Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing taking place Fontwell Park and Sedgefield.
Fontwell Park Best Bets
Race 1: THE PREMIER CELTIC (6)
Trainer: Pat Phelan
Jockey: Sean Houlihan
The subject of an old fashioned gamble that almost came off over Christmas, THE PREMIER CELTIC was unable to build on that at Plumpton in the New Year but can find some form in this first division of the handicap hurdle. If there’s money for him my confidence will increase.
Race 3: BEAUFORT WEST (1)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jnr
Having taken full advantage of a drop in class to score at Chepstow, BEAUFORT WEST can build on that in a race that will also not take much winning. He came home unchallenged and a 7lb penalty for his efforts shouldn’t hinder his progress.
Race 5: ITSONLYROCKNROLL (5)
Trainer: Chris Gordon
Jockey: Tom Cannon
ITSONLYROCKNROLL ended last season with a near miss and duly maintained his progression with a clear cut comeback triumph at Wincanton. He’s getting bags of weight from his foes and if there’s going to be an upset he can provide it.
Race 6: SOARLIKEANEAGLE (8) (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Rowe
Jockey: James Davies
In a wide-open handicap chase SOARLIKEANEAGLE looks overpriced. True, he’s not shown much in his three races so far but with few miles on the clock has room for improvement.
Sedgefield Best Bets
Race 1: CRACKDELOUST (4)
Trainer: Brian Ellison
Jockey: Henry Brooke
Course and distance winner CRACKDELOUST hinted of a return to former glories when chasing home Gennady at Newcastle at the beginning of the month. On what was his third outing of the year he didn’t attract a single rand in the market but as that he put him cherry ripe the same might not be the case today.
Race 2: MANOFTHEMOMENT (2)
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Now that he’s rediscovered the winning feeling, MANOFTHEMOMENT looks a horse to follow through the remainder of the season for a trainer that must always be respected with his runners here. The 6yo looked very much 8n control when getting to the front at Warwick and has worked well subsequently.
Race 4: DAME DU SOIR (6) (Nap)
Trainer: David Bridgwater
Jockey: Brendan Powell
DAME DU SOIR is a mare to take very seriously and should take all the beating in this novices’ limited handicap chase. She gave the useful Midnight Tune a fright at Exeter before Christmas and duly went one better at Hereford, beating Colorado Doc just as she pleased. Getting weight via her mares’ allowance makes her an even more formidable proposition.
