Neil Morrice shares his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your from AYR, Newbury, Leicester and Southwell on 01 April 2022.
AYR
Race 1 No2 SHEARER (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Adrian Heskin
The opener to the Scottish National fixture looks a straight match between City Chief and SHEARER, with preference for the latter. The six-year-old impressed with his attitude when scoring at Newbury and should handle today’s extra yardage.
Race 5 No8 TIMELESS BEAUTY
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Adrian Heskin
In the same colours, TIMELESS BEAUTY can build on her authoritative Wetherby triumph to take out this mares’ handicap hurdle. She’s having a first hurdles run for more than a year, but freshened by a break can make her presence felt.
Race 7 No5 TAXMEIFYOUCAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish – Jockey: Brian Hughes
If there’s going to be an upset TAXMEIFYOUCAN is the horse that might provide it. The confirmed hold up performer has been in racing’s wilderness for the best part of two years but has the wherewithal to bounce back with an earning run.
NEWBURY
Race 5 No7 DARGIANNINI (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
DARGIANNINI began the campaign with hopes for high honours but has largely underwhelmed. He did however put in a seasonal best when beaten into third in a blanket finish at Kempton last month, and the tongue strap tried on that occasion is retained.
Race 6 No5 KAUTO THE KING (Each Way)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Harry Cobden
KAUTO THE KING can utilise his accurate jumping to take home a cheque in this competitive handicap chase. He’s been soundly beaten in four races since scoring on reappearance at this course back in November but Should stage a renaissance on a more favourably galloping track.
Race 7 No1 COME ON GRUFF (Nap)
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
While needing to show further improvement to follow-up his cosy Ludlow success there’s every chance that COME ON GRUFF will. He’s a relatively unexposed individual and can show he’s still a step ahead of the assessor.
LEICESTER
Race 3 No6 NARANCO
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rob Hornby
Second to the useful Tranquil Night on debut at Kempton, NARANCO is going to be more streetwise and can go one better now switched to turf.
Race 4 No2 WATERMELON SUGAR (Nap)
Trainer: Archie Watson – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
WATERMELON SUGAR attracted a welter of support before overcoming greenness to go in at the first time is asking at Wolverhampton. The grey looked better the further he travelled and should have learned a great deal from that initial foray onto the track. He’s continued to work well at home, and is one to follow.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 No7 MEDIA GUEST (Each Way)
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: Tom Queally
MEDIA GUEST finds himself in a weaker race than when chasing home Fine Wine here earlier in the month and rates a value play to trouble the judge in this competitive affair.
Race 4 No11 KINRARRA (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Darragh Keenan
KINRARRA returns from a lengthy absence having shown ability in her preparation for this seasonal reappearance. She is fit and ready, and should get into the shake-up.
Place Accumulater Perm (Races 2-8)
10, 1, 12 x 12 x 11, 6 x 1, 6 x 5, 12, 6 x 6, 2 x 14, 6, 1
R216
