Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton on 20 January 2024.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race1 No9 BOWMAN ( Each Way)
Trainer: Laura Mongan – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Hat-trick seeker THAPA VC is greatly respected and from a high draw will again have to be ridden cold, but one that could outperform his odds is confirmed front-runner BOWMAN. The six-year-old is an infrequent visitor to the track these days, but well handicapped on his old form. He’s drawn to attack and could take some pegging back.
Race 2 No3 FIRE DEMON (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Ryan Moore
FIRE DEMON landed some good bets when opening his account at Kempton. The Dark Angel colt appreciated dropping back to a sprint distance and now has the added advantage of Moore in the saddle. In an interesting heat he can stave off the challenge of Roman Emperor.
Race 6 No2 MISS BLUEBELLE
Trainer: Marcus Tregoning – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
A cracking all-aged handicap for distaffers can fall to MISS BLUBELLE. The Awtaad mare has never raced here but is a winner on Polytrack at Chelmsford and a dual scorer on Tapeta. Importantly she put up one her best performances when smoothly converting at Wolverhampton last week, and goes to post with her tail up.
Race 7 No5 HAVANAZAM
Trainer: Tom Symonds – Jockey: Callum Shepherd
HAVANAZUM is a fascinating candidate after his 25-1 shock success at Wolverhampton at the beginning of the month. A decision to run him over hurdles proved fruitless when he was pulled up at Doncaster, but on only a second outing for Symonds, he scored comfortably, and can now prove there was no fluke about that success.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 4 No9 THE CRAFTYMASTER
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: William Carson
A change of scenery has worked the oracle for THE CRAFTYMASTER who since joining Carroll has gone 2211 whilst running exclusively at this course. He was well supported for both successes, looking value for his latest triumph, and can complete a fine hat-trick.
Race 5 No2 ENGLISH SPIRIT
Trainer: Heather Main – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
ENGLISH SPIRIT has raised his game since returning to the all-weather, and for the second time in as many starts was strong in the market before his third placing behind Asgard’s Captain. It was the chestnut’s first outing in over two months, and should have served to put the cutting edge on him.
Race 8 No7 Q TWENTY BOY (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Tyler Heard
Q TWENTY BOY ran well for minor money after blowing the start at Chelmsford last week. On a first visit to Dunstall Park since last August he can again get into the shake-up, though it’s imperative that he breaks smartly from the outer gate.
