Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Sandown, Wetherby, Musselburgh, Wolverhampton and Kempton on 3 February 2024.
SANDOWN PARK
Race 2 No6 MAGICAL KING (Each Way)
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
Strong traveller MAGICAL KING has been found lacking for a turn of foot at the end of his races, though he ran well in his only previous outing in handicap company here before Christmas. Better ground today could also play to his strengths and he can cause problems to heavily favoured Jingko Blue.
Race 4 VIRGIN BET SCILLY ISLES NOVICES’ CHASE (Grade 1)
No4 LE PATRON
Trainer: Gary Moore – Jockey: David Noonan
LE PATRON can prove the key to a fascinating contest, the outcome of which will have an effect on a couple of Cheltenham markets. The six-year-old has shown an affinity for this track, numbering the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase here last month as the final of three triumphs from as many starts over fences. He repelled the challenge of Colonel Harry, who could be the one to cause him most problems.
Race 5 No3 ED KEEPER (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
ED KEEPER is one of the most exciting horses in the Thomas stable, and one thought to have a very bright future. He impressively opened his account over hurdles at Newbury and would surely have followed up at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day but for putting down at the final flight.
He appeared to be still in second gear, but the error caused him to lost his back legs and extinguished his winning chance. The handicapper has raised him 5lb for getting beaten, but the son of Hunter’s Light is a winner without a penalty in this admittedly most competitive handicap hurdle. Two that can accompany him into exactas, trifectas and quartets are Saint Davy and Operation Manna.
Prediction: 1st ED KEEPER, 2nd Saint Davy, 3rd Operation Manna, 4th West Balboa
Race 6 No9 KESTREL VALLEY
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Confirmed front-runner KESTREL VALLEY has proved a good servant in her short time with Twiston-Davies, with two success from three outings. The mare was ridden with more restraint when coming home unchallenged at Ludlow, where her jumping was a joy to behold. Sandown is a completely different track, but one at which sound jumping can be a prerequisite to success.
WETHERBY
Race 1 No7 STRONG BELLE (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
STRONG BELLE was in the process of making life difficult for Lavida Adiva when crashing out at the final Catterick flight over Christmas. It was a much-improved offering for the grey, who is none the worse for that tumble and has been given time to get over it. She worked well earlier in the week, and in in great form.
Race 4 No7 BASHERS REFLECTION (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Jack Quinlan
BASHERS REFLECTION bolted up at this level here in November, but was unable to repeat the performance when raised a notch on the class ladder at Aintree. It could prove wise to forget that blip, and give the chestnut the chance to bounce back now returned to his favourite terrain.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 2 No4 PEACHES AND CREAM
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell – Jockey: Ben Harvey
As the only Irish candidate for this Edinburgh National, PEACHES AND CREAM needs respecting. The former Punchestown Festival winner finished just out of the money at the Cheltenham November meeting. He’s a strong stayer and has had this contest on his radar ever since.
Race 4 No3 FLORIDA DREAMS (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
FLORIDA DREAMS dodged what looked a gilt-edged opportunity last week to wait for the better ground he will encounter today. He might not even start favourite for this Class 2 contest, which tempts me to have more on the former Grade 2 Aintree bumper winner, who is very well regarded at Greystoke Stables.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 2 No7 NIGHT AT SEA
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Harry Davies
In this competitive all-aged handicap NIGHT AT SEA has the best credentials. The daughter of Sea The Stars has had a few chances, but there was nothing wrong with her latest offering, when denied by a well-treated rival at Lingfield.
Race 3 No9 DIVINE BREATH (Nap)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rob Hornby
The best bet of the night is DIVINE BREATH, although obtaining value about her will not be easy. When second on her Chelmsford introduction the Harry Angel filly drew clear of the others. She’s well drawn to attack, and should take care of business for top connections.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 2 No8 MON ETOILE
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Joe Fanning
MON ETOILE stepped up appreciably on her previous efforts when finishing second in a Southwell maiden. If building on it, the Magna Grecia filly should justify the long journey from North Yorkshire and open her account.
Race 3 No3 BELCAMO (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
Newcomer Coppersmith would be of interest if attracting support, but the proven experience of BELCAMO looks a safer option. The Belardo colt chased home Character Testing at Southwell which is the best form on offer.
Race 4 No5 SI SI LA BONNE
Trainer: Jonny Portman – Jockey: Olivia Tubb
SI SI LA BONNE was returning from a four-month absence when chasing home Floating Voter at Wolverhampton last month with Tubb in her saddle for the first time. The combination are well drawn for this low grade handicap tun round a right-handed bend, and look the answer.
