Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Newcastle and Southwell.
Newcastle Best Bet
Race 4: CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL (6)
Trainer: Miss S Forster
Jockey: Tom Dowson
CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL ran into the money on his reappearance at Kelso after getting outpaced at a crucial stage which should have put him spot on for this second outing in six days. The ultra consistent ten-year-old almost certainly needed the outing, whilst finding the trip an inadequate test. He now steps up to two and a half miles over which he can show his true ability.
Race 6: SIMPLY THE BETTS (1)
Trainer: Harry Whittington
Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Whilst this is undeniably tougher than the Chepstow race in which he was so impressive on his comeback, SIMPLY THE BETTS can underline his status as a novice chaser to follow with another win. He jumped for fun on that galloping course and survived a peck on landing at the last to come home unchallenged. The form of his main rival The King Of May has worked out well, but Simply The Betts is readily preferred.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 4: DEFUTURE IS BRIGHT (3)
Trainer: Christian Williams
Jockey: Nick Schofield
On a track that suits front runners DEFUTURE IS BRIGHT should make a bold bid to go all the way. He belied his 25-1 starting price at Wincanton by leading until the second last flight in the race won by Nickolson and should last longer round here, with nothing of that calibre amongst the opposition.
Race 6: LESKINFERE (5)
Trainer: John Cornwall
Jockey: Patrick Cowley
In LESKINFERE’s favour in this weak handicap hurdle is the improvement he displayed on his seasonal return when second to Ballyellis at Stratford. Admittedly that was in selling company, but this is little better and granted normal progression he should be involved.
