Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Plumpton, Stratford , Taunton and Newcastle on 10 March 2025.
PLUMPTON
Race 6 No2 SMUGGLERS HAVEN (Nap)
Trainer: Sara Bradstock – Jockey: Miss Lily Bradstock
With her successes at Hereford and Plumpton, SMUGGLERS HAVEN has made a useful contribution to her trainer’s good strike-rate with her small team this winter. Given a freshening break since her last outing, the mare can complete a fine hat-trick back at the scene of that latest triumph.
STRATFORD
Race 1 No5 EL GAVILAN
Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks – Jockey: Richard Patrick
It’s tight at the front of the betting for this juvenile hurdle, but given his greater experience EL GAVILÁN could represent the best value. He’s starting to realise the promise shown in his early career in France, and after a couple of podium finishes can now take the laurel wreath.
Race 2 No3 PILSDON PEN
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
PILSDON PEN proved very easy to back when returning from an enforced absence at Lingfield, and though mixing it with his rivals for much of the journey, became tired in the home straight and faded. He had a good blow afterwards, suggesting the run has done him the power of good, making him fitter for this assignment in which he can do better.
Race 5 No7 DANCING IN BRAZIL (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
DANCING IN BRAZIL kept on well to claim a minor cheque on a second run for his trainer at Huntingdon, and looks weighted to make a bold fist of it in a race where several of his foes go to post off disappointing performances. He will operate around this tight track and should prove hard to beat.
TAUNTON
Race 2 No1 DISGUISEDLIMIT
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Mickeal Nolan
Fasol is of interest on his first outing after wind surgery but he figures to start plenty short enough, edging the scales in favour of DISGUISEDLIMIT who holds strong claims in his own right. The winning pointer was beaten a long way on Rules debut at Chepstow, but when equipped with a hood upped his game to finish second at Southwell. His trainer is enjoying a bountiful run to which he can now contribute.
Race 5 No1 WEAVER’S ANSWER
Trainer: Tim Vaughan – Jockey: Alan Johns
WEAVER’S ANSWER has enjoyed a selective campaign this season, and with a very good run in defeat last time is in pole position to go one better on this fourth outing of the season. The grey has to give away stacks of weight to some of the field, but is more likely than anything to earn.
Race 6 No5 SIAM PARK (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Jack Tudor
SIAM PARK hasn’t so far managed to reach the expectations held for him, but he raised his game when finishing second on a first outing over fences, which augers well for his chances in a race that looks easier than the one he swerved last week.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4 No5 EARL OF ROCHESTER (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
Dubawi gelding EARL OF ROCHESTER showed signs of greenness on his introduction in the Wood Ditton at Newmarket last spring but nevertheless shaped well to trouble the judge. He’s a good looking individual for whom his trainer appears to have found a very convertible opening.
Race 7 No5 KIPP KELLY
Trainer: Derek Shaw – Jockey: Joanna Mason
KIPP KELLY put in a career best when third at Southwell last time, and with that better effort behind him could easily find further progression. Two previous visits to this track did not prove fruitful, but under regular pilot Mason his claims need respecting.
