Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing at Newcastle, Southwell, Wetherby and Fakenham.
Newcastle Best Bet
Race 4: LOUIS TREIZE (7) (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Spencer
Jockey: Luke Morris
Injury has got in the way of LOUIS TREIZE in the past year but he remains a horse with scope for progression and could give these foes plenty to think about. He hasn’t run since last summer but is reported fresh and well for this Tapeta return and can get into the argument.
Race 5: XIAN EXPRESS (3)
Trainer: Mike Appleby
Jockey: Luke Morris
The blinkered XIAN EXPRESS chases a fine hat-trick after making hay since the turn of the year. He’s moving into handicaps in the form of his life and after scoring by six and a half lengths at Chelmsford last time has his tail up. He may prove too strong for St Just who opened his account easily enough at Lingfield.
Race 7: SOUND MIXER (1)
Trainer: William Haggas
Jockey: Ben Curtis
SOUND MIXER was on my hit list when unluckily failing to catch Malmesbury Abbey in a similar contest at Kempton two weeks ago. The filly, owned by The Queen, was blocked when beginning her run at the quarter pole yet finished to such effect she was beaten just half a length. The money that went west on her that day can be seen to be merely lent and she should go one better.
Southwell Best Bets
Race 2: BARBELO (3)
Trainer: Richard Spencer
Jockey: Ben Curtis
The inexperienced BARBELO showed plenty on a recent visit to Wolverhampton, belying a 33-1 roughie tag to get into the money in the manner of a horse that is on the cusp of a first career win. This looks a fine opportunity for the filly to open her account.
Race 5: BLOWING DIXIE (4)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam
Jockey: Ben Curtis
BLOWING DIXIE was hugely impressive scoring over this course and distance on his seasonal return. The money that came for him never looked like being wide of the mark and if in similar mood he should follow up in what is a lower grade of race, albeit filled with mainly in form rivals.
Race 7: SKEAPING (1)
Trainer: Phil Middleton
Jockey: Poppy Bridgwater
Having enjoyed success in plating company over hurdles, SKEAPING can make a successful return to the Flat in this mile and a half handicap. He carries top weight and doesn’t face an easy task by any means, but his trainer is confident of an earning run.
Wetherby Best Bet
Race 1: CAWTHORNE LAD (1)
Trainer: Tim Easterby
Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
This has cut up favourably for CAWTHORNE LAD who looks be far the best of the penalized runners in this juvenile hurdle. He looked better the further he travelled at Catterick and that form has a very solid ring to it.
Race 2: STARPLEX (11)
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish
Jockey: Brian Hughes
The strong travelling STARPLEX narrowly failed to complete a hat-trick when beaten a head by Southeast Rose at Kelso. He looked as a potent threat at the final flight but couldn’t quite muster sufficient extra to go past his rival. It’s possible to say the assessor has caught up with him, but so well did he take those exertions that his trainer is letting him have another crack.
Race 5: HOLLYWOODIAN (5)
Trainer: Tom Symonds
Jockey: Aidan Coleman
I think with any degree of luck HOLLYWOODIAN can open his seasonal account following a lengthy time in the wilderness owing to injury. At this course a month ago he was in front when unseating his pilot four out and is clearly a horse close to getting back to winning ways. He’s won over the course and distance and should be cherry ripe to put in a big run.
Fakenham Best Bets
Race 1: BLUE MONDAY (5)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien
Jockey: Paddy Brennan
Having landed some good bets at Hereford BLUE MONDAY can consolidate in this selling handicap chase. Such races are rare in the calendar but the 7yo goes into battle with very strong claims. He’s right in the zone and should prove hard to beat.
Race 4: BRAN (1)
Trainer: Stuart Edmunds
Jockey: Cieren Gethings
We should dine out on BRAN in this maiden hurdle as the selection is a winner without a penalty after falling at the final flight here earlier in the month. He came through to lead approaching that obstacle only to fall, but can bounce back and demonstrate just how unlucky he was.
