Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Tuesday 29 August 2023

RIPON

Race 2 No1 DUE FOR LUCK (Nap)
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Jason Hart

DUE FOR LUCK could hardly have been more engaging when scoring at the first time of asking at Carlisle. Given plenty of time to develop, he now returns under a penalty but should take care of business at the main expense of Saint Matthew.

Race 3 No5 TEES DOUGE
Trainer: Adrian Nicholls – Jockey: Barry McHugh

TEES DOUGE showed very good natural speed in the Brocklesby and I’m surprised he’s gone five more starts without winning. He disappointed me on his latest outing at this course, though in fairness he was beaten only two and a half lengths into seventh. His previous third to Travel Candy on a blanket finish at Catterick was more like it, and he’s worth another chance.

NEWBURY

Race 2 No9 AMERICAN TALE (Nap)
Trainer: Brian Meehan – Jockey: Sean Levey

Meehan doesn’t field many runners from his Manson base, and adopts a patient approach, but when coming to his local track with a horse like AMERICAN TALE he needs respecting. The selection came good at Kempton on handicap bow two weeks ago to show he’d not only done well for his protracted break but also that he’s improved for a switch of code. The drop back to seven furlongs here shouldn’t inconvenience him either.

Race 5 No7 AFRICAN STAR (Each Way)
Trainer: Sylvester Kirk – Jockey: Liam Keniry

Kirk has endured a quiet spell but his Galileo colt AFRICAN STAR jumps off the pace as one that could progress in this three-year-old only handicap. An 80-1 shot when breaking his maiden on return to action at Lingfield, he was racing for only the second time and is the type that might well have more to offer.

Race 6 No7 GENTLE WHINNY (Each Way)
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: Hollie Doyle

This will take a bit of winning but if GENTLE WHINNY goes off close to her forecast double-figure price I shall accommodate it. The Churchill filly landed some good bets when getting off the mark on a final 2022 start at Windsor and has been highly tried on her two outings this season. She’s been nearer last than first on those visits to Newmarket and Salisbury but is going to be nearer the finished article on this return from a mid season break.

MUSSELBURGH

Race 6 No8 BLUE ANTARES (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Joe Fanning

On the toughest card for punting BLUE ANTARES looks an exception in the nightcap. The Frankel colt came from off the pace to prevail with something to spare at Ripon and is capable of defying a 7lb rise for a stable that although quiet is now showing signs of getting into its customary high gear.

WORCESTER

Race 3 No3 WINTERWATCH (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Harry Cobden

Cobden is putting himself about but in this novices’ hurdle doesn’t stray far from home to team up with Fry on WINTERWATCH. The three times Flat scorer fo7nd 9ne to beat him in three successive outings over jumps but has had a recent day out on the level that should have sharpened him up perfectly for the task in hand.

Race 4 No2 SEA THE CLOUDS
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

SEA THE CLOUDS can with a win in this first division of the handicap hurdle set up a good day for his trainer. The selection put in his best run of 2023 when second over today’s course and distance to a horse that went on to endorse the form. He’s been raised 3lb for getting beaten, but that form is the best on offer.

Race 5 No3 BEHOLDEN
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: William Featherstone

BEHOLDEN was a bumper winner for Mick Channon before moving into Lambourn from where he’s won twice and placed in five of his six other starts over jumps. This rangy individual has shown he can come to hand early, and is fancied to earn in his first outing since the late spring.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 1-7)

7 x 1, 6, 4 x 3 x 2, 9, 3 x 3, 9, 2 x 1 x 8, 4, 10

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