Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing taking place at Wolverhampton, Lingfield and Huntingdon.
Newcastle Best Bets
Race 2: PADDLEYOUROWNCANOE (9) (Each Way)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: William Cox
With consistently good form when last seen in the all-weather, PADDLEYOUROWNCANOE is more than capable of having a big say in this stayers’ handicap with another dual-purpose operator Master Burbidge looking the main threat. The selection has had a break since running in a hurdle at Exeter in November in which he was heavily backed but weakened on the run-in.
Race 3: GRIGGY (6)
Trainer: Sean Curran
Jockey: Adam Kirby
This trainer is doing well with his small string of horses for the Flat and GRIGGY looks like a winner waiting to happen. Having won his final two starts last year, he was popular in the market for his hat-trick attempt three weeks ago but couldn’t get to the impressive winner Reasoned. Today’s contest is no cakewalk with several others in similarly good form, but from a good draw he looks sure to go close.
Race 5: CABLE SPEED (1)
Trainer: Charlie Hills
Jockey: Ben Curtis
CABLE SPEED is the ‘now’ horse in this interesting novice stakes, having looked the part when impressively opening his account over this trip at Lingfield. He incurred a 5lb penalty for that wide margin success but might still be in advance of the promising pair Pitcher’s Point and Shumba at this stage.
Lingfield Best Bets
Race 1: BORDER WARRIOR (1)
Trainer: Henry Candy
Jockey: Nicola Currie
With little form to his name BORDER WARRIOR carries top weight in this low-grade handicap which tells you much regarding the ability of those below him. A couple have placed in recent races but the one thing my selection enjoys is scope for improvement, as he’s raced only four times and should greatly appreciate a significant cut back on the distance ladder.
Race 2: QUEEN OF SILCA (1)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Nicola Currie
Currie looks a smart booking for the beautifully bred QUEEN OF SILCA who needs to be alert at the gate, breaking from the rail. Her third to St Just at this course last month was her first earning run, but the pickings might have been more substantial had she not been slowly away. Granted a cleaner break she should be too good for her foes.
Race 6: WIN O’CLOCK (3)
Trainer: Roger Charlton
Jockey: Adam McNamara
WIN O’CLOCK can defy a strong Newmarket challenge in this novice stakes for a trainer that has his small winter team nicely on the boil. The selection has demonstrated in both earning starts that he wants a trip and the decision to step him up to a mile and a quarter can prove key.
Race 1: WEST CORK (2)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
WEST CORK deservedly opened his account over course and distance last month and although penalized seems in a good place for a follow-up. On his first two starts, this season he had the misfortune to run into a couple of talented opponents but his cozy win over Marlborough Sounds should have injected some confidence into him, taking stock of the fact Mister Coffey sets a good standard.
Race 5: MAIRE BANRIGH (3)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Having shown herself with five straight victories to be one of the brightest pebbles on the Skelton beach, MAIRE BANRIGH can continue her upwardly mobile course to the top of the mares’ roster. She’s taking on more experienced rivals in this Listed chase but showed when coming home clear of Baddesley Knight at Doncaster that she’s operating at the top of her game.
Doncaster Best Bets
Race 2: GLYNN (5)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Jerry McGrath
Unbeaten in points, GLYNN has shaped nicely in his build-up work for this debut under Rules. His connections have swerved a couple of opportunities in favour of this race and Henderson has a good record in novice and maiden hurdles on Town Moor.
Race 5: FRANCE DE REVE (8)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Jerry McGrath
Having faced a near-impossible task against Wild Max at Taunton, FRANCE DE REVE finds himself in calmer waters in this novices’ hurdle and should go one better. His conqueror that day is Rated 133 which gives the selection room for manoeuvre in this weaker field.
