Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Tuesday 27 June 2023

BRIGHTON

Race 3 No1 GEELONG
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Mr Joshua Brown

GEELONG doesn’t do anything in a hurry, but could outstay these foes under a capable pilot who is good value for his claim. The top weight stayed on to chase home Lusaka on his latest start at Chepstow and appeared to be happier without the headgear he’d worn on his previous two outings.

Race 7 No3 RED ALERT (Nap)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: William Carson

The go-to horse in this sprint is RED ALERT. He’s raised his game since being re-equipped with Cheek pieces, and under a 4lb penalty for his latest triumph can now complete a fine hat-trick.

BEVERLEY

Race 4 No4 MOUNT KING (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan

MOUNT KING underwhelmed on handicap debut at Thirsk but was an earner in his other three starts for Easterby. I thought the Thirsk run was better than it looked, and he can go forward returned to a maiden to endorse the promise he showed with his previous handler Joseph O’Brien.

Race 6 No6 BOBBY’S BLESSING
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Joe Fanning

Although less experienced than his opponents, BOBBY’S BLESSING has room for improvement after his narrow debut win at Beverley and close-up third at Lingfield. The Bobby’s Kitten colt threatens to be better going down the handicap route and should have too many guns for hat-trick seeker Bashful from whom he receives 2lb.

Race 8 No7 THE GO TO (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan

If there’s some value in the nightcap, Ribchester filly THE GO TO could provide it. She was beaten a long way on her first handicap run in April but that followed a five-month break, and she should now know more of what’s required,

NEWTON ABBOT

Race 3 No4 MIDNIGHT JEWEL (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Lily Pinchin

MIDNIGHT JEWEL was a tenacious scorer on her return to fences at Bangor where he jumped well and battled all the way to the line. The seven-year-old confirmed the good rapport he’s developed with Pinchin, who has a 50% strike-rate on the gelding (four wins from eight rides), and he can prove more than a match for Farouk De Chennau.

Race 5 No7 NICKELSONTHEDIME
Trainer: Kayley Woollacott – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

NICKELSONTHEDIME gained a deserved success at Warwick that followed a spate of earning efforts in defeat. The success should have given the nine-year-old a confidence boost and his 3lb rise in the weights is countered by the 5lb claim of the capable conditional jockey riding him.

Race 6 No1 BALA BROOK
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Freddie Gingell

Songo will attract plenty of support returned to hurdles after a recent spin on the Flat, but he could struggle to hold BALA BROOK. The latter returned from a break to chase home the experienced Basford on his first run over jumps at this course, and granted normal improvement can go one better.

NEWBURY

Race 1 No3 LUCKY’S DREAM
Trainer: Ben Brookhouse – Jockey: Luke Catton

LUCKY’S DREAM put in a very encouraging earning run at Salisbury on his return from an enforced absence. The grey is one we haven’t seen the best of, and if avoiding the bounce factor should again trouble the judge.

Race 5 No10 JIMMY LIFESTYLE (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Dane O’Neill

An interesting runner in this seven furlongs handicap is the lightly-raced JIMMY LIFESTYLE. The Havana Gold gelding showed good early speed before weakening in his Kempton return and wasn’t beaten far when claiming a minor cheque on his handicap bow and first outing on grass at Salisbury. He’s learned from that and makes abundant appeal getting weight from each of his rivals.

Race 6 No6 RING OF LIGHT
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Dane O’Neill

RING OF LIGHT turned a corner with three straight success on the all-weather in the autumn and early winter. The grey returns from an eight-month absence but that’s given him time to strengthen up. This is a competitive affair, but with his stable in form he should be in the shake-up.