Neil Morrice brings us his best bets and tips for Friday's racing at Nemarket and Dundalk.
NEWMARKET
Race 3 UNIBET PRINCESS ROYAL STAKES (Group 3)
No1 ALBAFLORA (Nap)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
ALBAFLORA sets the bar for the others to aim at in the first of three Pattern races on an excellent card. The grey has earned in two Group 1s and a couple of Group 2s on her last four starts, latterly running into the indomitable Snowfall in the Yorkshire Oaks. Godolphin’s main player Sayyida should get into the shake-up, with Golden Pass carded as the best of the roughies.
Race 4 UNIBET ROCKFEL STAKES (Group 2)
No3 GIRL ON FILM
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Frankie Dettori
While GIRL ON FILM is the least experienced contender for this prestigious fillies’ contest such was the impression she created when scoring on debut on the July course that it could take something smart to stop her. The daughter of Dabirsim has done everything asked of her at home, and can take the notable scalps of Majestic Glory and Oscula.
Race 5 UNIBET ‘YOU’RE ON’ JOEL STAKES (Group 2)
No2 BENBATL
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
This should see an all-Godolphin finish, with 2019 winner and last year’s third BENBATL taken to trump younger foe Master Of The Seas. Benbatl doesn’t stand much racing but has a very solid record at the top level. He went down by just a short head to Lavender’s Blue on belated reappearance in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood and can take this out on the way to bountiful autumn and late-season campaign.
Race 7 No2 CELTIC ART (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: William Buick
One time Classic hope CELTIC ART had issues that have been resolved, and though soundly beaten in his last two starts could easily bounce back with Buick an eye-taking jockey booking.
Dundalk
Race 1 No8 POET’S PRIDE (Each Way)
Trainer: David Marnane – Jockey: Billy Lee
A first time tongue strap should assist POET’S PRIDE with his breathing as he seeks to build on an earning run on the Polytrack at the start of the month. He’s had a three week break and is worth a market check in a competitive opener.
Race 5 Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Diamond Stakes (Group 3)
No6 IDES OF AUGUST (Each Way)
Trainer: Ger Lyons – Jockey: Colin Keane
Plenty in the field for this wide-open feature are capable of taking the spoils, though the one with recent progression to bring to the table is IDES OF AUGUST. He’s done well through the summer and importantly raised his game when switched to the Polytrack to take out a hot handicap last time.
Race 6 No14 DAMMIT (Each Way)
Trainer: Luke Comer – Jockey: Chris Hayes
When posting his best run of the year at Down Royal last time, DAMMIT served notice that he’s on the cusp of a return to winning ways. He has a good draw and should reward each-way support, with lightly raced improver Golden Twilight an obvious danger.
YORK
Race 1 No5 CAIRN ISLAND (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Kevin Stott
CAIRN ISLAND came back from a mid-summer break to stylishly open his account at Newmarket and is the sort of upwardly mobile sprinter his trainer excels with. He’s the least exposed contender and should enjoy the likely fast underfoot conditions.
Race 3 No7 ROACH POWER
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
ROACH POWER looked unsuited by the tight track at Musselburgh, losing ground when cornering into the straight. He’s better than the run indicates, and can confirm the promise of his debut second at Carlisle.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 2 No6 KIMNGRACE (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Hughes – Jockey: David Probert
KIMNGRACE moves back onto turf after a narrow defeat on the Lingfield Polytrack. The Profitable filly left a few decent sized wagers in the satchels that day, but with an experience edge on most of her rivals can now go one better.
Race 4 No9 REVERSION
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Martin Harley
REVERSION has looked progressive in his three starts so far, and could have been let in lightly on handicap debut. The son of Adaay receives weight from each of his eight foes and can put in a big earning run.
NEWCASTLE
Race 1 No7 HELLENISTA
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Phil Dennis
As long as this doesn’t come too quick after her run at Ripon earlier in the week, HELLENISTA has a good chance of taking the spoils. The Nathaniel filly was beaten three lengths into third by Haveyoumissedme but didn’t look to have a hard race. She now gets the chance to show what she can do on a first start on an artificial surface.
Race 4 No4 ABBEY HEIGHTS (Nap)
Trainer: Daniel Kubler – Jockey: PJ McDonald
Stalingrad has had a few chances and may have to give best to ABBEY HEIGHTS. This Dark Angel colt has troubled the judge on both outings at Haydock and Kempton and shouldn’t mind stepping back to a sprint distance as the best bet on the card.
Place Accumulater Perm (Races 2-8)
3, 1 x 2, 9 x 4 x 4, 2 x 1, 4 x 6, 2, 8 x 8, 3, 9
R144
