Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing taking place at Lingfield Park, Newcastle, Newbury and Doncaster.
Lingfield Park Best Bets
Race 1: RIVER DAWN (5)
Trainer: Paul Cole
Jockey: David Probert
A nice break since his course and distance conversion last month will benefit RIVER DAWN for whom the application of a tongue tie proved a boon. That device remains for this follow-up attempt and this free going individual should also have his cause assisted by breaking from the rail.
Race 2: DARK PHOENIX (4)
Trainer: Paul Cole
Jockey: Luke Morris
Both DARK PHOENIX’s wins have been over a mile, but it was over this seven furlongs that he finished second on Fibresand last time. His style is to be competitive from an early stage and the hope is that recent scorer Too Shy Shy gives him a nice lead in the home straight.
Race 4: TOTAL COMMITMENT (3)
Trainer: Peter Hedger
Jockey: Rob Hornby
Fizzy Feet beat TOTAL COMMITMENT here earlier in the year but the latter was contesting a Class 2 sprint when second to Harry’s Bar two weeks ago, form which if upheld makes him the one they all have to beat in this Class 3, and he can turn the tables.
Newcastle Best Bets
Race 3: BUNIANN (4)
Trainer: Paul Midgley
Jockey: Barry McHugh
The lightly-raced BUNIANN put in an eye-catching first run of 2020 when caught in the final stride here by Jonboy in a Class 4. Downgraded into a Class 5, the 4yo can turn back the clock and repeat his course and distance success of last year.
Race 4: MOUNTAIN BRAVE (4)
Trainer: Mark Johnston
Jockey: Franny Norton
MOUNTAIN BRAVE looked an improved performer when switched to handicaps and winning with more in hand than his margin of victory indicates at Wolverhampton. He’s a horse that could have a lot more to offer and interestingly there are no other front runners in this to hassle him in the early stages.
Race 4: BRINKLEY (4)
Trainer: David Pipe
Jockey: Tom Scudamore
There are several that catch the eye in this seemingly open novice hurdle but nothing more strongly than BRINKLEY who must have a great chance if bringing his A-game to the table. The form he displayed when beaten just a length into third by the very useful Blue Sari at Punchestown in November makes him the one to beat, and I gather he’s been working in great style for this UK debut.
Race 5: FORGETTHESMALLTALK (5)
Trainer: Alan King
Jockey: Mr Max Martin Browne
FORGETTHESMALLTALK almost defied a year and a half’s absence when second on his comeback at Kempton back in November. A couple of minor setbacks have delayed his progress but his shrewd trainer reckons he’s popping his corks and can defy a handicap rise of a couple of pounds.
Race 6: EDDIEMAURICE (8)
Trainer: John Flint
Jockey: Jack Tudor
The smooth travelling EDDIEMAURICE doesn’t always find as much off the bridle as it looks he would. That was the case when he came there swinging but ultimately got home by inches over course and distance last time. He’s up a notch in class but seems better than ever, and capable of the bit more improvement required to win this.
Doncaster Best Bets
Race 2: GOOBINATOR (2)
Trainer: Donald McCain
Jockey: Brian Hughes
Apart from the one blemish at Wetherby, GOOBINATOR hasn’t put a foot wrong in three starts over hurdles and can cement his place in the Triumph Hurdle field by winning this. His forcing tacticsshould be ideally suited to this Flat, galloping course even though it was at the stiffer Carlisle that he bounced back last time out.
Race 6: FIRST FLOW (1)
Trainer: Kim Bailey
Jockey: David Bass
FIRST FLOW was, in the end, a decisive scorer at Leicester when he had only three to beat. That number is down to just two this time and his slick jumping should hold him in good stead against Theatre Legend and Etamine Du Cochet. Furthermore, this course is ideal for a horse that can jump left.
