Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Sandown Park, Exeter, Sedgefield and Newcastle on 03 December 2021.
SANDOWN PARK
Race 4 No1 BRAVE KINGDOM (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Of the many horses Nicholls received in the summer from owner Andrew Brookes, BRAVE KINGDOM could turn out to be the pick of the bunch. The former Irish pointer has greatly impressed in both outings under Rules, coming home unchallenged in a Fontwell bumper before spread-eagling his foes on debut for the champion trainer in a maiden hurdle at Chepstow. Few can match him on the gallops at Ditcheat, and he has a bright future in front of him.
Race 5 No1 ONE TRUE KING
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
ONE TRUE KING put up a much-improved display on his second outing over fences to chase home Eden De Houx at Ffos Las. This strong traveller should be in his element over the Railway fences down the backstretch and has delighted connections in his work since that encouraging effort.
Race 6 No2 AL DANCER (Each Way)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Thomas Doggrell
AL DANCER failed to menace when starting second favourite for the Paddy Power Gold Cup, won by Midnight Shadow. The grey is now switched to hurdles by his new trainer. A former top novice over hurdles and fences, he is too good to be ignored and could easily bounce back.
EXETER
Race 2 No3 AMERICAN GERRY
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Nathan Brennan
AMERICAN GERRY has twice in as many starts for his trainer failed to justify strong market support. However, the Americain gelding needed his latest start at Newbury and will be wiser for that disappointing effort.
Race 4 No2 BOOTHILL (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: San Twiston-Davies
BOOTHILL skipped his intended christening over fences owing to unsuitable ground, and now faces a more straightforward assignment. He’s given some very positive signals in his work and schooling that he can become a top prospect, and he should convert on the way to better things.
Race 6 No12 DARK FLAME (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Rowe – Jockey: Tabitha Worsley
DARK FLAME proved easy to back yet managed to take home a cheque on his needed comeback run at Chepstow. He had a good blow afterwards and has been made fitter. He’s carded as a roughie in this ultra competitive heat, but is capable of getting into the shake-up.
SEDGEFIELD
Race 5 No1 MISTER WHITAKER (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Former Cheltenham Festival winner MISTER WHITAKER has enjoyed a return to hurdling by finishing second at Carlisle and winning at Kelso for new connections. He appeals as the best bet on this card and is fully expected to shake-off a 7lb penalty.
Race 7 No8 STROLL ON BY
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Championship pacesetter Hughes can complete a double on the promising STROLL ON BY. The money was down on the selection when he was pipped by Feel Like De Baune at Carlisle, and he’s strongly fancied to go one better.
NEWCASTLE
Race 6 No3 TOMMY DE VITO (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Hills – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
Returning from almost a 16 month absence, TOMMY DE VITO foiled a gamble on the smart Run To Freedom at Kempton. He is rewarding his patient connections and can prove hard to beat in a sprint that few can win.
Place Accumulater Perm (Races 2-8)
1, 9, 5 x 6 x 11, 10, 4 x 10 x 3, 4 x 3, 4 x 7, 3
R72
