Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Wincanton, Market Rasen, Leicester and Chelmsford City on 1 December 2022.
WINCANTON
Race 1 No1 DASH OF BLUE (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Mr Charlie Case
While having to give away weight, DASH OF BLUE was inch perfect over the fences on his chase debut at Southwell on his return from a protracted absence. The seven-year-old should appreciate this equally easy track, and can follow-up.
Race 3 No8 MIDNIGHT GLANCE
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
The consistent MIDNIGHT GLANCE makes plenty of appeal racing from the bottom of the weights. He’s improved from race to race since going chasing, and looked value for a recent Exeter triumph. The cheek pieces he sported for the first time that day are retained, and he can defy an 8lb hike.
Race 6 No4 ON TO VICTORY (Each Way)
Trainer: Alan Ming – Jockey: Tom Cannon
The same connections should earn with ON TO VICTORY in this competitive handicap hurdle. Irish raider Filey Bay has a commanding presence but is there to be shot at under a penalty, leaving the selection as a viable option granted he’s fit from the Flay, albeit an underwhelming run in the November Handicap at Doncaster. Any rain will benefit him.
MARKET RASEN
Race 3 No1 CHIANTI CLASSICO (Nap)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
CHIANTO CLASSICO greatly impressed on his jumps debut at Chepstow and has done well subsequently, working well ahead of this return to action. The success could give him a vital edge on Park Hill Dancer, an Exeter bumper scorer on his only start but without previous experience of jumping hurdles in public.
Race 6 No7 SURDOUE DE BALLON
Trainer: Kayley Woollacott – Jockey: Paul O’Brien
SURDOUE DE BALLON has improved from race to race since joining this stable from France. With blinkers replacing cheek pieces he’s edged closer to a first win under Rules. Winner of a handicap chase at Compiegne all of three years ago, he’s overdue a return to the winner’s circle and has sound claims of achieving it.
LEICESTER
Race 2 No7 APPLE ROCK (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Luca Morgan
APPLE ROCK went up 6lb for a cosy success at Southwell last week. He now goes to strike while the iron’s hot, and having taken those exertions in his stride can thwart Kotmask.
Race 5 No7 CHANTILLY HAZE (Each Way)
Trainer: Phil Dando – Jockey: Conor Ring
CHANTILLY HAZE flattered only to deceive on more than one occasion last season. Backed on more than one occasion, she needs to show she can operate running back from a break, but if doing so should be involved.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 3 No6 IDEE FIXEE
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam – Jockey: David Egan
Dubawi colt IDEE FIXEE catches the eye as the least experienced horse in the field on handicap debut. He’s grazed the crossbar on each of his three starts and attracted support on each occasion. He should have more to offer and needs to be taken seriously.
Race 5 No1 ARAIFJAN (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Tom Eaves
ARAIFJAN caught a tartar when beaten by Shades Of Summer over this course and distance last month. The chestnut looks to be peaking and deserves a change of luck following two near misses in succession.
