Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Newmarket, Haydock and Worcester.
Newmarket Best Bet
Race 3: CLOAK OF SPIRITS (4)
Trainer: Richard Hannon
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
CLOAK OF SPIRITS is on the recovery trail in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes after blowing out when a warm favourite for a similar race at Doncaster. She had looked very useful when scoring on her debut at Ascot but was far too keen on Town Moor, seeing daylight early in the contest and burning herself out before the race developed. If her jockey has learned the lesson from that and can get her settled, she can show her true colours.
Race 4: BENBATL (1)
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor
Jockey: Oisin Murphy
The class act in this Group 2 Joel Stakes, BENBATL returns from an absence of almost a year, having last been seen chasing the shadow of the mighty Winx in the Cox Plate. This international traveller is a Group 1 winner at the Dubai Carnival and right out of the top drawer on his day. He’s in the hands of a trainer adept at bringing horses back from lays offs and has been training with zest in Newmarket.
Haydock Best Bets
Race 7: EARL OF HARROW (4)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Scott McCullough
The progressive EARL OF HARROW has been a credit to his connections with three wins from five outings this season and can keep up the good work. Named after the late musician/politician Screaming Lord Sutch, he’s had an easy time of things through the late summer but after a gritty success at Lingfield returns to a course at which he delivered earlier in the season. He looked in good order working on grass on Tuesday and will handle the easy underfoot conditions.
Worcester Best Bets
Race 4: BALLYELLIS (2)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
The hooded BALLYELLIS scored with any amount in hand in handicap company at Stratford earlier in the month and looks a good thing to follow up in this humble selling hurdle. As a lightly raced individual with room for improvement, it’s a surprise to see him competing in this class, and he appears to have a straightforward assignment.
Race 5: THE VOLLAN (1)
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon
Jockey: Aidan Coleman
THE VOLLAN goes to post with his tail up after romping home in a Uttoxeter handicap. Having finished runner-up on his previous three outings, he was in full control over the final two flights and came home unchallenged. As a result, he’s gone up in the ratings and has to give away upwards of 7lb to his foes, but still appeals as the one to beat.
