two bumper wins and a novice hurdle on her CV and can be forgiven getting turned over at Southwell where she didn’t handle the heavy ground. She can dominate this field and will be hard to peg back.
Race 7: THE DANCING POET (11)
Trainer: Brian Ellison
Jockey: Brian Hughes
As a 4yo THE DANCING POET is favoured by race conditions. He faces a strong opponent in Red Force One but impressed when scoring over hurdles at Catterick, displaying a smart turn of foot that can also manifest itself here.
Naas Best Bets
Race 5: VILLAGE MYSTIC (11)
Trainer: Noel Meade
Jockey: D Meyler
VILLAGE MYSTIC looks the most progressive in this maiden hurdle and arguably would have gone close but for falling three out here a fortnight ago. His previous good run at Navan was over two and a half miles so there needs to be a good gallop if he’s to prevail, but the stats suggest he’s the one to beat.
Race 7: FAROUK D’ALENE (1)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Mr Jamie Codd
FAROUK D’ALENE landed his only point by a wide margin (18 lengths) and it was only by a length less that he landed the odds in his bumper at Down Royal. He is clearly an exciting prospect and he should remain unbeaten.
