Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday's racing coming your way from Chepstow, Doncaster, Stratford, and Catterick Bridge on 31 May 2024.
CHEPSTOW
Race 1 No8 DANCING THE DREAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
DANCING THE DREAM put in a career-best when third at Brighton in the colours of owner-breeder Wille Carson. The Bated Breath filly would have finished closer had she not been hampered entering the final furlong, and with few miles on her racing clock is open to further progression in a weak race.
Race 2 No5 MOUNT TEIDE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
MOUNT TEIDE was all the rage for his second start of the year at Newbury, only to be thwarted by an 80-1 shot. The pair pulled clear, and by going one better in the silks of a new owner to Park House my selection can show it was no fluke.
Race 3 No2 DIAMOND COTTAGE
Trainer: Malcolm Saunders – Jockey: William Carson
DIAMOND COTTAGE put in her best performance for almost a year when second at Bath where she kept on gamely. The seven-year-old is a dual scorer at this course, while her trainer’s horses have run into a rich vein of form which augurs well for her chances.
Race 5 No6 JAMES WEBB
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
After proving very easy to back, JAMES WEBB ran green on his Nottingham introduction before finishing just out of the money. The American Pharaoh colt has learned much from that first foray onto the track and can deliver in the famous Niarchos colours.
DONCASTER
Race 4 No3 MICKLEY (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
Bethell has uncovered some smart handicappers in these colours, and MICKLEY promises to be another of that ilk after impressing when opening his account at Southwell. He might have been let in lightly on this first outing in that arena, and can take the spoils at the main expense of JUNGLE MAC.
Race 6 No9 ELFORLEATHER (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
ELFORLEATHER can be forgiven an underwhelming effort at Brighton after which he was taken out of a race at Windsor owing to unsuitable ground. As long as conditions don’t dry up too much he can perform better than his place in the market suggests he will.
STRATFORD
Race 2 No1 FAMOUS CLERMONT
Trainer: Chris Barber – Jockey: Miss Izzie Marshall
FAMOUS CLERMONT wasn’t able to land a blow in the big hunter chase at Punchestown but his previous form puts him near the top in his field. He’s going to be very hard to beat returned to calmer waters.
Race 6 No3 FIER JAGUEN (Nap)
Trainer: Barry Gibbs – Jockey: Mr Freddie Mitchell
FIER JAGUEN likes to attack and that could prove an ace card for this bold jumper now returned to a less demanding track. He was nailed in the last two strides when adopting similar tactics at Cheltenham’s United Hunts fixture, and that form is very solid in the context of tonight’s race.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 6 No9 LANGHOLM (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Connor Beasley
LANGHOLM is hard to win with, but in fairness to the veteran he gave it his best when leading until the last few yards over course and distance last week. Connor Beasley may be able to conjure an overdue triumph from him, granted the combination have a plum draw, while trainer Dods adds blinkers for the first time.
Bipot Perm (Races1-6)
4 x 1, 8 x 3, 5 x FIELD x 5, 1 x 9, 5
R96
