Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK racing at Taunton and Lingfield on Tuesday 7 January 2020.
Taunton Best Bets
Race 1: MASTERS LEGACY (2)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Michael Nolan
This should be relatively straightforward for MASTERS LEGACY who greatly impressed when coming home unchallenged here a month ago. The 5yo steps up on the distance ladder and can stave off the challenge of Smith’s Bay, who himself has done little wrong in three outings this season.
Race 4: COOLE WELL (4)
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Max Kendrick
The consistency of COOLE WELL can stand him in good stead in this novices’ limited handicap chase. A prominent racer, he keeps finding one to beat him as was the case against Precious Cargo at Haydock when he was hampered by a loose horse at the first fence in the home straight. If getting his own way in front he will be hard to get past.
Race 5: RIVER BRAY (9) (Each Way)
Trainer: Victor Dartnall – Jockey: Cieren Gethings
This looks a slightly easier assignment for RIVER BRAY than when he finished sixth to Scaramanga in a hot race at Wincanton before Christmas. He looked sure the be involved before weakening between the last two fences and is better than his form figures of F6P6 indicate. He’s always promised to be a superior chaser than hurdler.
Race 6: ULTRAGOLD (3)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Mr L Trott
ULTRAGOLD is a fascinating addition to the hunter-chase ranks and should take a high standing in the division. His mid-division finish behind Hogan’s Height in the big handicap chase at Aintree last month demonstrates that the 12yo has retained much of his ability. He may find Captain Cattistock and the prolific winning pointer Buck Dancing his main foes.
Lingfield Best Bets
Race 5: SAM BROWN (3)
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball – Jockey: Aidan Coleman
It will be a training feat if SAM BROWN can successfully come back from a 750 day lay off but this talented performer could be up to the task in hand. He’s a winner of three of his four starts and was most impressive in making all to come home unchallenged when last seen at Plumpton 13 months ago.
Race 7: INSPIREUS (5)
Trainer: Seamus Mullins – Jockey: Conor Brace
INSPIREUS ran out of gas in the closing stages of his latest run here, weakening into fourth behind Pres. he’s been given a short break and is fresh and fancied to get into the shake-up over this shorter trip.
