Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Musselburgh, Lingfield and Newcastle on 4 February 2024.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 1 No1 LIARI
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
Nicholls likes to patronise this trials fixture, and the Ditcheat maestro unveils the pick of his runners in the shape of French import LIARI. The Cracksman gelding has looked the part in taking out races at Wincanton and Aintree, where he converted at this (Listed) level. If he can prove as effective on this better ground it will elevate his position in the Triumph Hurdle market.
Race 3 No6 TITANIUM MOON (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Grey mare TITANIUM MOON has proved a revelation with her four-race unbeaten sequence to make her the star of her trainer’s stable. All those successes happened in the summer with Hughes in the saddle. Having enjoyed a planned break, she receives a sex allowance and can prove too strong for Irish raider Hypotenus.
Race 4 No14 IMAGINARY DRAGON (Each Way)
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
Gordon Elliott’s Absolute Notions is one that jumps off the page and could easily be the answer to this long-distance handicap hurdle. Along with Peking Rose he needs to be taken seriously, but at a much bigger price IMAGINARY DRAGONS is also considered. Since his arrival from France the six-year-old has been very lightly raced, but after bottling up on only a second start for Thomson at Kelso he could have more to give.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No4 CHARLATAN
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Callum Sherherd
CHARLATAN side-stepped an opportunity last week after raising his game to score over this mile trip at Kempton. After looming full of running he only had to be pushed out to secure the win, giving the impression there was more under the bonnet. He has a good draw, and can use his turn of foot to good effect in the short home straight.
Race 5 No2 WILLEM TWEE (Nap)
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Highlight of the day is the return to action of WILLEM TWEE, a horse that could go places this year. He faces stern opposition from Portland and Bengough Stakes winner Annaf but can show himself to be a force to be reckoned with. The Nap produced a smart change of gear to take out an identical race here on his final 2023 outing and is in the right hands to prove himself a proper Group-class sprinter. Murphy has been on board for the gelding’s last two outings, and can remain unbeaten on him.
Race 6 No3 BLUE PRINCE
Trainer: David Evans – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
BLUE PRINCE has taken a hike in the weights for a couple of snug successes and now pays a first visit to Lingfield. The Blue Point colt runs of a career-high mark, but with former champion Murphy in his irons for the first time can complete a hat-trick.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No10 NIGHT ON EARTH (Nap)
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Clifford Lee
NIGHT ON EARTH is well drawn for this Class 4 sprint. He’s been only an occasional visitor to Gosforth Park since scoring here back in 2021 but the reapplication of a hood galvanised him to gain a deserved victory at Lingfield at the end of last month. He enjoys the addition of a top northern jockey to his saddle, and should trouble the best of these.
Race 5 No1 INTERVENTION
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Alistair Rawlinson
Two horses that have enjoyed a bountiful winter can dominate this 1400 metres contest. The Caltonian had his hot streak ended by a well-weighted foe here last weekend, but while he could bounce back INTERVENTION may prove a better option. The top weight reeled off a four-race winning sequence through November and December and has been narrowly denied in two of three subsequent outings. What could assist him is that this is his first visit to Newcastle in almost a year.
Race 6 No5 CUBANISTA (Each Way)
Trainer: Olly Williams – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
This could provide infrequent scorer CUBANISTA with a chance to put his best foot forward. It’s been 18 months since his only career success, but since switching to the all-weather this winter he’s gradually progressed from race to race. Beaten half a length into third in a blanket finish at Southwell, with just a tad more luck in running he can prevail.
