Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Ludlow, Newcastle and Kempton Park on 22 February 2023.
DONCASTER
Race 3 No5 MIDNIGHTREFLECTION (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Harry Bannister
MIDNIGHTREFLECTION looked like a mare getting ready to win when chasing home Jerrash at Plumpton which was easily her best performance of the season. The Midnight Legend mare pays a belated first visit to the Town Moor with track, trip and ground likely to suit.
Race 4 No3 BOLDMERE
Trainer: Alex Hales – Jockey: Bryan Carver
BOLDMERE has been out in the wilderness with only one outing in almost two years. That happened here at the turn of the year when he finished with more horses in front of him than behind. The run could have done this unexposed individual the world of good, and it would come as no surprise to see him make his mark in this company.
Race 6 No7 BLENDED STEALTH
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
The consistent BLENDED STEALTH is one of the few in this field with earning form to his name this season. Apart from pulling up on his chase debut in November, the selection has troubled the judge on each of his other four starts over hurdles. He has ability and can post an overdue first-career triumph.
LUDLOW
Race 2 No15 GREATNESS AWAITS (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
GREATNESS AWAITS always promised in his career on the Flat to enjoy himself when send jumping. He is a strong traveller and stayer who has adapted well to jumping in practice at home. He’s been forced to miss a couple of intended introductions owing to cancellations, but he will hopefully be a bet worth waiting for.
Race 4 No1 HEAD TO THE STARS
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Miss A Stevens
HEAD TO THE STARS has to concede age and weight to his five foes in this three-mile handicap chase, but it might not stop him taking the spoils. The veteran was a bit unlucky here last time when a late error impaired his bid. All three of his successes over fences have happened here, and there could still be a tune to be played from him.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No1 MR INSPIRATION
Trainer: John Gosden – jockey: Rab Havlin
Unless newcomer Sea Flawless is smart this should go to the only winner in the field MR INSPIRATION. The Dubawi colt had to work to land the long odds laid on him at Kempton, but that is thought to have brought him forward as he prepares to cut back in trip to a mile and a quarter.
Race 5 No1 FLEURMAN
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Kevin Stott
FLEURMAN successfully switched to the all-weather to post a minor shock at Wolverhampton. Considering that was the gelding’s first run on sand since his first-ever outing back in 2020, there should be more to come from this dual-purpose performer who looks to hold the cards.
Race 6 No5 GLORIOUS LION (Nap)
Trainer: James Ferguson – Jockey: Cieren Fallon
GLORIOUS LION looked promising when staying on for a mid-division finish on his Newmarket debut in the autumn. The Roaring Lion colt then started a well-backed 7-4 shot for a Wolverhampton novice but that seemed to come too quickly for him as he looked to have learned nothing from the pleasing introduction. Having now been given time to mature into his frame, Glorious Lion can open his account and could go on to better things.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 1 No6 JUST A SPARK
Trainer: Rod Millman – Jockey: David Probert
JUST A SPARK has twice struck the crossbar at Southwell and is a filly ready to deliver. All her form is on the Tapeta surface, but she’s trained well on Polytrack at home.
Race 2 No1 TOMAHAWK KING
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Charles Bishop
Camacho colt TOMAHAWK gamely delivered at the third attempt at Wolverhampton last October and has trained well for this first run in a handicap. He hails from a strong batch of three-year-old colts at West Ilsley and is ready for his return to the fray.
Race 6 No9 AZTEC EMPIRE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Great to see the former champion jockey back riding for a stable with which he’s excelled in recent years. His mount AZTEC EMPIRE seemed to get lost in the swell on handicap debut at Southwell after bottling up in a weak race at this course. A return to the Sunbury-On-Thames venue could prove just what the doctor ordered.
