Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Newcastle, Chelmsford and Wincanton.
Newcastle Best Bet
Race 3: GALSWORTHY (4)
Trainer: John Gosden
Jockey: Nicky Mackay
At the track where Enable made her debut, GALSWORTHY can endorse the promise of a very pleasing first effort at Newmarket. The market spoke favourably for the colt who although unable to match Tom Collins did little wrong, giving the impression he wanted to go further. This mile and a quarter should see him a good light.
Race 6: HARRY’S BAR (6)
Trainer: James Fanshawe
Jockey: Tom Marquand
HARRY’S BAR can cope with a drop back to the minimum trip and cement his status as an upwardly mobile sprinter to follow. His veer leaving the stalls might well have cost him as he was only beaten three-quarters of a length by Royal Birth in a Class 2 at Chelmsford last time. He left plenty behind in the betting ring that day, but can now recoup the losses with interest.
Chelmsford Best Bets
Race 2: MOCHALOV (6)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: Ray Dawson
Having made a good fist of it in an identical race here three weeks ago, MOCHALOV can get back in the groove. He was competitive throughout before finishing third to J’ouvert and from a cracking draw can again get himself into a potentially dominating slot.
Race 4: HEATH CHARNOCK (12)
Trainer: Michael Dods
Jockey: Kieren O’Neill
With winning form over course and distance the young and progressive HEATH CHARNOCK can capitalize on his good draw and blast away from the front. The long-distance traveller knows this track and has the wherewithal to handle a step into a Class 2 after some good bets on him were foiled by Intuitive back in September. He hails from a stable that excels with its sprinters.
Wincanton Best Bet
Race 3: PINK GIN (2)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Mark Grant
Veteran PINK GIN is in good order for this return to the fray and can give a clean pair of heels to mainly younger rivals. He’s an accurate jumper that enjoys a bit of cut in the ground and has worked and schooled with plenty of enthusiasm. As a course and distance winner last season he has plenty going for him.
Race 4: WHISKY MOON (12)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Mark Grant
From a stable that does well with former point-to-pointers WHISKY MOON can have a say in this novices’ hurdle. He’s not been seen since running at Didmarton in March but prior to that was a winner between the flags and has shown aptitude in his preparation for this debut under Rules.
Race 5: BADDESLEY KNIGHT (3)
Trainer: Chris Gordon
Jockey: Tom Cannon
The best bet on the card is BADDESLEY KNIGHT who is a horse to follow through the winter. He was a decent novice over hurdles and his trainer is right to state that anything he did in that sphere is a bonus, as chasing was always going to be his game. And he proved when running the useful Rouge Vif to seven lengths on his debut over fences at Market Rasen that he’s only now in his comfort zone.
