Neil Morrice brings you all of his best bets and tips from Friday’s racing at Sandown, Doncaster, Perth, Bangor-On-Dee and Chepstow.
Sandown Park Best Bets
Race 1: MIGRATION (7)
Trainer: David Menuisier
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
There is a slight concern over the wide draw for MIGRATION but otherwise plenty of the boxes are ticked next to the name of the lightly-raced colt. The way he got going all too late against Fox Chairman on his Newbury reappearance raises hopes that the stiff final Hill here will play to his strengths.
Race 2: THUNDERING BLUE (1)
Trainer: David Menuisier
Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
Although he has a bit to find with the likes of 2018 winner Crystal Ocean on the book, THUNDERING BLUE has given off good signals in preparation for this Group 3 assignment and could have further improvement in him this year. The grey went from strength to strength last season, and although beaten a long way behind Almond Eye in one of Japan’s premier races in November can prove a threat to all.
Doncaster Best Bets
Race 4: KINKS (1)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Franny Norton
Having blown the start when fancied and backed into favourite on his Pontefract return, KINKS has been through the stalls at home and can prove dangerous in an admittedly ultra competitive sprint. He has very good form around this time last year and was somewhat unlucky not to win the Newbury Super Sprint. He will certainly offer value for Each Way players.
Race 6: OCTOBER STORM (7)
Trainer: Mick Channon
Jockey: Graham Lee
Restricted by minor issues to just three starts in the 2018 campaign, OCTOBER STORM has given off some good signals in his preparation and in his favour is that Graham Lee has won on him. It was in at least as good a race as this that he was beaten just a length and a half into fifth by Waiting For Richie at York, and he went off favourite for that.
Perth Best Bets
Race 1: VISION DU PUY (3)
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
Having skipped the first here yesterday, VISION DU PUY can enhance his big home reputation by scoring on his Rules debut for the Skeltons. Hugely impressive on his only start in France when coming home unchallenged at Auteuil, he’s done everything right at home.
Race 7: HELLO BOB (6)
Trainer: James Bethell
Jockey: Billy Garrity
Several big stables that excel in bumpers are represented here but HELLO BOB could not have been more impressive on his Musselburgh debut last month and looks one to follow. If he serves up another power finish it should be more than Mam Trasna can handle, especially as the last-named horse has to give the selection 19lb when Garrity’s claim is taken into consideration.
Bangor-On-Dee Best Bet
Race 1: CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL (7)
Trainer: Miss S Forster
Jockey: Thomas Willmott
With Vivaccio likely to make this a good test the race could be set up for CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL to take the spoils. The selection is a strong traveller whose form figures of 223 suggest he might not want it, but the reverse is true as he was very unlucky to be pipped at Kelso and greatly deserves to enjoy the run of the green.
Chepstow Best Bets
Race 2: JATILUWIH (2)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs
Jockey: Mr David Maxwell
Although the form of his Ludlow success has been devalued, JATILUWIH remains a good prospect as he’s improved from race to race. He should have too many guns for Alrightjack in what is a virtual match.
