Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Ascot, Pontefract, Wolverhampton, Brighton and Kempton Park on 1 May 2024.
ASCOT
Race 1 No2 ROCK HUNTER
Trainer: Amy Murphy – Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
ROCK HUNTER can remain unbeaten by taking out the best juvenile race run so far this season. The Expert Eye colt made no mistake on his introduction at Chantilly, and though the clement weather of the last 48 hours means the ground is drying out, he should handle it. Money for Diligently could also prove well founded, as he’s by Harry Angel and hails from a yard that can get one ready.
Race 3 LONGINES SAGARO STAKES (Group 3)
No1 TRUESHAN
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Coltrane disappointed in the Dubai Gold Cup in Meydan but could be the fittest in this field of Ascot Gold Cup hopefuls. There are many collateral formlines to conjure with, and while Sweet William would be a big player if ready, TRUESHAN is just preferred. He finished just behind the first named horse on Champions’ Day here in October but can turn the tables. Quickthorn May ensure the race is run at a true gallop, but usually needs his first run back.
Race 4 COMMONWEALTH CUP TRIAL STAKES (Group 3)
No10 ADAAY IN DEVON (Nap)
Trainer: Rod Millman – Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
Filly in form ADAAY IN DEVON can serve it up to a field of mainly male rivals. She’s a winner of six of her last nine outings and warmed to her task when moved into Listed company at Bath. She’s shown an aptitude for varying types of ground, and with De Sousa back in her saddle can put paid to the claims of Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf third Starlust and the promising Purosangue.
PONTEFRACT
Race 3 No6 GISELLES DEFENCE
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Cieren Fallon
A win in this low grade handicap would be richly deserved for GISELLES DEFENCE who was narrowly denied at Nottingham after joining Williams from Gavin Cromwell in Ireland. The gelding appeared to relish being pulled back in trip to this mile and a quarter, while he will almost certainly strip fitter for it.
Race 6 No5 SAVVY EXCHANGE (Nap)
Trainer: Sean Woods – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
SAVVY EXCHANGE is bred to enjoy this step up to a mile after being narrowly denied on debut at Wolverhampton. He didn’t go unbacked on that occasion and needs to be taken seriously in this clash with the more experienced Condor PASA.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 4 No1 CERVARO DELLA SALA (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Luke Morris
It took a long time for the penny to drop when CERVARO DELLA SALLA returned to action at Yarmouth last week. The grey had everything in the field in front of her with over a furlong to run but flashed home to grab a minor cheque. She took nothing out of herself, and should make amends back on the all-weather.
Race 6 No7 BIRKENHEAD
Trainer: Paul Midgley – Jockey: Ryan Sexton
BIRKENHEAD has been round the block but after a couple of good efforts can make this a first success in exactly a year. He’s not always been seen in his best light at Dunstall Park, but can buck that trend.
BRIGHTON
Race 4 No5 CHOURMO (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Gillard – Jockey: John Egan
CHOURMO proved a hare that never came back when scoring here last month. Despite taking a keen hold going to post, he bounced out of the stalls and just kept finding. He’s taken those exertions in his stride and can show it was no fluke.
Race 6 No7 OUTREACH
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: George Bass
OUTREACH seems to be inching his way towards the winners’ circle with the key to success being a switch to grass after a stretch of a dozen runs on the all-weather. Bass has partnered him on his last six of those, including a success at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 1 No1 FANCY DANCER (Each Way)
Trainer: Ollie Sangster – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
From the final crop of Dandy Man, FANCY DANCER shouldn’t be underestimated. She may run green, but has shown promise in her work and has a good slot in the gate from which to get competitive.
Race 5 No8 FRANCESI (Nap)
Trainer: Sean Woods – Jockey: Dylan Hogan
FRANCESI has troubled the judge on each of her starts this year. She’s taken home a cheque on two of her three visits to this track, and granted the rub of the green in running should again earn.
Race 6 No2 CAJETAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: James Doyle
CAJETAN was poorly drawn but ran a cracker to finish sixth behind Woodhay Wonder at Newmarket, having opened his account in a minor contest at Newcastle. He has a plum draw on this occasion, and if cornering handily should land a blow, with Doyle an eye taking booking for the Advertise gelding.
