Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Newton Abbot, Ayr, Ffos Las and Lingfield Park on 31 July 2023
NEWTON ABBOT
Race 1 No2 SONGO (Nap)
Trainer: Milton Harris – Jockey: Harry Cobden
SONGO landed the odds laid on him in the most decisive fashion over course and distance at the end of June. That was the first time the former German-based gelding had Cobden doing the steering, and his first run over jumps in over two years. With few miles on his jumping clock, there should be more to come from him.
Race 3 No3 SISTERANDBROTHER
Trainer: Milton Harris – Jockey: Harry Cobden
The Harris/Cobden combination can strike again with SISTERANDBROTHER in this handicap hurdle. The selection is showing himself to be a most consistent performer over jumps and was unfortunate to lost out in a close photo at Market Rasen last time. Though speedily bred on his dam’s side he is a strong stayer, and can return to winning ways.
AYR
Race 5 No5 AYR POET (Nap)
Trainer: Jim Goldie – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Course specialist AYR POET attracted a welter of cash when edged out by Gainsbourg last week, and is on the prowl for compensation on what is his fourth visit to Ayr from five outings this year. Remaining at his optimum trip he can get the job done, and a guide to his chance will happen when Gainsbourg runs in Race 3.
Race 6 No2 SIXCOR
Trainer: Linda Perrett – Jockey: Andrew Breslin
SIXCOR has gone eleven starts since his last triumph over this course and distance which funnily enough happened exactly a year ago. His defeat by Texas Man in a blanket finish at Musselburgh last week signals a return to form is imminent for the five-year-old.
FFOS LAS
Race 10 COFFEEMEANSCOFFEE
Trainer: Tom McGuinness – Jockey: Georgia Dobie
Elzaam mare COFFEEMEANSCOFFEE is out for a quick fire repeat success under a 4lb penalty for scoring at Chepstow last week. That was a big improvement on previous efforts and while in the zone she’s worth sticking within this match up with in-form foes Bama Lama and Louis Treize.
Race 4 No1 ART DE VIVRE (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Callum Shephard
Golden Horn filly ART DE VIVRE faces strong opposition from Lady Boba in this fillies’ maiden, but is the most likely winner. She drops back on the distance ladder following her good earning run at Goodwood, and it would be no surprise to see her pilot make plenty of use of her in this small field.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 3 No5 MAGIC MEMORIES
Trainer: Gary Moore – Jockey: Tom Queally
MAGIC MEMORIES gets a first time tongue tie following an eye taking earning run at Windsor. Back to seven furlongs tonight, he offers up better value than paper favourite and main danger Molaqab.
Race 6 No5 MORNING COLOURS (Nap)
Trainer: Marco Botti – Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette
A slow start didn’t help matters for MORNING COLOURS here last time but to her credit she finished off her race strongly. The Oasis Dream filly has more scope for improvement than any of her six opponents and should greatly appreciate tackling a longer trip.
