Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Thirsk, Musselburgh, Bath and Epsom Downs on 3 July 2024.
THIRSK
Race 2 No7 ELFORLEATHER (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Connor Beasley
Getting plenty of weight from the field in this bottom-grade handicap, ELFORLEATHER can shake up recent scorers The Crafty Mile and Nancy P. The addition of cheek pieces didn’t appear to assist him in a Class5 at Doncaster last time, and with the headgear removed plus having top northern jockey Beasley in the saddle, he can raise his game and claim a cheque.
Race 3 No8 URBAN LION (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
URBAN LION started 100-1 on his Newmarket introduction when posting a mid-division finish. He’s learned plenty for that initial experience, and should rain arrive can shake up paper favourite Thunder Run and The Reverend.
Race 4 No8 LANGHOLM (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Connor Beasley
LANGHOLM has finished second in five of his last eight starts but watching him race it’s hard to suggest he’s not genuine. Wearing first-time cheek pieces he gave it his all over this course and distance last week only to be mugged by Profiteer. Importantly he’s been handed a plum draw, and can hopefully lead his field from gate to line.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 4 No7 CHINESE SPIRIT
Trainer: Linda Perratt – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
Veteran CHINESE SPIRIT has been nicely running into form, and with a narrow defeat in a blanket finish at Thirsk last week indicated he’s on the cusp of a return to winning ways. The grey is a three-time winner here, and can add to his laurels at a value price.
Race 5 No3 SEA MASTER ( Each Way)
Trainer: Jason Ward – Jockey: Jason Watson
Knights Affair will be all the rage after a couple of near-misses but SEA MASTER can take his measure. The selection has gradually improved in three races since joining Ward and wasn’t beaten far when fifth to Rock N Roll Pinkie at Nottingham. He appreciated a longer trip on that occasion, and finds himself even further up the trip ladder in this two-miler.
BATH
Race 1 No2 DIAMOND COTTAGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Malcolm Saunders – Jockey: William Carson
Though proving easy to back, DIAMOND COTTAGE made a good fist of it until weakening in the closing stages here at the end of May. The chestnut has been made sharper for that effort, and is again drawn to attack over the extended five furlongs.
Race 6 No4 KHANGAI (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Rimell – Jockey: Rob Hornby
Twilight Son gelding KHANGAI laid down a marker when taking away a minor cheque last time that he’s ready to deliver on this fourth start of the season. He went down in a blanket finish in that Nottingham contest, and with the blinkers he wore retained canst a first success in a year.
EPSOM DOWNS
Race 2 No5 HOT CASH
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
This race has cut up, and although it’s always tough for an experienced juvenile coming here for his first run, HOT CASH can prove the answer. He’s a well-proportioned son of Too Darn Hot and has the balance and brawn to handle the undulations and get the job done for his in-form handler.
Race 3 No4 INDIAN CREAK
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
INDIAN CREAK posted his first career win at this meeting exactly five years ago and has finished second at the track on two of his three subsequent visits. He’s been found the block a few times but this race has cut up favourably.
Race 6 No6 JUSTCALLMEPETE (Nap)
Trainer: H Evans – Jockey: Joe Leavy
JUSTCALLMEPETE troubled the judge for the first time this year at York and remains at the same level for a nightcap in which he can put his best foot forward.
