Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Southwell, Market Rasen, and Leicester.
Southwell Best Bet
Race 3: SOMMER KATZE (1)
Trainer: Declan Carroll
Jockey: D Nolan
It’s hard to equate what SOMMER KATZE achieved when landing odds of 1-5 over the minimum trip last month but all he could do was come home unchallenged. His 7lb penalty might not prevent him following-up over this slightly longer trip.
Race 5: ROCK SOUND (7)
Trainer: Declan Carroll
Jockey: Stevie Donohoe
On what could be a good day for this stable ROCK SOUND can overcome a nightmare draw in this sprint round a bend. He absolutely hacked up on his reappearance here last month when he also had to do more running than most of his foes, challenging wide of horses. But when given the office he powered clear and is in the mood to follow-up.
Market Rasen Best Bets
Race 4: DALLAS COWBOY (1)
Trainer: Paula Smith
Jockey: Emma Smith-Chaston
DALLAS COWBOY jumped like a stag under the same inexperienced pilot when gamely scoring at Catterick last time and can follow up in this more competitive handicap chase. The selection has run well here and can prove hard to catch if delivering a round of similarly slick jumping.
Race 6: TIMELY GIFT (10)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan
Jockey: Alan Johns
Buoyed by a cozy success at Plumpton, TIMELY GIFT can continue on an upward curve, having looked a different horse in his three outings this season. The 6yo gets weight from the bulk of the opposition and with his confidence levels high should prove hard to beat.
Leicester Best Bet
Race 1: SKEAPING (1)
Trainer: Phil Middleton
Jockey: Luca Morgan
SKEAPING has been a busy bee of late and can successfully give 12lbs to Blow By Blow and Clearly Capable. He’s posted a couple of successes at this plating level and his consistency makes him a logical choice in a race that’s sure to become tactical.
Race 3: ELITE GUARD (4)
Trainer: Paul Webber
Jockey: Ritchie McLernon
ELITE GUARD has started to realize his potential and duly hacked up on his reappearance at Huntingdon last month, taking the race by the scruff of its neck before the home turn and coming home unchallenged. He’s taken a hike in the weights for that 17 lengths romp but can show he’s still ahead of the handicapper. The one for the exacta could be Colonel Keating who shaped promisingly on his own return at Lingfield.
