Neil Morrice provides us with his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Cheltenham, Worcester, Newcastle and Kempton Park.
CHELTENHAM – 12/11/2021
Race 1 No14 ART APPROVAL (Each Way)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Liam Harrison
ART APPROVAL has shown he can be lethal returning from a break, but having run well to take home a minor cheque at the first meeting here last month, he’s in a good spot to progress from that for a trainer that can do little wrong with his early season runners.
Race 6 No9 SASHENKA (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Scudamore – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
The Scudamore brothers team up with big earning chances in the shape of SASHENKA in this competitive handicap hurdle. The strong travelling mare looked all over the winner on her Hereford return, only to arrive there too soon and get worried out of it by Peltwell on the run-in. She will be happier in this bigger field, having longer to obtain cover before being produced late.
WORCESTER – 12/11/2021
Race 3 No8 FILE ILLUCO
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Richie McLernon
FILE ILLICO made the perfect start to his chasing career with a snug victory at Ffos Las last month. His trainer pitched him straight into a handicap, in which he jumped well and made no mistake. He’s a young horse who should have plenty more to offer.
Race 4 No2 BLACK POPPY (Nap)
Trainer: Kerry Lee – Jockey: Richard Patrick
Warwick bumper winner BLACK POPPY looked unlucky when falling on jumps debut at Bangor last month. The Kayf Tara gelding can gain swift compensation at the main expense of Iberio.
NEWCASTLE – 12/11/2021
Race 3 No5 PIVOINE
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
PIVOINE can be a law unto himself, but on a going day the seven-year-old knows how to get the job done. He needs everything to fall right, but is of serious interest on a belated first visit to Gosforth Park.
Race 4 No10 VOODOO QUEEN (Nap)
Trainer: Roger Varian – Jockey: Andrea Atzeni
Frankel filly VOODOO QUEEN attracted plenty of support when third on her Nottingham introduction. She showed tell tale signs of greenness and will be more streetwise for this maiden.
KEMPTON PARK – 12/11/2021
Race 2 No1 BIBULOUS
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Ron Hornby
BIBULOUS has a good draw for his second visit to this course. On the first occasion he proved easy to back, but finished off his race well to trouble the judge behind Lone Fighter. It will only take a small amount of progression from that to make him the one they all have to beat.
Race 3 No5 FIRST OFFICER (Nap)
Trainer: Roger Varian – Jockey: Ryan Moore
With a much better draw than market rival Al Nafir, FIRST OFFICER can take out the first division of the novice stakes. The Galileo colt shaped with abundant promise to finish third to Al Mubhir on debut at Newmarket and has trained well on Polytrack in Newmarket.
Race 4 No4 IMPERIAL CROWN
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: James Doyle
IMPERIAL CROWN has blue blood running through his veins, being by Frankel out of 1,000 Guineas winner Attraction. He needs to overcome a wide post, but has shown plenty of ability in his preparation for this first foray onto a racecourse.
Bet on Horse Racing at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
