Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Cheltenham, Doncaster, Uttoxeter and Newcastle on 27 January 2024.
CHELTENHAM
Race 2 No4 TIGHTENOURBELTS (Each Way)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
TIGHTENOURBELTS was never able to get in a blow when fourth to Il Est Francais in the Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day. The best novice chase run this season proved too much too soon for the seven-year-old, but this switch into a handicap presents a different opportunity. Cutting back on the distance ladder should benefit him, whilst the undulating track can play to his strengths.
Race 3 No6 EXCELLO
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: James Bowen
EXCELLO landed some good bets on his first run over fences in England at Ascot, looking a very smart recruit to the chasing ranks. The former Auteuil specialist now jumps into one of the most competitive handicaps run at this course this season, but has scope for further progression, and can parry the challenges of stablemates Victtorino and Easy As That.
Race 5 MY PENSION EXPERT CLARENCE HOUSE CHASE (Grade 1)
No4 JONBON
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: James Bowen
JONBON has wiped the floor with all challengers in his Schloer Chase and Tingle Creek Chase triumphs this season. Slick, economical jumping together with a lethal turn of foot combine to make the JP McManus-owned eight-year-old one of the most exciting chasers in training, and he should again dominate proceedings in what is probably his final outing before the Queen Mother Champion Chase back here in March.
Race 7 McCOY CONTRACTORS CLEEVE HURDLE (Grade 2)
No3 DASHEL DRASHER
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Rex Dingle
DASHEL DRASHER and Paisley Park engaged in an exciting set-to when separated by just a head in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury. Those placings were turned round when Paisley Park finished six lengths in front of his foe in Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle, but I fancy Dashel Drasher to take his revenge. The veteran could enjoy getting an easy lead in this field of hold up horses, and prove too strong up the final hill for his old adversary.
Race 8 No3 GIDLEIGH PARK (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Few novices have resonated class to the extent of GIDLEIGH PARK, who can remain unbeaten in this trial for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. Both his successes over jumps have been gained with total domination, especially his Newbury defeat of Fire Flyer before Christmas which stamped him as a star in the making.
DONCASTER
Race 4 SBK SUPREME TRIAL ROSSI GTON MAIN NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 2)
No3 LUMP SUM (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Tom Cannon
Jeriko Du Reponet has not come off the bridle in his two successes under Rules and is one of the favourites for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He’s carded to start at prohibitive odds but might find LUMP SUM a tough nut to crack. The selection is also unbeaten over hurdles, and though this is a big step up the class ladder he’s very well-regarded in a stable full of winning novices.
Race 6 ALBERT BARTLETT RIVER DON NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 2)
No8 RANGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Tom Cannon
RANGE made a race of it with the ultra-smart Gidleigh Park at Exeter before opening his account in workmanlike style at Chepstow. Even though that form has been devalued the Shantou gelding should get into the shake-up in this recognised Cheltenham trial, in which Destroytheevidence brings the most solid form to the table, and rates the main danger.
Race 7 SBK GREAT YORKSHIRE HANDICAP CHASE
No2 SAIL AWAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Tristan Durrell
SAIL AWAY needed his first run back at Newbury and was unsuited by having no fences to jump in the straight owing to a low sun on his latest outing at this course before Christmas. Bold jumping is the trademark of the grey who can bounce back, although the progressive Famous Bridge, Mister Coffee and back to form Erne River can also figure.
Prediction: 1st SAIL AWAY, 2nd Famous Bridge, 3rd Mister Coffee, 4th Erne River
UTTOXETER
Race 5 No5 GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Clarke – Jockey: Nick Schofield
GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY jumped brilliantly before having to give way to Charles Ritz at Exeter, having posted a snug success at Fontwell on his previous outing. The grey has looked just as good over fences as he was a hurdler, and can return to winning ways.
Race 6 No1 WELL DICK
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Richie McLernon
Winning Irish pointer WELL DICK has a 100 per cent earning record since arriving on these shores, winning twice and placing twice over hurdles. He’s worked and schooled well in preparation for this first outing in 300 days.
NEWCASTLE
Race 5 No1 CARGIN BHUI (Nap)
Trainer: David Barron – Jockey: Joe Fanning
Unless one of the newcomers is smart this should go to CARGIN BHUI. He didn’t go unbacked when opening his account at Wolverhampton at the start of the month, and will not mind this return to 1200 metres under a penalty.
Race 7 No1 THE CALTONIAN
Trainer: Linda Perratt – Jockey: Jonny Peate
THE CALTONIAN has started favourite on each of his last seven outings and posted four successes. It’s been a remarkable switch to sand for the five-year-old who can make it a fourth win on the bounce at Gosforth Park under an apprentice who knows how to get the best out of him.
