Neil Morrice outlines his best bets and tips for Friday’s British meetings at Bangor, Kempton, Southwell and Chelmsford on 11/02/2022.
BANGOR-ON-DEE – 11/02/2022
Race 1: PORLOCK BAY (Nap)
Trainer: William Biddick – Jockey: Mr Will Biddick
It’s unusual for a jumps card to kick off with a hunters chase, but this contest is one to look forward to, and PORLOCK BAY is the one to be on. The veteran has won or been placed in each of his last 13 outings including three hurdling successes for Francois Nicolle, the champion trainer in France. Second at Wincanton and winner of the Cheltenham Foxhunters in which he short-headed Billawaywhen when last seen, he’s ready for this return to the track and start of a campaign to defend his title.
Race 5: DUKE OF ROCKINGHAM
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Aidan Coleman
In what looks a straight match, DUKE OF ROCKINGHAM can bring Jungle Jack’s unbeaten run to an end. Although turned over when a long odds-on shot at Wincanton last time, the selection is getting 10lb from his penalised foe. That’s a considerable amount, and can tilt the balance in his favour.
KEMPTON – 11/02/2022
Race 3: CAP ST VINCENT
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Conor Brace
A move to the O’Brien yard can’t have harmed CAP ST VINCENT, who will not lack for fitness on this first outing in almost a year. The selection was a four-times winner over fences in the 2018/19 campaign and can capitalise on his ability to try his hand in novice company over hurdles.
Race 4: ELIXIR DE NUTZ (Nap)
Trainer: Colin Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
The safest option in a tight-knit novices’ handicap chase is ELIXIR DE NUTZ, whose trainer has his chasers in great form. The grey has been given a nice break since having a hard race to sneak home at Plumpton. He’s always effective coming off a rest, and can use his economical jumping to telling effect.
Race 6: SMARTY WILD
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Tom O’Brien
SMARTY WILD can deservedly get off the mark for the season in this long distance handicap chase. The eight-year-old is generally at his best at this time last year, and following a very solid effort to chase home Caribean Boy at this course last month he’s going to be a popular order to better that.
SOUTHWELL – 11/02/2022
Race 2: BLACKCURRENT
Trainer: Alan Brown – Jockey: Dale Swift
The go to sprinter in this classified stakes is BLACKCURRENT. Since returning to action in the autumn he’s earned in all but one of five starts including back-to-back successes on Tapeta. Beaten in a photo on his debut on the new surface here, he’s in a good place to go one better.
Race 6: VIVA VOCE (Nap)
Trainer: David Barron – Jockey: Christian Howarth
VIVA VOCE has been edging up the weights following a recent cosy success at Newcastle. A winner on his previous outing at Wolverhampton last November, the five-year-old is in a good place to complete a hat-trick and can achieve that at the main expense of Ginato.
Race 8: KNOCKABOUT QUEEN (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: David Probert
KNOCKABOUT QUEEN should enjoy a first visit to this course after a couple of runs at Lingfield in which she failed to get a clear trip. The mare has dropped to a workable mark and now needs to be alert at the start and get a handy position turning into the straight from her draw on the rail.
CHELMSFORD – 11/02/2022
Race 3: GREYSTOKE
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Martin Harley
GREYSTOKE failed to cut the mustard on his first outing over hurdles and now returns to the Flat on just a second start for his new trainer. A horse that rarely fails to get into the money, he can give his rivals plenty to think about.
Race 4: GRAND ALLIANCE (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Churchill colt GRAND ALLIANCE put in some good work at the finish to pick up his second cheque in as many starts at Wolverhampton last month. Now more streetwise, he will appreciate tonight’s slightly longer trip, and can open his account.
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