Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Ayr Newmarket, and Chester 21 September 2024.
NEWBURY
Race 1 Num5 DESPERATE HERO
Trainer: JackChannon – Jockey: David Probert
Make no mistake, DESPERATE HERO performed far better than his finishing position of sixth indicates in the ‘ Flying Five’ at the Curragh last Sunday as his group on the far side were seriously disadvantaged. The grey displayed extraordinary natural pace to lead, and only weakened in the final 100 yards. The going remains in his favour, and as a course and distance winner last season he needs respecting.
Race 4 DUBAI DUTY FREE MILL REEF STAKES (Group 2)
No7 SARAB STAR (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
SARAB STAR carried a big home reputation to post on his Salisbury introduction in which he overcame inexperience to land the spoils in a performance that should have taught him bundles. The son of Zoustar takes a big step up the class ladder but is probably better than he showed on that occasion. He may well react positively to contesting a better race and can remain unbeaten.
Race 5 No1 THE FINGAL RAVEN
Trainer: Jamie Osborne – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
THE FINGAL RAVEN put an underwhelming run at Goodwood behind him when scoring easily on Polytrack at Kempton to showcase the ability his trainer knows he’s always possessed. If the Mehmas colt steps out in that sort of form he should make no mistake in this first division of the novice.
Race 6 No7 ONE MORE (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Ryan Moore
Moore turns back the clock in teaming up with ONE MORE for his original employers the Hannons and the No Nay Never colt should prove hard to beat. Never nearer than at the finish on his Kempton introduction, not only will he be more streetwise but the switch to turf should also suit him.
Race 7 No8 WOODSTOCK (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
WOODSTOCK has twice this season successfully made the long journey from North Yorkshire to win at this track. The Sixties Icon gelding should be forgiven a slightly underwhelming run at Thirsk, and with Hollie Doyle in the plate for the first time can bounce back.
Race 8 No3 URBAN LION (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
URBAN LION travelled much the best in a warm novice at Goodwood only for his stamina gage to flash red in the final furlong. Beaten into fourth that day, he drops back to a mile for this first handicap venture and is a bet I’m looking forward to. There are plenty of in form horses in opposition, but granted the rub of the green this still babyish individual can have a big say in the outcome.
AYR
Race 3 No9 KINGS MERCHANT (Each Way)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
KINGS MERCHANT did us a favour with a snug win last week and needs respecting as he reappears under a 5lb penalty. This consolation race for the Ayr Gold Cup is wickedly competitive, but with his stable shelling out the winners I fancy him to take a big slice of the cake, with BROOKLYN NINE NINE and SUMMERGHAND others to include for exotics wagering on the race.
Race5 VIRGIN BET AYR GOLD CUP HANDICAP
No2 NORTHERN EXPRESS (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: David Egan
The experiment to run NORTHERN EXPRESS over the sprint distance didn’t bear fruit in the corresponding race 12 months ago but I feel the six-year-old is better equipped to deal with a drop back in trip this time around. He was a tenacious pillar to post winner of the International over 1400 metres at Ascot at the end of July and is in the form of his life. The cheek pieces he sported for the first time that day have sharpened him up, and can again assist him in this historic race.
ORAZIO skipped an opportunity at Doncaster to wait for this and is well treated on his best form. AMERICAN AFFAIR is consistency personified and would be a popular winner for his local stable. He can get into the shake-up, as can his barnmate JORDAN ELECTRICS, while the classy MOSTABSHIR is another that’s been getting ready to take out a big pot, and is a must include.
Prediction: 1st NORTHERN EXPRESS, 2nd Orazio, 3rd American Affair, 4th Mostabshir, 5th Jordan Electrics
NEWMARKET
Race 4 No8 MISS SHOW OFF (Nap)
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Tommie Jakes
MISS SHOW OFF probably needed the run when finishing an honourable fourth on her comeback from a lengthy absence at Sandown. That’s served to put a cutting edge on the filly, who as a lightly-raced three-year-old holds scope for abundant progression.
CHESTER
Race 3 No4 RADIO STAR
Trainer: Ollie Sangster – Jockey: Rob Hornby
RADIO STAR raised her game to claim a cheque after attracting each way support on second start at Lingfield. She’s learned plenty from that, and back on grass can down the odds-on favourite Raneen.
Race 5 a No1 ROMAN DRAGON (Nap)
Trainer: Hugo Palmer – Jockey: S D Bowen
ROMAN DRAGON is a standing dish on the Roodee and has a great chance to give his rider a success that can propel him towards the apprentice title. The top weight upped his game when beaten inches by The Bell Conductor over course and distance last month, and from a plum draw is ready to regain the winning thread.
