Racing Ahead’s horse racing tipster Ben Morgan has some picks for two races at Cheltenham and the 3.50pm at Doncaster.
Saturday
It isn’t a vintage Trials Day line-up by any stretch of the imagination and some of the graded action is desperately lacking in quality – but some of the handicaps and novice action is definitely worth getting involved in.
My eye was drawn to the first race as Masaccio is lining up but with connections aiming him for the Ultima, I just wonder if they would want a big hike in the weights here.
I can see him finishing strongly but for win purposes I find my eye drawn to BILLYTHEREALBIGRED, who continues on a fast upward trajectory.
Since joining the Oliver Greenall stable he has done nothing but improve from a low mark of 87 all the way up to 131 where he sits now.
Chasing seems to suit him and his performance at Exeter last time impressed – but he will have to improve again to take this.
I think he can especially when factoring in the weight for age allowance.
Newbury misfortune
I think MOON D’ORANGE had the misfortune of bumping into one last time out at Newbury and could go one place better at Cheltenham this weekend.
Inthewaterside looked thrown in on chase debut and he proved just that – but it was John McConnell’s charge who was the only one to make him sweat.
He was a late springer in the market that day which suggested connections think he too was on a good mark – and he certainly would have been a convincing winner if you took out the actual winner.
He is up in grade again but has a low weight as a result and also the assistance of Sean Bowen in the saddle.
Some of the top weights look opposable and this 8/1 shot should give us a run for our money.
Promising second
Up at Doncaster, I am glad to see THE LORD MAID declared as I have been waiting for her to appear again after a promising second at Warwick.
Listening to Tom Lacey speak about her, it sounds like there should be plenty more to come from her and I too think she is better than a mark of 126.
Stan Sheppard is enjoying a fine season so she will be getting maximum support from the saddle and I think she could be a nice price in a competitive race.
Ben Morgan’s tips:
Cheltenham 12.40pm – Billytherealbigred
Cheltenham 1.50pm – Moon D’orange
Doncaster 3.50pm – The Lord Maid
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