Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming from AYR, Newcastle and Southwell on 13 January 2025.
AYR
Race 1 No8 LUCKIE DEVIL (Each Way)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Callum Bewley
A value each way play in the first is LUCKIE DEVIL. Runner up on debut in a Newcastle bumper in May, he ruined his chance on his next start at Kelso by getting loose at the start, and though making a move to threaten over a furlong out in the race itself, found the earlier exertions taking their toll on him towards the finish. He remains a good prospect and looks overpriced.
Race 4 No1 FINGLE BRIDGE (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
FINGLE BRIDGE brings a very strong profile to the table for this and is in pursuit of a sixth success from his last seven hurdles and chase starts. He’s a fragile individual who has to be trained with a kid glove, but Murphy is getting the best out of him and he was in total command when his only rival departed 3 out at Uttoxeter. This clash with the equally promising MEETMEBYTHESEA will uncover just how good he is.
Race 7 No1 COCONUT MAN
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Jack Power
Power’s 5lb claim should give COCONUT MAN the extra he needs to see off KINGSMAN MAIL in an interesting bumper. The selection has three and a quarter lengths to spare over that rival when they clashed here in November, and though the second enjoys a healthy swing in the weights he might find repeating that level of form more difficult.
NEWCASTLE
Race 6 No3 KING’S CROWN (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Rhys Elliott
KING’S CROWN is enjoying a profitable winter with two wins here from his last three outings. Considering his liking for Gosforth Park and the way he seems to know where the finishing post is, he has strong claims to go in again with his apprentice jockey easing his rise in the rating with his 5lb claim.
Race 7 No8 RAIN CAP (Each Way)
Trainer: John Riches – Jockey: Kyle McHugh
RAIN CAP takes the eye in the nightcap competing after a freshening break and getting weight from all his opponents. Of slight concern is that he’s yet to win at Gosforth Park or indeed on the all-weather, but with a strong pace likely the race could tee itself perfectly for his trademark strong finish.
SOUTHWELL
Race 3 No1 PINK SOCKS (Nap)
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Paddy Bradley
PINK SOCKS ran out a well supported winner here last week to confirm how much she is enjoying a return to the all-weather. The Vadamos mare cruised into contention and powered clear when given the office and is going to be very hard to stop under a penalty if in the same mood.
Race 5 No3 CARGON BHUI
Trainer: David Barron – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
This bottom grade sprint gives CARGIN BHUI a good chance to gain a first success in two years. A return to the Tapeta surface saw him overturned as an odds-on favourite at Wolverhampton earlier in the month but considering he endured an interrupted run to be beaten just a head he can almost be considered a winner without a penalty.
Race 8 No3 CODIAK
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
CODIAK makes abundant appeal as the least exposed runner in the finale. The Make Believe gelding is running on sand for only the third yip time, having stylishly opened his account by a wide margin in a Wolverhampton novice. He clearly stays the mile and a half well, and won’t have been easy for the handicapper to assess.
