Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing taking place at Southwell and Punchestown.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 1: ARCHIPPOS (1)
Trainer: Michael Herrington
Jockey: Phil Dennis
The blinkered ARCHIPPOS is back onto a workable mark and can prove the answer to this. His last two forays onto the all-weather have proved fruitless but with most of the others even more out of form he can deliver.
Race 2: BAY OF NAPLES (5)
Trainer: Michael Herrington
Jockey: Tom Eaves
First-time cheekpieces can work the oracle for BAY OF NAPLES who might have done too much too soon at Newcastle last time. On his best form from last year, he holds strong claims and can help give his small trainer a double.
Punchestown Best Bets
Race 1: YANWORTH (2)
Trainer: Enda Bolger
Jockey: Mark Walsh
This looks a glowing opportunity for YANWORTH to bolster his claims for the Cross Country race at the Cheltenham Festival next month. The former Grade 1 winner is in the right hands to take over the mantle of stablemate Josies Orders, who although in opposition here appears to be in decline. The selection won here back in November and was in the process of running a big race when falling at Cheltenham before Christmas.
Race 3: PENCILFULLOFLEAD (10)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Davy Russell
Everything points to a big run from PENCILFULLOFLEAD. Consistency has been the strong suit of the selection who ran a cracker to beat all but the smart Asterion Forlonge over two miles here. While his jumping left something to be desired, he kept on to indicate this step up in trip will be all in his favour.
Race 7: FERNY HOLLOW (5)
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Mr P Mullins
This looks a more straightforward assignment than either of the bumpers FERNY HOLLOW has contested this season. Equipped with a hood for the first time, the talented 5yo can make it third time lucky as there’s nothing of the calibre of his Leopardstown conqueror Forged In Fire lying in wait.
