Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Ayr and Kempton Parkon 20 September 2024.
NEWBURY
Race 3 No1 ANNA SWAN
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: William Buick
Almanzor filly ANNA SWAN was visually very impressive when scoring on her Yarmouth introduction and would be a poignant answer to this conditions race for a trainer who is saddling his final runners over the remaining weeks of the season. In the colours of Cheveley Park Star she can parry the challenge of another winner, but one that escapes a penalty in Cathedral.
Race 4 No4 AEGEAN SEA
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
AEGEAN SEA did not look straightforward when hanging under pressure in a Haydock race that earned him a mark. Pulled back a furlong on this switch to nurseries and with cheek pieces added, the beautifully-bred Kingman colt can fare better.
Race 5 No2 KING OF CITIES (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Sean Levey
This is a race that heralded the racecourse debut of Shergar, and one whose roll of honour includes many Group 1 winners. It has attracted its usual small but select field, with KING OF CITIES the one with the least questions to answer. He was an impressive winner on second start at Chester and that’s a place where juveniles can learn a great deal about the rudiments of racing. He is proven at the trip, and can parry the attentions of the very promising Ulysses colt REGAL ULIXES.
Race 6 No3 NOSTRUM
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: William Buick
It’s good to see champion jockey Buick teamed up with legendary trainer Stoute, and the combination can complete a double through the enigmatic NOSTRUM. Considered a Classic prospect last year, he wasn’t able to consolidate from a belated win on his Newmarket return in July, going out like a light in consecutive races at Newmarket, Goodwood and York. A gelding operation appeared to have assisted the selection in his good effort in a Group 3 back at Headquarters, and a subsequent breathing operation can also contribute to seeing him back in the winner’s circle.
Race 8 No2 MORE THUNDER
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: William Buick
MORE THUNDER is yet another with a fine chance of delivering for Stoute and Buick. The Night Of Thunder colt is unexposed and did nothing wrong when narrowly denied on handicap debut at Chester. He can add further bounty to what has been a good week for his trainer, and is preferred to SHAMRAN and the ultra consistent WILLY CAMPBELL.
AYR
Race 2 No8 STIRRUP CUP (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
STIRRUP CUP upped his game to score with a bit in hand at Carlisle last week. Assisted by a pair of blinkers, he relished the cut in the ground and looks capable of backing up that first career win as today’s conditions are also tailor made for him.
Race 3 No8 COTO DE CAZA (Nap)
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Harry Davies
Having skipped an opportunity last week COTO DE CAZA can take away a cheque in this admittedly red hot Listed feature. An impressive winner at Goodwood in July, she takes stable confidence to post in a race where KAADI, STAR OF MEHMAS and EDUCATING RITA can also figure.
Race 5 No6 MOUNT KING (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Sean Kirrane
The make and shape of this race should suit MOUNT KING, who has plenty of ability and deserves to pick up a decent pot. The former Coolmore resident is a strong traveller who needs the cards to drop in his favour, but that could happen in a contest that is almost certain to be strongly run from the get go. One that takes my eye for a saver is BRAES OF DOUNE, it’s just a case of whether he makes a swift reappearance after running on Thursday.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 3 No4 IZIPIZI (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette
Kingman filly IZIPIZI appears to hold the cards and can open her account. Both her near miss on a sole outing of 2023 at this course and sterling effort to chase home the impressive Clove Hitch at Newbury last time would if repeated make her extremely hard to beat.
Race 6 No8 INHERIT (Each Way)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
INHERIT has been a work in progress, and while no star, is attractive operating from a good draw and at the foot of the weights. While it’s hard to draw a line through the names of any of her rivals, the daughter of Kingman should appreciate a return to 1400 metres and back into handicap company.
Race 9 No4 STAR OF EPSOM (Each Way)
Trainer: Pat Phelan – Jockey: Paddy Bradley
STAR OF EPSOM is a speculative advice for this bottom tier handicap but it would be no surprise to see her trouble the judge. She’s not attracted a dime of support in five 2024 outings but has now been given a chance by the handicapper, and her run at Epsom last month was better than it looked.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 3-9)
4 x 7, 1 x 7, 2 x 8, 6 x 5, 1, 7 x 8, 9 x 4, 1
R96
