Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Fontwell Park, Sedgefield and Southwell on 29 January 2023.
FONTWELL PARK
Race 4 No3 JUNIPER (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
JUNIPER can extend her winning sequence to four for a trainer that has been parsimonious with his runners since the turn of the year. The Malinas mare greatly impressed with the way she put her rivals to the sword when returning from a lengthy break at Wetherby, and can continue her progression charting this course along the chasing route.
Race 5 No8 OUR CHAMP
Trainer: Paul Henderson – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
OUR CHAMP has shown enough in three outings over hurdles for his trainer to suggest he can emerge triumphant in this weakly contested heat. He ran into one when beaten by Churchills Bay at Plumpton, but it’s unlikely there’s anything of that quality amongst the opposition today.
Race 6 No1 ART DECCO
Trainer: Robert Walford – Jockey: Freddie Gingell
ART DECCO has a good conditional taking 7lb off his back as he drops back on the distance ladder. The joint top weight weakened in the closing stages of a longer race at Uttoxeter, but with things back in his favour can open his account for his trainer.
Race 7 No8 TOWNHILL
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Mr Ben Sutton
TOWNHILL needs a serious market check on his debut under Rules for a trainer that excels with former winning Irish pointers. Successful in his only outing in that field, the Presenting gelding has been sourced from a top outfit in the Emerald Isle, and can make an immediate impact by taking out the concluding bumper.
SEDGEFIELD
Race 4 No3 ARTHUR’S QUAY
Trainer: Ben Haslam – Jockey: Richie McLernon
ARTHUR’S QUAY bolted up at Catterick to put himself on the verge of a fine hat-trick, and it looks an achievable task even though the JP McManus-owned gelding is now 6lb higher. This similarly tight track is going to suit him, and if in similar mood he will be hard to stop.
Race 7 No4 RUSSIAN VIRTUE (Nap)
Trainer: Rebecca Menzies – Jockey: Nathan Moscrop
RUSSIAN VIRTUE is a pea out of the same pod as he seeks to complete a four-timer in this handicap hurdle. The six-year-old followed his successes at Newcastle and Musselburgh by landing some good bets when returned to Gosforth Park on the all-weather. In this mood he has a great chance of adding to his laurels.
SOUTHWELL
Race 3 No2 CAWTHORNE BANKER
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
CAWTHORNE BANKER brings strong bumper form to the table which should give him the edge over point winner Smiling Getaway. The selection ran in a better race when collecting a minor cheque at Ludlow, and is probably capable of better than he showed that day.
Race 4 No1 STRONG LEADER (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
In spite of shouldering a double penalty it’s hard to get away from the claims of STRONG LEADER. He’s been most impressive at Uttoxeter and Aintree and can remain unbeaten over jumps on the way to better things.
Race 5 No9 RICHHILL
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
One to combine in a double with Strong Leader, RICHHILL looks to have the bases covered in this maiden hurdle. Representing top connections, he oozed promise when third to the smart Chianti Classico on debut for the Skeltons at Chepstow and looks a worthy favourite returning from a wind op.
