Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Warwick, Taunton, Hexham and Wolverhampton on 30 March 2023.
WARWICK
Race 4 No6 BUN DORAN
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Veteran BUN DORAN showed there is life still in him when scoring at Sandown last month. He faces a number of dangerous younger foes in the best race on the card, but if in similar mood could surprise Saint Segal and hat-trick seeker Grandeur D’Ame.
Race 6 No2 BALLOTIN (Nap)
Trainer: Anthony Ward-Thomas – Mr Martin McIntyre
In the colours of Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Martha’s Son, BALLOTIN can take care of business in this hunter-chase. He returned from a spell racing in France to finish second in a point, a run that should have put the edge on him for this move into a new discipline.
TAUNTON
Race 2 No2 DONNIE AZOFF (Nap)
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
DONNIE AZOFF looks to hold the cards in this maiden hurdle after his good run to go close at Fontwell. He’s had a few chances but can stave off the attentions if Fuji Rocks, who was moving well when unseating his rider in a freak incident at Ludlow and should definitely go in to form the other portion of the exacta.
Race 3 No4 ART DECO
Trainer: Robert Walford – Jockey: Harry Cobden
Refreshed from a mid-season break, ART DECO can continue to cut the mustard in this handicap chase. He landed some good bets when last even at Fontwell at the end of January, and has shown progression 8n his four outings since being switched to fences.
Race 5 No1 MR TAMBOURINE MAN
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
The upwardly mobile MR TAMBOURINE MAN has paid a price for his success, and finds himself giving away weight in this long distance handicap hurdle. However, he was been impressive either side of a disappointing run on the Flat when last seen almost a year ago, and has shown he goes well fresh off a break.
HEXHAM
Race 1 No1 LEADING FORCE
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Ryan Mania
This is an easier race than that in which LEADING FORCE finished second at Newcastle. After going 222 in his last three starts the gelding can open his account in what should prove a confidence-boosting exercise.
Race 3 No3 HORN CAPE (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Haslam – Jack Hogan
HORN CAPE belatedly opened his account at Sedgefield after trading at long odds in running, eventually scoring with real authority. The grey is clearly enjoying life after a change of scenery, and even though that was a poor race he should follow up.
Race 5 No3 BLAZING PORT
Trainer: Nick Alexander – Jackey Bruce Lynn
BLAZING PORT ran a couple of promising races after returning from a protracted absence, only to underwhelm at Carlisle last time. This lightly-raced individual is worth another chance in a race that should take too much winning.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 2 No5 PHEONIX GLOW
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
From a stable that sent out two winners on Monday, PHOENIX GLOW might be the answer if she can get a smart break from the rail. The Chelmsford scorer didn’t enjoy the rub of the green when out of the frame at Kempton but wasn’t beaten far. She looked in good order working on the all-weather on Monday.
Race 5 No3 FLAME OF KODIAC (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Rab Havlin
FLAME OF KODIAC qualified to run in handicaps with her first-frame finish and best run so far at Chelmsford. Representing top connections, she has room for progression and should take a bit of beating over a longer trip that seems certain to suit.
