Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday's racing coming your way from Newcastle, Stratford, Carlisle and Bath on 31 August 2023
BATH
Race 2 No4 SHOWY (Each Way)
Trainer: Jonny Portman – Jockey: Rob Hornby
In colours that have been carried by some top class horses over the years, SHOWY may offer up some value as a filly that might be underestimated. Although beating only one home on handicap debut at Sandown she was beaten only three and a half lengths by the winner. She also contested a couple of good novices when running to obtain a mark, and represents a trainer with a good record here.
Race 3 No8 BACK TOMORROW (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Spencer – Jockey: Rob Hornby
Courtesy of her upper tier connections Della will probably start favourite for this maiden, but one with equally strong claims is fellow distaffer BACK TOMORROW. She’s posted seconds on debut over today’s course and distance and at Carlisle last week, and is the one to beat.
CARLISLE
Race 1 No4 WAR DEFENDER (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Mr William Easterby
The ability to lead is a major factor in increasing WAR DEFENDER’s prospects of victory, and he’s well drawn to dominate this opener for amateur riders. The six-year-old will get good assistance from the saddle as he tries to build on three consecutive earning efforts for a yard that’s really finding its feet with its handicappers.
Race 2 No10 GO BIG OR GO HOME (Each Way)
Trainer: Bryan Smart – Jockey: Jason Hart
Colts dominate the forefront of the market for this novice but at a bigger price the value play could be GO BIG OR GO HOME. The daughter of Lope De Vega troubled the judge on debut at Beverley and can step up on that to threaten her mainly male foes.
STRATFORD
Race 1 No6 THE GEORDIE GINGE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Following horses from Grange Farm can prove beneficial on this card, starting with THE GEORDIE GINGE. He’s run well to get into the money on both outings this summer, and though no star needs taking seriously.
Race 2 No3 BAGHEERA GINGE (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Dual hurdles scorer BAGHEERA GINGE rallied after surrendering the lead to chase home Investment Manager at Newton Abbot. He reacted well to the addition of cheek pieces, and in a race that will be tactical could this time go from tape to line to post a first success over fences.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4 No13 NORDIC PASSAGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Johnny Levins – Jockey: Dylan McMonagle
NORDIC PASSAGE can prove the pick of Ireland’s challenge on this Racing League sprint. The eight-year-old failed by an inch to land an identical contest at Chepstow before returning home to post another desperate near miss at the Curragh. Whilst in such good order he needs to be backed to make it third time lucky.
Race 6 No4 PARLANDO (Each Way)
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
The one with scope for plenty of improvement is PARLANDO, who makes just a fourth visit to a racecourse for the Class3 over a mile. The Dubawi gelding had been absent since the winter of 2022 when finishing third in a bunch finish to his handicap bow at Newmarket. Williams is just the man to get the best out of this Godolphin cast off who should have plenty more to offer.
Race 7 No4 FINE WINE (Each Way)
Trainer: Scott Dixon – Jockey: Cam Hardie
There are few sprinters with as much natural speed as FINE WINE. The six-year-old was a course and distance scorer last December and again showed a liking for the Gosforth Park track when third to Vintage Clarets at the end of June. He’s been freshened up through the mid summer period, and if getting a handle on the lead should prove hard to catch.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 1-7)
9, 13, 5 x 7, 2 x 6, 7 x 13, 3, 11 x 8, 2 x 4, 2 x 4, 9
R288
