Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Ayr, Yarmouth, Pontefract and Chelmsford.
Ayr Best Bet
Race 3: ZORAVAN (10)
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish
Jockey: Joe Fanning
ZORAVAN is too talented to be kept out of the winner’s circle for much longer and this is a good opportunity for him to end a frustrating run. In the money in each of his last three starts in similar situations, he can strike for his in-form connections if enjoying racing real estate in the closing stages.
Race 8: DEW POND (16)
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Jockey: David Allan
The blinkered DEW POND traditionally runs well at this stage of the season and has promised to return to winning form on several occasions. His style of racing is best suited by a big field in which a strong pace is assured, a prospect that looks on the cards in this ultra-competitive contest.
Yarmouth Best Bets
Race 2: URSA MAJOR (8)
Trainer: John Gosden
Jockey: Rab Havlin
Several in this novice stakes have good form to bring to the table but the one to be on is URSA MAJOR. He’s been well supported on each of his starts for top connections and looked as if he was crying out for this mile when third to Military March over seven furlongs. He’s continued to show plenty on the home gallops, making him the one to beat.
Race 7: KINKS (2)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
KINKS got going when the birds had flown at York, finishing third to Roulston Star. He’s not the easiest horse to catch right but is in the mood to step up to the plate with a top jockey booked. Multiple scorer Yimou will ensure there’s a strong gallop from the gate and such a scenario would suit the selection.
Pontefract Best Bets
Race 7: ROUND THE ISLAND (8)
Trainer: Richard Whitaker
Jockey: R Scott
The frustrating ROUND THE ISLAND has to compete from a mark 2lb wrong but this able performer is going to capitalise on his tumbling mark sooner or later and this could be his day. At the same class of the handicap band the 6yo got going too late at Carlisle last time and was never as close to the winner, I Know How, than at the finishing line.
Chelmsford Best Bets
Race 3: ZAULA (14)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Hollie Doyle
For a filly that can get outpaced a high draw is no help to ZAULA here, but the grey has put in some consistently good efforts. The five furlongs proved an inadequate test for her at Brighton last time, where she reserved all her best running for the uphill coil by to the line. Stepping up to six should suit in this eminently winnable classified Stakes.
Race 5: KARISOKE (7)
Trainer: Simon Crisford
Jockey: Jack Mitchell
The best recent form on offer in this undoubtedly belongs to KARISOKE. He showed plenty of gusto to lead from the start on his Beverley debut and inexperience made the difference between him and the winner Montatham. His stable is enjoying a purple patch and improvement from that eyecatching effort seems guaranteed.
