Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Ffos Las, Huntingdon and Newcastle on 9 February 2023
DONCASTER
Race 2 No5 GREATNESS AWAITS (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
GREATNESS AWAITS was a regular earner on the Flat when always regarded as the type to do well over jumps. Since changing hands at the Sales he’s settled in well to his new environment and can make an impact after being switched here when Ludlow was cancelled yesterday.
Race 7 No3 QUEENS ROCK
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
QUEENS ROCK needs to be forgiven an underwhelming performance when last seen at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Previously successful on jumps debut at Southwell, she is her trainer’s best chance of a winner here and can bounce back.
FFOS LAS
Race 1 No6 SHOMEN UCHI (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
SHOMEN UCHI looked unlucky not to prevail at Hereford when narrowly beaten there before Christmas. He had finished only just out of the money in the Aintree Bumper last April and is considered one of the best young prospects in his trainer’s team.
Race 5 No10 JAUNTY VIKING (Each Way)
Trainer: Brian Eckley – Jockey: Thomosina Eyston
JAUNTY VIKING is carded to start as one of the roughies and returns from an enforced absence of ten months. However, he has a good record for his conditional pilot and is over-priced on what he’s achieved.
Race 7 No5 ACEY MILAN
Trainer: Anthony Honeyball – Jockey: Mr Chad Bament
At age nine and making a class drop, ACEY MILAN should have a big say in the outcome of this hunter-chase. Breathing issues have interrupted his progress but he rates the one to beat in a first foray into this field.
HUNTINGDON
Race 4 No3 GINNY’S DESTINY
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
GINNY’S DESTINY only lost out to the smart Grey Dawning in a Grade 2 at Warwick after bolting up in a normal novices’ hurdle at the same course. This feature isn’t as competitive and gives him a chance to reassert at the main expense of multiple scorer Rare Edition.
Race 5 a No5 THE WISE TRAVELLER
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Bradley Roberts
Although 7lb higher than for his last win, THE WISE TRAVELLER is likely to appreciate a slight step up the distance ladder. He was gaining at the end of his latest outing over three miles and is worthy of his short odds for this handicap hurdle.
Race 6 No10 MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Finn Lambert
Although several go to post with good recent runs to their name. MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE is the one that could hold the cards. He has been the well backed winner of two of his three handicap hurdle outings this season and was impressive in the latest of those over course and distance last month. He enjoys a 5lb claim by his capable rider and gets a lot of weight from the majority in the field.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No8 ENGELBERT (Nap)
Trainer: James Ferguson – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
ENGELBERT caught the attention of the Stewards when appearing to be tenderly handled on a recent visit to this track. He’s something of a ‘talking’ horse, but if putting it together can turn the tables with Fox Master from that race.
Race 5 No6 ARMY OF INDIA (Each Way)
Trainer: Julie Camacho – Jockey: Graham Lee
ARMY OF INDIA finished fourth in a blanket finish over this course and distance last time. He received a bit of support and holds strong each way claims in this similar race.
