Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming from Plumpton, Stratford, Taunton and Wolverhampton on 09 March 2026.
PLUMPTON
Race 1 No4 PIPING ROCK (Nap)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Liam Harrison
PIPING ROCK has gradually progressed in his three outings and probably found himself in a hot race when third at Warwick last month. He’s in calmer waters today, and with this sharp course likely to suit, the Poet’s Word gelding can open his account.
Race 4 No2 INFERNO SACREE
Trainer: Nigel Hawke – Jockey: Murray Dodd
INFERNO SACREE did this column a good turn with his all the way Taunton success which was the first time he’d run over three miles. He’s now 5lb higher, but got the trip standing on his head, and if granted an easy lead round here will surely prove hard to catch.
Race 5 No1 SCOTTISH KING
Trainer: R Armson – Jockey: Philip Armson
SCOTTISH KING put in a seasonal bet when scoring with authority at Market Rasen where his jumping was very assured. The ten-year-old has his tail up, and though 4lb higher that rise doesn’t look excessive.
STRATFORD
Race 3 No10 SLEEPING LATE
Trainer: Pam Sly – Jockey: Jack Andrews
Although he underwhelmed on his first two starts this season, SLEEPING LATE upped his game when second to Codetalker at Fakenham. The chestnut returns from a freshening break, and in an open affair has strong claims to get into the argument.
Race 5 No1 STAR OF AFFINITY (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
STAR OF AFFINITY has improved from race to race in three outings this season, culminating in a bloodless triumph at Plumpton. He’s looked happier in his new role as a chaser, and is a good jumper who can consolidate with another success.
TAUNTON
Race 2 No11 WAY OF STARS
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
In his exploits on the Flat, WAY OF STARS always looked like a horse that would benefit from going jumping. He’s troubled the judge on both starts under Rules to back up that statement and holds BANYKEN on course and distance running from last month.
Race 3 No6 POSTPONED LEGACY (Nap)
Trainer: Martin Keighley – Jockey: James Best
POSTPONED LEGACY has with three wins from his last four starts proved a proper money spinner for his owners. He’s 9lb higher than for the latest at Huntingdon, but looked to have plenty left in the locker on that occasion.
Race 6 No4 KALLY DES BRUYERES
Trainer: David Dennis – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
Having been successfully operated on for a breathing issue, KALLY DES BRUYERES regained the winning thread in a hurdle race at Huntingdon. He faces mainly out of form opponents on this return to fences and can operate off the same mark, making him the one to beat.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 6 No3 CITY OF DREAMS (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
On a tricky card for wagering, CITY OF DREAMS may prove an exception as his three outings last year looked strictly educational, and he can leave it behind now handicapping.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 1-7)
