Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Doncaster, and Musselburgh on 29 November 2024.
NEWBURY
Race 1 No4 DON’T WIND ME UP (Each Way)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Micael Nolan
There’s a red-hot favourite for the first race of the old Hennessy meeting, now sponsored by Coral, in the shape of unbeaten Regent’s Stroll. He will undoubtedly command exchanges the betting ring but one that can shake him up at a double figure price is DON’T WIND ME UP. Though beaten fair and square on his reappearance at Ffos Las the selection has learned plenty from it. This similarly galloping track is what he needs, and he can outrun his big odds.
Race 4 No6 THE JUKEBOX MAN (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
THE JUKEBOX MAN is an engaging recruit to fences and a horse that should go a long way in this sphere. He appeared unlucky not to pick up a Grade 1 novice hurdle last season when second at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, while he has taken well to fences at home. His customary front running style should bring a few minutes of excitement to this race.
Race 5 No4 SIR PSYCHO
Trainer: Harry Derham – Jockey: Paul O’Brien
SIR PSYCHO was unfortunate not to score more than once in his first season with Derham but showed with that Ascot victory that’s he’s at his best when returning from a break. He chased the shadow of the reopposing Heltenham in two visits to this course but now enjoys a useful swing in the weights with that foe, and the one that could cause him most problems is GOLDEN SON.
Race 7 No10 ASTRONOMIC VIEW (Each Way)
Trainer: Sue Gardner – Jockey: Lucy Gardner
The strong travelling ASTRONOMIC VIEW proved easy to back on his seasonal return at this track, and though running creditably got tired at the end of his race. It should have brought him closer to concert pitch, while underfoot conditions will be fine even if there’s no more rain.
DONCASTER
Race 1 No7 MINNIEMUM (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Mr Archiell Jones
Daly is enjoying a bountiful spree with his handicappers and has prospects of adding to his tally with MINNIEMUM. The Telescope mare ran one of her best races last season when second to Phillipa Sue over this course and distance and went on to end the campaign on a high note with a success at Bangor and an earning run at Hexham. She should give her inexperienced pilot a good ride round here.
Race 6 No3 NO RISK WITH LOU (Nap)
Trainer: Alex Hales – Jockey: Bryan Carver
Davidoc takes the eye from the foot of the weights but the go-to horse is NO RISK WITH LOU, who gelled for Carver when equipped with a first time hood to come home unchallenged at Huntingdon. It was the second season in a row in which the selection scored on his reappearance, but he’s remained in good form and is worth backing to consolidate.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 1 No8 ACHNAMARA
Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Joe Williamson
ACHNAMARA proved a useful moneyspinner for his owners in the summer before putting in a good effort when beaten in a photo in a novices’ handicap hurdle at Sedgefield. He’s a versatile individual for whom this looks a good opportunity to go one better.
Race 7 No5 SWINGINGONTHESTEEL (Nap)
Trainer: Rebecca Menzies – Jockey: Nathan Moscrop
SWINGINGONTHESTEEL is preferred to Loch Brandy in a race where this duo can make past experience count. The Nap should be more streetwise for her good run to chase home Count Of Vendome at Sedgefield and can go one better in the colours of Old Gold Racing.
