Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Ascot, Haydock and Kempton Park.
Ascot Best Bets
Race 1: QUEEN OF SILCA (16)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Callum Shepherd
There’s not much of QUEEN OF SILCA but this beautifully bred filly is sharp enough to make an impact on her debut. By Kingman out of the classy Silca Chiave, she could run green but based on some pleasing workouts at West Ilsley she can earn.
Race 7: KOEMAN (1)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: John Egan
A winner here at last year’s Shergar Cup and a creditable fourth at that competition last month, KOEMAN has ground conditions to suit and can swoop to conquer. He was staying on like a lion at the end of his latest race here, going down by a total of just a length to Indianapolis. He breezed beautifully yesterday and looks in the mood to put in a big run.
Haydock Best Bets
Race 1: TALKING ABOUT YOU (7)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Gerald Mosse
There’s not much to go on amongst the unrated protagonists for this fillies’ novice race but TALKING ABOUT YOU has shown ability in her preparation. The one issue is that she’s copped the worst of the draw and she’ll need to be fully in the cast to score on her debut, as few juveniles from this stable do that.
Race 2: STRAWBERRY HIND (11)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Gerald Mosse
As an inexperienced filly SEASCAPE holds scope for improvement and there’s been a lot to like about her first win at Salisbury and second to Theodora De Vega at Leicester. Her trainer does well with this type of individual, and after pleasing in her winding up gallop at Kingston Warren she can regain the winning thread.
Kempton Park Best Bets
Race 2: VULCAN (10)
Trainer: Harry Dunlop
Jockey: Jim Crowley
VULCAN makes a quick return to the track after being withdrawn at the start last week and can pay a compliment to Solario Stakes victor Positive. The latter had Vulcan almost nine lengths adrift in fourth at Salisbury back in June, but if fully revved up after a break can give Stars In The Sky plenty to think about.
Race 3: HOT SUMMER (4)
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Jockey: Sean Levey
Several big yards are represented in this novice stakes and while Riot will command abundant respect in market exchanges, HOT SUMMER is the one to be on. He hasn’t had as many chances as Riot and on his only start looked unlucky not to win. He was hampered at the start of the Newmarket contest but finished best of all to go down by a neck to Royal Crusade.
