Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Monday 11 March 2024

PLUMPTON

Race 5 No2 BORN AT MIDNIGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Bill Turner – Jockey: Harry Kimber

Course form counts for much here, and BORN AT MIDNIGHT handled the tight turns when scoring in game fashion last week. Under a 7lb penalty he can take the spoils, and at the main expense of Flemen’s Tipple.

Race 6 No3 NORDIC TIGER
Trainer: Harry Derham – Jockey: Alice Stevens

NORDIC TIGER was a commanding winner at Leicester, but had to work hard to back up the victory at Huntingdon. He’s been given time to recover from that busy period, and if proving as effective on a left-handed track can complete a fine hat-trick.

STRATFORD

Race 3 No1 PLAYFUL SAINT
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton

Although burdened with a hefty weight on his return from a year on the sidelines, PLAYFUL SAINT could be the way to go. He contested better races last year, climaxing in a frame finish in the ultra-competitive Imperial Cup at Sandown. He’s a strong traveller who will be suited by this course, while his trainer has an outstanding record with handicap hurdlers.

Race 4 No3 PIPERS CROSS (Nap)
Trainer: Robbie Llewellyn – Jockey: Liam Harrison

PIPERS CROSS ended a frustrating sequence of near misses in spite of a reluctance to jump the final flight when in complete control at Leicester last week. She’s out again under a 7lb penalty, and if waited with to challenge as late as possible can add to her laurels.

Race 6 No4 FRANIGANE
Trainer: George Edgedale – Jockey: Mr George Edgedale

FRANIGANE had good form in handicap chases for Harry Whittington and is a lightly raced individual who is young enough to make an impact on the hunter-chase scene through the spring. The chestnut ran well in a point in January and rates a value play against paper favourite Grand Roi.

TAUNTON

Race 2 No4 SIAM PARK
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell

Byzantium is an interesting recruit from France who will surely head the market on debut for the champion trainer. However, just as alluring and at a longer price is SIAM PARK, whose two earning efforts at Wincanton make him the form pick.

Race 3 No6 JUST OVER LAND (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

JUST OVER LAND could not have been more impressive when scoring at Lingfield, for which he incurred a 10lb rise. It’s true that he didn’t have much to beat in that four horse affair, but equally it’s given him an adrenaline rush in the confidence department, and I expect him to keep up the good work on the way to better things.

Race 7 No12 BATTLE MARCH (Each Way)
Trainer: Chris Down – Jockey: James Davies

If seeking to jump out of betting jail in this final jumps race before the Cheltenham Festival, BATTLE MARCH could be the answer. The hooded gelding has experienced a chequered career in terms of injury, but a good earning run at this course last month suggests plenty of the old ability is still there, and that he can bounce back.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 3 No4 COPPERSMITH (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Billy Loughnane

COPPERSMITH can prove the pick of a strong book of rides for Loughnane in this restricted novice. The Mastercraftsman colt was an engaging winner of his first start at Kempton last month. He’s learned from that and should repel the challenge of Galactic Charm.

Race 4 No4 ALGHEED
Trainer: David Loughnane – Jockey: Billy Loughnane

This distaffers’ handicap should find ALGHEED making an overdue visit to the winner’s circle. The six-year-old has tantalised her followers with three near misses in as many starts this year, but her experience can count for much against the unexposed Eleutheromania.

Race 8 No8 SUNSET IN PARIS
Trainer: John Jenkins – Jockey: Rossa Ryan

Jenkins looks to have found a good opportunity for SUNSET IN PARIS to back up his Lingfield triumph three weeks ago. It was a second success from the six-year-old’s last three outings, and though he endured an enforced absence between them, the latest evidence is that he’s as good as ever.