Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield, Southwell, Wetherby and Newcastle on 31 March 2023.
LINGFIELD PARK
RACE 2 No4 KITBAG
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Charles Bishop
KITBAG enjoyed a good run to the bend and looked the probable winner until mugged by Captain Dandy in the final 100 yards at Wolverhampton. He is well drawn and holds solid claims to go one better, with the unexposed Ghost Lights a candidate for the other side of the exacta.
Race 4 No3 SCEPTIC (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
The draw has not been kind to SCEPTIC but I still like the look of the No Nay Never gelding on this second career start for top connections. He attracted support before taking away a minor cheque on debut at Newmarket last fall, and with his stable amongst the winners can take the spoils on the way to better things.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No9 EASTER ICON (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
EASTER ICON has been a slow developer and is a horse with ability but who lacks a change of gear. He’s going to improve from whatever he achieves today, but could take away a cheque as a roughie that provides value.
Race 5 No7 WONDERFUL WORLD (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Charlie Bennett
Second in the Brocklesby on his first-ever run two years ago, WONDERFUL WORLD has posted a couple of subsequent successes but went winless through 2022. He’s shown a good attitude in his build-up to this seasonal return and should give a good account.
Race 7 No2 GREYSTOKE (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
GREYSTOKE picked up well in the closing stages of his Wolverhampton race last time but was unable to stave off the strong finish of Heathen. This consistent operator has never been done any favours by the assessor, but can claim another cheque in a race where Skye Breeze can also earn.
WETHERBY
Race 3 No1 CRUZ CONTROL
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
CRUZ CONTROL is a dual scorer under Rules who is taking a marked step back in grade after not being disgraced at Grade 2 level at Cheltenham at the end of January. He’d been impressive when scoring on his only other start over hurdles at Newcastle and can outclass his opponents.
Race 5 No3 LOUNGE LIZARD (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
LOUNGE LIZARD clicked with this jockey to notch a first win over fences in first-time blinkers over this course and distance in late February. It made up for a couple of earlier below-par efforts since going chasing and marks the turning point in his season.
Race 7 No7 SPRING GALE (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Richard Patrick
At a big double-figure price Lounge Lizard’s stablemate, SPRING GALE can step up on her first run at Ascot to trouble the judge in a wide-open bumper. Horses of her ilk invariably improve for a run from this stable.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No2 JACK OF CLUBS
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Connor Beasley
JACK OF CLUBS is a dual-earner in as many starts and showed a liking for this track when second at this trip last autumn. He’s strengthened up over the winter and can prevail in a tricky affair. Lambourn raider Rhythm N Hooves looks the main threat following an encouraging first run two weeks ago.
Race 4 No3 ELIM (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
Make Believe filly ELIM ran into a smart foe in Afterwards when second to that rival here earlier in the month. It was the second time in as many starts that she’s gone close, and granted normal improvement from that comeback effort she should go one better as the best bet on the card.
Race 6 No3 STREAK LIGHTNING (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: James Sullivan
A winner on this card a year ago, the flashy STREAK LIGHTNING can earn a crust in the best betting heat of the evening. He signalled with a narrow defeat over course and distance that he’s on the verge of a return to winning ways, and we know he comes good at this time of year.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 1-7)
7, 2 x 2, 3 x 11, 1, 2 x 3 x 4, 2, 1 x 3, 2 x 9, 3
R144
