Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Wolverhampton, Chelmsford, Ludlow, Carlisle and Southwell.
Wolverhampton Best Bet
Race 3: KINSMAN (6)
Trainer: William Haggas
Jockey: James Doyle
Breaking from the rail is sure to assist KINSMAN who was too green to do himself justice on his Yarmouth introduction. In a race where the jockeys had differing opinions about where to find the better ground, KINSMAN made headway when the two groups merged and was staying on strongly in third at the finish, only half a length adrift of the winner Maqtal. He looks a certain improver and has worked well on Polytrack at home.
Race 8: STORMBOMBER (11)
Trainer: Ed Walker
Jockey: Luke Morris
The colours of STORMBOMBER have proved lucky for the owners but no so with the selection who is proving a perennial bridegroom. His form figures 223232 paint a picture of a performer who is not totally resolute but he’s well worth another chance given the way he’s finished off his 4aces, especially when chasing home an 8n form rival at a Newcastle last time.
Chelmsford Best Bets
Race 6: REINE DE VITESSE (8)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: John Egan
The former French based REINE DE VITESSE looked useful when outpointing Sheriffmuir at Lingfield, breaking her maiden in style. On her only other start this year she acquitted herself well in a warm maiden at this course and might have got into this on an attractive mark. She’s impressed in her homework and is strongly fancied to follow up.
Race 8: CASUAL REPLY (6)
Trainer: Roger Charlton
Jockey: Jason Watson
Though seemingly unfancied on her debut at Kempton, CASUAL REPLY showed abundant promise to chase home Maximum Effect and has pleased her connections subsequently. From a family of strong stayers she looks sure to benefit from this step up in trip and can open her account.
Ludlow Best Bet
Race 3: LEGENDS GOLD (1)
Trainer: Rebecca Curtis
Jockey: Aidan Coleman
A double penalty might not prevent LEGENDS GOLD from completing a hat-trick in this mares’ novices’ hurdle. The contest appears to have cut up in favour of the 5yo, who hardly came out of a canter when making her winning reappearance at Ludlow.
Race 6: LIMELIGHTER (9)
Trainer: Sheena West
Jockey: Marc Goldstein
As the only 3yo in the field LIMELIGHTER has plenty of scope for improvement on what has proved a positive start to his hurdling career. He looked like prevailing on his handicap debut at Huntingdon only to weaken into third on the run in, but there was plenty to like about his attitude and he can resume winning ways.
Carlisle Best Bets
Race 2: MIDNIGHT SHADOW (4)
Trainer: Sue Smith
Jockey: Danny Cook
This has been won by some decent chasing recruits in recent years and today’s renewal will be no exception featuring the likes of Brewin’upastorm, Global Citizen and MIDNIGHT SHADOW. The latter went to the top in the staying division over hurdles and is possibly the big hope for his stable this winter. He’s schooled well and while the trip is short of his best his class can see him through.
Race 7: CRAIG STAR (1)
Trainer: Donald McCain
Jockey: Brian Hughes
CRAIG STAR looks like a horse that is overdue for a win and that’s been reflected in his three frame finishes from as many outings this season. The 9yo is cutting back a long way in trip after seeming not to quite get home over an extended three miles on his latest outing at Huntingdon, but the stiff finish here makes this more of a test anyway.
Southwell Best Bet
Race 2: STOP THE WORLD (1)
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Adrian Heskin
STOP THE WORLD ended last season with a string of placed efforts over hurdles and has troubled the judge in both starts this season. He’s proving difficult to win with, but has always looked the type to do better over fences and is worth giving another chance to.
