Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Dieppe and Gulfstream Park.
Other International racing tips for Friday
Vichy
Coffs Harbour
Geraldton
Canberra
Stawell
Cranbourne
Neil Morrice Tips
Dieppe Best Bets
Race 1: No6 – GARANCE FOREVER
Trainer: Guillaume Macaire – Jockey: James Reveley
With top connections behind her and relatively fresh from a first win at Auteuil, GARANCE FOREVER can be a popular winner of the opener. She’s making her debut over the bigger chase obstacles but is a good jumper, and as the least experienced in the field could well improve the most. La Bondue may follow her home, as this Compiegne winner then ran well in a better race at Auteuil. The grey Sacre Coeur can also play a part.
Prediction: 6-5-7
Race 3: No5 – BORN TO HOLD
Trainer: Francois Nicolle – Jockey: Angelo Zuliani
As part of a formidable entry from the Nicolle stable, BORN TO HOLD can continue his upwardly mobile course. The son of Born To Sea was in cracking form pre lockdown and today defends an unbeaten record for his astute handler. His victories at Fontainebleau and Toulouse were impressive enough, making him the clear pick. If for any reason he scratches, then stablemate Je Deviens Moi can take advantage. None the worse for an uncharacteristic fall at Compiegne, he’d won his previous three and is talented. Also a faller last time was Normandy Dela Vega, who could prove troublesome if getting that side of his act together.
Prediction: 5-2-1
Race 6: No2 – HELL BOY
Trainer: Francois Nicolle – Jockey: Angelo Zuliani
Prolific winner HELL BOY should take some stopping in this Grade 3 Chase, feature on an interesting card. He will start at prohibitive odds to make this the fifth triumph from his last six outings. His winning spree began over hurdles but when scoring on chase debut at Compiegne the gelding could hardly have been more impressive. Top weight Edgeoy looks to have plenty on his plate trying to concede 5lb to the selection but probably needed his last run. Prior to that he enjoyed notable success at Auteuil, and is not to be underestimated. Corazones has room for progress hailing from a top stable but will need to.
Prediction: 2-1-4
Race 8: No3 – FOU DU SEUIL
Trainer: M Seror – Jockey: Florian Girard
On both his 2020 outings at Fontainebleau, FOU DU SEUIL has given reason to expect him to pick up a race of this nature, and with luck, in running in the big field he should get into the shake-up. The gelded son of Network now enjoys a 9lb claim from his admittedly inexperienced pilot and can step lively. Bowler Hat is on a recovery mission after blotting his copybook at Fontainebleau but enters calculations on his previous Cagnes triumph. Vif Ardent is another of interest if fit on his return from an eight-month absence.
Prediction: 3-5-6
Gulfstream Park Best Bets
Race 2 (Maiden Special Weight): No12 – GOLDEN PAL
Trainer: Wesley Ward – Jockey: Edgar Prado
If LIME re routes to this from her race on Thursday she would be the main pick, but without that well-regarded filly to worry about, GOLDEN PAL is the one to beat under veteran ‘Chop Chop’ Prado. The son of Uncle Mo has a point to prove after getting overturned as a 1-2 favourite on debut over a slightly shorter trip here. That should have done him the power of good, however, and he can dominate the speed coming out of the outer gates. Ward has a third entry in Amanzi Yimpilo, and this daughter of No Nay Never has done plenty of readying work, making her of considerable interest. Money for fellow debutant Kodiak Mamba would also need a check.
Prediction: 12-4-7
Race 6 (Maiden Claiming): No13 – CHILL HAZE
Trainer: Saffie Joseph – Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr
With two thumps on the crossbar CHILL HAZE has signalled his intention to deliver, and with his trainer firing plenty of bullets right now the colt can dominate this from out wide. He started favourite for both those races last month but it’s significant that he drops back to five furlongs, giving him the luxury of a better chance of lasting home. At a bigger price I expect Weekend Dreamer to get into the argument as he’s also gone close on two recent runs over track and trip, while Jason’s Goldie has a top jock on for the first time while bringing decent Santa Anita form to the table.
Prediction: 13-3-6
Race 9 (Allowance Optional Claiming): No1 – WILD MEDAGLIAD’ORO
Trainer: Mark Casse – Jockey: Luis Saez
Although he’s only graced the race track on five occasions, WILD MEDAGLIAD’ORO has top line credentials that should make him a stand out for a hot jockey that has never partnered him before. The grey didn’t know the force that lay ahead of him when rolled by Code Of Honor when odds-on at Saratoga two summers back, and has subsequently served connections well with a win and earning runs at Belmont, Aqueduct and on his first run here, while contending with issues at the same time. Roman Empire is iron fit but still needs to find something if he’s to trouble the selection, and it could be left to First And Three to provide any value in the contest.
Prediction: 1-8-3
