Neil Morrice shares his best bets and tips for Friday's racing coming your way from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell and Kempton Park.
ASCOT
Race 1 No3 DARGIANNINI
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
Three times Sedgefield scorer DARGIANNINI has proved expensive to follow in two outings since joining the champion trainer, although it was only by a neck that he failed to resist An Tailliur at Taunton last time. While not obviously the best-treated horse at Ditcheat, he promises to get better with racing and has a top conditional doing the steering.
Race 4 Howden Kennel Gate Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
No4 KNAPPERS HILL
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
KNAPPERS HILL can help make it a good day for Nicholls by taking down the much-vaunted Jonbon. Unbeaten in three bumpers and two novice hurdles, the five-year-old has yet to be tested over jumps as his Chepstow and Wincanton success were recorded as a 2-13 and 1-10 favourite. It’s therefore a big jump up in class for him today, and although Jonbon will take out a large part of the betting handle on the contest it could pan out that I Like To Move It gives the selection most trouble. He’s been impressive in all three starts since switching to hurdles, and already has a Grade 2 Cheltenham success on his CV.
Prediction: 1st KNAPPERS HILL, 2nd I LikeTo Move It, 3rd Jonbon
Race 5 Howden Noel Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)
No4 PIC D’ORHY (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
PIC D’ORHY rates a winner without a penalty following his Newbury fall when in total command. The six-year-old had winged every fence before taking a real pearler at the first in the home straight, but though prone to jump fast and low will be very hard to peg back if putting in a clear.
UTTOXETER
Race 1 No7 GLANCING GLORY
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
With her stable getting its act together in the run-up to Christmas, GLANCING GLORY looks the way to go in the opener. The Presenting mare lacks a run over jumps but was impressive in landing a point-to-point a year ago. Her Irish trainer has been a good source for Bailey and the same can ring true with Glancing Glory, who has worked and schooled well.
Race 2 No17 THAT OLE CHESTNUT
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: David Prichard
THAT OLE CHESTNUT has gone 333 in consecutive handicap hurdles this season to show that after failing to menace in bumpers and novice hurdles, he’s now getting his act together. He did his best work towards the finish at Exeter last time, and though the form was devalued, he’s going to appreciate some extra yardage here.
Race 3 No3 COME ON GRUFF
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
COME ON BLUFF has been easy in the market on all three outings to date, but figures to start amongst the favourites for this novices’ hurdle. That’s because he raised his game when placing behind Young Butler at Chepstow on a first outing over jumps, an experience that should have brought him a fair bit forward.
Race 7 No9 GAVIN
Trainer: Joe Ponting – Jockey: Danny Burton
GAVIN demonstrated that his 33-1 success at Uttoxeter wasn’t a fluke by chasing home Major Snugfit in a similar contest at Southwell. This lightly-raced individual could have more to offer and can cash in on a 17lb weight receipt from paper favourite Greatest Star.
SOUTHWELL
Race 7 No3 SHYJACK (Nap)
Trainer: Christine Dunnett – Jockey: Kieren O’Neill
SHYJACK has earned in his last three starts on Polytrack and went down by a whisker to Inexplicable here last week. From a perfect slot in the gate, he’s carded for another frame finish and can prevail if enjoying the rub of the green at the business end.
Race 8 No4 BEACH BREAK (Each Way)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Ella McCain
Dual-purpose horse BEACH BREAK went close in back-to-back races here when last racing on the Flat back in January. Having run several good races over hurdles, he can confirm his liking for the track with another earning run.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 8 No8 BOMB SQUAD (Nap)
Trainer: Stan Moore – Jockey: Ellie Mackenzie
BOMB SQUAD has been very competitive in three outings through the autumn and early winter, posting a course and distance success between seconds at Chepstow and Wolverhampton. Under a new pilot he has leading claims for another frame finish if overcoming an unfavourable draw.
Place Accumulater Perm (Races 2-8)
1, 4, 5 x 7 x 3, 4 x 1, 3 x 4, 5 x 1, 4, 6 x 8, 5
R144
