Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Newcastle, Falkenham, York, Wolverhampton and Uttoxeter.
Newcastle Best Bet
Race 6: ZORAVAN (13)
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish
Jockey: A Breslin
Getting ZORAVAN to put his head in front is proving a tricky business but the strong travelling 6yo is worth another chance given that he should get a decent pace off which to deliver his challenge. He actually got to the front too soon when posting a third runner-up finish from his last four starts and might well be happier over this longer trip.
Falkenham Best Bets
Race 1: SKEAPING (3)
Trainer: Phil Middleton
Jockey: Luca Morgan
While respect is paid to the potentially well handicapped Arcenfete, its another former Irish-based horse that gets the vote and this is SKEAPING. The 6yo was bought out of Gordon Elliott’s yard and has acquitted himself well in much better company. Although weakening towards the end of his latest start at Warwick that was over a much longer trip and he’s entitled to post a first win for his new connections.
Race 4: RED FORCE ONE (5)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
RED FORCE ONE did everything right when pipped on the post on his latest start on the Flat in May. He now reverts to National Hunt Rules and has worked and schooled well in preparation for this return to racecourse action. Those long for an exacta pick might include Eva’s Diva who gets all the allowances and rates the main threat to the selection.
Wolverhampton Best Bets
Race 2: CHASING DREAMS (1)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Jockey: William Buick
CHASING DREAMS looked something special when waltzing home on her Newmarket debut in the spring but the hooded filly hasn’t been seen since. She reappears under a 6lb penalty and even though several of her foes have engaging profiles she will be too good for them if fully would up.
Race 6: RAMPANT LION (9)
Trainer: William Jarvis
Jockey: David Probert
Everything went against RAMPANT LION on his latest start at Ayr where after a slow start he met with costly interference. He’s on a tempting handicap mark and although meeting a couple of recent winners can end his own drought for a win. As long as he breaks on terms he’s in a good spot to make amends.
Uttoxeter Best Bets
Race 3: CARRICK ROADS (7)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard
Jockey: Tom O’Brien
CARRICK ROADS was campaigned parsimoniously last season when posting his best effort when scoring at Bangor in April. He relished that stamina test when the notable aspect was his ability to find more under pressure. As a 5yo he has a bright future ahead of him and can carry on from where he left off in this n9vices’ limited handicap.
Race 5: FIDELIO VALLIS (4)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Bryony Frost
The vibes emanating from Ditcheat are that FIDELIO VALLIS is one of the brightest new prospects in the stable. He showed ability when second on his only start at Auteuil. He couldn’t take up his intended debut race for the champion trainer but this looks straightforward and he should deliver.
