Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Newmarket, York and Fontwell.
Newmarket Best Bet
Race 3: LIMATO (3)
Trainer: Henry Candy
Jockey: Ryan Moore
The Candy stable hasn’t had much to shout about this year but LIMATO can buck that trend by landing a historic third win in this Challenge Stakes. Although out of sorts on his last two starts, he’s benefitted from a short break and been working like the Limato of old. The race has cut up favourably for the 7yo whose connections have snapped up Ryan Moore for the mount. In what is certain to become a tactical affair, the combination can outgun Mustashry.
Race 6: RHYME SCHEME (12)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Jim Crowley
An unusual jockey booking that takes the eye for RHYME SCHEME who has the advantage of more racecourse experience than all but one of her foes. While the drop back to seven furlongs from a mile may not be the obvious way forward, as she finished strongly on her latest start at Lingfield, she will relish the stiff finish and is the form pick in a race admittedly choc full of unknown quantities.
York Best Bets
Race 4: HAMISH (1)
Trainer: William Haggas
Jockey: Danny Tudhope
Fresh from his stylish success on first handicap venture in the Melrose here in August, HAMISH can now begin to consolidate. That course and distance win was gained in relatively cosy fashion by three quarters of a length from First In Line and was achieved on only his fourth career starts. His trainer knows all about this family, loves sending out winners on the Knavesmire and looks to have a fine staying prospect on his hands. The best bet on the card.
Race 5: MOSS GILL (6)
Trainer: James Bethell
Jockey: PJ McDonald
While it’s not easy for three-year-olds to cope with the older sprinters at this time of year there’s much to like about the marvellously consistent MOSS GILL who found Bly Que Amoro too strong over course and distance at the August meeting. That was at a higher grade and came off the back of a string of successes or near misses. With a good jockey doing the steering, Moss Gill can earn.
Fontwell Best Bets
Race 1: ECHIQUIER (3)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Daryl Jacob
It’s hard to know what ECHIQUIER achieved when coming home unchallenged on his UK debut at Hexham but he jumped well, handled the soft ground and never looked in any danger. Being elevated from that into the hottest novice hurdle staged so far demands extra, but connections think a lot of the former French-based 5yo, who needs respecting.
Race 7: SILVER FOREVER (9)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden
This stable has made an encouraging start to the season. Fresh from a double at Wincanton on Wednesday they can connect again in this mares’ novices’ hurdle with SILVER FOREVER. A winner of three of her five outings in bumpers, she was only just outstayed by Misty Whisky in a valuable race at Sandown and that form provides her with outstanding claims, notwithstanding the fact that she’s schooled well at home.
