Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing at Carlisle and Wolverhampton.
Carlisle Best Bets
Race 1: GOOBINATOR (10)
Trainer: Donald McCain
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Connections of GOOBINATOR have pondered their options ahead of Cheltenham with a horse that has the ability to hold his own in a race like the Triumph Hurdle. The selection hosed up on his jumps debut at Wetherby only to be turned over at 8-15 over the same course and distance by Hasankey. In his defence, the principals pulled well clear and there was only a head between them at the post.
Race 3: RED REMINDER (2)
Trainer: Chris Grant
Jockey: Thomas Dowson
There was much to like about the attitude RED REMINDER exuded when opening his account over jumps at Sedgefield, raising his game to comfortably outpoint O’Hanrahan Bridge. He’s progressing and should be even more effective on this stiffer course.
Race 4: DORKING COCK (2)
Trainer: Tom Lacey
Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Now that he’s got his head in front, DORKING COCK is worth following in handicap and this could be his for the taking. The 6yo didn’t look straightforward in early novice hurdles but when landing some good bets at Chepstow was always in control. A winner at this track last season, he’s been freshened up in the weeks since that triumph and will be hard to beat.
Race 6: HIGHWAY COMPANION
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish
HIGHWAY COMPANION bolted up at Musselburgh last month, where he could be named the winner early in the home straight. The second home Pammi ran respectably in a better race at the same track yesterday, while today’s shorter trip will not inconvenience him. It all points to a follow-up triumph for the 6yo.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 3: DIVINE CONNECTION (5)
Trainer: Jonny Portman
Jockey: Rob Hornby
Although frustrating to follow, DIVINE CONNECTION is worth another chance, breaking from a good draw and dropping to a more suitable trip. He just didn’t manage to see out the ninth furlong at this track when last seen in December but is now down to seven, and if he gets to the front he should hold on.
Race 5: ANOTHER TOUCH (2)
Trainer: Richard Fahey
Jockey: Barry McHugh
ANOTHER TOUCH can stretch his winning sequence to four in this featured conditions stakes, at the main expense of Oh This Is Us. The selection greatly impressed in disposing of one of tonight’s rivals Via Serendipity more easily than his margin of victory indicates last month and while in current mood is hard to oppose.
Race 7: OPPORTUNIST (8) (Each Way)
Trainer: Martyn Meade
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Although the 77-rated Sheriffmuir will be all the rage to break his duck in spite of being turned over at 4-11 last time, the value play is OPPORTUNIST, who shaped with some promise when backed on his debut at Lingfield. He will have learned much from that, and if indeed there is a hole in the favourite he could expose it.
Written by Neil Morrice for Hollywoodbets
