Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Exeter, Hereford and Southwell.
Exeter Best Bet
Race 1: MISTY WHISKY (9)
Trainer: Harry Fry
Jockey: Sean Bowen
Former very useful bumper horse MISTY WHISKY is going to take plenty of beating in this mares’ novices’ hurdle. She made a pleasing debut over jumps when runner-up to Deputy’s Oscar at Market Rasen. Strong in the market that day, any losses should be recouped here.
Race 3: MIDNIGHT TUNE (1)
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball
Jockey: Aidan Coleman
Front runner MIDNIGHT TUNE faces three hold up horses in this mares’ novices’ chase in which she will be hard to catch if in the same mood as when scoring at Uttoxeter last month. She revelled in the heavy ground to come home unchallenged and is going to be hard to stop even with her 7lb penalty.
Race 7: URTHEONETHATIWANT (2)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott
Jockey: Mr James King
Having greased his pistons with a fluent win at Ludlow a month ago, URTHEONETHATIWANT has the wherewithal to follow-up off his revised mark that sees him giving away weight to all but one of his foes. He has improved from race to race this season and goes well for his capable pilot.
Hereford Best Bets
Race 4: BIG NICK (6)
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
BIG NICK goes into this novices’ handicap chase as a very unexposed contender, with scope for a welter of improvement how that he’s going over fences. The last time we saw him he finished in the ruck in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown, but he’s had time to develop and mature and this represents a big class drop.
Race 6: BLUE MONDAY (7)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien
Jockey: Paddy Brennan
The lightly-raced BLUE MONDAY takes the eye from the bottom of the weights and is definitely one to conjure with. He made a lot of the running before weakening over three miles at Ludlow last time but not only will this shorter trip assist his chance of getting home, but as the only front runner in the field he should be able to get onto an easy lead.
Southwell Best Bet
Race 5: GRENADIER GUARD (6)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: Franny Norton
Returning from a four month absence, GRENADIER GUARD can show a liking for the deep Fibresand surface, having won in the heavy on turf. His profile has a ring of consistency to it, while this trainer/jockey combination always deserves the utmost respect.
