Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK Racing at Kempton Park, Leicester and Hereford.
Kempton Park Best Bets
Race 1: WIN O’CLOCK (6)
Trainer: Roger Charlton
Jockey: Adam McNamara
Although King Of Arms will be a popular order in this opening maiden I expect WIN O’CLOCK to give him plenty to think about. The selection skipped a good opportunity last week for this after shaping with eye-catching promise on his seasonal return at Chelmsford.
Race 3: NORMAL NORMAN (6)
Trainer: John Ryan
Jockey: Darragh Keenan
NORMAL NORMAN troubled the judge on his return to action at Lingfield, a run that should have put the cutting edge on this lightly raced individual. He now drops back to a mile, but with two that like to bowl along in opposition, he will hopefully have a good pace to aim at.
Race 7: GUNMAKER (3)
Trainer: Ruth Carr
Jockey: James Sullivan
As he is a horse that usually likes to challenge from off the pace GUNMAKER may be able to overcome a wretched draw widest in this 14-runner field. He looked all over the winner at Newcastle last week when conversely he was ridden closer to the pace, only to be grabbed on the post by Atwaar. That was the third time in as many starts this year that he’d finished in the money.
Leicester Best Bets
Race 2: PISTOL WHIPPED (2)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Jerry McGrath
Course and distance scorer PISTOL WHIPPED had multiple entries but his trainer looks to have chosen right targeting this novices’ limited handicap chase. The 6yo survived a market drift when mastering Rocco last month and remains a horse with scope for plenty of improvement.c
Race 4: MIAH GRACE (1)
Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe
Jockey: Joe Colliver
Having done everything expected of her with two wins and a second in as many starts this season, MIAH GRACE now heads along the handicap route with much to recommend her. She’s enjoyed a nice break since grittily scoring in deep ground at Hexham, will enjoy this track with its long home straight and should prove hard to beat.
Race 5: PRAIRIE TOWN (5)
Trainer: Tony Carroll
Jockey: Lee Edwards
There is a slight risk with PRAIRIE TOWN as the 9yo proved difficult at the start here last month, but when getting into a rhythm always looked the winner. His jockey gave him plenty of time to warm to the task and the combination were in total command with two to jump. Given similar patient handling the gelding can follow-up.
Hereford Best Bets
Race 4: IWILLDOIT (2)
Trainer: Sam Thomas
Jockey: Conor Brace
The two-three that stand out are Deise Aba, Shannon Bridge and IWILLDOIT who represents value against rivals that will be shorter than him in the market. The selection looked better the further he travelled at Kelso and in his favour is a much longer trip today. Furthermore, he’s proving a pivot for his trainer’s operation and bids to make this a fourth triumph from his last seven outings.
Race 5: FIRST FLOW (1) (Nap)
Trainer: Kim Bailey
Jockey: David Bass
If class will out then FIRST FLOW is the one to be on in the day’s feature. The exciting front runner valiantly tried to make all at Ascot before giving best approaching the final fence but that was in a competitive handicap over two mile and three furlongs. Back to the minimum trip (2m) here, he can successfully give away weight all round.
Written by Neil Morrice for Hollywoodbets
