Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Taunton, Ludlow and Sedgefield.
Taunton Best Bet
Race 2: DOTHRAKI PRINCE (4)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan
Jockey: Alan Johns
Much of the betting action will focus on Bathsheba Bay, but a sporting chance is given to DOTHRAKI PRINCE to topple him. The selection has troubled the judge on all three of his career starts and when last seen at Ayr in May acquitted himself well after attracting market support. He’s been well tutored for this switch to hurdling.
Race 7: SIR PSYCHO (9)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
Three-year-old SIR PSYCHO appears to hold all the cards in this all-aged handicap hurdle and can be backed with confidence to follow-up his wide margin triumph at Wincanton last month. As that was only the second outing for the selection, who receives weight from all but one of his foes, further improvement is very much on the cards.
Ludlow Rasen Best Bets
Race 1: GETARIVER (5)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
There are a couple that the dogs have been barking in this mares’ novices’ hurdle but the logical step is to side with GETARIVER to put her career back on track. Not that her halo slipped that far when she lost her unbeaten record when returning at Cheltenham, as that was in a very warm contest and she was only beaten six and a half lengths into fourth by Heaven Help Us. She should find this easier.
Race 2: SEEANYTHINGYOULIKE (5)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott
Jockey: Rex Dingle
SEEANYTHINGYOULIKE comes here in preference to Taunton and the hint should be taken. The 8yo has retained all his old ability judging from his latest two frame finishes and caught the eye finishing off his race well behind Duc Kauto at Wincanton last time where he should have finished closer. If he enjoys the rub of the green he can win this.
Race 6: IMPERIAL ACOLYTE (6)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Mr Zac Baker
Having made the perfect start to his first campaign as a jumper IMPERIAL ACOLYTE’s form gradually deteriorated in three subsequent outings. He finished in the ruck in a decent handicap at Chepstow in the spring but may well come back a different horse following a few ‘tweaks’ by his trainer. One of the nicest horses in the yard, he remains one to have on your side whatever happens today.
Sedgefield Best Bet
Race 2: ETTILA DE SIVOLA (2)
Trainer: James Ewart
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Having a second start following wind surgery, ETTILA DE SIVOLA failed to jump with the skills anticipated on his chase debut at Ayr but can show he’s better than that under an eyecatching jockey booking. His form prior to that reverse bears the closest inspection and if translated to fences would be more than good enough. In this weak race he’s worth another chance.
Race 7: OUTCROP (10) (Each Way)
Trainer: Jennie Candlish
Jockey: Sean Quinlan
The wonderfully consistent OUTCROP deserves to get his head back in front after a string of bold efforts. He could never get competitive in the heavy ground at Windsor but that rare visit to the Flat should have teed him up nicely for this. He takes on a number of similarly in form rivals but can be a factor.
