Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from UK Racing at Exeter, Newcastle, and Southwell on Tuesday 3 March 2020.
Exeter Best Bets
Race 1: YOUNG BUCK (5)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
The most fascinating horse on the card is YOUNG BUCK who makes his Rules debut as a one-race unbeaten point-to-pointer that could be anything. He was a convincing winner of that maiden in Ireland last month, and having joined a top outfit needs to show that he’s going to live up to the high standards set by his relatives in the past.
Race 6: DEMOPOLIS (8)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs
Jockey: Bryan Carver
Even though he just pegged back All Good Things at Ludlow last week, DEMOPOLIS may still be able to defy a 5lb rise in the weights and complete a swift hat-trick. He’s at least showing good form which can’t be said for many if any of his rivals.
Newcastle Best Bets
Race 3: SPEAK OF THE DEVIL (2)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell
Jockey: Stephen Mulqueen
SPEAK OF THE DEVIL races like he wants a proper stamina test but should cope with a drop back to three miles, after knocking on the door in a marathon at Ayr in January. He has the multiple scorer Skyhill to overcome but is fresh from a short break, and could easily be up to the task.
Race 6: WETLANDS (7)
Trainer: Nicky Richards
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Title race leader Hughes has a good chance of another winner on WETLANDS who attracted heavy on course support on his debut in a similar race here. That was back in November since when he’s strengthened up and so takes the stage a far more streetwise performer. He may have most to fear from Nyoufsea, who caught the eye on his latest outing at this venue.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 4: MASHAM STAR (2)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: PJ McDonald
Over the years MASHAM STAR has virtually trained himself on the track but the 6yo is a versatile individual who relishes racing and he’s now getting some respite from the handicapper. In three outings this year he hasn’t cut the mustard but there’s been a consequent slide down the weights, giving him strong claims in this Class 4.
Race 6: JEM SCUTTLE (3)
Trainer: Declan Carroll
Jockey: Donal Nolan
It should only be a matter of time before JEM SCUTTLE opens his account on Fibresand. He’s put in three solid efforts in succession here since undergoing successful wind surgery and is overdue to deliver, while he’s on the same mark as when finishing second to Global Humor here last month.
