Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Huntingdon and Newcastle on 3 March 2024.
DONCASTER
Race 4 No1 MY GIFT TO YOU (Nap)
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Harry Cobden
Cobden could find MY GIFT TO YOU another step on the ladder to a first jockeys’ title. The six-year-old has had widespread success under the jockey, who has steered him to victory at Southwell (twice) and Worcester. The top weight should find the track, trip and ground to his liking.
Race 5 No4 AERONISI
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
One that jumps off the page in this long-distance novices’ handicap hurdle is AERONISI. With very few miles on his racing clock before this first outing in 18 months, the eight-year-old can start to make up for lost time. He’s unexposed under both codes of National Hunt, and having just a seventh career start, while Sheehan is an infrequent rider for the stable.
HUNTINGDON
Race 1 No2 MIXEDWAVE
Trainer: Pam Sly – Jockey: Alex Edwards
MIXEDWAVE can emerge as a popular winner of the opening three-mile handicap chase. The seven-year-old is only 1lb higher for his very good run when second in a Class 4 and can deliver for his local stable as he downgraded to a Class 5.
Race 3 No6 GREYSTOKE (Each Way)
Trainer: Jimmy Frost – Jockey: Bryony Frost
GREYSTOKE ran well for a long way on a first run for his trainer at Taunton. He started as a 125-1 no-hoper that day, yet only weakened out of contention between the final two flights. He’s carded to start an outsider in this six-horse affair but needs respecting.
Race 4 No2 LOUNGE LIZARD (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
LOUNGE LIZARD drops a notch on the class ladder of a 3lb higher mark from that which he finished second at Cheltenham at the end of January. Jonathan Burke is an only occasional booking for the Daly horses, and the hint should be taken.
Race 5 No5 PIPERS CROSS (Each Way)
Trainer: Robbie Llewellyn – Jockey: Liam Harrison
PIPERS CROSS has finished second on each of her three outings for a Llewellyn and deserves a change of luck. There appears to be nothing ungenuine about the mare, for whom a step up the distance ladder can prove the key.
NEWCASTLE
Race 5 No14 STAR ZINC (Each Way)
Trainer: Rebecca Menzies – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
With a rail draw to help, STAR ZINC catches the eye receiving weight from the field in this Class 3 in which Hollie Doyle is an eye-taking booking. The selection hasn’t done much wrong recently and can stave off the challenges of LoveDe Vega and The Caltonian.
Race 8 No1 IVASECRET (Nap)
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Charles Bishop
IVASECRET was a snug scorer at Kempton before failing to quite get home when stretching out to a mile at Chelmsford. Now back in his comfort zone trip-wise, he can rise to the challenge.
