Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Chelmsford, Newcastle, and Doncaster.
Chelmsford Best Bet
Race 2: CALIDUS MIRABILIS (2)
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Having already successfully utilized the UK all-weather circuit this winter, Joseph O’Brien looks set for another short-priced conversion with CALIDUS MIRABILIS who was a game-winner on Polytrack at Dundalk a fortnight ago. Making much of the running, he was produced with a well-timed run and looked ready for the step up in trip he will experience today. It was an improvement on his previous form, and he’ll be a warm order to follow up.
Race 3: BULLINGDON BOY (10) (Each Way)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: Tim Clark
Several in this go to post in good order including a couple of recent winners, but the one with the value tag is BULLINGDON BOY whose forcing style can be effectively executed from stall 5. The selection belied his roughie tag by claiming a frame finish behind Prince Of Eagles at Lingfield and has possibilities now moving into a handicap.
Race 5: LANCELOT DU LAC (2)
Trainer: Ken Ivory
Jockey: Sophie Ralston
Veteran LANCELOT DU LAC has been given a chance by the handicapper and should enjoy returning to the minimum trip following a bold attempt to make all over six furlongs at this course last month. Drawn to attack, he can stave off all challengers under his inexperienced pilot.
Newcastle Best Bets
Race 2: STREET POET (8) (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington
Jockey: Harry Russell
STREET POET is not obvious and his trainer also runs Lady Alavesa, but the former multiple winner has got himself back onto an attractive mark for this mile contest in which he drops back in trip and enjoys the luxury of the rail. The selection made a good fist of trying to lead throughout at Wolverhampton last time and if getting onto an easy lead here might prove hard to peg back.
Race 5: LOUIS TREIZE (2)
Trainer: Richard Spencer
Jockey: Luke Morris
The lightly-raced LOUIS TREIZE missed a good chunk of last season but on his seasonal return indicated that he’s retained much of his ability by carding a frame finish over six furlongs here a fortnight ago. It was only in the final 50 yards that he cried enough in a run that should have brought him perfectly to the boil for this return to the minimum trip.
Doncaster Best Bet
Race 5: AVARCHIE (1) (Each Way)
Trainer: Martin Smith
Jockey: Danny Cook
Having done well to get out of trouble to score in emphatic style at Wincanton, AVARCHIE looks the best value in an interesting novices’ hurdle. The hooded gelding was hampered by a loose horse in the early stages but recovered to prove much the best at the business end. Class dropper Glory And Fortune, unbeaten Buzz and former Group winning South Seas will ensure he starts at a working man’s price.
Race 7: OUT ON THE TEAR (2)
Trainer: Sam Allwood
Jockey: Charlie Price
OUT ON THE TEAR has nothing to fear from Infiniti on recent Uttoxeter running, and if repeating recent efforts sets the hallmark for the others to aim at in this conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle. It was only narrowly that he was worn down by Main Fact that day, having won well on his previous start to show he’s at the top of his game.
