Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Ascot, Haydock Park & Uttoxeter.
ASCOT
Race 2 No3 ET TU BRUTE
Trainer: Eve Johnson Houghton – Jockey: Charles Bishop
ET TU BRUTE is taken to turn the tables on Jadwal from their meeting at Newmarket towards the end of last month. Jadwal was a decisive enough winner of that novice stakes, but at the revised weights in this handicap it should be a lot closer. The Johnson Houghton team is in tip top form and this son of Holy Roman Emperor is better than he showed on that occasion.
Race 5 No8 AUSTRALIS (Nap)
Trainer: Roger Varian – Jockey: David Egan
Northumberland Plate runner-up AUSTRALIS looks a fine staying prospect and has to be respected off his current mark. He’s been a slow burner and improved with racing, and especially since the blinkers worn on his final three outings in 2019 were removed. His form with Caravan Of Hope both when beating that foe on his seasonal return and again when beaten by him at Newcastle is very solid, and he can successfully make the switch to grass in this two miler.
Race 6 No4 KOEMAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Pat Dobbs
Former Shergar Cup winner KOEMAN reserves his best for this track and represents good Each Way vale at a double figure price to once more get into the shake-up here. He stayed on resolutely to finish third to Jeremiah in a Class 2 over course and distance last time, recording his best run of the season. He’s capable of further raising his game.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 4 No5 VERACIOUS (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore
If VERACIOUS is near her best on her belated return to action she will make short work of her rivals in this Listed race. The Frankel mare has contested Group 1s on her last three outings, winning last year’s Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket a year ago before chasing home Billesdon Brook in the Sun Chariot Stakes and finishing fourth to King Of Change at Ascot on Champions’ Day. She’s looked slick in her work since a wind operation that is one of the reasons she’s late on parade.
Race 7 No10 INDIAN CREAK (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Rob Hornby
Channon has taken his time with INDIAN CREAK, who showed when in the money at Newmarket last time that he’s edging closer to a return to winning form. The run might not have set the world alight, but it’s brought the Camacho colt forward and he can go well at a big price in this competitive affair.
Race 8 No1 ARISTOCRATIC LADY
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Ryan Moore
The upwardly mobile ARISTOCRATIC LADY holds the cards in this fillies’ handicap, having looked good value for both her wins from as many starts this season. The daughter of Invincible Spirit has been raised 9lb for her dominating triumph over Case Key at Yarmouth, but is improving at such a rate of knots that it might not prevent her completing the hat-trick.
NEWMARKET
Race 2 No1 ASTAPOR
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
Channon took this seller with Walkonby 12 months ago, a filly that went on to much better things. It’s doubtful ASTAPOR is in that league but he’s shown sufficient to suggest he might be good enough. He’s a lot more streetwise following his best effort in three attempts when sixth to Run Forrest Run at Chepstow, and can open his account.
Race 8 No6 COLTRANE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: William Buick
There’s a lot to like about COLTRANE getting plenty of weight from his foes in this Class 3. When breaking his maiden at Chepstow the Mastercraftsman colt looked like he was crying out for a longer trip, while his opening handicap mark of 80 does not appear harsh. Balding calls on his former protege Buick to do the steering and it looks a winning combo.
UTTOXETER
Race 3 No1 LONGHOUSE SALE (Nap)
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
LONGHOUSE SALE is 1 from 1 over fences after a snug success on his return from a near five month absence at Stratford. A three times scorer in novice hurdles last spring, he appears to have benefitted from wind surgery and, having jumped and travelled well last time, can successfully concede weight all round.
Race 4 No5 GOODBYE DANCER
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Paddy Brennan
There are some in form horses crossing swords in this handicap hurdle numbering Rhythm Is A Dancer, Yeavering Belle, Mister Universum and Yes No Maybe So. However, although completely outpointed by the first-named horse at Southwell, GOODBYE DANCER is worth a speculative and small investment to turn it all round. He was strong in the market for that seasonal return and came back with excuses.
Race 5 No1 THE BOOLA BEE
Trainer: Nigel Hawke – Jockey: Tom Buckley
THE BOOLA BEE looked a mare with a new lease on life when making a winning return at Market Rasen. Under the conditional jockey that retains the mount she saw out the trip well to beat Black Anthem. He 7lb claim can count for a lot as the seven-year-old competes under the burden of 12st 1lb.
