Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Ludlow and Kempton Park on 21 February 2024.
DONCASTER
Race 1 No12 LEADER IN THE PARK (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
Granted his fine record with novices on the Town Moor, Pauling should have the answer to the opener in LEADER IN THE PARK. The former Irish point winner has been highly tried in his two outings over hurdles, finishing second to Farnoge at Ascot before starting second favourite for a warm heat at the same course won by Welcom To Cartries. Although disappointing on that occasion he’s had plenty of time to get over the exertions, and can now reveal his true colours.
Race 3 No3 COME ON TEDDY
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Cameron Iles
One that could have gone under the assessor’s radar is COME ON TEDDY. Since returning from an enforced absence the ten-year-old has shown glimpses of his old ability, and especially when he put in a midfield finish at Huntingdon last time. That effort is better than it looked, and if it’s helped ready him he can turn back the clock with an overdue victory.
Race 5 No9 SUPPORT ACT (Each Way)
Trainer: Tony Lawes – Jockey: Harry Bannister
For value in this novices’ hurdle SUPPORT ACT should be considered. He has very good bumper form to bring into the equation and was very popular in the market for his first run over jumps at Leicester. Although well beaten he should be happier on the better ground he’ll encounter today, and can leave that showing behind.
Race 6 No5 PILGRIMS KING (Each Way)
Trainer: Peter Bowen – Jockey: James Bowen
PILGRIMS KING sees championship contender Bowen teaming up with his father and the gelding sets the standard in a race in which most of his rivals are badly out of form or need to step up markedly on what they’ve achieved before. The selection has taken away cheques on each of his two races this season, and it’s hard not to see him claiming another.
LUDLOW
Race 1 No13 GOLDEN MAVERICK
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
A five-times scorer on the Flat last year, GOLDEN MAVERICK shaped well for new connections when second on his hurdling bow at Catterick. He’s in a race that’s probably deeper than it looks at face value, but he appeals as the most likely winner.
Race 4 No2 ONE TRUE KING
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell
ONE TRUE KING underwhelmed at Doncaster last time but a switch to an amateur riders’ race could help him stage a revival. He’s undoubtedly well-treated on his best form, and might rediscover it with a capable pilot in his saddle back on a right-handed course.
Race 5 No5 MONKS MEADOW (Nap)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
The best bet on the card is MONKS MEADOW, who jumped beautifully when run out of it at Hereford last month. It was a fourth earning effort in as many starts for the strong travelling Nap, who is in great form, and should make no mistake.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 2 No4 LOS TOLDOS (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
Frankel colt Los Toldos looked to have more to give when finding his stride too late and finishing second on Wolverhampton’s debut. In what looks like a match with the more experienced filly Monterosa, he can go one better
Race 5 No2 BLOWN AWAY
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
It’s most unlikely that any of the six runners will target the Kentucky Derby, the race this contest has been set up for, but nevertheless we have an intriguing matchup, with four of the biggest stables involved. Dubawi colt Notable Speech was a well-supported and decisive scorer on his debut here but BLOWN AWAY can cause him problems. The Invincible Spirit gelding brings very good handicap form to the table which happened at this track. It’s an experience card he can use to good effect, with the blinkers he wore last time now dispensed with.
Race 6 No2 THROUBI (Each Way)
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Teofilo filly THROUBI ran well on each of her two visits to this course before Christmas. She enters the handicap arena as a completely unexposed entity, and in colours associated with former trainer Peter Harris can open her account.
