Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Yarmouth, Haydock Park, Newbury and Kempton Park on 4 July 2024.
YARMOUTH
Race 2 No7 SHADOW OF LIGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
Haazeez stands out from those that have run, but if he can live up to his home reputation SHADOW OF LIGHT can prove the answer. After a by their standards torrid early summer Godolphin need to pull some rabbits out of the hat and this son of Lope De Vega should prove to be one of them under the champion jockey.
Race 5 No9 MAPLE
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
While appearing to be one of the lesser lights racing out of Freemason Lodge, MAPLE might be worth risking in this lower-grade handicap. He attracted support on a first run in this sphere and wasn’t beaten far at Lingfield, whilst even though this is a slightly better race he possesses scope for improvement.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 3 No7 MISS HATHAWAY (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Duran Fentiman
Newcomer Definitive needs watching in the betting but she will need to be smart to thwart the most experienced runner in the field, MISS HATHAWAY. The Bungle Inthejungle filly claimed her third cheque in succession when narrowly denied at Thirsk, and shown a good attitude that should serve her well.
Race 4 No3 TIRIAC (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
TIRIAC’s winning spree was ended at York last month, but only after another excellent effort where he arrived too late behind winner Holkham Bay. He’d shown a preference for some cut in the ground in previous triumphs at Windsor and York, and his connections’ prayers for rain have been answered in the affirmative, giving him a great chance to bounce back under top northern pilot Rodriguez.
NEWBURY
Race 2 No6 HAVANA DANCE
Trainer: Jonny Portman – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
HAVANA DANCE ran well in a good maiden at Goodwood and bettered that earning effort when making no mistake at Bath where she came home unchallenged. The chestnut has plenty going for her as she escapes a penalty, and can utilise her experience edge to winning effect.
Race 3 No1 CHELSEA EMBANKMENT (Nap)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Hector Crouch
This should also fall to a horse with points on the board, with CHELSEA EMBANKMENT fitting the bill. The Sioux Nation colt made great strides to claim a minor cheque on his second start at Goodwood, with a drop back to this 1200 metres appearing to suit him. This isn’t the hottest novice run here this season, and he should open his account,
Race 4 No1 WOODSTOCK (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: Joanna Mason
It’s interesting that Carr has elected to bring cast-off WOODSTOCK all the way from North Yorkshire to contest this prize. The Sixties Icon gelding has done well for his trainer, and after an improved showing in first-time cheekpieces at Catterick has retained the headgear. He has more than a sporting chance of defying top weight.
Race 6 No8 DOUBLE RED (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
New Kings Road brings solid form to the table but one that’s less exposed and open to progression is DOUBLE RED. The grey has started at prices ranging from 66-1 to 10-1 in his five races so far, but when third to Great Acclaim at this track last time put in a career-best. He looks as a danger to all and is one I’m eager to back.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 1 No1 JAKARTA (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Tom Marquand
JAKARTA skipped Royal Ascot and has been given plenty of time to develop after her winning effort at Goodwood. She reappears under a penalty on this first run on Polytrack, but she’s worked well on a similar surface at home, and is well regarded by her shrewd handler.
Race 2 No4 EVERYWHERE
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
EVERYWHERE is a filly that aspires to get better as she traverses the trip ladder, as shown with her improved effort to claim a cheque at Lingfield. Her subsequent work indicates she’s learned plenty from that experience, and in the famous Niarchos colours, she can now deliver.
Race 5 No4 CRACKSKING
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Tom Marquand
CRACKSKING had three of tonight’s opponents behind him when scoring over this course and distance last month. The Frankel gelding is out to consolidate from a 5lb higher mark, and from a plum draw can soon obtain a stalking position from which to deliver a winning challenge in the home straight.
