Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Taunton, Ffos Las, Chelmsford and Lingfield.
Taunton Best Bet
Race 2: BON CALVADOS (1)
Trainer: Olly Murphy
Jockey: R T Dunne
The hooded BON CALVADOS underperformed at Uttoxeter and can show he is better than that. The well-related five-year-old tried to make all but was swamped after a mistake two out. However his previous form would bring him right into the mix, and he’s worth another chance in what looks a weak division of this novices’ hurdle.
Race 4: APPLE MACK (11) (Each Way)
Trainer: Robert Mitford-Slade
Jockey: M Nolan
APPLE MACK looked an improved performer when narrowly denied on his reappearance at Hereford where a final fence mistake cost him his winning chance. Even though the winner Cuban Pete failed to endorse the form the selection is worth siding with getting more than a stone from those at the top of the weights.
Race 6: SEEANYTHINGYOULIKE (8)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott
Jockey: Matt Griffiths
The losses sustained on SEEANYTHINGYOULIKE on his Ludlow return can now be repaid with interest. The 8yo was still in the process of running a fine race from the front when exiting four fences out, but is none the worse for that spill. He’s equipped with a hood to curb his early enthusiasm, and if settling better can go close.
Ffos Las Best Bets
Race 1: STICK WITH BILL (3)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
This is the pick of several entries STICK WITH BILL had this week and the reward is that the race has cut up. He’s thought to have learned much from his promising second to Potters Venture at Chepstow and even though all three of his rivals have genuine cases, his is the most watertight.
Race 7: MARIO DE PHAIL (4)
Trainer: Sam Thomas
Jockey: Ben Jones
With good form on a testing surface, MARIO DE PHAIL is the form pick in this concluding bumper. The selection has posted a frame finish in both starts and was taking on a decent foe when second to INDUNO at Ffos Las. The latter gave the form a boost when scoring at Sedgefield earlier in the week.
Chelmsford Best Bet
Race 1: MILLIONAIRE WALTZ (7)
Trainer: Paul Cole
Jockey: Ben Curtis
The Cole stable is double-handed in this novice stakes but the switch back to six furlongs is going to suit MILLIONAIRE WALTZ who shaped well on his Newmarket debut and is far better than he showed next time at Newbury. He’s trained well on the all-weather at home, and though not well drawn is more than capable of being there at the business end.
Race 5: EXTRODINAIR (11)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: Ray Dawson
Granted he gets a useful 5lb taken off his back by way of his apprentice jockey’s claim, EXTRODINAIR has a fine chance of scoring on this handicap debut. He gained valuable course experience when lifting a novice over the same trip a month ago and has pleased his connections in the way he’s limbered up for this.
Lingfield Best Bets
Race 3: COLONEL WHITEHEAD (3)
Trainer: Heather Main
Jockey: Ellie Mackenzie
The penalized COLONEL WHITEHEAD knows where the winning post is, as shown with his battling win at Newcastle last time. His penalty is covered by his apprentice rider’s 7lb claim and in an admittedly tight handicap he can follow up.
