Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Pontefract, Yarmouth, Stratford, and Wolverhampton on 7 October 2024.
PONTEFRACT
Race 1 No6 STIRRUP CUP
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
STIRRUP CUP finished with purpose in chasing home Candy at the big Ayr meeting and that form was boosted when the winner followed-up on Saturday.
The Washington DC colt has made giant strides since being equipped with blinkers, and though this is also a warm heat he can make life difficult for the likes of Top Juggler and Dark Rosa who can also get into the argument.
Race 3 No7 WAY OF STARS (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
Sea The Moon colt WAY OF STARS is bred to enjoy the testing underfoot conditions that are prevalent at Pontefract Park. The Nap slightly blotted his copybook when fourth at Salisbury but had earlier run a stormer at Goodwood and I fancy him to bounce back.
Race 6 No2 WALSINGHAM
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
WALSINGHAM is by Lope De Vega out of a Cape Cross mare and should delight in the easy conditions on just a second start in what has been an interrupted campaign. Having claimed a minor cheque on his belated reappearance he’s been made fitter.
YARMOUTH
Race 3 No3 COMA CLUSTER (Each Way)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Although she took a walk in the market and finished with many more 8n front of her than behind on her Doncaster introduction, COMA CLUSTER is worth a speculative investment at a massive price. The Wootton Bassett filly has learned a good deal from that first foray onto the track, and can get onto the podium if any of the three that dominate the market fails to show up.
Race 6 No10 ELFORLEATHER (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
ELFORLEATHER takes the eye at a big price and can make this a seventh earning run from his last eight outings. A three times winner of grass this season, he should enjoy the long home straight and get into the shake-up although winning hurdler MACARI rates a danger and is worth saving on.
Race 7 No1 URBAN LION (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
URBAN LION is looking for better ground after sinking into the abyss on his latest start at Newbury. The Zoustar gelding hasn’t grown into his frame and is a work in progress, but there was much to like about both his previous outings when successful at Chelmsford and fourth at Goodwood. He has a touch of class about him, and can thwart the progressive Terries Royale before going into winter quarters.
STRATFORD
Race 2 No9 EURKASH
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Charlie Maggs
A gamble of EURKASH never looked like bearing fruit on his first run for Owen at Newton Abbot, but he bounced back to finish second in a long distance chase at Fontwell which augers well for his task in this conditional jockeys’ handicap chase.
Race 4 No1 BALLYCAMUS (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
From a stable enjoying a hot streak and especially with its chasers, BALLYCAMUS can take the spoils. The seven-year-old scored twice and finished second three times from just six outings over fences last season, while he’s done well for his summer break. He’s schooled and worked well in preparation for this.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 3 No6 NOBLE PHOENIX (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
Sky Advocate sets the bar for the others to aim at courtesy of his fourth in a Sales race in Ireland but NOBLE PHOENIX has a better position in the gate and will represent some value. The son of Arizona carries colours made popular by top chaser Toby Tobias, and even though this will earn him a mark his form in two starts reads well.
Race 9 No7 UNDER CURFEW
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Jack Doughty
UNDER CURFEW could be the answer to an open nightcap with Doughty’s 5lb claim greatly improving his chance. The veteran gives away upwards of two years to his opponents, but has maintained a consistent run of form on sand and is the one to beat.
