REDCAR
Race 2 No2 CASH IN (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
Several in this sprint maiden have shown promise but the best value could be CASH IN. It was only in a six-runner affair that he claimed a minor cheque on debut, but that Catterick run has made him a lot more streetwise.
Race 6 No7 BYSTANDER (Nap)
Trainer: Karl Burke – Jockey: Clifford Lee
The Zetland Gold Cup is not only Redcar’s most historic race but also one of the oldest in the racing calendar. It’s the highlight of Bank Holiday Monday, and I shall back BYSTANDER to take the spoils. Burke has saddled the four-year-old to win a couple of all-weather races as well as finish in the money in a hot Class3 at Newmarket on 2000 Guineas day, won by Crack Shot. The selection is having only a seventh career start today and third on grass, leaving him with room for progression.
LEICESTER
Race 3 No5 FOX LEGACY (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
Lope De Vega colt FOX LEGACY showed promise on both juvenile starts and has improved both mentally and physically through the close season. He’s accompanied some good horses at home, and not been in any way disgraced, making him a bet to look forward to as he stretches out to this more suitable trip.
Race 4 No8 MAWAYED (Each Way)
Trainer: Marcus Tregoning – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
Tregoning normally unveils a good prospect for Sheikh Hissa and a market check is therefore advised on MAWAYED, who is a beautifully bred daughter of Sea The Stars. In a race that could easily fall to a newcomer, King Affection and Regal Connection are also worth monitoring in the betting.
Race 6 No6 THE GOOD BISCUIT
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
THE GOOD BISCUIT hails from a very good family and this looks a perfect opportunity for him to begin the 2024 campaign on a winning note. A dual winner from only five starts last season, he looked on the mettle in some strong work last week, suggesting he’s ready.
YARMOUTH
Race 1 No5 CHARLATAN (Each Way)
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Callum Shepherd
CHARLATAN enjoyed a bountiful spree with three all-weather success in the winter. His first run back on turf here was underwhelming, but having skipped an opportunity last week to wait for this, and with Shepherd back in the irons, he can raise his game and claim a cheque.
Race 4 No3 CLOCKMAKER ( Nap)
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Jamie Spencer
CLOCKMAKER brings strong form from Newbury to the table, having chased home the impressive Hidden Law on debut. He can take the scalp of previous winner Theory Of Tides to add to what is proving a fantastic winning spree for owner Fitri Hay.
Race 6 No5 JUNGLE MAC
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
JUNGLE MAC is a more settled individual this year and hails from a stable amongst the winners. He battled well for a minor cheque in a better race at Newmarket, and if reproducing that form will again be in the money. He looked in great heart in his winding-up gallop for this.
CARTMEL
Race 3 No1 MILL GREEN (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
The diminutive MILL GREEN rarely fails to trouble the judge whether over hurdles or fences. While unable to stamp his presence in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham, he’s been freshened up and should enjoy the tight track and small field on this return to fences.
Race 4 No4 PAY THE PIPER (Each Way)
Trainer: Ann Hamilton – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
Although he hasn’t won for 15 months, the one that can land this featured handicap chase is PAY THE PIPER. A switch to hurdling helped sweeten him up, and there was much to like about his recent earning efforts at Newcastle and Kelso. Boombawn and Issuing Authority look sure to give good accounts and can prove the main barriers to success for my selection.
HUNTINGDON
Race 3 No6 PEP TALKING (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Brendan Powell
Former winning pointer PEP TALKING is getting to grips with the rudiments of jumping regulation fences, and can prove a poignant scorer for a trainer saddling his final runners. He was a decisive winner at this course in March and has run well in subsequent races at Hereford and Warwick. He didn’t enjoy much luck in running last time, and has a good chance to bounce back getting lumps of weight from his opponents.
Race 4 No3 CHERRY COLA (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Marc Goldstein
CHERRY COLA was a dual scorer on the Flat last year and tuned up for this return to jumps with an earning spin at Ascot. That should have put a competitive edge on the Sixties Icon mare, who is unexposed over hurdles and races at this course for the first time.