Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming your way from Market Rasen, Taunton and Southwell on 21 February 2023.
MARKET RASEN
Race 5 No3 HIWAY ONE O THREE
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Tom Cannon
HIWAY ONE O THREE compromised his chance with jumping errors when third at Wincanton, the second time in as many starts this season and since being sent chasing that he’d started favourite. The Sageburg gelding is in good hands to make his mark in this sphere, and can parry the challenge of Keepyourdreamsbig.
Race 6 No1 LARGE ACTION
Trainer: Roger Fell – Jockey: Ryan Mania
The free-going LARGE ACTION ran out of gas in the closing stages of his latest start at Musselburgh but should enjoy this course. Stepping the seven-year-old top weight up to three miles is a gamble that can pay dividends, although Elleon rates a big threat and should fuel the exacta dividend.
Race 7 No7 CRYSTAL MER (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Webber – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
CRYSTAL MER was sourced from a top stable although never actually ran on the Flat. After an underwhelming first bumper run he made great strides to finish just out of the money in a competitive bumper at Cheltenham, and that effort makes him the clear pick in a race that shouldn’t take much winning.
TAUNTON
Race 2 No10 SISTER SAINT
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
SISTER SAINT hasn’t produced much in three outings in maiden and novice hurdles but is far too well-bred to rule out now that she’s in a handicap. The grey can step up to the plate to take away a cheque with Dancing Harry looking a must for exactas and swingers.
Race 4 No4 GALICE MACALO (Nap)
Trainer: Jane Williams – Jockey: David Noonan
GALICE MACALO readily opened her seasonal account returned to hurdles at Chepstow before being out of her depth in a Grade 2 hurdle at Doncaster that went to Champion Hurdle hope Epatante. Now in calmer waters, she can bounce back and appeals as one of the best bets of the day.
Race 5 No14 NADIM
Trainer: Milton Harris – Jockey: Mitchell Bastyan
Killaloan sets the bar for the others to aim at but this is not a strong race. Those looking for salvation should take a market check on NADIM, who was sourced from a German trainer well-versed in finding useful recruits in this division. The Highland Reel gelding wouldn’t have to be much to play a big part in the outcome and is of serious interest.
Race 7 No4 NOT THAT FUISSE
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Miss H Palin
NOT THAT FUISSE is a useful operator in hunter-chases. Though prone to put in the odd low jump he’s won four of his last five starts in the division, and following a smooth conversion at Wetherby can stave off the challenge of Step Back.
SOUTHWELL
Race 3 No11 BARNEY’S BAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
BARNEY’S BAY has finished on the premises in his last four starts on sand and posted his only all-weather success here back in 2021. He hasn’t enjoyed the rub of the green but has a good draw three off the rail to obtain a good early position. He still holds room for improvement and should again earn big.
Race 4 No3 SEAGRAVE FOX (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
This should see the same trainer/jockey combo in the winner’s circle with SEAGRAVE FOX. The colt opened his account in a desperate finish at Wolverhampton and can consolidate with another success off his changed mark.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)
5, 2, 6 x 11, 5, 2 x 3, 4 x 4, 5, 8 x 4, 6 x 1, 4 x 3
R216
