Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Thursday 30 December 2021

HAYDOCK PARK

Race 2 No4 TORN AND FRAYED (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

TORN AND FRAYED gave it a good shot when second to My Drogo at Cheltenham before Christmas, having been very unlucky not to prevail on his previous outing at Ascot. He’s a good jumper who should enjoy the track, trip and ground as he moves into the handicap arena.

Race 3 No2 TRANSFER FRIENDLY
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Adrian Heskin

TRANSFER FRIENDLY landed some tasty bets at Ffos Las to come home 16 lengths clear of a good yardstick in Gris Gris Top. The former Irish pointer is going to love the testing underfoot conditions in Lancashire and can outstay hat-trick seeking Jungle Jack.

Race 4 No4 BLAKLION
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton

BLAKLION came out of the wilderness to post a first success for his new trainer here at the start of the month as well as a first career triumph in four years. He looked to have matters under control a long way out, and was good value for his margin of victory over Aso. The veteran has put in a couple of other good efforts round here, including when landing a bumper in his early career, and looks to have found a change of scenery rejuvenating.

TAUNTON

Race 3 No1 BRAVE KINGDOM (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden

BRAVE KINGDOM romped home on his first run for this stable and on jumps debut at Chepstow. The punting public might have got carried away with what they saw in making him a 6-5 shot to graduate into a Grade 2 at Sandown, something the gelding never looked like achieving. However, back in normal novice company under a penalty, he can rebound from that 20 lengths defeat to the very useful Lossiemouth to put his career back on track.

Race 5 No6 RAINYDAY WOMAN
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden

Nicholls can add to his fine record in this Listed contest through RAINYDAY WOMAN. The Kayf Tara mare has taken out a couple of novice hurdles at Wincanton when long odds-on, and now makes a big jump up the class ladder. However, it’s impossible to gauge how much improvement there might be under her bonnet, and this is the day to pay to find out.

Race 6 No9 THE BOAT
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Adam Wedge

THE BOAT responded to the addition of cheekpieces to open his account with something up his sleeve at Market Rasen. He remains nicely weighted after being reassessed, and if in the same mood can follow-up.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 1 No5 ALLOWED (Each Way)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rob Hornby

Al Kazeem filly ALLOWED posted a first frame finish to earn a handicap mark at Lingfield. She has a good draw and is the least exposed runner in what looks a weakly contested affair.

Race 5 No1 KOEMAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass

KOEMAN is of interest dropping back into a Class4 and coming off a five-week break. The top weight’s chances are boosted by the 5lb claim of his apprentice rider, and he was a winner at this track off a similar mark a year ago.

Place Accumulater Perm (Races 2-8)

8, 5, 9 x 8, 2 x 7, 3, 2 x 1, 7 x 1 x 11, 7, 1 x 3, 6

R216