Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing at Chelmsford, Bath, Hamilton, Southwell and Uttoxeter.
Chelmsford Park Best Bets
Race 1: ROCKET DANCER (5)
Trainer: Sylvester Kirk
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
With two good runs under his belt and the experience card to play, ROCKET DANCER is the logical option in the opener. He faced 17 opponents when runner-up to the useful Escape Proof at Leicester and will almost certainly improve on that. There are high profile yards in opposition but he looks to hold the cards.
Race 7: THAHAB IFRAJ (2)
Trainer: Alexandra Dunn
Jockey: David Probert
Running under a 5lb penalty after trotting up over this two-mile trip at Southwell, THAHAB IFRAJ can make this a third win from just five outings for his fortunate connections. A well-backed favourite on Fibresand, he was in complete command through the final quarter-mile and came home unchallenged, and if showing a similar aptitude for Polytrack he’ll be hard to stop.
Bath Best Bet
Race 5: KHAAN (4)
Trainer: Mike Appleby
Jockey: Martin Dwyer
Supporters of KHAAN will hope for better luck in running than the horse was afforded on his recent visit here. Over this mile and a quarter he overcame running freely in the early stages to be denied a gap between the quarter pole and the distance, and by the time he was switched to the outer the birds had flown.
Race 7: LALANIA (1)
Trainer: Stuart Williams
Jockey: Marco Ghiani
As the only confirmed pacesetter in the race, the key to success for LALANIA is getting onto an early lead. This fast track lends itself to front runners and the selection deserves a change of luck. Backed into favourite before being reeled in late by Great Shout at Yarmouth, the return to five furlongs could be just what the doctor ordered.
Hamilton Best Bets
Race 1: COSMIC CHATTER (5)
Trainer: Ruth Carr
Jockey: James Sullivan
Many of these sprinters compete with a similar profile – that of a horse operating from a tumbling mark – but the one that stands out of COSMIC CHATTER. The nine-year-old tends to get outpaced and did so on his latest start at Catterick but was an eyecatcher at the finish as he weaved through rivals to get into the money. That was his best effort for a while, and signals he will be winning soon.
Race 2: AMARILLO STAR (3)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes
Jockey: Stevie Donohoe
The Ascot debut of AMARILLO STAR proved a perfect platform to build from and this is his chance to step up. He overcame a tardy start to keep on steadily to get into the money in a run that should have taught him plenty. He’s unexposed, whilst his main rivals Exclusively and Ventura Flame have seen plenty of action already, and are vulnerable to an improver.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 1: ROYAL DJANGO (2)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan
Jockey: Alan Johns
Boasting a very good record at this course, the in-form ROYAL DJANGO rates the best bet on the card. He cuts back on the distance ladder after scoring over the marathon three and a quarter miles at Newton Abbot where he was very impressive in making virtually all the running. He jumped well in the main and should get be another good account.
Uttoxeter Best Bets
Race 2: FINALSHOT (1)
Trainer: Henry Daly
Jockey: Tom O’Brien
FINALSHOT represents a trainer with a good record at this course. The 6yo is beginning to realise his early career potential and has much the strongest profile in this novices’ hurdle. After scoring readily over today’s course and distance, he got going too late to catch Present Ranger but can make amends.
