Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Newcastle, Southwell, Carlisle, and Wincanton.
Newcastle Best Bets
Race 1: DARK HEART (2)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: PJ McDonald
DARK HEART can turn the tables on Agreed from Lingfield running a fortnight ago. The selection started a heavily wagered favourite for that maiden but ruined his chance by hanging right which ultimately cost him far more than the distance he was beaten by the winner Vega’s Angel. As long as his steering stands up he can open his account.
Race 4: INSURPLUS (7)
Trainer: Jim Goldie
Jockey: Phil Dennis
Dropping back into a sprint, INSURPLUS can go well at a decent price. He’s a regular earner and caught the eye chasing home Gallipoli here last month,his third frame finish in as many starts this year. He might find I Know How the main stumbling block but is sure the represent value.
Southwell Best Bet
Race 2: MESMERIC (9)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: Franny Norton
MESMERIC is a colt with the ability to overcome the signs of temperament he displayed when chasing home the well regarded Queen Of All at this course last week. He flashed his tail when mounting a challenge to the eventual impressive winner but nevertheless did well to get as close following a tardy start.
Race 5: DOC SPORTELLO (6)
Trainer: Tony Carroll
Jockey: Tom Marquand
After two solid efforts this year DOC SPORTELLO is in a good place to open his account. The 8yo again showed a liking for this course when beaten in a photo by the useful National Anthem and with a couple of powerful front runners in the field will get 5he strong pace he needs to aim at.
Carlisle Best Bets
Race 3: GLITTERING LOVE (2)
Trainer: Nicky Richards
Jockey: Brian Hughes
First Account is in rude health and chasing a hat-trick but the best value lies with GLITTERING LOVE who is ready to recapture his excellent form of last year now switched back to hurdles. The 8yo has needed both outings this season but only weakened on the run in at Newcastle last time, suggesting he’s ready to strike.
Race 5: CRACKING DESTINY (3)
Trainer: Alistair Whillans
Jockey: Callum Bewley
CRACKING DESTINY is another reverting to novice hurdling from fences and has a very good chance of delivering. The horse that beat him at Musselburgh last time, Greaneteen, is favourite for the Grand Annual Challenge Cup at the Festival next week. That form should be good enough for him to take this is he repeats it in this discipline.
Wincanton Best Bets
Race 7: TIME TO TINKER (11)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
TIME TO TINKER should be a bet worth waiting for in the concluding bumper. Representing the champion trainer, he showed plenty on his introduction at Exeter back in December when going down fighting to Picanha. He missed a good opportunity last week but this looks equally as suitable for him to open his account.
