Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK racing at Warwick, Uttoxeter and Lingfield on Tuesday 31 December 2019.
Warwick Best Bets
Race 2: GRANNY’S SECRET (6)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
This is a stable running into form after a slow start to the season and even though she’s been off since May, GRANNY’S SECRET can make an impact in this mares’ novices’ hurdle. She troubled the judge in a warm bumper at Aintree when last seen and has stacks of room for improvement on this belated return.
Race 4: TROUBLED SOUL (5) (Each Way)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Conor Brace
The ultra-consistent TROUBLED SOUL can finally get his head in front in this veterans’ handicap chase. He’s knocked on the door for most of last season and the beginning of the current campaign and deserves a change of luck, after chasing home Parlour Maid at Lingfield last time. That was over a trip short of the selection’s best, and he again looks destined for a frame finish of some kind.
Race 7: ALLENBY (1)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
Those with previous form do not look up to match in this concluding bumper so a chance is taken that ALLENBY will know sufficient to convert on his debut. The son of Presenting and the smart Raya Light represents top connections and has shown promise in his build-up to this.
Uttoxeter Best Bets
Race 4: KEEP WONDERING (5) (Each Way)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: David Crosse
The one with room for improvement now stepping into the handicap hurdle area is KEEP WONDERING who has done nothing wrong in two outings for his connections so far this season. Although some hefty bets on him went west when he finished third at Haydock last time, he’s now dropping back a fair way on the distance ladder and looks a solid proposition to earn.
Race 5: EVIDENCE De THAIX (2)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Richard Johnson
Although there are some well-regarded horses involved here, the claims of EVIDENCE DE THAIX are considerable and he can make it a good day for the Hobbs stable and owner JP McManus. He’s always been held in high regard and made the perfect start to the campaign when successfully returning at Warwick last month. He scored with plenty in hand, and the race should have done wonders for his confidence.
Race 7: FORTHEGREATERGOOD (5)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Paddy Brennan
FORTHEGREATERGOOD had more pointing experience than any of his foes and was pretty adept in that field, winning his final of three starts and finishing second in the other two. He’s representing a stable that has some good prospects for bumpers and has given out encouraging signals in his work.
Lingfield Best Bets
Race 2: ISLAND HIDEAWAY (1)
Trainer: David Lanigan – Jockey: Shane Kelly
ISLAND HIDEAWAY looks a good bet in this end of year nursery. She takes a progressive form profile to post and impressed when breaking her maiden over course and distance at the beginning of the month. Though giving weight away all round she probably has room for further progression.
Race 4: THEMATIC (7)
Trainer: Dominic French Davis – Jockey: Liam Keniry
Dark horse THEMATIC has drawn the rail for his debut in the UK after winning once and placing twice in just four outings for Pascal Bary in France. He’s hard to assess but my news suggests there could easily be money for him.
