Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Windsor, Redcar, Kelso and Kempton Park on 15 April 2024.
WINDSOR
Race 2 No6 MAJESTIC HEIGHTS
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Joe Leavy
MAJESTIC HEIGHTS might be by an unfashionable sire in Coulsty, but her dam won the Fred Darling and was a smart individual , while she was too green to do herself justice when debuting at Kempton at the start of the month. Like many from her stable she will have learned plenty from that initial experience, and can step up.
Race 3 No10 REACHING HIGH (Each Way)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
The giant REACHING HIGH didn’t show what he’s capable of in a couple of starts at Sandown and Yarmouth last season but has now had the chance to develop into his frame. While aware that this run will afford him a mark, I think the son of Gold Cup winner Estimate is worth chancing against paper favourite Harper’s Ferry.
Race 4 No9 TIRIAC (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
Although not without his problems, TIRIAC has been working well ahead of this return to racecourse duty. He’s bred to enjoy cut in the ground and it’s interesting that Probert, who has ridden some nice horses from the Channon stable this season, is in the plate for a race the gelding is well capable of winning.
Race 6 No12 RING OF LIGHT (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
When last seen in the autumn of 2022 RING OF LIGHT completed an all-weather hat-trick sealed by a game success over Masqool at Kempton. Training issues have kept him on the sidelines but a market check is advised on this return to turf in an admittedly stronger race.
Race 7 No5 DOUBLE RED (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
The same colours could trouble the judge with DOUBLE RED who thought having three duck eggs next to his name could prove a different proposition back from a winter break and switched to a handicap. The grey is narrowly preferred to AMANCIO, who has had a few chances but should nevertheless find himself in the shake-up.
REDCAR
Race 7 No2 COIN POWER (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
On a very tricky card for punting COIN POWER will hopefully prove a bet worth waiting for in the nightcap. He’s among a batch of three-year-olds in action today having a first run in handicap company. It should see him in a different light to his barren 2023 campaign, as he’s also been gelded, and is equipped with a tongue strap for the first time.
KELSO
Race 4 No2 YOUR OWN STORY (Nap)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Derek Fox
YOUR OWN STORY can prove the answer to this puzzle on only a second outing of the year. Sixth in the Scottish National last spring, he ran well enough when second in a three-horse race at Newcastle in March to suggest he might be one to follow on the better ground that will emanate in the coming weeks.
Race 7 No8 BENTLEY ROAD
Trainer: William Coltherd – Jockey: Mr T Hamilton
BENTLEY ROAD has more to recommend him than most even though this is a first hunter-chase run for the gelding, and a first for his trainer. He looks the one that can cause problems for established pointer Soldier Of Rock.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 2 No10 NANCY ROSE (Nap)
Trainer: Jonny Portman – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
From the perspective of pedigree, Lady Flora takes that rosette bend closely related to very smart horses in Elm Park and Brorocco but even though there was plenty to like about her first run at Newmarket in the autumn, the one I just prefer is NANCY ROSE. She emanates from a family her trainer knows all about, and also ran with promise when second on her introduction at Newbury. She’s done well through the winter, Mandy I have good vibes for her.
Race 3 No1 CIARA PEARL
Trainer: Daniel Kubler – Jockey: Jim Crowley
Twilight Son filly CIARA PEARL did us a good turn when powering home in her first handicap outing a week ago. Under a 5lb penalty, she can post a quick follow-up, as the drop back to a mile shouldn’t faze her.
Race 5 No7 HEATHCLIFF
Trainer: Jane’s Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
A market check is advised on HEATHCLIFF as he steps into handicap company for the first time. In colours that have been synonymous with some good horses over the years, the gelding has a good opportunity to deliver on his first visit to the Sunbury-On-Thames course. He’s attracted support on each of his three starts, and shown plenty of ability in defeat.
