Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing taking place at Chelmsford City, Wolverhampton, and Ffos.
Chelmsford City Best Bets
Race 1: OFFICER DRIVEL (4) (Each Way)
Trainer: Suzi Best
Jockey: Dougie Costello
OFFICER DRIVEL is thriving in his new yard and after a couple of frame finishes can progress to again trouble the judge in this classified stakes. Although he’s never quite lived up to his early promise the 9yo went close over this course and distance a fortnight ago, and is more than capable of going one better.
Race 7: CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD (1)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Charles Bishop
Returning for his first outing since the autumn, CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD can successfully defy top weight in the finale. He’s not managed to scale the heights his trainer hoped he might reach after an impressive debut success but has thrived during his break, while the stable had a winner on Wednesday.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 2: ZEBULON (2)
Trainer: Ruth Carr
Jockey: James Sullivan
ZEBULON is running nicely into form for a race that looks perfect granted his affinity to counter at the end of his races. With each of his three starts in 2020, he’s been getting closer and lost out in a three-way photo over a slightly shorter trip at Newcastle last time. He has a good draw and should obtain a handy position.
Race 4: FAIR STAR (1)
Trainer: Brian Ellison
Jockey: Ben Robinson
A 7lb penalty for his decisive debut win shouldn’t prevent FAIR STAR from remaining unbeaten. The 4yo attracted support and showed track craft to negotiate a passage between horses in the short home straight. That professionalism should serve him well over the same course and distance.
Race 4: FEARLESS WARRIOR (4)
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton
Jockey: Georgie Dobie
The hooded FEARLESS WARRIOR looks progressive and can open his seasonal account in this staying handicap. He engaged in a stretch battle at Kempton last time out that saw him succumb to the useful All Yours but interestingly he’s now dropping a notch down the class ladder.
Race 4: PRES (5)
Trainer: Chris Gordon
Jockey: Tom Cannon
PRES is due to go up 5lb in the ratings next week after a cracking run to hunt up Indian Brave at Newbury last week. He also showed an affinity for heavy conditions when second at Plumpton, a quality that should stand him in good stead at the business end of this three-miler.
Race 5: BARNTOWN (3)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan
Jockey: Alan Johns
The strong travelling BARNTOWN was backed for a better race than this at Sandown but his poor run was too bad to be true. The 6yo is better judged on his previous win and goo effort in defeat in a very warm race at Cheltenham and can bounce back.
