Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK Racing at Hereford, Huntingdon and Lingfield on Tuesday 5 November.
Hereford Best Bets
Race 3: WAR LORD (2)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Harry Cobden
There should be plenty of room for improvement in WAR LORD who was having only a second start under Rules when opening his account at Plumpton last month. He got the job done in workmanlike manner and revelled in the easy conditions. He will be suited by a longer trip but for the time being he looks one to follow at the minimum, and with his stable in flying form he’ll be hard to beat.
Race 4: BALLYHILL (2)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
There’s a lot to like about the profile of BALLYHILL who almost certainly needed his comeback outing at Kelso where he weakened quickly after being headed two out. The trip might have been shorter than ideal, while he had a good blow and appears to have improved. Furthermore he is competing off a 4lb lower mark than when placed in Grade 3 handicaps at Cheltenham at the start of the year.
Huntingdon Best Bets
Race 5: SPLASH THE CASH (4)
Trainer: Jennie Candlish
Jockey: Sean Quinlan
If his latest poor effort at Southwell can be ignored, SPLASH THE CASH has the ability to play a leading role in this weak handicap hurdle. He has few miles on the clock, whilst elements of his form from last year bring him right into the mix. The going should be less testing than for his last outing, which is another plus.
Race 6: HOOPER (4)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico De Boinville
Now that the Henderson juggernaut is moving through the gears there’s every chance that HOOPER can endorse the promise of his homework ahead of this racecourse debut. He’s a son of Rip Van Winkle out of a Group-placed mare and has shown plenty at home. He may have too much finishing speed for likely favourite Shinobi.
Lingfield Best Bets
Race 3: COLONEL KEATING (1)
Trainer: Richard Rowe
Jockey: James Davies
A wind operation can prove the key to COLONEL KEATING who is one to follow whatever happens in this. He’s always looked the type to do better over fences and after a satisfactory season over hurdles last winter has schooled with aplomb over the larger obstacles. He left a pleasing impression when third in a big field on his latest start at Chepstow in March but connections felt he was just holding a bit back. Hopefully the wind surgery has rectified the problem.
Race 6: TANRUDY (1)
Trainer: Nigel Hawke
Jockey: David Noonan
One of several recent winners that have shown the benefit of wind surgery, TANRUDY was impressive when scoring at Market Rasen last week and can strike while the iron’s still hot. He’s out quickly under a 7lb penalty but looked good value for his victory.
