Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK Racing at Kempton Park, Market Rasen, Musselburgh, Southwell and Wincanton.
Kempton Park Best Bets
Race 2: FLY THE NEST (5)
Trainer: Tony Carroll
Jockey: Tom Marquand
FLY THE NEST can handle a drop back into the sprint division to bring about a much-needed change of luck. The 4yo is acquitting himself with credit and when chasing home Penarth Pier over seven furlongs here was hitting the woodwork for the second time in as many starts. If he can get a handy position on the run to the home bend he should again finish in the thick of it.
Race 6: RICH APPROACH (5)
Trainer: James Bethell
Jockey: Luke Morris
Recent course and distance scorer Hieronymus is likely to make this a decent test which can set things up for closer RICH APPROACH. The selection makes the long journey from North Yorkshire having performed better than his eventual placing of fifth indicates in the Newcastle race won by Kind Review. Beaten only two and a half lengths that day, he has a good chance of a better finish, breaking from a good draw.
Market Rasen Best Bets
Race 1: ARCHIE BROWN (1)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Bryony Frost
ARCHIE BROWN shaped well on his hurdling debut at Ludlow without being knocked about and appeals as the most likely of these to take a big step forward. He’s less exposed than Falberto who should nevertheless run well, making the way for exactas and swingers.
Race 3: NANABELLE (2)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Daryl Jacob
NANABELLE looked set for a baptism of fire at Kempton on Saturday and connections have wisely switched the dual Cannes-Sur-Mer scorer to this far less competitive race which should be a penalty kick for the filly. She’s carrying a double penalty but if as good as she’s shown at home this should be easy pickings on her first outing under Rules.
Musselburgh Best Bets
Race 2: ASK HENRY (1)
Trainer: Graham McPherson
Jockey: Kielan Woods
While there are question marks about all three candidates for this maiden hurdle, ASK HENRY has the best claims. He ran his best race this year when staying on into the money behind Global Society at Doncaster which suggests this longer trip will play to his strengths.
Race 3: BUCKLED (10)
Trainer: Sandy Thomson
Jockey: Ryan Mania
Reverting to hurdles after a wide margin triumph in a Chase over the course and distance, BUCKLED has taken a hike in the weights but nevertheless will be hard to beat if turning out in similar mood. He showed improvement that was hard to expect that day, but has had a nice break between races and can consolidate.
Race 7: PAMMI (6) (Each Way)
Trainer: Jim Goldie
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Although on a long losing run PAMMI has the champion jockey elect on her back and has rarely failed to get into the money this season. She kept on well behind the useful novice Bathsheba Bay here last month, and this doesn’t look any harder.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 5: QUEEN OF ALL (2)
Trainer: Richard Hughes
Jockey: George Rooke
The beautifully bred QUEEN OF ALL sprang a surprise on her debut at Kempton in November in spite of showing telltale signs of greenness. She has delighted her trainer since returning to full work and can follow up over a longer trip, with an apprentice jockey negating her penalty.
Wincanton Best Bets
Race 2: FIDELIO VALLIS (1)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
On reputation only, FIDELIO VALLIS sets the standard in this novices’ hurdle. He weakened at the end of a better contest at Chepstow last month and will be more streetwise, representing a stable that shell out winners at this course.
Race 7: CHEF D’EQUIPE (2)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs
Jockey: Mr David Maxwell
CHEF D’EQUIPE can be easily forgiven his poor run at Sandown last time as he lost all chance when stumbling at the start. He’s subsequently been qualified for hunter-chases and should make his mark in that division, representing a top trainer and intrepid jockey.
