Neil Morrice provides tips for Monday’s meetings at Wetherby, Kempton & Chepstow – where we’re set for the Welsh Grand National on 27/12/2021.
KEMPTON – 27/12/2021
Race 2 – Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase (Grade 2): EDWARDSTONE
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
After a shaky start to his chasing career, EDWARDSTONE has made up for lost time with a vengeance and is unlucky not to be unbeaten over fences.
He would almost certainly have prevailed on chase debut in a Doncaster handicap but for unseating exactly a year ago. He was then brought down when going much the best at Warwick but has shown with a winning return to that track and success in a Grade 1 novice chase at Sandown that he’s a leading candidate for the Arkle Trophy at next year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Race 3: CODED MESSAGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Charlie Case
CODED MESSAGE makes her third appearance in this contest, having won it in 2019 and finished an honourable third to Molly Ollys Wishes 12 months ago. She is going to appreciate the cut in the ground and should have been brought to the boil by a readying comeback run behind Tequila Blaze at Ascot, for which she is now better off with that rival at the weights.
Race 4 – Desert Orchid Chase (Grade 2): SHISHKIN
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
All eyes will be on last season’s Queen Mother Champion Chase hero SHISHKIN to preserve his unbeaten record on this belated return to the fray. His trainer received criticism for not bringing the seven-year-old back at in the Tingle Creek at Sandown, but the gelding’s standard of work has be all accounts improved since then.
He’s never been especially flamboyant on the home gallops anyhow, and even if turning up slightly undercooked for this key Cheltenham trial, he should outclass his foes, of whom the Timgle Creek winner GREANETEEN is clearly the most respected.
CHEPSTOW – 27/12/2021
Race 5 – Welsh Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3): HILL SIXTEEN (Each Way)
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Craig Nichol
Although he takes a patchy record to post, Scottish raider HILL SIXTEEN nevertheless has plenty to recommend him following his narrow defeat in the Becher Chase at Aintree. The eight-year-old made that game mare Snow Leopardess pull out all to stops to signal he had rediscovered the same improved level of form as when making his previous switch of stables. Furthermore, the record shows he likes Chepstow, as he finished second in a novice hurdle on his only previous visit three years ago.
IWILLDOIT has commanded a place at the head of the ante-post market even since landing the trial over a shorter three miles here at the start of the month. With very few miles on the clock the eight-year-old should be on the premises and take home a major cheque.
The 2020 winner SECRET REPRIEVE has been prevented from reappearing until now, meaning his fitness for such a grueling contest has to be taken on trust, but trainer Evan Williams believes he has the gelding ready.
HIGHLAND HUNTER is a strong travelling individual from the stable of the champion trainer. Off only five outings over fences he should have more to offer, and will be dangerous if taking to it.
Race 6: BRINKLEY (Nap)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
BRINKLEY showed tenacity to pull his chase debut at Huntingdon out of the fire after looking clearly beaten. The grey now has to give away weight all round in this novices’ limited handicap chase, but is reported in good order and can follow up.
WETHERBY – 27/12/2021
Race 2: HARBOUR LAKE (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Jockeys title trailblazer Hughes makes a rare link with King but it should be rewarded with a triumph for HARBOUR LAKE. The Shantou gelding was a hugely impressive scorer on debut under Rules at this track and though the form was let down by the second, he has scope for abundant progression.
Race 5: CHEDDLETON
Trainer: Jennie Candlish – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
CHEDDLETON is a fascinating candidate for the featured Castleford Chase on his belated return to action. Being by Shirocco he will greatly enjoy any give in the ground, and has shown with earning runs in each of his six starts over fences (including two successes) that he’s got more to offer in this discipline.
WOLVERHAMPTON – 27/12/2021
Race 6: UMM HURAIR (Nap)
Trainer: Roger Charlton – Jockey: Harry Burns
UMM HURAIR has landed back-to-back handicaps here with any amount in hand, but taken a hike in the weights for her troubles. For this big step up the class ladder she is ridden by a capable apprentice who takes 5lb off her back, and she can complete a fine hat-trick.
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