Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Plumpton, Musselburgh and Wolverhampton on 18 December 2023.
PLUMPTON
Race 1 No9 JUNKANOO
Trainer: Gary Moore – Jockey: Caolin Quinn
JUNKANOO was a 40-1 shot when chasing home Doddiethegreat on his jumps debut at Ascot and represents a trainer with a fine record at this track. A three-times winner on the Flat, he’s switched to hurdles fairly late in life, but with Doddiethegreat upholding the form at Cheltenham he’s in a good place to go one better.
Race 4 No8 SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
SPECIAL ACCEPTANCE has been all dressed up with nowhere to go. He missed out on a fine opportunity last week, but even though finding himself in a tougher contest is in the mood to deliver. He ran well on his reappearance and will be sharper, while he has an in form jockey doing the steering.
Race 6 No7 EURKASH (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
EURKASH enjoys being made plenty of use of, as demonstrated in two earning runs this season, the last in first-time cheek pieces at Southwell. The headgear is retained, while Sheehan’s presence on his back for the first time can only assist his cause.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 2 No5 VALLEYVIEW TOMMY (Nap)
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Ryan Mania
VALLEYVIEW TOMMY has been thwarted from running twice in the last fortnight but looks set for action in this weak maiden hurdle. Along with Got Your Back he can dominate proceedings, as his Kelso third was a first outing under Rules and offers up plenty of room for progression.
Race 6 No4 SO THEY SAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Derek Fox
With few miles on her racing clock SO THEY SAY is a horse that could have more to give. Not without her issues, the seven-year-old was having just a fourth career start when second to Eden Mill at Kelso. Discarded in the betting that day, a market check is advised on her this time, as it was effectively her first run of the season and she probably needed it.
Race 7 No5 ONE MORE STROKE
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
ONE MORE STROKE brings sound pointing form to the table from a good source in Ireland that has served McCain well. With Hughes an added plus, he can take the spoils on this debut under Rules.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 4 No6 LORD MELBOURNE (Nap)
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Harry Davies
If a line can be drawn through his latest underwhelming effort LORD MELBOURNE has to be of interest breaking from a perfect draw three off the fence. The gelding troubled the judge in each of his three previous starts and on that mode of calculation is the one to beat.
Race 6 No4 GYPSY WHISPER (Each Way)
Trainer: Scott Dixon – Jockey: Elisha Whittington
GYPSY WHISPER has earned on her last two starts to indicate she will not be long in returning to the winning form last seen at Doncaster last year. A prolific winner in her early career, she needs to take full advantage of her draw against the rail, and has sound claims if achieving that.
