Neil Morrice provides tips for Wednesday’s British race meetings at Wincanton, Catterick Bridge, Lingfield Park and Kempton Park on 26/01/2022.
WINCANTON – 26/01/2022
Race 4 No3 FELTON BELLEVUE
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Harry Bannister
FELTON BELLEVUE has looked a better operator over fences than he was as a hurdler and run well on both starts under Bannister, finishing second at Market Rasen and winning at Hereford. He clocked a good time for that first career triumph, and hails from a stable that’s right amongst the winners.
Race 5 No2 KNICKERBOCKERGLORY
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
While it’s hard to rule out any of the six that contest this novices’ handicap hurdle, the one that can take another step forward is KNICKERBOCKERGLORY. The selection put in a controlled display of racing from on the pace when landing the odds at Taunton after getting detached in his previous two hurdling runs. He’s going to have his tail up now, and can follow-up.
Race 6 No1 GROSVENOR COURT (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
While penalties frequently catch out novices I fancy GROSVENOR COURT to return to winning ways following a shock defeat by Earth Lord at this course. The six-year-old had previously edged it in a tight finish with the useful Shearer here, and with that useful knowledge of the terrain is in a good place to bounce back, as both ground conditions and trip are also to his liking.
CATTERICK BRIDGE – 26/01/2022
Race 3 No2 RIVER WALK
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
RIVER WALK is a very promising recruit to hurdles who can complete a hat-trick and remain unbeaten. Both his triumphs in a Catterick bumper and Musselburgh maiden hurdle have been gained with ease, and he has a good shot at outpointing doubly-penalised It’s Good To Laugh in receipt of 5lb from that rival.
Race 5 No3 RELKADAM (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Nathan Moscrop
RELKADAM traded very short on his recent visit to Wetherby after looking home and hosed on the run-in. He seemed to hesitate in the final 100 yards which enabled File Illico to get up in the last couple of strides. This sure footed gelding’s chance of going one better is assisted by the 3lb claim of his rider, while he’s the only one in the race that’s shown decent form in recent starts.
Race 6 No5 LATINO FLING
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Milan mare LATINO FLING keeps taking home minor cheques, the former winning Irish pointer having placed in all but one of her six races under Rules. Importantly this is her first outing for top management since a wind operation, and it could make all the difference.
LINGFIELD PARK – 26/01/2022
Race 4 No3 KNOCKABOUT QUEEN (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Tom Marquand
KNOCKABOUT QUEEN needs careful inspection in this sprint round a left-handed bend following her earning run behind Axel Jacklin at Wolverhampton. It represented a step in the right direction for the mare, and her best effort since joining the Herrington stable. She is back on a workable mark, while Marquand is a most eye taking booking.
Race 6 No3 DUTCH DECOY
Trainer: Mark Johnston – Jockey: Joe Fanning
This race will be tactical but DUTCH DECOY has a good chance of being able to set up an uncontested lead. He did nothing wrong when denied in a Class 3, having taken out a Class 4 at Newcastle in as many starts this year, and is going to be happy back at the lower of those grades.
KEMPTON PARK – 26/01/2022
Race 1 No1 AXEL JACKLIN
Trainer: Chelsea Banham – Jockey: Joey Haynes
AXEL JACKLIN is drawn to attack in a slot three off the rail. He’s attracted market support on both outings this month, and though Wolverhampton seems his favourite hunting ground there’s no obvious reason why he can’t replicate the form going right-handed.
Race 3 No2 KHATWAH (Nap)
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Frederick Larson
Lope De Vega filly KATWAH landed some good bets in authoritative fashion at Wolverhampton three days after finishing second with a hood applied at the same venue. The Shadwell cast off is having just a fourth outing for champion all-weather handler Appleby tonight, and there should be further improvement to come.
Race 6 No7 COME ON GIRL
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: David Probert
Grey mare COME ON GIRL deserves to gain the rub of the green after three near-misses. Aside from having all-weather go to man Probert on her back, the fact that this is her first run at Kempton for well over a year could prove refreshing, and tilt the balance in her favour.
Bet on horse racing at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
