Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Musselburgh, Lingfield Park and Newcastle.
NEWBURY
Race 2 No3 MASTERS LEGACY (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Michael Nolan
The drying ground has had its say in the size of the fields but good ground is what MASTERS LEGACY wants, and as the only unexposed runner he has plenty going for him. A dual scorer as a novice at Taunton, he made an eye taking reappearance at the same track when in need of the race after more than 400 days off. It should have served to sharpen him up to return to winning ways.
Race 6 No11 I’M A STARMAN
Trainer: Mark Rimell – Jockey: Bryony Frost
I’M A STARMAN fulfilled his early career promise with a clear cut delivery at Hereford which suggests there can be more to come from this lightly-raced jumper. In receipt of 12lb from top weight Coeur Serein he can give that rival plenty to think about.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 4 No7 BUCKLED
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
Dual purpose horse BUCKLED has been round the block a few times, but signalled with an improved effort in the first time tongue tie before Christmas that he’s recapturing the level of form that can make him a winner again at his favourite course.
Race 5 No10 MILLIE THE MINX
Trainer: Dianne Sayer – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
MILLIE THE MINX can confirm her superiority over Calliope in this handicap hurdle. That course and distance triumph was gained in clear cut fashion, and while it should be closer at the revised weights, the Medicean mare was fresh off a break that day and can find more.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No3 GREYSTOKE (Nap)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: PJ McDonald
GREYSTOKE has knocked on the door on both starts this year, with poor draws counting against him. In this smaller field and from an ideal slot in the gate he should be able to serve it up to shorter priced foes such as Swallowdale and Belle Rouge.
Race 7 No1 HEY HO LET’S GO
Trainer: Mark Hoad – Jockey: Angus Villiers
Hold up horse HEY HO LET’S GO had not had the rub of the green before his conversion by the narrowest of margins last week. Not that he’s got his head in front he can consolidate, but his late run needs to be delivered with precision timing.
NEWCASTLE
Race 5 No12 FASHION FREE
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Laura Pearson
Attractive at the base of this handicap is FASHION FREE. The Muhaarar filly is further assisted by the 5lb claim of her very capable pilot and can gain a deserved first win on the year back at her favourite venue.
Race 8 No3 TRUE HERO (Nap)
Trainer: David Brown – Jockey: Kevin Stott
Strong travelling TRUE HERO rates the best bet on a tricky card and can take out the nightcap. He’s been running with the consistency of a Swiss watch, and can make this a third success from six outings in 2021.
Place
Accumulater Perm (Races 2-8)
2, 1
x 3 x 5, 2 x 12, 7, 5 x 1, 5 x 2, 4 x 3
R48
