Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Friday’s racing taking place at Funabashi and Tampa Bay Downs.
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Other racing previews for Friday 3 April
Neil Morrice
Tamworth (Winning Form)
Cranbourne (Winning Form)
Gold Coast (Winning Form)
Kranji (Winning Form)
Gulfstream Park (Winning Form)
Funabashi Best Bets
Race 8: No3 – TOMORROW ANTHEM
Jockey: Takayuki Yano – Trainer: Takashi Harita
TOMORROW ANTHEM proved he’s a genuine Class 1 performer with his decisive win here three weeks ago which marked a second success in three outings as a 5yo. On what was a fair playing field for a classy field, he readily disposed of the useful Tsukuba Kiseki, producing a smart turn of foot to put the race to bed. He has a good draw and should confirm is status as an upwardly mobile horse to follow. On the figures, he has a decent cushion over rivals such as SUPHAN BURI and SUCESOR.
Prediction: 3-13-11
Race 9: No5 – BIRMINGHAM
Jockey: Norifumi Mikamoto – Trainer: Masakazu Kawashima
American-bred BIRMINGHAM is in the form of his life and can complete a magnificent nap hand of victories. Having successfully ended a bountiful 4yo campaign in December, the son of Henry Hughes has gone from strength to strength, capturing his three races in 2020 by four lengths, a length and two lengths, all over today’s trip of 1600m. DAMONDE could pose a threat if bringing his A-game to the table, as he’s hit the woodwork on his last two outings.
Prediction: 5-8-11
Race 12: No6 – MORINO MARINE
Jockey: Taito Mori – Trainer: Satoshi Saito
The nightcap can go to MORINO MARINE, another offspring of US sire Henny Hughes. Evidence that 1200m is his optimum trip came when he inched home on his first run of 2020 and he hasn’t done much wrong in two subsequent races. There’s not much to choose between the selection, MEIKEI RAIJIN and LIKE A ROCKET with the trio worth using in all exotics.
Prediction: 6-1-8
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Tampa Bay Downs Best Bets
Race 3 (Claiming): No5 – NORTHERN
Trainer: Kent Sweezey – Jockey: G Wales
NORTHERN could be the pick of Sweezey’s quintet of runners on a hugely competitive card. The gelding was claimed by his trainer for $8,000 for a win in early February and raised into the $16,000 claiming ranks a month later where he finished out of the money, whilst not being disgraced. He now drops into the $6,250 band at which the selection has won three in succession and is 4 from 5. Back in his comfort zone, he should rate and has a solid winning chance.
Prediction: 5-6-10
Race 8 (Allowance): No10 – SUMMERING
Trainer: Tom Proctor – Jockey: Jesus Castanan
GLAM returns from a five-month lay off as part of an entry for her trainer who also fields recent scorer SURPRISE AGAIN. Glam finished her 4yo season by winning three of her last five outings and would have returned earlier but for contracting an eye issue. She missed out on four targeted races in the winter but she’s been moving zealously in her workouts and should be suited by the pace injection provided by DISTINCTIVE FLOWER and SUMMERING. She’s the value play but Summering was a Listed winner at Del Mar in her juvenile year before finishing in the ruck in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf, and has a class element to bring to the table.
Prediction: 10-2-1
