Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Wincanton, Bangor-on-Dee and Kempton Park on 28 February 2024.
WINCANTON
Race 2 No6 TEDLEY
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
TEDLEY looked to throw away a golden opportunity when hesitating at the business end of his latest start at Ffos Las. His trainer has resisted the temptation of adding headgear to the five-year-old who is given another chance to put one on the board, as his market rival Goonhilly also comes with risks attached.
Race 3 No4 BALLYDISCO
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Mr Ben Sutton
BALLYDISCO worked his way into contention at Uttoxeter last time only to weaken disappointingly in the home straight. He forms part of a twin attack on this long-distance handicap chase for his trainer, and with blinkers added may be able to spring a minor upset.
Race 4 No5 DEFI NONANTAIS
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Harry Cobden
Tune In A Box has enjoyed a fruitful winter but is short enough for this match-up up with the unexposed DEFI NONANTAIS. The selection posted his best effort in three outings on novice hurdles when third to Masaccio at Kempton, and can prove even more effective now in a handicap.
Race 6 No2 FAMOUS CLERMONT (Nap)
Trainer: C Barber – Jockey: Mr William Biddick
Easily the best of these hunters if on his A-game is FAMOUS CLERMONT. The nine-year-old is a four-time scorer over fences including the Aintree Foxhunters, and having shown the ability to operate effectively after a break, can outclass his foes on this seasonal reappearance, and with a crack pilot in his saddle.
BANGOR-ON-DEE
Race 4 No6 STRONG BELLE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
This provides a gilt-edged opportunity for STRONG BELLE to open her account over jumps. The grey was level with eventual winner Lavida Adiva when departing at Catterick’s final flight in December, and had the misfortune to run into a smart operator from the Flat when second to Yorkshire Lady at Wetherby. There’s nothing of that ilk in opposition here, and she should make no mistake.
Race 5 No3 GUARD THE MOON
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
GUARD THE MOON sets the standard against a couple of recent winners and can help make it a good day for his trainer and jockey. A dual bumper winner at Bangor before Christmas, he stayed on for a minor cheque when easy to back on hurdling debut at Chepstow, and if making normal progress from that solid effort will prove hard to beat.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 2 No4 JUST RITA
Trainer: Marco Botti – Jockey: Josephine Gordon
JUST RITA operates from a favourable draw on a first start in handicap company. The Bated Breath filly earned a mark with three runs on Polytrack, showing promise when second to Allen Power at Chelmsford. As the least experienced runner in the field, she’s entitled to progress but a market check is recommended.
Race 3 No5 CONDOR PASA
Trainer: Roger Varian – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
Siyouni colt CONDOR PASA has the benefit of a run under his belt, finishing third to El Cordobes at this course last month. He attracted plenty of support and will be more streetwise for this clash with a couple of well-related newcomers in Creative Story (by Too Darn Hot) and Vibrato (by No Nay Never).
Race 7 No6 TORTURED SOUL (Nap)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
The safest bet on the card is TORTURED SOUL, winner of two of his three outings this season and a winner of all but one of his starts since joining Carroll from Ireland. The Zoffany gelding has shown a marked preference for all-weather racing, and with Ryan back in the saddle merits abundant respect.
