Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Ludlow, Sedgefield, and Kempton Park on 5 February 2025.
LUDLOW
Race 1 No4 EL GAVILÁN
Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks – Jockey: Richard Patrick
In an open starter EL GAVILÁN may prove the answer. He was having just a second outing since his arrival from France when chasing home Galactic Charm at Fontwell. That represented a step up from an underwhelming run at Warwick when interestingly he proved a springer in the market. He should have further progression in him on this third start under Rules.
Race 5 No4 CAN YOU CALL (Nap)
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Adam Wedge
Superbolt will be hard to stop in his hat-trick bid, but one with potential for improvement at a bigger price is CAN YOU CALL who has progressed from race to race since undergoing a breathing operation. His latest effort to make a race of it with the smart Lowry’s Bar at Chepstow was most encouraging, though this is his first race away from that track this season.
Race 7 No3 JIMMY THE DIGGER (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Mr Archiell Jones
Veteran JIMMY THE DIGGER has moved into the hunter-chase arena and may be worth a speculative wager racing around his local track. He’s become enigmatic and is not the force of old, but on a going day he could cause hot favourite Enrilo problems.
SEDGEFIELD
Race 5 No5 DEVON SKIES (Each Way)
Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Joe Williamson
Dartmouth mare DEVON SKIES has shown ability in making the frame on each of her four outings this season. Two of those efforts happened at this course, and she can use her consistency and track craft to make another podium finish for a trainer who is having runners in the south of France this winter.
Race 6 No2 PILGRIMS KING (Nap)
Trainer: Peter Bowen – Jockey: Shane Fentiman
PILGRIMS KING came out of the wilderness to make his first completion in five starts this season at Fakenham an earning one. With the same jockey in his saddle he just needs a small amount of progression to show that he is properly back in the game.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 1 No4 THE SPOTLIGHT KID
Trainer: Dean Ivory – Jockey: Liam Wright
Race 2 No2 BLUE WONDER
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Blue Point filly BLUE WONDER made a promising start when second here and may have the edge on Selenic, who locks horns with a similarly pleasing first run under her belt, and also at this track.
Race 3 No2 BERKSHIRE WHISPER (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
BERKSHIRE WHISPER is the go-to horse in this novice and a worthy favourite. The Dark Angel colt followed home a decent foe on debut over this course and distance and should now be fully equipped to open his account.
Race 6 No5 CELLO
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
CELLO has few miles on his racing clock which comprises six outings on sand with a soLe run on turf. His best form is on Polytrack, and he should enjoy returning to Kempton where he posted his only career success. Furthermore he has champion jockey Murphy in his saddle for the first time.
