Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Exeter, Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton on 13 January 2025.
EXETER
Race 1 No4 PIPERS CROSS
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Cameron Johnstone-Baker
PIPERS CROSS shaped like a mare who is getting closer to a first win for her trainer when third under today’s rider at Hereford before Christmas. With her fitness now assured the eight-year-old can outpoint her seven male rivals in this conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle.
Race 2 No1 PIC ROC (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
A very bright future is predicated for PIC ROC who having overjumped at the third fence on his chase debut at Carlisle is ready to make amends. The EBF Hurdle Final runner-up has the make and shape to go a long way in this new career, is a good jumper and should make no mistake.
Race 4 No7 WELL DICK (Each Way)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Rex Dingle
WELL DICK ran well for a long way before stopping quickly on his first run out of the Lavelle stable at this course before Christmas. He has a worrying record of having pulled up in four of his five starts over fences when breathing issues contributed to his problems. On this second run back from corrective surgery he’s too big a price to be allowed to go unbacked, though my stakes will be kept low.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 3 No4 ONSLOW GARDENS (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Joe Leavy
ONSLOW GARDENS hasn’t managed to build on what was a very encouraging start to his career when he finished second in maidens at Newmarket and Ascot. He’s changed ownership to become a fun horse for his connections, and though having more in front of him than behind on his latest start at Southwell still has ability and is worth risking.
Race 7 No1 FORGE VALLEY LAD (Nap)
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Luke Morris
FORGE VALLEY LAD gamely landed the spoils under a good ride over this course and distance last week. He relished stepping back up to the 2400 metres trip to underline his preference for this track, where he is a three-times winner. He may not need to conjure up any improvement in order to win again.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 4 No8 KITAAB (Nap)
Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Cam Hardie
Although he’s drawn on the outer in this field of eight, KITAAB can continue a good run of form that has seen him attract support on each of his last three starts. On a first visit to this course in almost a year he can make the most of the 7lb he receives from Many A Star.
Race 6 No5 AUTUMN ROSE
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Kaiya Fraser
AUTUMN ROSE is well drawn for this race around a lap of Dunstall Park and can repeat her course success gained on her last visit back in November. The Ten Sovereigns filly can stave off the attentions of Just Rita.
