Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK Racing at Kempton Park, Southwell, Hereford and Wetherby.
Kempton Park Best Bets
Race 3: PENTIMENTO (9)
Trainer: John Best
Jockey: Kieren Fox
PENTIMENTO left plenty of cash behind when thwarted on his last visit here but is worth another chance to make this third time lucky. He was backed into odds-on but didn’t enjoy a completely clear trip, and when he got going Ice Cave had gone clear. He has a good draw and if getting closer to the early pace can open his account.
Race 4: BOCCACCIO (1)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: James Doyle
This trainer/jockey combination landed the corresponding race 12 months ago with Zakouski who was talked about as a Guineas prospect. In BOCCACCIO they have a similarly exciting prospect that should be more than capable of defying a penalty for his introductory win at Yarmouth. He was quietly impressive in justifying favouritism that day and has worked well on the all-weather at home.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 3: CEDAR CAGE (3)
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott
Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Arbiter shaped well on his first run at Wolverhampton but showed a tendency to hang left. That might not be such a detriment if repeated on this left-handed course but preference is for CEDAR CAGE who was a 25-1 no-hoper when staying on into second behind Bullfinch at Chelmsford. That was the selection’s second outing and should have brought him fully to the boil.
Race 3: SUITCASE ‘N’ TAXI (6)
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Jockey: Duran Fentiman
Although he’s making two steps up the handicap ladder into a Class 4, SUITCASE ‘N’ TAXI is in the form of his life, and from a good draw three off the fence can make a bold bid to complete a hat-trick. His latest course and distance triumph was never in doubt, and though he’s gone up in the ratings he looks dangerous getting plenty of weight from his eight rivals.
Hereford Best Bets
Race 1: KENNY GEORGE (11)
Trainer: Sheena West
Jockey: Marc Goldstein
While he might be upped in grade and carrying a 7lb penalty for his Fontwell triumph last week, KENNY GEORGE makes an abundant appeal as a progressive hurdler with few miles on the clock. Sourced out of the Mick Channon yard, he landed a bit of a touch that day and his supporters never had an anxious moment. He was in total command in the home straight and looked good value for the win.
Race 6: COPPERFACEJACK (5)
Trainer: Paul Webber
Jockey: Tom O’Brien
Front running tactics usually work best for COPPERFACEJACK and should gain the 9yo an easy lead if utilised. While he’s an unpredictable character, he’s reported to be ready for this seasonal return and can advertise his liking for this course. His stable has fired in a couple of long-priced winners recently.
Wetherby Best Bets
Race 3: VALENTINE (4)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
The best bet 9n the card is SIR VALENTINE who made great waves when opening his account over jumps at Newbury. Always travelling powerfully, he jumped beautifully and readily quickened clear of Young Lieutenant. He didn’t appear to have a hard race and can follow up,9n the way to bette4 things.
Race 4: HAWK HIGH (4)
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Jockey: Brian Hughes
A winner of two of his four starts as a novice last season, HAWK HIGH is a horse best caught fresh from a break. The course and distance scorer returns from not far short of a year on the sidelines and is primed for a solid run now upped in grade. He has the potential to do well this winter.
Race 6: SHEILA NASH (13) (Each Way)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jnr
SHEILA NASH, named after the trainer’s grandmother, can be a popular winner for the stable. She’s shown promise in her homework and is expected to enjoy the likely testing conditions.
Written by Neil Morrice for Hollywoodbets
