Neil Morrice provides tips for Tuesday’s British race meetings at Exeter, Newcastle and Southwell on 18/01/2022.
EXETER -18/01/2022
Race 2 No8 MISS FAIRFAX (Nap)
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
This galloping track should suit MISS FAIRFAX, who is two starts over jumps this season has needed a fair bit of winding up. She made a good fist of it against Holly Harrington at Ludlow before Christmas, form that has been heavily franked by the winner, and can step up to the plate.
Race 4 No3 SEVENTEEN O FOUR
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Fergus Gillard
SEVENTEEN O FOUR stands out as the one with scope for progression as his trainer pitches him into handicap company on only a third outing under Rules. The dual Flat winner on turf has made great strides in his two outings at this course, and was impressive in landing a novice in soft ground on Welsh a National day.
NEWCASTLE – 18/01/2022
Race 4 No7 MOUNT MELLERAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Ann Hamilton – Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
Plenty in this maiden hurdle know how to earn, which lends itself to an open betting market. The value play could be MOUNT MELLERAY, who after troubling the judge on each of his three starts in Ireland can keep up the momentum on debut for his new trainer. He can get the better of Somerset raider Deeper Blue.
Race 5 No1 COME ON TEDDY (Nap)
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
COME ON TEDDY can successfully give away weight to his rivals in this novices’ limited handicap chase. He impressed on his first run over fences at Uttoxeter, and ran a better race than it looks on paper when raised in class at Cheltenham. After looking a threat coming down the hill his challenge fizzled out, but he now steps up the a more suitable three miles.
Race 6 No10 STONEY ROVER
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Ryan Mania
After signalling that his winning turn is close at hand with a near miss at Hexham, STONEY ROVER can consolidate and post a first win for his trainer. He should be fitter and more mentally tuned for the task in hand.
SOUTHWELL – 18/01/2022
Race 2 No1 COOLAGH MAGIC
Trainer: Robyn Brisland – Jockey: Christian Howarth
COOLAGH MAGIC escapes a penalty for his success over a longer trip at Lingfield last week. He got home in a desperate finish to land some tasty bets, and can follow-up before being reassessed
Race 4 No1 EARLY MORNING DEW (Each Way)
Trainer: Peter Niven – Jockey: Dougie Costello
A market check is advised on Beyond Boundaries, but EARLY MORNING DEW looks a solid option following earning runs in back-to-back maidens at Wolverhampton last month. The selection has also picked up prizemoney over hurdles, and is a strong stayer.
Race 8 No6 FIRCOMBE HALL (Nap)
Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Graham Lee
From a very good draw it’s hard to see FIRCOMBE HALL not taking home a cheque and he could prove a bet worth waiting for. The chestnut is a dual scorer on this surface at Newcastle from his last three starts, and should enjoy a return to a track he last visited nine months ago.
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