Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets from Monday’s (06 January 2020) UK racing taking place at Wolverhampton, Ayr and Chepstow.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 3: WILL TO WIN (2)
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
Taking stock of the fact that he has the worst of the draw, WILL TO WIN should nevertheless be too good for a field of beatable horses on his first run in six months. He was impressive in opening his account over this distance at Lingfield when heavily backed and making every yard. He’s had an interrupted programme subsequently but has been working well on Polytrack at home.
Race 6: SPARKLING OR STILL (4)
Trainer: David Lanigan – Jockey: Shane Kelly
If SPARKLING OR STILL progresses from a good third run at Chelmsford he should earn on this first venture into a handicap. The well-connected selection stayed on eyecatchingly at the business end of that mile contest to run into the money and should benefit from this longer distance.
Ayr Best Bets
Race 1: AURORA THUNDER (2)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Blair Campbell
AURORA THUNDER is taken to overturn recent Haydock placings with Glorious Lady and get us off to the perfect start in a novices’ hurdle for mares only. She’s proved a good money-spinner for her connections and can make every post a winning one, enjoying a considerable pull in the weights with her rival.
Race 4: ETTILA DE SIVOLA (1)
Trainer: James Ewart – Jockey: Brian Hughes
ETTILA DE SIVOLA has progressed from race to race in three starts this season, gamely opening his account at Newcastle where he made virtually all before rallying to regain the lead when headed before two out. He’s quite a gross individual that needed a couple of outings to put the edge on his, and is now firmly in his comfort zone with a good chance of following up under top weight.
Chepstow Best Bet
Race 7: No JAISALMER (5)
Trainer: Mark Bradstock – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
There was much to like about JAISALMER’s run at Lingfield where he briefly looked the likely winner. He matched it for the overall pace from the outset and after gaining command at the third last was only worn down on the run-in. Horses from his yard often need a run or two to reach complete fitness and that looks the case with the 8yo who should now be cherry ripe.
