Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Ayr, Worcester, Ripon and Wolverhampton on 8 July 2024.
AYR
Race 3 No1 HIGHWAYGREY (Each Way
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Amie Waugh
HIGHWAYGREY is ridden by an inexperienced apprentice in this bottom-grade handicap but is the best horse in the race. Having underwhelmed when attracting support at Carlisle last time he can now bounce back, as his previous efforts this year show he’s on the cusp of a breakthrough.
Race 6 No6 PEMBROKESHIRE (Each Way)
Trainer: Iain Jardine – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
Having taken away minor cheques on two of his last three visits to this track, PEMBROKESHIRE can now find the necessary progression to make this a first success of 2024. He faces a couple of recent winners, but is now operating from a mark close to that from which he last won in the autumn.
WORCESTER
Race 2 No9 LAND GENIE
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neil Jr
LAND GENIE appeals as an unexposed type that could play an earning part in this competitive three-mile handicap chase, in which it’s hard to rule many out. He was making just a sixth visit to the track when third in a similar race at Warwick and is completely untried over fences, which makes him very hard for the assessor to weigh up. A market check is strongly advised, but he’s worth backing whether he contracts or drifts.
Race 4 No8 LIVERPOOL KNIGHT (Each Way)
Trainer: Ollie Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
Murphy could win this with recent scorer TRONADOR, but LIVERPOOL KNIGHT also takes the eye and at their respective prices is just preferred. He impressed as a horse getting ready to win when fourth at Market Rasen last month and boasts a very good record for his handler with three successes and five frame finishes from just ten outings over hurdles.
Race 5 No2 MATTIE ROSS (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Phillips – Jockey: Finn Lambert
MATTIE ROSS had the upper hand on Moro Rock at Market Rasen and history can now repeat itself with the former making it back-to-back successes from his higher mark. My selection is only just starting to realise his potential, and should have more to offer.
RIPON
Race 2 No9 SIEVIER (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
Channon runs two in this fillies’ maiden, but SIEVIER should prove to be his main arrow. The daughter of Sixties Icon, named after the owner/breeder of wonder filly Sceptre, is herself owned by former trainer David Elsworth and has shown sufficient promise at home to suggest even though she will run green she can still earn.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 No4 DASHINWHITESARGENT
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
DASHINWHITESARGENT can utilise the experience card effectively in this novice to give his trainer a needed winner. The grey faces a couple of previous winners but has arguably the best form to bring to the table, and can take the spoils.
Race 5 No5 OUTREACH (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Tyler Heard
OUTREACH failed to justify market support last time and is becoming expensive to follow. However, the grey is well drawn on the inner for this 1400 metres bottom-level handicap, while the addition of cheek pieces could also help make a difference.
Race 7 No1 CARMARTHEN (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
CARMARTHEN traded very short in running at Ffos Las last month only to get run out of it in a tight finish. The cheekpieces she wore for the first time are retained, and given the rub of the green the Havana Gold filly should open her account as the best bet of the night.
