Neil Morrice outlines his best bets and tips for Thursday’s British meetings at Warwick, Wetherby, Lingfield Park and Chelmsford City on 31/03/2022.
WARWICK -31/03/2022
Race 2 No4 JEFFEREY’S CROSS (Nap)
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Bridget Andrews
This gives JEFFEREY’S CROSS a first rate opportunity to open his account. Given a very tall order on debut under Rules at Ascot, the Nap chased home Hector Javilex at Southwell last time, form which was boosted when his conqueror followed-up earlier this week.
Race 3 No2 JUNIPER
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
JUNIPER put in an improved run when fourth to Another Theatre at Newcastle where she travelled and jumped well until getting tired. Now in a novices’ handicap chase confined to distaffers, she has a good opportunity to put her best foot forward.
Race 7 No2 NOT THAT FUISSE
Trainer : Dan Skelton – Jockey: Mr T Durrell
NOT THAT FUISSE looked unlucky when getting brought down just as the race was hitting up at Ludlow, but made no mistake at Fakenham. This track should ideally suit his style of racing, and even though it’s a tougher assignment he can show he’s more than up to it.
WETHERBY – 31/03/2022
Race 1 No7 SPIRITOFTHENORTH
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Brian Hughes
A rare runner over jumps for this stable, SPIRITOFTHENORTH can get off the mark under the guidance of champion jockey elect Hughes. The selection troubled the judge in all three starts over hurdles before landing a Class 5 handicap at Wolverhampton, and has the best form to bring to the table.
Race 6 No2 FREETHINKER (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Lilly Pinchin
FREETHINKER to complete a fine hat-trick is the way this long distance handicap hurdle should pan out. The Nap made it two out of two under today’s conditional pilot at Newcastle, and if in similar mood will be hard to stop on a similar flat, left-handed course that plays to his strengths.
LINGFIELD PARK – 31/03/2022
Race 4 No8 TARTARUS (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Luke Morris
TARTARUS attracted support before finding only After Eight too strong on his debut at this course earlier in the month. The son of Investec Derby winner Ruler Of The World is going to be more streetwise, and in colours that have been lucky for this stable over the years can now go one better.
Race 5 No8 SIR HENRY COTTON
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Jason Watson
SIR HENRY COTTON landed the odds without any fuss at Wolverhampton after finding only the promising Watermelon Sugar his superior at the same course. He looks to be at the right end of the handicap to show further progression in this first handicap test.
CHELMSFORD CITY – 31/03/2022
Race 3 No4 LOVE POEMS
Trainer: Dr Jon Scargill – Jockey: John Egan
Camelot mare LOVE POEMS can make short work of her male rivals in this long distance handicap. She has a happy knack of troubling the judge, was a winner over course and distance last autumn and then only narrowly denied on seasonal reappearance at Lingfield. There should be more to come from her.
Race 7 Woodford Reserve Cardinal Conditions Stakes
No2 BLUE TRAIL
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
Three premier division trainers have targeted this trial for the Kentucky Derby, and while none of their contenders are necessarily looking towards a visit to the Twin Spires, it still makes for a fascinating contest. The trio were involved in a thriller when separated by just a head at Kempton four weeks ago. BLUE TRAIL got the verdict over Harrow and Find, and I expect the Teofilo colt to confirm his superiority, and to do so more convincingly. The fact that he wears a hood shouldn’t detract from the smart form he’s shown in all three all-weather outings, and he looks to have a bright future.
Race 8 No3 CUBAN BREEZE (Nap)
Trainer: David Evans – Jockey: William Buick
CUBAN BREEZE has shown progression to win two of her three starts this year, looking far more assured when having a visor replace cheek pieces. She delivered with real authority at Wolverhampton and even though the assessor has had his say will be hard to stop.
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