Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK Racing at Newbury, Wolverhampton, Plumpton, and Southwell.
Newbury Best Bets
Race 5: EDDIEMAURICE (2)
Trainer: John Flint
Jockey: Jack Tudor
Whilst he’s managed to take a short hike in the ratings without winning, EDDIEMAURICE showed with his good effort at Kempton at Christmas that he’s on the cusp of getting back into the winner’s circle. The strong traveller looked poised to win halfway up the home straight only to find the rejuvenated Miranda too hot to handle. That outing appears to have put him spot on.
Race 6: INDY FIVE (5)
Trainer: David Dennis
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Form figures of PPF fail to paint an accurate picture of INDY FIVE who is a winner waiting to happen. His very solid effort in the Mandarin Chase over a longer trip last month bears testament to the fact his trainer has got him right back into the zone. On that occasion, he chased the clear early leader before assuming command himself at the cross fence, five out. He then stayed at the helm until the second last and would have finished second but for being hampered by a loose horse at the last, causing him to fall.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 1: DARK PHOENIX (2)
Trainer: Paul Cole
Jockey: Ben Curtis
There’s plenty to like about DARK PHOENIX after his gritty Kempton success where he made full use of a good draw to go straight to the front. He was attacked on all sides from the cutaway in the straight but refused to be passed. The grey now finds himself in a lovely spot one off the fence in this slightly longer race and has a very good chance of following up.
Race 7: FORTH BRIDGE (1)
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon
Jockey: William Cox
Although he hasn’t run on the Flat for a long time, FORTH BRIDGE can make the best of what is a sweetening up exercise by his trainer. The handicap chaser has carried The Queen’s silks with distinction and would be an appropriate winner in a week the Royals could do with a boost. Having finished tailed off over fences at Doncaster last month, he can bounce back.
Plumpton Best Bets
Race 4: TZAR DE L’ELFE (7)
Trainer: Richard Rowe
Jockey: Richard Patrick
Having done us a big favour when scoring at 16/1 over course and distance last month, TZAR DE L’ELFE has an opportunity to consolidate and looks of serious interest getting weight from all his foes. He’s a good jumper and showed battling qualities that day to get up on the post. Just as important is that he’s delighted his connections in subsequent work.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 4: NATIONAL ANTHEM (4)
Trainer: David Brown
Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
NATIONAL ANTHEM did well to get out of jail here on Monday and can complete a hat-trick for his adventurous connections. He’s been a revelation since returning from a long absence and appears to revel in the deep Fibresand surface. He was hampered a carried right leaving the stalls on his latest winning start but managed to recover for the gamest of triumphs.
Race 5: EAST OF EDEN (5)
Trainer: Hugo Palmer
Jockey: Jack Mitchell
Placed on all three starts last season, the hooded EAST OF EDEN makes abundant appeal in this five-furlong maiden for a trainer that does well with his runners here.
Written by Neil Morrice for Hollywoodbets
