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Neil Morrice: International Racing – Friday 8 January 2021

Neil Morrice Best Bets & Tips

Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Dundalk, Taunton, Lingfield Park, Newcastle, and Southwell.

DUNDALK 

Race 4: No12 – FOREIGN LEGION

Trainer: John Larkin – Jockey: Ross Coakley

It’s hard to get away from the credentials of FOREIGN LEGION other than his need to overcome a difficult draw. He’s performing at the top of his game as illustrated by two wins and a second here from his last three outings and can be relied upon to again get into the shake-up with Tyrconnell another to include in all exotics.

Race 5: No11 – HALA JOUD

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien – Jockey: Declan McDonagh

Though a shade disappointing in her juvenile season, HALA JOUD is worth another chance on her return from a break in which time she’s strengthened up. She disappointed on her latest start here, but from a good draw could have the measure of Ferrybank.

Race 6: No11 – SCHOLASTIC

Trainer: Joseph O’Brien – Jockey: Mikey Sheehy

O’Brien’s yard should again be in the ascendancy with dual-purpose horse SCHOLASTIC. Her limited appearances on the all-weather have seen the Zoffany filly knock on the door without winning, but her overall profile suggests she’s got plenty of room for progression.

Race 7: No10 – GORMANSTON

Trainer: Nigel Slevin – Jockey: Robbie Colgan

Respect is paid to Chateau Musar in the first division of this handicap but the ultra-consistent GORMANSTON is preferred. Since returning from a short break in the summer the gelding has won once, finished second three times, and third once from a total of six appearances on the Polytrack. He has a good chance of going back-to-back after getting home by the skin of his teeth last time.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone


TAUNTON

Race 2: No7 – GERICAULT ROQUE

Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Tom Scudamore

Former Irish pointer GERICAULT ROQUE responded to a first-time hood to chase home Grandeur D’ame on debut for Pipe in a bumper last autumn. He’s subsequently undergone wind surgery and can build on that by outpointing Art Approval in this maiden hurdle.

Race 5: No17 – INFINITI

Trainer: Barry Leavy – Jockey: Liam Harrison

INFINITI beat Broke Away into sixth at Leicester last month and the form of the contest has worked out. The mare has improved from race to race in three outings this season and can confirm the form from her handy position at the base of the handicap. Broke Away should herself 8mprove and get into the shake-up.

Race 7: No1 – I LIKE TO MOVE IT (Nap)

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

I LIKE TO MOVE IT has contributed to by its high standards a low key first half of the campaign for his trainer with successes at Aintree and Wincanton. He was very impressive in landing the odds at the last-named course and should have too many guns for Hercule Point.

LINGFIELD PARK

Race 2: No2 – MASTER BURBIDGE

Trainer: Neil Mulholland – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

The strong travelling MASTER BURBIDGE is a winner on Polytrack and raced consistently well on the three UK all-weather surfaces through the final weeks of 2020. In one of the weaker races on this ‘jumper-bumper’ card, he can regain the winning thread.


Race 3: No3 – KAZONTHERAZZ (Nap)

Trainer: Martin Keightley – Jockey: Tom Queally

The hooded KAZZONTHERAZZ belied her 25-1 odds to finish a close third to Without A Doubt on debut under Rules at Southwell. The Kayf Tara mare retains the hood she sported that day and at a likely bigger price than Legendary Grace and Mondora can open her account.

Race 6: No9 – WIGHTMAN

Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Niall Houlihan

WIGHTMAN opened his account over hurdles with a narrow conversion at Taunton when he was suited by the strong pace. As long as they go a decent clip in this weakly contested bumper he can utilise his speed from the Flat to follow-up.


NEWCASTLE

Race 4: No12 – RAYNA’S WORLD (Nap)

Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Joe Williamson

With earning runs in each of her last eight outings, RAYNA’S WORLD holds strong claims on a belated first visit to Gosforth Park. A winner over hurdles at Hexham in the autumn, she put up her best effort on the Flat when a close second to Cornerstone Lad at Catterick. She also ran into the money at that course on the only occasion she’s been partnered by today’s conditional jockey.


Race 6: No3 – ONTHEFRONTFOOT

Trainer: Donald McCain – Jockey: Brian Hughes

ONTHEFRONTFOOT landed a bumper on his debut for McCain and has gone on to win twice over hurdles. On the back of a couple of earning runs in handicap chases and with the champion jockey in the irons, he can prevent Sao from completing a hat-trick.

Jockeys Ride Horses

SOUTHWELL

Race 1: No3 – BLUE HERO (Nap)

Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Andrew Mullen

Following a good run on debut for this stable, BLUE HERO has strong claims to post a first career victory in what looks a weak contest. He made Final Voyage fight for the spoils at Wolverhampton but showed for his previous trainer that he handles Fibresand when third here back in the autumn.

Race 3: No5 – THRAVE

Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Frederick Larson

THRAVE responded to first-time blinkers as well as the addition of an eye shield to gain a first victory since joining his trainer at the claiming level. Far though he has tumbled in the ratings since his days as a Classic prospect, the gelding was having a first Fibresand outing for Appleby and with the confidence it brings should be backed to follow-up.

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