Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Newmarket, Newcastle, Nottingham, Leicester and Hamilton.
Newmarket Best Bet
Race 6: OUZO (13)
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Jockey: Sean Levey
While it’s never easy for a 3yo taking on older horses I have a keen interest in OUZO off a mark of 85. He’s impressed in his wins at Nottingham and Sandown, demonstrating last time a tendency to idle, which usually means there’s something in the locker. Furthermore, apart from top weight Balgair who concedes 10lb a lot of the others have been out of sorts.
Newcastle Best Bets
Race 4: FRANKADORE (4)
Trainer: Tom Dascombe
Jockey: Silvestre de Sousa
It’s not surprising to see FRANKADORE taking another step up the distance ladder after getting pegged back over a mile and a quarter at Haydock. As that was just his fourth career start and handicap debut there should be more to come, and as the only front runner in the field he can get onto an easy lead.
Race 5: BALTIC BARON (5)
Trainer: David O’Meara
Jockey: Danny Tudhope
The big question is whether BALTIC BARON can transfer his decent turf form to the all weather. He’s more than held his own at this level and if his Sandown conqueror History Writer was in the field he’d command plenty of respect.
Nottingham Best Bet
Race 1: BE PREPARED (1)
Trainer: Simon Crisford
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Everything points to a first career triumph for BE PREPARED who as a 14-1 roughie exceeded expectations to finish third to Oh Purple Reign on his debut at this course. Oh Purple Reign finished second to Pinatubo in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom and as the latter went on to decisively land the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot the form of the selection looks very strong.
Leicester Best Bets
Race 7: VANITY VANITY (6)
Trainer: Denis Coakley
Jockey: David Probert
Hat-trick seeker Kingfast will be hard to stop but if there’s a value alternative VANITY VANITY makes some appeal. The selection was having a first run on turf this season when finishing in mid-division at Windsor but might have needed that to sharpen her up, having previously been campaigned on the all weather.
Hamilton Park Best Bets
Race 2: ONE HART (5)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: Franny Norton
One of only two in the field that brings previous experience to the table, ONE HART gained useful knowledge of this course by finishing second on his debut last week. Although showing signs of greenness, he was putting in his best work up the final hill and with only normal progression should make short work of his foes.
