Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Goodwood, Bath, Haydock, Pontefract and Worcester.
Goodwood Best Bet
Race 6: OCTOBER STORM (8) (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Scott McCullough
There’s plenty to recommend course winner OCTOBER STORM who ticks the following boxes – running over optimum distance; will enjoy the ground; has a smart apprentice that knows him taking 7lb off; is lightly raced and open to improvement; hails from a stable that’s running into form. He has a strong Each Way chance.
Bath Best Bets
Race 2: INYAMAZANE (4)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Charles Bishop
Like many juveniles from this yard INYAMAZANE had made great strides since her encouraging debut at Ascot where she troubled the judge and showed ability. The sharp course and fast ground shouldn’t bother her and she can prove too strong for Aroha.
Haydock Best Bet
Race 4: RHEA (6)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan
Jockey: David Egan
From the stable that produced top-class filly East, RHEA can make a winning debut as she’s worked promisingly and should know if to transfer her ability to the track at the first time of asking. She’s opposed by fillies from several top yards but is in great form.
Pontefract Best Bet
Race 6: AFTER JOHN (2) (Nap)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Only the exciting Jubiloso got in the way of AFTER JOHN opening his account at Newbury and his trainer appears to have found a gilt-edged opportunity for the colt to go one better. He finished clear of the rest of the field, has taken his exertions in his stride and should be too good for the likes of Qutob and Texting, as he’s one of the best three-year-olds at West Ilsley Stables.
Worcester Best Bets
Race 2: ISTIMRAAR (6)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
The Skeltons look to strike quickly with ISTIMRAAR who was quite impressive in scoring at Market Rasen earlier in the week. That was a third conversion from the gelding’s last four outings and I believe there’s more in the tank.
Race 6: COTTONVALE (6)
Trainer: Christian Williams
Jockey: Mr Jack Tudor
Things didn’t quite pan out for COTTONVALE at Ludlow where he had too much ground to make up in the straight and finished best of all. It should have brought him to concert pitch and the decision to take weight off with the capable Tudor on board strengthens my enthusiasm for him.
