Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Friday 20 October 2023

UTTOXETER

Race 2 No5 I GOT STUNG (Each Way)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass

This stable has made a good start to the season, especially with its novices. I GOT STUNG needed the run when well beaten at Worcester, but can improve to earn in a race that lacks depth.

Race 4 No5 EQUINUS
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

EQUINUS receives weight from each of his foes in this handicap hurdle and might be able to thwart paper favourite Emitom. The selection delivered in his first run in handicap company at Ffos Las, and although disappointing at Sandown ran well in a good race at Newbury. It’s interesting that his in-form trainer has resisted sending him straight over fences, though that could happen later in the season.

Race 5 No4 JUST OVER LAND (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

Thomas has been like a gun in scoring with his first three runners, and can add to those laurels with JUST OVER LAND. The chestnut ran too freely when pulled up over a longer trip at Chepstow but should be a different proposition pulled back to two miles for his seasonal return.

FAKENHAM

Race 1 No1 DOC MCCOY
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Winning pointer DO MCCOY earned in each of his three bumpers last season and now has his attention tuned to hurdling. He hails from a stable fielding a good record with its runners at this track and can get the better of another former pointer in Kilbarry Hill.

Race 5 No2 TWEED SKIRT
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville

In a cracking three-mile handicap chase TWEED SKIRT looks the way to go. She won twice and was placed in all three other starts in her first season over fences and is having a first outing since a wind operation, the third of her career. Interestingly she faced an identical scenario when returning last season, when she scored by a distance at Kempton.

Race 6 No4 BASHERS REFLECTION (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Harry Bannister

BASHERS REFLECTION ended the 2022/23 campaign on a high with back to-back successes, and returns on a 5lb higher mark. He’s delighted his connections with his progress during the close season and is a horse to follow.

REDCAR

Race 3 No5 EYE OF DUBAI
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Jason Hart

Lack of a previous run probably cost EYE OF DUBAI success when he went down in a blanket finish on debut at Chester. It took him a long time to click into gear, but he looked to be finishing best of all and will be much more tuned for this assignment.

Race 5 No4 RIBBLE RIVER (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Tom Eaves

RIBBLE RIVER shaped with considerable promise on his debut at Newcastle, posting a frame finish which augered for more to come. He is going to be more streetwise with that educational run under his belt, and can open his account at the main expense of Johnny Ringo.

Race 7 No1 VERBIER
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rossa Ryan

Frankel filly VERBIER landed some good bets on her Wolverhampton introduction and though not sighted since can underline her potential with another success. A penalty will test her against the potentially dangerous Run Zara’s Run, but she should have the upper hand.

Race 8 No11 VISITANT (Each Way)
Trainer: David Thompson – Jockey: Miss Amy Collier

Pivotal gelding VISITANT was a plucky winner here in August and has a good overall record at the track. He is responsive to being ridden by an inexperienced pilot and can get into the money at generous odds in this open finale.

NEWCASTLE

Race 2 No10 YASMIN FROM YORK (Each Way)
Trainer: Simon Whitaker – Jockey: Lewis Edmunds

YASMIN FROM YORK is a three-times earner from her last three outings in what has been a select campaign. Though her latest run at Catterick was devalued yesterday, the Sixties Icon mare has it in her to again trouble the judge from the foot of the weights.

Race 3 No7 SOUTH KENSINGTON (Each Way)
Trainer: Hugo Palmer – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan

SOUTH KENSINGTON skipped an opportunity on grass due to unsuitable ground which is not surprising considering how she underperformed on soft going at Windsor. Her previous effort to finish just out of the money in a warm maiden at Newmarket was a lot more encouraging, and the daughter of Blue Point has each way claims.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 3-9)

7, 8 x 10, 1, 5 x 10, 5 x 4 x 5, 8, 4 x 5, 8, 10 x 1, 2

R216