Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Exeter, Huntingdon and Nwwcastle on 25 March 2024.
EXETER
Race 3 No4 SUN JOY
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
SUN JOY reacted favourably to the addition of cheek pieces when scoring at Huntingdon in late January. That was only his fourth outing since arriving from France. Jones was on his back for the first time, and is a welcome presence on the Hunter’s Light gelding.
Race 4 No3 PIRATES TALE (Nap)
Trainer: Jimmy Frost – Jockey: Bryony Frost
Classic Maestro brings solid credentials to the party but might have to give best to the lightly-raced PIRATES’ TALE. The Nap was in the end a comfortable winner of a maiden hurdle over course and distance earlier in the month, and if making normal progression can down the paper favourite.
Race 5 No4 BORN AT MIDNIGHT
Trainer: Bill Turner – Jockey: Ben Ffrench Davis
BORN AT MIDNIGHT has impressed in back-to-back visits to Plumpton but can now show he’s just as comfortable operating on a galloping track. He’s versatile regarding his ability to handle varying types of going, and with his tail up can complete a fine hat-trick.
HUNTINGDON
Race 2 No2 MOONLIT POTTER
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
MOONLIT POTTER had to dig deep to repel Bluella Bresil at Lingfield and will enjoy stretching out a tad on the distance ladder under a penalty. The mare can confirm the placings and at the same time repel Lightening Mahler.
Race 6 No4 SAMMY’S GUARANTEE (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
The best bet of the day is SAMMY’S GUARANTEE, who was travelling ominously well when falling at Chepstow’s third last hurdle last week. None the worse for the tumble, the mare can put paid to the challenge of six males in this two and a half mile handicap hurdle.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No3 UMBERTO
Trainer: Kevin Philippart De Foy – Jockey: David Allan
UMBERTO brings a ring of consistency to the table on a second start of 2024. A horse that frequently attracts market support, he cost his rivals dear when last seen at Kempton but came away with excuses. His trainer refits a visor to the selection, who can bounce back.
Race 4 No4 LADY DORCHESTER (Nap)
Trainer: Dominic Ffrench Davis – Jockey: David Egan
Fresh from their Lincoln win with Mr Professor, Ffrench Davis and Egan can take out this juvenile contest with LADY DORCHESTER. The daughter of Dark Angel has shown plenty of natural speed in her work in Lambourn and should know too much for five fellow debutants.
Race 6 No1 WATER OF LEITH
Trainer: Jim Goldie – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Turned out quickly after picking up a minor cheque here on Friday, WATER OF LEITH races off the same mark and can take care of business at the main expense of recent scorers Martin’s Brig and Spartan Fighter.
