Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Leicester, Catterick Bridge, and Wolverhampton on 25 February 2025.
LEICESTER
Race 4 No4 LUCKY LUGGER
Trainer: Matt Sheppard – Jockey: Richard Patrick
Patrick conjured a good tune from LUCKY LUGGER that enabled the mercurial gelding to gain a deserving victory at Uttoxeter. He’s now in a similarly small field in which he can again get things his way up the long home straight.
Race 6 No6 GIVEGA (Nap)
Trainer: Luca Morgan – Jockey: Mr James King
Former useful novice hurdler GIVEGA has made a smooth transition into the Hunter-chase ranks. Hugely impressive when scoring over this course and distance earlier in the month, he’s in a stronger race but under the same accomplished rider will be hard to stop.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 3 No1 BALLYVANGO (Nap)
Trainer: Martin Keighley – Jockey: Sean Bowen
In a weak maiden hurdle BALLYVANGO can put his greater experience to good use and dominate. He’s up against an interesting newcomer to jumping in SPACEPORT for whom strength in the market could prove significant, but based on his solid earning form under the champion jockey elect he should open his account.
Race 6 No6 ASA
Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Joe Williamson
ASA bolted up at Southwell to notch a third victory from his last four starts and if in similar mood can cast aside a 7lb penalty in a race where the majority of his rivals are badly out of form.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 No7 STAR OF JUPITER
Trainer: David Loughnane – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
With blinkers added, STAR OF JUPITER raised his game to post a 50-1 shocker over course and distance. That first run in a handicap brought about marked improvement and labels the gelding one to follow, especially with Billy Loughnane doing the steering against fully exposed rivals here.
Race 4 No1 HAVANA JOY
Trainer: Charlie Hills – Jockey: Jason Watson
Havana Grey filly HAVANA JOY troubled the judge on her Kempton introduction with a run from which she will be more streetwise. She’s well drawn and can take the measure of Mayday Mayday and Star Zia in a race this trio should dominate.
Race 5 No7 UNDER CURFEW
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Molly Gunn
Carroll runs two in this low grade sprint with UNDER CURFEW looking the trainer’s main arrow. The selection has improved from race to race in four outings this year, and after scoring here under Gunn the other day can defy a 4lb penalty from a good slot in the gate.
Race 6 No4 CHARLATAN (Nap)
Trainer: David Simcock- Jockey: Taryn Langley
The super consistent CHARLATAN finished second here under Langley last week to post a sixth consecutive earning run. He was only denied by a strongly supported foe, and can give these opponents plenty to think about.
