Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Southwell, Kempton Park and Newbury.
Southwell Best Bet
Race 5: BURTONWOOD (7)
Trainer: Julie Camacho
Jockey: Barry McHugh
If avoiding an annoying trait of blowing the start, BURTONWOOD has the ability to figure and at least get into the money in this sprint. He spoiled his chance by veering left as the stalls opened at Newcastle last time before staying on strongly in second behind Jeffrey Harris. From the rail today there’s no margin for error, and he needs to get out and track the early pace before swooping late.
Race 6: BREAK THE SILENCE (8)
Trainer: Scott Dixon
Jockey: Barry McHugh
Several bang in form horses contest this but Suitcase ‘n’ Taxi, who did us a favour here on Wednesday, has another penalty and will struggle to dominate from a tricky draw. Silverturntogold scored with some authority on the same card but at the revised weights could find it hard to repel BREAK THE SILENCE. The selection made a good fist of going gate to wire and now has the rail which swings the balance of power in his favour.
Kempton Park Best Bet
Race 3: QATAR QUEEN (12)
Trainer: James Fanshawe
Jockey: Tom Marquand
Several of the market leaders are badly drawn but not so QATAR QUEEN who can also boast the best form, having made frame finishes in each of her two career starts. She chased home Nazeef at Chelmsford and is now perfectly prepared to open her account.
Race 5: VIBRANCE (8)
Trainer: James Fanshawe
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
With the benefit of a confidence-boosting first win under the bonnet, VIBRANCE can move two steps up the class ladder with another victory. She looked good value for her course and distance triumph last month and gets plenty of weight from her foes. Her trainer does well with this type of improving stayer.
Newbury Best Bets
Race 1: SON OF CAMAS (14)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico De Boinville
Having done us a favour when running out a well-backed 8-1 scorer on his comeback in a Bumper here, SON OF CAMAS can continue to live up to his star billing on his first outing over jumps. He foiled the equally well-regarded stablemate Timberman and has worked and schooled beautifully ahead of a race his trainer targets with his best novices.
Race 4: GLEN FORSA (5)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
While he failed to cut the mustard at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, GLEN FORSA had looked the real deal beforehand and is a horse worth staying with. A spectacular jumper, he landed some good bets at Kempton on Boxing Day and then floored one of today’s foes Kalashnikov at Sandown. While he lacks a recent outing, he’s done plenty of work and has improved physically. He’s more than ready for a corking race that should make great viewing.
Race 5: BLACK OP (1)
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
With the assist of a close season wind operation, BLACK OP showed his true ability when destroying his rivals on a return to fences at Stratford. His bold front running was a joy to behold and he can get Champ in trouble if that’s repeated at this more galloping track. One thing few will dispute is that whichever one of these potential stars prevails will be at the top of the market for the RSA Chase this evening.
Race 6: THE WORLDS END (3) (Each Way)
Trainer: Tom George
Jockey: Adrian Heskin
This Grade 2 heralds the reappearance of Stayers’ Hurdle winner Paisley Park who will go off odds on following his imperious sequence of victories last season. If turning up in the form we last saw him the 7yo will win, but there’s a slight worry about the fitness of the Lavelle horses coming off a break which makes THE WORLDS END a solid each-way alternative. The 8yo impressed on his comeback and can exploit any weaknesses in the favourite.
