Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Friday 13 May 2022

YORK

Race 1 No10 MIAMI GIRL (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Rossa Ryan

There are probably at least a couple of Queen Mary-bound fillies in this Listed sprint and MIAMI GIRL can prove the pick. The daughter of Cotai Glory defied greenness to power home on what was a very impressive debut success at Newmarket. She hails from a stable that has always excelled with its runners in this type of contest, and can take the spoils on the way to Royal Ascot.

Race 4 Paddy Power Yorkshire Cup (Group 2)

No5 SEARCH FOR A SNG
Trainer: Dermot Weld – Jockey: Chris Hayes

If there is a hole in ageing champion Stradivarius then the mare SEARCH FOR A SONG can exploit it getting 6lb from her eight-year-old foe. Winner of this race in 2019 but beaten on his final two starts last year, Stradivarius might succumb to a race-fit rival such as the selection, who finished second in Listed company at Navan last month and will be in pristine condition for a contest that could prove to be her Gold Cup.

Race 7 No14 MATTICE (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Duran Fentiman

Although lacking the experience of some of his opponents, MATTICE can bounce back from a costly Thirsk defeat in this first handicap assignment. His trainer is a dab hand in sprint handicaps on the Knavesmire and will have the gelded son of Mattmu honed for an earning run.

NEWBURY

Race 2 No7 METAL MERCHANT (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Darragh Keenan

Most of the big Newmarket and Lambourn stables are represented in what threatens to be a hot maiden. The market can be a good guide, but one to note at generous odds is METAL MERCHANT. The son of Make Believe has plenty of toe, and may prove a surprise packet.

Race 4 No1 MORGHOM (Nap)
Trainer: Marcus Tregoning – Jockey: Jim Crowley

Dubawi colt MORGHOM totally dominated on his introduction over course and distance last month and now needs to consolidate under a penalty. His trainer deserves to have a top class performer under his wing, and another success would see Morghom set fair for richer pickings at Royal Ascot.

Race 6 No5 SAIGON (Each Way)
Trainer: Marco Botti – Jockey: Marco Ghiani

Frankel gelding SAIGON switches to turf after three all-weather runs to obtain a handicap mark. He’s shown ability on each occasion, and can provide a welcome success for his Italian trainer/jockey combo.

NEWMARKET

Race 2 No1 SMEATON’S LIGHT
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Charles Bishop

SMEATON’S LIGHT enjoys a swing in the weights with Leicester conqueror Castana Dia and is strongly fancied to open his account for 2022. The Dragon Pulse gelding was only denied on the last strides of that contest after trying to make all, but this time can remain in front throughout.

Race 7 No1 BRAZEN BOLT
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Mark Winn

BRAZEN BOLT brings strong claims to the table in the nightcap. Having posted three successes on sand from his final four outings last year, he returned to trouble the judge at Thirsk and that should have primed him perfectly for today.

AINTREE

Race 2 No1 GAELIK COAST
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes

GAELIK COAST should be seen in a good light over the Mildmay fences that can play to his strengths. He’s not had much luck in two previous visits but recent evidence from a narrow defeat at Perth indicates he can raise his game further and defy top weight at the main expense of Dublin Four.

Race 5 No4 SAIL AWAY (Nap)
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton

SAIL AWAY made a good fist of it against the smart Dusart when last seen in action at Leicester back in January. Returning from a freshening and protracted break, the grey can underline his potential with a first win under Rules.

Place Accumulater Perm (Races 1-7)

5 x 1, 4 x 2 x 3, 9, 6 x 4, 6, 9 x 1 x 7, 1

R36