Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Taunton, Ayr and Wolverhampton on 9 January 2023.
TAUNTON
Race 5 No4 LADY ADARE (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Lorcan Murtagh
LADY ADARE looked better than ever when easily landing novice hurdles at Newcastle and this course last winter to remain unbeaten. The seven-year-old has not been without training issues and returns from a more than 320-day absence, but with her stable in great form she has solid claims to make it a nap hand of successes on this handicap debut.
Race 6 No7 BORN TO PLEASE (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Harriet Tucker
BORN TO PLEASE is an infrequent scorer who last visited the winner’s circle well over two years ago. She’s interspersed hurdling with running on the all-weather and put in an encouraging effort when second at Leicester at the start of December. She needs to enjoy the rub of the green, but if doing so should earn in an open heat.
AYR
Race 1 No1 AUBUS WALK (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Brian Hughes
AUBIS WALK to beat Irish raider Champagnesocialist is the way this opening novices’ hurdle can pan out. The selection narrowly failed to justify strong market support when returning at Kelso last month, is well regarded by her Greystoke handler and can go one better.
Race 3 No1 MASKED CRUSADER
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Hat-trick-seeking Paddy The Horse needs respecting but could have to play second fiddle to MASKED CRUSADER. The selection has proved costly to follow since being switched to fences, and after weakening at the business end of his race at Catterick unseated his rider at Musselburgh. This former winning Irish pointer adds cheek pieces which could assist in him putting in a clear round and bouncing back.
Race 4 No2 ARDERA CROSS (Each Way)
Trainer: William Young – Jockey: Henry Brooke
Veteran ARDERA CROSS makes a fourth consecutive visit to this course and could run better than his position in the betting market indicates. Normally a very good jumper, he gave it his all when narrowly denied by Lisloran only to make a rare error that put him out of contention on his next start in a race that rival followed-up in just before Christmas. He is capable of putting the recent lapse behind him.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 3 No3 HELLO QUEEN (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Shane Gray
This is a good opportunity for Acclamation filly HELLO QUEEN to get off the mark providing she can circumnavigate the worst of the draw. She did not go unsupported on her Newcastle introduction and hails from a speedy family. She is going to be more worldly wise for this clash with Medici Chapel.
Race 5 No3 BELLAGIO MAN
Trainer: Antony Brittain – Jockey: Cam Hardie
BELLAGIO MAN finished well clear of the third when chasing home Arden at Newcastle last week to take away a sixth successive cheque on sand. An earner on his only previous visit to Dunstall Park, he is a versatile individual who shouldn’t resent being pulled back to the minimum trip.
Race 6 No1 WIN WIN POWER
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Theodore Ladd
WIN WIN POWER easily landed the odds laid on him on debut for his trainer at Southwell last week and is out to strike while the iron’s hot. He’s the go-to horse in this bottom of the ladder Classified race, even though his pilot won’t want to get to far back from a tricky draw on the outer.
