Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield Park, Musselburgh and Taunton on 30 November 2023.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 3 No8 HI RIKO (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Hobson – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
HI RIKO has progressed this season judging by his narrow defeat at Uttoxeter, and should play a big part in the outcome of this novices’ handicap hurdle. It’s only a seventh career start for the French-bred who faces mainly out of form opponents. With a similar performance he can open his account.
Race 4 No1 THE GOOD DOCTOR
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Kielan Woods
From a stable whose horses are nicely running into form, THE GOOD DOCTOR can take out this novices’ hurdle. He’s delighted his trainer since arriving as a winner in France, and can make light of his penalty.
Race 6 No4 MELUSINE DE PAIL
Trainer: Noel Williams – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
The value in this mares’ maiden hurdle lies with MELUSINE DE PAIL, who on debut for her trainer shaped promisingly at Ludlow and should progress from that. She’s carded to start more than twice the price of paper favourite Coco Mademoiselle, but shouldn’t be.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 5 No1 IP UP (Nap)
Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe – Jockey: Henry Brooke
IP UP has improved from race to race since joining his trainer from a top stable in France. A winner over hurdles at Pau, he wasn’t able to repeat that in five chase outings but was a most impressive scorer at Fakenham last week, showing that he’s fully acclimatised to his new surroundings. He makes plenty of appeal in spite of his 7lb penalty.
Race 7 No4 RICKETY GATE
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Conor Rabbit
With leading conditional Rabbit in his saddle and good form to boot, RICKETY GATE should take away a decent sized cheque. The eight-year-old has been lightly raced over the past two seasons and when placed on his first run for five months here earlier in the month hinted that he would be winning soon.
TAUNTON
Race 2 No1 MATTERHORN (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
Under a double penalty MATTERHORN can take another step towards the top for the Nicholls/Cobden combo. He posted a first success under Rules in ready fashion here back in March, and was similarly impressive when returning earlier in the month where he again came home unchallenged. That was his first outing following a second wind operation, and his trainer is keen to keep him to flat tracks for the time being.
Race 4 No1 WILL CARVER
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: James Bowen
WILL CARVER won a point in Ireland and was twice successful for Henderson at Kempton and Perth before encountering training issues. However, on his first outing for 20 months he showed that the old ability is still there by claiming a m8nor cheque in the Kempton race won by Mark Of Gold. It was his first run in a handicap, and augurs well for a good season ahead.
Race 6 No8 SAILED AWAY
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds – Jockey: Cieran Gethings
SAILED AWAY has twice changed stables, and now back with his original handler can begin to fulfil his early promise. The Sea The Moon gelding put in a solid effort on seasonal return when second at Fakenham and will enjoy the conditions here, even more so if it rains.
Race 7 No4 NOBLE SAVAGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
NOBLE SAVAGE has the ability to win this, and though inconsistent leaves the impression he will put one on the board when everything falls right for him. While accepting there are quartion marks against his will to win, he’s too well treated to be ignored and therefore gets my speculative vote.
