Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Exeter, Leiecester and Kempton Park on 31 January 2024.
EXETER
Race 2 No4 TOP OF THE BILL
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
TOP OF THE BILL benefitted from an enterprising ride when opening his account over fences at this track last month and has missed a subsequent opportunity owing to adverse weather. He learned plenty from that tenacious performance and can stave off the challenges of Passing Well and The Changing Man.
Race 4 No3 DOLLY DELIGHTFUL
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Sean Houlihan
DOLLY DELIGHTFUL ran into a willing foe when beaten by Party Vibes at Wincanton to maintain her record of earning in each start under Rules. A repeat of that form gives her a good chance of downing dual bumper scorer Easy Peasy in what looks a strictly two horse war.
Race 5 No9 IDEAL DES BORDES (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: James Bowen
IDEAL DES BORDES brings the best form to the table following his Ascot defeats by Beat The Bay and Welcom To Cartries. The former winning Irish pointer is in calmer waters and can post a first success under Rules, with Largy Poet one to add for the exacta.
Race 7 No3 OAK CREEK
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Mr Ben Sutton
OAK CREEK showed promise in his points for Enda Bolger and has converted that to racing under Rules, culminating in a deserved victory at Wincanton. He remains unexposed, and though not obviously well treated on this switch to handicaps, could easily have more to offer.
LEICESTER
Race 3 No3 ROGER POL (Nap)
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
ROGER POL beat a subsequent winner in Call The Dance at Fakenham before putting in a solid run in defeat on handicap bow at Ascot. He’s back in calmer waters for this novices’ hurdle in which Awaythelad can ensure he doesn’t have things completely his own way.
Race 5 No3 NOCTE VOLATUS
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
NOCTE VOLATUS should prove hard to beat on his second starts after a breathing operation. He’s capable of getting onto an easy lead, which at this course where the emphasis is firmly on jumping he can prove hard to peg back.
Race 6 No6 PASSING KATE (Each Way)
Trainer: Matt Sheppard – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
PASSING KATE has raised her game, including with a narrow success at this course after settling into new surroundings with Sheppard. Though unable to follow up that triumph, she nevertheless consolidated when second at Ffos Las, and is the most likely of the main protagonists to trouble the judge.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 1 No5 CHARLIE’S CHOICE
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Callum Shepherd
CHARLIE’S CHOICE earned as a roughie on his only previous visit to this course and has moved up a gear in recent visits to Wolverhampton. He goes well for Shepherd and has strong claims to follow-up this month’s breakthrough victory.
Race 4 No2 ARATUS (Nap)
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
A move to the all-weather has brought about improved form from ARATUS, who is very well treated on his form as a three-year-old. He appears to have benefitted from a second wind op, and can better a narrow defeat when Ryan was on board for the first time here at the start of the month.
