Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips from Friday’s racing from around the UK. Tips on 12 April 2019 come your way from Newbury, Kempton and Ayr.
Newbury Best Bets
Race 3: FESTIVAL OF AGES (2)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
With the Appleby stable in sizzling form, it’s hard to look past FESTIVAL OF AGES who has few miles on the clock, has yet to disappoint and is an assured stayer in this marathon. He’s unexposed and is arguably unlucky not to have delivered already, having hit the woodwork on both starts over two miles.
Race 4: CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD (1)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
Channon’s best two-year-old colt from 2018, CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD embarks on a first handicap run with top weight but that shouldn’t put you off the colt whose recent work has been of a high order. With just three career starts he’s the least experienced runner but the track, trip and ground will be fine. He possibly just needed his first run of the year at Kempton and is ready to step up to the plate.
Kempton Best Bets
Race 5: CONVERTER (5)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: James Doyle
Returning from a seven-month absence, CONVERTER fits the bill as one to follow, now his trainer sends him down the handicap route. He’s pleased in his preparation for this, is fit and firing, and can prove a value option to the obvious Mawakib whose stable is in fine form.
Race 6: PADMAVATI (7)
Trainer: Ed Walker
Jockey: Andrea Athenians
Cafe Espresso is a recent winner representing last year’s winning connections but she might have to give best to the unexposed PADMAVATI who failed to reproduce her decent home form in four racecourse appearances last year. She has strengthened up through the winter and appeals as a value Each Way play in an open heat.
Ayr Best Bets
Race 1: SEDDON (3)
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Paddy Brennan
Needing to turn around Ballymore Hurdle placings with Getaway Trump from Cheltenham, SEDDON can show that he’s back in his comfort zone in this smaller field and put one on the board before his attention is switched to fences next season. He led the field for much of the way before weakening approaching the final flight of that Festival contest. His trainer’s decision to bring him back to the minimum distance looks a wise one.
Race 4: RIVER WYLDE (2)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico de Boinville
RIVER WYLDE hasn’t enjoyed the rub of the green in what has been a disappointing season marred by niggling problems, but Henderson has always rated him highly. It’s a worry that the stable’s Gold Present is also in the race, but if River Wylde can return to his best form from a very select campaign last year he can be competitive and take the spoils.
