Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Haydock Park, Lingfield Park, Wolverhampton, and Perth on Tuesday 11 August 2020.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 4: No2 – BRANWELL
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: James Doyle
Although lacking the benefit of a previous run, BRANWELL is the subject of encouraging reports from Newmarket and might be good enough to turn over Legend Of Dubai. By Dubawi out of a Machiavellian mare, the selection has been sparkling in his work.
Race 5: No11 – VERBENA
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Liam Keniry
VERBENA shaped well on her debut at Newbury when beaten just over five lengths into third by Pomelo. The daughter of Lethal Force faces a couple of well-touted newcomers but is in the box seat to open her account. Being out of a Pivotal mare, she won’t be inconvenienced should thunderstorms soften the ground.
Race 6: No5 – PAWS FOR THOUGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Dascombe – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Requinto colt PAWS FOR THOUGHT is the type to do well in nurseries for a combination that do extra well at this track. He placed on both starts at Newbury and Chepstow and with the benefit of that experience is in a good spot to serve it up to rivals that include four previous winners.
Race 9: No12 – LEONCAVALLO
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: James Doyle
Pipe is showing willingness to diversify with LEONCAVALLO who switches back to the Flat after coming home unchallenged in a novice chase at Stratford. Beaten a nose by the useful stayer Nuits St Georges on his previous outing at Sandown, the gelding appears to be enjoying life with his new trainer and can pay to follow.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 2: No6 – PRAISED (Nap)
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Tom Marquand
PRAISED shaped like a sure-fire future winner when chasing home Silver Machine on her Yarmouth introduction. The daughter if Pivotal will benefit from easier ground in turf races later on, but in the meantime can make this switch to Polytrack count for her in-form stable.
Race 3: No4 – ARLECCHINO’S ARC (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: David Probert
Since returning from lockdown ARLECCHINO’S ARC has gradually got closer and when finishing second to Pearl Beach here signalled he’s on the cusp of a return to winning ways. The gelding has been easy to back each time and will again represent Each Way value in this stamina test.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1: No8 – ELECTRIC BLUE (Nap)
Trainer: James Tate – Jockey: Ryan Moore
Moore’s visits rose this course are a rare occurrence and this adds weight to the claims of Gleneagles filly ELECTRIC BLUE. To have finished just over five lengths behind Dandalla when third on debut at Newcastle stamps the selection as potentially useful, with her conqueror having landed two Group 2s subsequently. She has to prove she’s ready after a break, but from a good draw should outclass her foes.
Race 6: No3 – STREET POET
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Danny Redmond
The Herrington stable does well with its recruits from other stables and STREET POET has been a good advertisement for it with two wins from his last three starts. Interestingly he jumps up the trip ladder to the nine furlongs over which he was successful here before the lockdown, having scored over seven furlongs at the end of last month. From a plum draw close to the rail he should again be competitive.
PERTH
Race 1: No9 – HEY BOB (Each Way)
Trainer: Chris Grant – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
The strong travelling HEY BOB lacks consistency but has gone well following a break in the past. Closely matched with Snowed In on Sedgefield form last autumn, he can again have the measure of that foe, whose front running style can set the race up for him.
Race 4: No3 – CRAIGMOR (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Richard Johnson
CRAIGMOR showed he’s retained much of his ability when scoring on comeback at Market Rasen and can shrug off a 5lb penalty in this handicap hurdle. Connections will be keeping everything crossed that there’s no rain at the track, given the gelding’s liking for a quicker surface. With that in mind, a close eye should be kept on the weather.
