Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Haydock Park, Taunton and Wolverhampton on 30 December 2022.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 3 No1 MATATA
Trainer: Nigel Twiston- Davies – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
This stable has by their standards been quiet over the Christmas period, but the hooded MATATA should put on on the board by taking out an interesting opener. The selection needs to settle better than when he ran at Wetherby last time, but if doing so can bounce back and repeat his debut success over jumps at Fakenham.
Race 4 No7 YOUNG BULL (Each Way)
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Daryl Jacob
YOUNG BULL is a horse that’s of great interest on his return from what proved a chequered campaign in which he only made it to the track twice last season. The eight-year-old was a multiple winner in bumper and novice and handicap hurdles company before embarking on that career over fences. He chased the shadow of the useful Demachine in two starts before training issues forced him onto the sidelines. He then proved competitive in stronger races at Newbury and Uttoxeter and is having a first race since. His trainer is amongst the winners, and a big earning run is in the offing.
Race 5 No1 JUNGLE JACK (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
JUNGLE JACK met with defeat on only the final of his four starts last season and returned to power home over this course and distance last month. With underfoot conditions again in his favour, the talented novice can add to his laurels and defy his new mark.
Race 6 No12 NICEANDEASY (Each Way)
Trainer: Nick Alexander – Jockey: Brian Hughes
This three-and-a-half miler is expected to develop into a war of attrition with NICEANDEASY a strong each way contender providing he can keep out of trouble. He was just getting into the shake-up when falling two out in the Scottish Borders National at Kelso, and now has the champion jockey back in his saddle. He will encounter strong opposition from Morning Spirit and top weight Good Boy Bobby but is certainly not out of it from his position at the base of the weights.
TAUNTON
Race 1 No1 BLUEKING D’OROUX (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
BLUEKING D’OROUX can make short work of his foes and show that his underwhelming debut for connections was all wrong. He faded tamely in that Cheltenham contest but is a horse with a lot of potential and can begin to build on the good form he showed on three hurdling outings in France.
Race 2 No14 TIGHTENYOURBELTS
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
Timeforatune will start favourite to prevail for the champion trainer, but a better value option is TIGHTENYOURBELTS. The former Irish pointer shaped with a deal of promise to trouble the judge on his debut under Rules at Chepstow and if going forward from that looks sure to be in the shake-up.
Race 3 No4 FAWSLEY SPIRIT
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Luca Morgan
In another warm contest, FAWSLEY SPIRIT appeals as a lightly raced new recruit to fences who could have plenty more to offer. He went down in a close photo on his chase debut at Market Rasen last month and has to be of serious interest if building on it.
Race 5 No6 THE CHANGING MAN
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
THE CHANGING MAN could be the answer to a hugely competitive handicap hurdle. The five-year-old ended last season on a high when scoring at Stratford and has built on that with back-to-back victories this season at Ffos Las and Uttoxeter. He faces strong competition from hat-trick seeking Apple Rock and Iberio but can extend his excellent winning sequence.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 5 No1 SCRIPTWRITER (Nap)
Trainer: Milton Harris – Jockey: Rob Hornby
SCRIPTWRITER is the most interesting runner on this card, being switched to Dunstall Park owing to unsuitable ground at Chepstow, where he was set to target the Finale Juvenile Hurdle. A leading light for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, he can successfully give away weight all round to post a second success on the Flat and first since joining his trainer.
Race 8 No3 EYE OF THE WATER (Each Way)
Trainer: Ron Harris – Jockey: Franny Norton
EYE OF THE WATER is well berthed to gain a prominent position in the early stages of a competitive nightcap. The ultra consistent six-year-old looks poised for another frame finish, but can win of the cards fall for him.
