Neil Morrice gives us his best bets and tips for Thursday’s British meetings with the second day of the St Leger meeting taking place on 08/09/2022.
DONCASTER – 08/09/2022
Race 1: CRIME FICTION (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Duran Fentiman
CRIME FICTION takes a step up the ladder on this first nursery assignment, but can show with an earning run that she’s not tilting at windmills. The grey opened her account in the gamest fashion at Redcar.
Her trainer has a good record with his runners in this race, and she should not be underestimated.
Race 2: MAGICAL SUNSET
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Sean Levey
As the only filly in the field and with an unblemished record MAGICAL SUNSET will command plenty of attention ahead of this valuable Sales race.
Her trainer has excelled in such contests over the years, and the daughter of Kodiac is strongly fancied to put her best foot forward. She wasn’t ‘expected’ when scoring at 14-1 on her Windsor introduction, but has learned much from that initial experience.
As an alternative, LEGEND OF XANADU was unlucky in running at York, and could also earn at a big price.
Race 3 – Cazoo May Hill Stakes (Group 2): FRANKNESS (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Rob Hornby
Frankel filly FRANKNESS has greatly impressed in her back-to-back successes at Chester, and looks more than ready for this big step up into a Group 2.
The home-bred should also enjoy moving up to a mile for her clash with stablemates DANCE IN THE GRASS and FERRARI QUEEN. The former took out a Listed prize last time, while Ferrari Queen lost her unbeaten record at the same level against the smart Victory Dance at Newbury.
However, FRANKNESS has the look of a rapid improver, and would not be in the field unless her trainer thought she could prevail.
Race 4 – Coral Park Hill Stakes (Group 2): URBAN ARTIST
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Jason Hart
Given the most audacious of rides at Goodwood, URBAN ARTIST came within an ace of stealing the Group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes where she had YESYES back in fourth.
She blazed a furious trial, and showed a rarely seen resilience to keep up the momentum throughout the mile and threequarters trip.
There are reasons to think she’s an even better operator in the soft, and gets the chance to show the run to be no fluke. There’s no reason why she can’t confirm her superiority over Yesyes, and she can at the same time give ante post favourite ESHAADA plenty to think about.
One that could perform at a level above what her price dictates is NELL QUICKLY, who is in good order after a mid season break.
CHEPSTOW – 08/09/2022
Race 3: MIDNIGHT FLAME
Trainer: Tom Ward – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
MIDNIGHT FLAME skipped an opportunity last week to wait for more suitable (softer) ground. The Dark Angel filly will certainly get that in this second handicap assignment, and can take home a cheque.
Race 5: ON EDGE (Nap)
Trainer: C Mason – Jockey: Mollie Phillips
ON EDGE landed some good bets last week when scoring over course and distance with something in reserve. Now switched to a handicap, he can confirm his superiority over Peachey Carnehan, and appeals as one of the best bets of the day.
EPSOM DOWNS – 08/09/2022
Race 5: GREATNESS AWAITS (Nap)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Sam Hitchcott
GREATNESS AWAITS can show he has the wow factor on a second visit to this switchback venue in the space of just over a week. The Clodovil gelding came within an ace of stealing that race when kicking away from the front, but caused his rider problems by hanging into the far rail. By the time he’d been corrected, Eloso appeared with a wet sail to thwart him in the final strides. Greateness Awaits will have a ring bit back on his tack today, and can go one better.
SOUTHWELL – 08/09/2022
Race 2: DARK ISLAND
Trainer: Heather Main – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
Heather Main is enjoying a bountiful period with her handicappers, and with that in mind it could be worth supporting DARK ISLAND to spring a surprise on this handicap debut. He showed a first trace of ability when earning a mark at Wolverhampton, and if progressing from that placed effort can give Teqilamockingbird something to think about.
Race 3: MILLTOWN STAR (Nap)
Trainer: Jamie Osborne – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
The bet I’m most looking forward to on this card is MILLTOWN STAR. The five-year-old showed he’d settled in with his new trainer when second to Sly Madam at Epsom, having traded short on the exchanges when looming two furlongs out. He’s not been a straightforward horse to train, but on the pick of his juvenile form is definitely well treated.
Race 6: THUNDER BALL
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
THUNDER BALL, finished off his race well at Lingfield when failing by only a head to catch Queen Of Uplands. It was a most encouraging first run on sand by the Night Of Thunder colt, who could have a lot more to give.
Bet on horse racing at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk and www.hollywoodbets.ie
08/09/2022 – Thursday’s Racing Tips by Neil Morrice
