Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Fridays' racing coming your way from Ascot, Fontwell Park, Hexham and Newcastle on 6 October 2023
ASCOT
Race 3 No10 METAL MERCHANT (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
METAL MERCHANT was given plenty to do when third here in July and again when not far out of the money in a big handicap at Goodwood. He most recently ran into a rejuvenated City Of York when the pair came clear of the rest at Newbury. With underfoot conditions in his favour and a new jockey doing the steering, he can gain an overdue success.
Race 4 No2 MIDDLE EARTH
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
MIDDLE EARTH was asked to run before he could walk when stepping from handicap company straight into a Group 1 in the St Leger. The colt wasn’t entirely disgraced in finishing seventh and can show his true prowess in a Listed race that offers him calmer waters.
Race 5 No5 EL JASOR (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Harry Davies
Soft ground is an asset to EL JASOR who arrived late on the scene to score at Newbury but then underwhelmed when equipped with cheek pieces at Doncaster. He was a heavily bet favourite that day, and with the headgear removed he can bounce back.
FONTWELL PARK
Race 2 No6 CORPORAL JACKJONES (Each Way)
Trainer: Syd Hosie – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
This looks an olive average race of its kind to be run at this track. Iaolos Du Mou has worked well and will probably head the market but CORPORAL JACKJONES represents better value. The Newton Abbot bumper scorer will have learned plenty from his first run over hurdles against the well regarded Rock House, and can go one better.
Race 6 No1 PRINCESS MIDNIGHT (Each Way)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
PRINCESS MIDNIGHT ran well for a long way when returned to hurdles at Newton Abbot following a sequence of good efforts in defeat over fences. The bold front runner should enjoy the tight figure-of-eight course back in a chase.
HEXHAM
Race 5 a No1 GENERAL OFFICER
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
GENERAL OFFICER was a handy dual scorer over hurdles last season whilst looking for all the world that fences would bring out the best in him. He graduates straight into a handicap having jumped well in practice at home, and can successfully concede weight to his rivals.
Race 6 No5 JANESLITTLEVOICE (Nap)
Trainer: Ella Pickard – Jockey: Harriet Tucker
JANESLITTLEVOICE has proved a useful money spinner for her connections, gaining a deserved success by the narrowest of margins at Newton Abbot to give her figures of 2221 since being switched to fences. Her trainer adds cheek pieces and she can win again.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4 a No1 COLOURFUL DREAM
Trainer: Archie Watson – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
On debut for his trainer, COLOURFUL DREAM is a fascinating contender for this Class4 handicap. The daughter of Dubawi makes only a fourth outing after being purchased as a Godolphin cast off. However, she was a wide margin winner of a novice on this surface when last seen, and could have a lot more to offer.
Race 7 No7 DAYDREAM EXPRESS (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Kieran O’Neill
It would add to confidence levels of DAYDREAM EXPRESS is popular in the market for this novice. The daughter of Kingman is out of a Henrythenavigator mare and entitled to be smart, carrying the colours of an owner whose stock at Clarehaven is increasing.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 2-8)
3, 2 x 8 x 1, 10, 5 x 2, 8 x 1, 6 x 7, 3, 2 x 6, 5
R144
