Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Newbury, Lingfield Park and Newcastle on 3 March 2023.
DONCASTER
Race 4 No5 BRIANSTORM (Each Way)
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: Shane Quinlan
Although his racecourse appearances have been restricted, BRIANSTORM remains a horse to be interested in making a belated return to the fray in this three-mile veterans’ handicap chase. It’s almost a year since his last public appearance, but a third wind operation could enable him to recapture his old form.
Race 5 No3 ILOVETHENIGHTLIFE
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
Having claimed a cheque in a Listed race for distaffers, ILOVETHENIGHTLIFE should be forgiven her blip when unseating at Taunton last time. She brings the best form to the table, while her stable is getting amongst the winners following a quiet spell.
Race 7 No2 ERNEST GRAY (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
ERNEST GRAY looked a bright prospect when winning his only point and then hosing up on debut under Rules in a Warwick bumper. He’s taken a while to find his level over hurdles, but is probably capable of better than he’s shown. That’s the reason for backing him against fully exposed rivals in this novices’ handicap hurdle.
NEWBURY
Race 2 No4 DIAMOND EGG (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Tom Cannon
DIAMOND EGG didn’t jump with any fluency when finishing last of four at this track on what was effectively a first run over jumps. He needs to have learned something from that experience, but could easily have done so and he’s going to handle the drying ground.
Race 3 No1 ACHNAMARA
Trainer: Harry Fry – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Useful Flat stayer ACHNAMARA is probably the only one that can make life difficult for automatic favourite Under Control. The last-named filly makes her debut for Nicky Henderson after winning her only start in France. However, she helps make the market for my selection who is entitled to build on his underwhelming efforts at Fontwell and Doncaster in the colours of the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 4 No4 CRIMSON SAND
Trainer: Simon Earle – Jockey: Tom Queally
On debut for his trainer, CRIMSON SAND can underline his liking for this track where his figures are 11423. The selection hasn’t finished out of the frame in his last 11 starts and although returning from an eight months absence is ready to make his presence felt.
Race 5 No5 MOUSH (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Egan
The best bet of the day is MOUSH. The Charm Spirit colt was run down at the end of his first run back at Southwell but set fractions that were unsustainable. Granted a more controlled ride he can take care of business.
Race 7 No1 BASHFUL BOY
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jamie Spencer
When stepped up to two miles, BASHFUL BOY made no mistake here last week. He’s on the prowl for further success under a 4lb penalty, and having looked to score with at least that much in hand is worth supporting to complete the follow-up.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No4 ANIF
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Tom Eaves
ANIF needs the cards to fall in his favour in order to get his head in front. He’s a strong traveller, but doesn’t always find as much as it looks like he will at the end of his races. But in a race where there’s plenty of speed, he has a chance to be delivered late and record a first success at this track since New Year’s Eve 2020.
Race 4 No3 HELLO QUEEN (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Shane Gray
Acclamation filly HELLO QUEEN stepped up from her promising debut effort to open her account at Wolverhampton and is well drawn in this six furlongs contest to consolidate. Newcomer Alpha Zulu and Yesterday’s Hero are live threats, with the former well worth a market check.
Race 5 No3 BALLYARE (Each Way)
Trainer: Licinda Russell – Jockey: Ryan Sexton
BALLYARE gave it his best shot when going down in a blanket finish at Wolverhampton. It was his best effort since being switched to the all-weather and signalled that he’s on the cusp of a breakthrough triumph for a yard going great guns with its jumpers but one that can also operate with occasional runners on the Flat.
