Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Beverley, Lingfield Park, Newcastle, and Warwick on Tuesday 22 September 2020.
BEVERLEY
Race 1: No4 – PIVOTING (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
PIVOTING left his debut run a long way behind when forcing Equate to a photo at this course earlier in the month. That was a most encouraging effort by the Charming Thought colt, who can prove another thorn in the side of perennial bridesmaid Charlie Fellowes, the latter seeking to end a run of three runners-up finishes equipped with first-time cheekpieces and the obvious danger to the selection.
Race 5: No7 – KNIGHTCAP (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
KNIGHTCAP has been in the grip of the assessor for much of the year but now gets the chance to raise her game with the addition of first-time cheekpieces. The daughter of Sir Percy caught the eye when beaten into fourth in a blanket finish at Yarmouth last week and also gets a jockey change, with Allan on board for the first time in more than a year.
Race 7: No1 – VALYRIAN STEEL
Trainer: Roger Varian – Jockey: David Egan
It’s been since racing’s return from lockdown that VALYRIAN STEEL scored on his introduction at Newcastle, but in spite of a long subsequent absence, the Frankel colt finds himself in another strong winning position in this novice stakes. He has greater scope for progression than main market rival Al Khabeer and can remain unbeaten.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1: No1 – MEDIEVAL
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Luke Morris
The unexposed Win Win Power takes the eye at the bottom of the weights but at the other end of the handicap MEDIEVAL also has plenty going for him and can gain a deserved first success of the season. The gelding has improved from race to race, latterly going down by a short head to Pitchcombe at Bath. He has a good chance of making this a first win in three years.
Race 6: No1 – BEHOLDEN
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
Juddmonte cast-off BEHOLDEN has made a smooth transition from bumpers to the Flat and now tries his hand in a handicap. The strong traveller was thwarted by jumper Superkalanistic in a Chepstow maiden last time but was coming back at that rival towards the finish. He steps up to a more suitable distance here and should take plenty of stopping with Marquand in the irons for the first time.
Race 7: No7 – TAQAREER (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Jim Crowley
TAQAREER made a satisfactory start when second in a Chelmsford novice, failing to get to grips with the well regarded Shamaroon over a mile. The son of Frankel will be more streetwise now, and should relish the move up to a mile and a quarter.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4: No8 – TITIAN
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
While newcomer Alpha King could be anything, the claims of TITIAN give him a good chance to open his account. On the strength of a pleasing first run when in the money at Newmarket he started 9-4 for a Goodwood maiden, and while disappointing that day is capable of playing the experience card to good effect.
Race 5: No4 – LIGHT REFRAIN (Nap)
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
A drop back to six furlongs could prove just what the doctor ordered for LIGHT REFRAIN. The Frankel filly has kept good company in her three starts so far, being beaten into fourth in a blanket finish at Newmarket on a second outing before chasing home Lady Hayes at Salisbury. However, she will need to be on her toes to repel Terrichang, who picked up black type on her latest start at Ripon.
WARWICK
Race 2: No2 – DIAMOND ROVER (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Having impressively opened his account in a Uttoxeter bumper last month, DIAMOND ROVER is ready to transfer that ability to jumps in this novices’ hurdle. He’s schooled well and looks one to follow for his top connections through the rest of the autumn.
Race 4: No1 – GETAWAY MAG
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
The lightly-raced GETAWAY MAG scored on her final start before lockdown at Doncaster in February after three educational runs to get her handicapped. She’s the type of individual her trainer excels with, and with fitness not an issue after her seven months absence a follow-up looks in the offing.
