Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips from Thursday’s racing at York, Salisbury, Newmarket, Fontwell and Perth.
York Best Bets
Race 3: JAPAN (2)
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Coolmore can strengthen its vice-like grip on the Investec Derby market by landing this recognised best Trial for that Classic with the beautifully-bred JAPAN. In winning his final two starts of 2018 the colt didn’t set any rivers on fire as he was workmanlike rather than convincing, but that trait often lends itself to potential Derby winners and O’Brien and his ‘lads’ reckon this fellow could be the pick of the bunch. Clearly, he will have to be if he’s to see off a top-class field including Too Darn Hot, Line Of Duty and the impossible to weigh up Telecaster.
Race 6: WHEN COMES HERE (14)
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
The first of the six furlong races for juveniles is a boon for WHEN COMES HERE who finished with great gusto on his introduction at Salisbury earlier in the month. Indeed he might have prevailed had his jockey not been forced to switch right approaching the distance. He has greatly benefitted from that experience and despite a clutch of newcomers from big stables in opposition, he can deliver.
Race 7: OCTOBER STORM (13) (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
Having finished a close-up fifth in the corresponding race a year ago when given quite a lot to do, OCTOBER STORM can better that effort and get into the shake-up of an admittedly ultra-competitive handicap. The 6yo hit a flat spot before staying on into the money on his reappearance at Doncaster and can turn the tables on runner-up Carnwennan as he looked as good as ever in his winding-up gallop for this on the winter ground grass at West Ilsley on Tuesday.
Salisbury Best Bet
Race 3: STORTING (8) (Nap)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Franny Norton
There’s much to recommend STORTING on his third career start and he can stave off the challenges of Galileo Silver and Humanitarian on the way to better things. Too green to do himself justice on his Haydock debut, he improved on that to finish second to Eightsome Reel at Ripon after being switched and losing vital yardage. A quality individual, he’s now ready to put his best foot forward.
Newmarket Best Bets
Race 1: I’LLETYOUGONOW (5)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Scott McCullough
A poor draw cost I’LLETYOUGONOW on her return to action at Nottingham without which she might have finished a lot closer to runaway scorer Available. The light-framed filly did well through the winter and has strong claims to open her account with the capable McCullough taking 7lb off her back.
Race 4: C’EST NO MOUR (5)
Trainer: Peter Hedger
Jockey: Tom Marquand
German-bred C’EST NO MOUR has the look of a winner waiting to happen and can deliver for his shrewd trainer in this slight step up in trip. The selection did quite a lot wrong on his seasonal reappearance, blowing the start and then running keenly. In consideration of this he ran a cracker to go down fighting in second behind New Show.
Fontwell Best Bet
Race 1: ALLIE BEAG (1)
Trainer: Alan Hill
Jockey: Mr Richard Collinson
Having needed his comeback run at Northam, ALLIE BEAG should be cherry ripe to land this opener. It’s a race that lacks depth and Allie Beag can outgun Follow The Paint.
Perth Best Bets
Race 6: CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL (2)
Trainer: Miss S Forster
Jockey: Thomas Dowson
Having been dropped a couple of pounds after his recent defeat at Bangor, CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL can get the best of what is sure to prove a tactical battle. On the evidence of an earlier narrow defeat at Kelso, the 10-year-old is capable of giving problems to the likely odds-on favourite Little Stevie who is worth taking on.
