Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Plumpton , Catterick Bridge and Wolverhampton on 10 February 2025.
PLUMPTON
Race 2 No4 NAP HAND (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
NAP HAND made a good fist of it against the smart La Pinsionnaire at Huntingdon on his second outing under Rules. The former useful stayer from the Flat should be suited by this similarly easy track, and although opposed by a couple of interesting foes can now open his account.
Race 4 No6 SPARKLING DUKE
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
SPARKLING DUKE receives upwards of half a stone from his rivals in this handicap hurdle and it can’t be overlooked that he put in a career best when troubling the judge at Wincanton a couple of months ago. That was the first time there had been a semblance of support for the selection, who if ready after his mid season break can have a big say in the outcome.
Race 5 No9 VISION DE MAINE (Each Way)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
Pipe must always be respected with his runners in the big staying chases, and his VISION DE MAINE is one to have on your mind in this featured Sussex National. The hasn’t started any bigger than 3-1 in five chase outings this season, winning twice at Uttoxeter and Lingfield. He needs to turn things around with INVINCIBLE NAO after finishing third to that rival here at the end of last month, but is weighted to do so.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 2 No2 MELUSINE DE PAIL (Each Way)
Trainer: Noel Williams – Jockey: Jack Hogan
Although she underwhelmed on her latest start at Fakenham, MELUSINE DE PAIL is capable of bouncing back. That was one of only two occasions in nine career starts that’s she’s failed to trouble the judge, though the cheek pieces she wore for the first time are retained.
Race 4 No4 IDEALLKO (Nap)
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Adam Wedge
IDEALLKO toyed with his rivals when completing a hat-trick last week. He looked to score with more up his sleeve than the 7lb penalty he incurred, and can again make short work of his foes.
Race 5 No3 FOSTER’S FORTUNE
Trainer: Chris Grant – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
While FOSTER’S FORTUNE has a marked preference for Sedgefield where he’s won twice and finished second on his other three visits, the nature of this sharp track should also now play to his strengths. Admittedly his three runs here were underwhelming, but he’s become a more rounded performer who is clearly in the form of his life.
Race 6 No2 AMERICAN EMPIRE
Trainer: Don Cantillon- Jockey: Ben Bromley
It’s good to see long time licence holder Cantillon back on the scene with a winning chance in the shape of AMERICAN EMPIRE, who claimed a cheque on his Rules debut at Lingfield. He is sure to be more streetwise with the benefit of that promising effort.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 3 No2 CATCH CUNNINGHAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Dylan Hogan
Race 4 No1 PANAMA BLACK (Nap)
Trainer: Brian Meehan – Jockey: Sean Levey
PANAMA BLACK has looked a much improved performer since moving up to 1400 metres and into handicaps. He finished off his race well when second to McKenna here last time, and stretching out to 1800 metres will surely see him go close on this return to Dunstall Park.
Race 6 No10 MATCH ANTHEM
Trainer: Peter Charalambous – Jockey: Luke Morris
MATCH ANTHEM scored on his final two starts in 2024 and signalled that he’s on the way back to that level when chasing home Due Date at Chelmsford. It was the second time in as many starts that he attracted market support, with his backers anxious to recoup the losses this evening.
Race 8 No8 ZAFAAN
Trainer: Charlie Clover – Jockey: Sean Levey
With little racing over the past year it was encouraging to see ZAFAAN post the narrowest of defeats at Southwell on a switch back to sand. It was the first time Levey had ridden the gelding, and the combination figure to make a splash in this weakly contested affair.
