Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Beverley, Perth, Warwick and Chelmsford City on 25 April 2024.
BEVERLEY
Race 4 No5 SEA THE DREAM
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
SEA THE DREAM relished the cut in the ground in the manner you might expect from a German-bred when scoring on his reappearance at Thirsk. He will encounter similar testing conditions and can follow up for a stable that has hit its stride early.
Race 6 No7 MOUSH (Each Way)
Trainer: Liam Bailey – Jockey: Billy Garritty
MOUSH is a speculative advice getting weight from his foes in this low-grade handicap. Though beaten a long way when returning to the fray at Newcastle, better can be seen on him as his trainer has had longer to get to know him, while he may also improve for a switch to turf.
Race 7 No4 JAILBIRD (Nap)
Trainer: George Scott – Jockey: Callus Rodriguez
JAILBIRD is an interesting contender for the nightcap, with Rodriguez an eye-taking booking for the filly. She hasn’t been beaten far in any of her three outings in a campaign exclusive to the all-weather this year. Back on a grass surface, I think she can take away her first cheque.
PERTH
Race 4 No6 CHAMPAGNESUPEROVER (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
If Bowen is to keep alive his slim hopes of catching Harry Cobden in the jump jockeys’ title race he needs to deliver today. CHAMPAGNESUPEROVER is an interesting conveyance for him in this handicap hurdle on return from a protracted absence. He was successful when coming back from a 14-month absence here in 2022 and is clearly one to catch when fresh.
Race 6 No2 SECRET TRIX
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
The same trainer/jockey combo can strike with SECRET TRIX, who though edging up the weights could hardly be in better form. The selection has scored on four of his six starts since being fitted with cheek pieces and has his tail up following a cosy triumph at Aintree.
WARWICK
Race 1 No15 ZONDA (Nap)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
While there is plenty of opposition numerically to ZONDA I’m looking at the grey as one of the best bets of the day in this first leg of the maiden hurdle. He’s attracted support on each of his starts this year only to run into better handicapped foes. Back at the course where he chased home El Saviour on his latest start, he can show an appreciation for a return to novice company.
Race 4 No1 HALONDO (Each Way)
Trainer: Harriet Dickin – Jockey: Benjamin Poste
HALONDO proved a very consistent performer for his previous connections when winning once and being placed in his last seven outings. He’s joined a stable that’s been amongst the winners, and although burdened with top weight can make his presence felt before a switch to fences is considered.
Race 5 No9 PEP TALKING
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: James Davies
PEP TALKING appeared to be too green to do himself justice when losing his unbeaten record over fences at Hereford where he ran in snatches and landed on top of the penultimate fence. This track with its line of fences down the back should play to his strengths, and although this is tougher he can get into the shake-up.
Race 7 No9 THE TWO HARRYS
Trainer: Harry Derham – Jockey: Alice Stevens
Named after his owner and trainer, THE TWO HARRYS may prove a bet with waiting for in the first division of the bumper. The Flemensfirth gelding showed ability to grab a minor cheque on his debut under Rules at Wincanton, and though that was a year ago he won’t lack for fitness on his belated return.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 1 No13 ZARIELA (Nap)
Trainer: Sean Woods – Jockey: Rab Havlin
ZARIELA can put her greater experience to good effect on a day when the best bets are at the front of the card. The Eqtidaar filly concluded the 2023 season with back-to-back near misses and should have benefitted from a solid first run back when only just out of the money. Furthermore, she is better drawn than her main market rivals.
Race 2 No4 ROSE FANDANGO (Each Way)
Trainer: John O’Shea – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Another with a good slot in the gate is ROSE FANDANGO. Taking on mainly male rivals, the Exceed And Excel mare posted a 25-1 shock at Wolverhampton which suggests she’s now settled into her new surroundings with O’Shea, while the selection can also benefit from having Doyle in the saddle for the first time.
