Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming your way from Taunton, Market Rasen and Newcastle on 20 February 2024.
TAUNTON
Race 2 No2 CORNISH STORM
Trainer: Stuart Kittow – Jockey: Robbie Dunne
CORNISH STORM could represent value for a local stable that does well with its small team for jumping. The Kempton all-weather winner made Call The Dance fight for the spoils in a similar race at Wincanton on just a second outing over hurdles. If he can run to a similar level he can down paper favourite Golden Move.
Race 4 No8 CELTIC ART (Each Way)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Rex Dingle
Although he’s been inconsistent this season, CELTIC ART can bounce back and claim a decent cheque in this two-mile handicap hurdle. Since scoring in first time cheek pieces at Lingfield he’s met with heavy defeats in better races at Newbury and Wincanton. These are slightly calmer waters, and at a big double figure price he’s given the chance to bounce back.
Race 5 No9 MACKLIN (Nap)
Trainer: Will Biddick – Jockey: Mr Will Biddick
A winner over fences in France who has made his mark with several successes in points for top connections in that sphere, MACKLIN rates a value play against warm favourite Lalor. Horses of this ilk are often worth supporting when entering the hunter-chase arena, and hopefully he will not provide an exception to that rule.
MARKET RASEN
Race 3 No3 PARTY VIBES
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Alice Stevens
Ooh Betty would win this if repeating the level of form showed against a classy foe at Lingfield but in receipt of 4lb preference is for the lightly-raced improver PARTY VIBES. The mare can set a strong gallop, as demonstrated in her Wincanton success on Boxing Day, and is operating at a track that suits front runners. She can give her stable a needed boost by scoring for a syndicate headed by former champion jockey Richard Johnson.
Race 4 No3 ROYALE DANCE (Nap)
Trainer: Noel Williams – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
ROYALE DANCE converted in taking style at Leicester and is right in the zone for this mares’ handicap hurdle off a 5lb higher mark. She’s the most likely of the runners to progress, while her cause is assisted by the presence of Johnston who is one of the best conditional riders in the UK.
Race 6 No4 NO QUESTIONS ASKED
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
From a stable that came within an ace of notching a four-timer at Ascot on Saturday, NO QUESTIONS ASKED can prevail on his debut under Rules. The winning pointer by Ask out of a Broken Hearted mare has shown ability at home, and while this looks a hotly contested bumper, he’s worth chancing.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4 No7 SOLRAY (Nap)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
New Bay filly SOLRAY was a dual scorer from only five attempts in her first season’s racing. Both of those wins came after she switched to race on sand and over tonight’s course and distance. Her familiarity with the surroundings can serve her well on this first outing of 2024, with Hollie Doyle in her saddle for the first time.
Race 6 No7 NOBLE CAPTAIN
Trainer: Katie Scott – Jockey: Sam James
NOBLE CAPTAIN posted his sole success at this course, since when he’s run well in a couple of visits, latterly taking away a minor cheque when third to Global Humor. He has fewer miles on his racing clock than the other main contenders for this low grade sprint, and looks the answer.
Race 8 No1 STRICTLY DREAMING
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Dougie Costello
Oasis Dream filly STRICTLY DREAMING made no mistake at Wolverhampton on Saturday and reappears under a 5lb penalty. With her tail up and from a plum draw, she can follow-up.
