Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Exeter and Linfield on 11 February 2024.
EXETER
Race 1 No4 CREBILLY
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
CREBILLY looked poised to open his chasing account at the first time of asking, only to fall at Cheltenham in November. He then finished more than six lengths adrift of the horse who won that race, Ginny’s Destiny, back at the same course before Christmas. He remains a fine prospect, and with a victory over Trelawne can show himself to be a major player in his trainer’s Festival plans.
Race 2 No3 LOWRY’S BAR (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Mickael Nolan
LOWRY’S BAR makes a small drop on the distance ladder in this bid to complete a nap hand of victories. It’s a step up the class ladder for the Malinas gelding, but so cosily did he score at Chepstow last time that it will take a brave man to oppose him.
Race 4 No2 GOWEL ROAD (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
GOWEL ROAD can state his case for a shot at the Pertemps Final with a bold showing in this competitive heat. He’s improved from race to race this season, latterly finishing third to a well handicapped rival in Nurse Susan at Lingfield. He looked in great form blowing out on the all-weather at Grange Farm on Friday, and is cherry ripe.
Race 5 No4 CAROLE’S PASS (Each Way)
Trainer: Amy Murphy – Jockey: Jack Quinlan
CAROLE’S PASS could prove a surprise packet in this hot mares’ chase. Beautifully bred for chasing and from a very good family of home-breds, she was just getting into contention when being brought down at Huntingdon two weeks ago. The presence of Kestrel Valley will ensure a strong pace for her to aim at, and being out of a mare by Hernando the testing conditions are ideal.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No6 BOOM BOOM POW
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Mr Patrick Millman
Usher has secured a good pilot for BOOM BOOM POW in this amateur’ jockeys’ handicap and the visored filly can make a good shot at bouncing back from a slightly low key effort last week.
Race 6 No6 KENTO (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Clover – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
KENTO to beat Sovereign Knight is the way this novice can go. The selection was having only a second career start when staying on for a minor cheque at Chelmsford last month. It was his first run on Polytrack, and he’s subsequently worked well on a similar surface at home.
