Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Wincanton, Carlisle, Southwell and Newcastle on 9 March 2023.
WINCANTON
Race 3 No6 ISLAND RUN
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Michael Nolan
Having attracted support on each of his three outings this season, and taken home a cheque twice, ISLAND RUN is the type that could have more to offer for a trainer whose horses are running into form nicely for Cheltenham. The six-year-old is less exposed than the majority of his foes, and has been afforded a freshening break since his last underwhelming effort.
Race 5 No1 LIGHTONTHEWING (Nap)
Trainer: Sue Gardner – Jockey: Lucy Gardner
LIGHTONTHEWING looked to score with plenty in hand at Fontwell, and but for unseating could have won three times from four attempts over fences this season. It’s far from surprising that his connections are running him under a penalty, as he’ll be higher in the weights in future.
Race 6 No6 NOBLE SAVAGE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
NOBLE SAVAGE did us a good turn when winning here last week, only for the race to be taken off him in the Stewards’ room. That minor infringement is there to be avenged, as he’s a winner without a penalty in a similar contest.
CARLISLE
Race 3 No2 SON OF THE SOMME
Trainer: Brian Ellison – Jockey: Henry Brooke
SON OF THE SOMME was a deserving winner at Sedgefield in mid January and has taken well to fences. Having earned on his other two outings this season he can defy a new mark at a stiffer track that should play to his strengths.
Race 5 No10 MISS LAMB (Nap)
Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Connections of MISS LAMB are determined to get a run into her in spite of the adverse weather conditions that have swept the country in midweek. A smart bumper horse that finished third at Aintree last April, she appeared to be given an educational ride at Wetherby and can take a good step forward from that to open her account over jumps.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 No11 MAN ON A MISSION
Trainer: Peter & Clutterbuck – Jockey: Luke Morris
MAN ON A MISSION got going too late at Lingfield on Tuesday when the tearaway leader didn’t come back, but he should also get a strong pace to aim at in this bigger field. His figures at this track this season read 4232 and he deserves to get his head in front. Level Up and Angle Land are others to take seriously on this opening leg on the PA.
Race 3 No4 BURNISH (Nap)
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
BURNISH opened his account for top connections when landing a close photo from Aclaimed Art last month. He can confirm his liking for this track by following up in a race over the same trip.
Race 4 No3 MELWOOD BOY
Trainer: Hugo Palmer – Jockey: Harry Davies
This maiden run round a lap of the track can see MELWOOD BOY taking home a decent sized cheque. He’s troubled the judge on each of two starts including here last time and should have more to give in a tight affair in which Dumfries should also be involved.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No4 TEQUILAMOCKINGBIRD (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Callum Shepherd
There was much to like about the way TEQUILAMOCKINGBIRD stuck to her task when chasing home Nolton Cross on her second start back at Wolverhampton. While her best form is at Lingfield, the chestnut can make this a winning first visit to Gosforth Park.
Race 4 No6 DINGLE
Trainer: Julie Camacho – Jockey: Graham Lee
DINGLE has acquitted himself well in both starts since changing stables. He narrowly failed to land some good bets when beaten into third in a blanket finish here at the end of January, and has a good chance at the revised weights of turning the tables with Ron O.
Race 6 No1 ONE MORE DREAM
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Taylor Fisher
ONE MORE DREAM shaped well when returning from a mid-winter break and finishing third to One Hart over course and distance. Only a length separated them on that occasion, but the selection has a good chance of turning things around with a good apprentice taking 5lb off his back, and who knows him.
