Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday's racing coming your way from York, Newbury, Newmarket and Aintree on 17 May 2024.
YORK
Race 2 No6 MAJESTIC
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
The 2022 Cambridgeshire winner MAJESTIC has underfoot conditions in his favour as he seeks to build on a solid second run back when fourth at Newmarket. Stepping up to a mile and a quarter should also assist the Conduit gelding, who put in his best piece of work of the year the other day and goes to post in great heart.
Race 4 BOODLES YORKSHIRE CUP (Group 2)
No1 TOWER OF LONDON
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Ryan Moore
TOWER OF LONDON arrived as the new kid on the staying block with his victories in Saudi and Dubai, and can go back-to-back at Group 2 level by supplementing his triumph in the Dubai Gold Cup. The Galileo four-year-old is yet to win in the soft, but is bred to handle easy conditions. HAMISH looks the main stumbling block to the Nap, as the 11-times winner loves to get his toes in and defends a three-race unbeaten record on the Knavesmire.
Race 6 No18 DANZAN
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
DANZAN has troubled the judge on both outings this season and has proved a regular earner on his previous visits to York without winning. From a good draw on this turning seven furlongs he’s fancied to buck that trend, with DESERT FALCON one who also appeals on his debut for Julie Camacho, and well worth a saver.
Race 7 No17 MAKE IT EASY
Trainer: Nigel Tinkler – Jockey: Rowan Scott
MAKE IT EASY failed to cut the mustard in Listed company on her only previous visit here, but after changing stables ran well to finish second at 33-1 in a Class4 at Newcastle. The Mehmas filly has untapped potential, and can graduate into Class3 with another earning experience at a lofty price.
NEWBURY
Race 4 No9 MOUNT TEIDE
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
MOUNT TEIDE shaped with abundant promise when fourth on his Newmarket introduction. He’s going to be more streetwise and if making normal progression can down the one-race winner Jarraaf who has to carry a 7lb penalty.
Race 6 No9 TROUVILLE
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Harry Davies
TROUVILLE proved no match for Space Legend at Leicester but nevertheless showed he can operate on a soft surface, while not being given a hard time. The son of Le Havre can raise his game to repel the challenge of Houston in this second division of the maiden.
NEWMARKET
Race 2 No2 CREATIVE STORY
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Callum Shepherd
CREATIVE STORY has found one to beat him in both starts this year, but the son of Tom Darn Hot brings the best form to the table and can parry the challenges of T’Challa and Kilt in this interesting novice.
Race 6 No4 DIVINE BREATH
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Kevin Stott
DIVINE BREATH was probably running past trees when landing the odds laid on her at Wolverhampton. She is therefore hard to weigh up in this switch to a handicap and move onto grass, but as the least experienced in the field she has scope for the most progression and can follow up.
AINTREE
Race 3 No5 KING ALEXANDER
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: James Bowen
On paper, this looks a competitive handicap hurdle, but one who could be a step ahead of his mark is KING ALEXANDER. The six-year-old won on three of his five starts following a breathing operation, and though not seen since January has won on both occasions he’s returned from a breathing in the past.
Race 4 No4 SAIL AWAY
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Fergus Gillard
SAIL AWAY underwhelmed in a Grade 2 handicap chase at Cheltenham but this good jumper is better than he showed. Pulled back a notch on the class ladder he has the ability to bounce back, especially with a new jockey in his saddle.
Bipot Perm (Races 1-6)
1 x 3, 8, 2 x 5, 8, 7, 10 x 4, 2, 7 x 2, 11, 13 x 8, 1
R216
