Neil Morrice provides us with his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing at Cheltenham, Doncaster, Bang-On-Dee and Southwell.
CHELTENHAM – 10/12/2021
Race 4 No4 ROSE OF ARCADIA (Each Way)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Brandon Powell
ROSE OF ARCADIA is a strapping individual that goes on any ground, and who owing to a couple of issues has very few miles on her racing clock. In the popular colours of Cheveley Park Stud she can make this a winning debut over fences. She’s schooled well at home, and is totally fit after a readying spin over hurdles last month.
Race 6 No4 BACK ON THE LASH (Each Way)
Trainer: Martin Keighley – Jockey: Sean Bowen
This would do justice to the equivalent race at the Festival, and can see BACK ON THE LASH endorsing his liking for the course. That manifested itself when he scored at the PaddyPower Gold Cup fixture, where he showed an ability to find extra when coming off the bridle. This is however an especially hot heat, in which Irish raider Midnight Maestro and Diesel D’Allier also deserve serious attention and can get into the money.
Race 7 No1 SPORTING JOHN (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
Having lost his way as a chaser, SPORTING JOHN rediscovered his former zest to land some hefty bets here last month. It showed that a wind operation had worked, and if that good effect is continued he’s a horse to follow now back over hurdles and with his confidence levels raised.
DONCASTER – 12/10/2021
Race 1 No12 MASTER BLAZE
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Tom Scudamore
MASTER BLAZE is a fascinating handicap debutant who is also having a first outing under Rules since arriving from France. Winner of a claiming chase at Compiegne, and operated for a wind problem recently, he could have been let in lightly.
Race 2 No4 THE MIGHTY ARC (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Former Irish pointer THE MIGHTY ARC has made a good impression in three outings for his new connections, earning at Chepstow and Carlisle before trotting up on chase debut at Worcester. He’s a good prospect, and one to follow through the winter.
Race 5 No9 GOOBINATOR
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
GOOBINATOR was travelling powerfully when exiting three out on return to hurdling at Bangor. He’d previously taken out a couple of hot handicaps at Haydock and York and finished fourth to Buzz in the Cesarewitch, suggesting he’s now in a better place than at any time in his career. He’s been forced to miss a couple of opportunities owing to unsuitable ground, but can now show himself a horse worth waiting for.
Race 6 No7 VOYBURG
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
VOYBURG escapes a penalty for his clear cut triumph at Exeter last week. His front running tactics should lend themselves to the Town Moor, and he is strongly fancied to follow-up.
BANGOR-ON-DEE -10/12/2021
Race 3 No6 MUCKAMORE (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
MUCKAMORE looked to have turned a corner when scoring with great authority on his return to action at Wetherby. Breathing problems plagued him last season, but an operation at the start of the year is now reaping dividends, and he can carry on showcasing the promise he produced as a novice over hurdles two years ago.
SOUTHWELL – 10/12/2021
Race 6 No2 MISTER BLUEBIRD (Nap)
Trainer: Heather Main – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
If MISTER BLUEBIRD performs to his recent levels on turf he will surely take home a handy cheque on a first all-weather run since May and first on the Tapeta surface. A winner at Ffos Las and second at Nottingham when last seen in the autumn, he has a strong profile to bring to the table in an admittedly competitive sprint.
Race 7 No6 PERCY WILLIS
Trainer: Jedd O’Keeffe – Jockey: Cieren Fallon
Connections of the so far frustrating PERCY WILLIS might have found the perfect opportunity for him. On a first run 8n this grade since joining his trainer, and with solid earning efforts in handicaps behind him, he should take plenty of beating.
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