Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Newmarket, Ripon, Market Rasen, Haydock Park and Doncaster on 20 July 2024.
NEWBURY
Race 1 No1 AL AASY (Nap)
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Tom Marquand
AL AASY brings a very good record at this track to the table while also known for his high strike-rate first-time out. He’s not the most straightforward of individuals but today is the day to catch him, and he can repeat his 2023 triumph in the race.
Race 3 FIDELITY ENERGY HACKWOOD STAKES (Group 3)
No4 REGIONAL
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
REGIONAL was denied a shot at the July Cup by unsuitable ground, but had earlier beaten all but Australian ace Asoofa in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. He’s very much an upwardly mobile sprinter and should relish a drop in grade on the long haul from North Yorkshire. Twilight Calls wasn’t that far behind him at Ascot, and at three times the selection’s price is worth a saver.
Race 4 WEATHERBYS SUPER SPRINT
No2 MYTHICAL COMPOSER (Each Way)
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
From the first crop of go-to stallion Sergei Prokofiev, MYTHICAL COMPOSER merits serious consideration in this admittedly deep heat. He appeared to take a big step forward when slamming Nala Star at Bath and has delighted his connections since breaking his maiden. He can only improve, and with his stable running into a rich vein of form is worth a bet.
NEWMARKET
Race 2 No9 MAKE LOVE
Trainer: James Horton – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
MAKE LOVE raised her game on a second career start when beaten in a tight finish at Lingfield. The Make Believe filly will go further in time, but over this 1400 metres should have the whip hand over Lady Chartwell and Bouvier.
Race 4 No7 JUNGLE MAC
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
JUNGLE MAC has been a consistent money spinner for Opulence Thoroughbreds and as one of only two of his age in this Class4 can kick his older rivals into touch. He has a high head carriage which didn’t help him on a recent visit to this track, but granted the rub of the green he should prove hard to beat.
Race 5 No12 DANIELLE (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
DANIELLE ran better than her eventual placing of sixth indicates in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Cracksman filly was in fact one of the last to come off the bridle, and he high cruising speed should stand him in good stead as she takes a class drop to contest this Listed race.
RIPON
Race 1 No5 TEES AGGREGATES (Nap)
Trainer: Adrian Nicholls – Jockey: Paddy Mathers
TEES AGGREGATES troubled the judge on a second start at Wetherby and will be more the finished article in a maiden that on paper shouldn’t take much winning.
Race 4 No2 SEA KING
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Luke Morris
SEA KING has always been well regarded at Heath House Stables and is beginning to realise his potential with two conversions from just three starts this year. This strong stayer retains the blinkers he wore for the first time when successful at Ayr, and can take another step forward.
Race 5 No7 PUMALIN PARK (Each Way)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
PUMALIN PARK has looked an improved horse since having his breathing corrected, and after opening his account at Salisbury ran well to chase home Whatcombe Rockstar at Kempton. In colours that have been synonymous with Freemason Lodge for many years, he can take the spoils, although one worth having a saver on is Dawn Of Liberation.
MARKET RASEN
Race 3 No2 BLACK POPPY
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
BLACK POPPY was a winner at Cheltenham and Haydock in the spring of last year but hasn’t been seen since being outclassed by Consitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. He’s well-regarded by his connections, and is as fit as he needs to be for this return to action.
Race 4 UNIBET SUMMER PLATE HANDICAP CHASE
No10 PARISENCORE (Each Way)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
PARISENCORE is amongst a number of recent winners contesting the track’s feature race of the season, and can make the long journey from Greystoke pay dividends. The eight-year-old seemed to score with plenty up his sleeve on his latest run at Perth, and again has conditions to suit in a contest that’s usually run at a ferocious pace.
Race 6 No1 KING’S CASTLE (Nap)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Bryan Carver
It would take a brave man to say the handicapper has got to the bottom of KING’S CASTLE who is going from strength to strength, and can make this his fourth success on the bounce on the long journey from the West Country.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 1 No3 TIGER BEETLE (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Rimell – Jockey: Kevin Stott
Under a new rider, TIGER BEETLE can end a lengthy losing run. His uninspiring form figures don’t do him justice, and if he puts it all together he’s a winner waiting to happen.
DONCASTER
Race 5 No7 CRUYFF TURN (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Duran Fentiman
CRUYFF TURN has indicated on his last two earning runs that he’s on the cusp of a return to the winner’s circle. The seven-year-old has become temptingly well handicapped, and can take the spoils at the main expense of Newbury scorer Woodstock and stablemate Boardman, who is also well in.
