Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s British racing coming your way from Cheltenham, Newbury, Doncaster and Newcastle on 21/10/2022.
CHELTENHAM
Race 2 No4 AUCUNRISQUE (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Tom Cannon
AUCUNRISQUE is a name for your notebook whatever happens in this warm novices’ chase, but it’s one he has the ability to win on the way to better things. The six-year-old triumphed in all but one of his races over hurdles last season before making a winning debut over fences when dispatching Jetoile at Uttoxeter. He’s probably the best horse in the Gordon stable, and could emerge as a contender for the Arkle Trophy as the new campaign unfolds.
Race 5 No12 SPANISH PRESENT (Each Way)
Trainer: Martin Keighley – Jockey: Sean Bowen
From the base of the weights in this handicap hurdle, SPANISH PRESENT takes the eye and is well worth a bet. The six-year-old showed a willing attitude on the way to a clear-cut triumph on his return from a break at Worcester. A powerful galloper, he stretched right away on the run in to break his duck over jumps, and might have been underestimated for this first run in a handicap.
Race 6 No4 ANIGHTINLAMBOURN (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Miss Gina Andrews
Pauling has strong claims with multiple scorer On Springs who could easily win this, but slight presence is for his mare ANIGHTINLAMBOURN. She is also going to post on a high following smooth successes at Worcester. With her tail up and a good amateur on board for the first time she holds a strong earning chance and is definitely not a second arrow.
NEWBURY
Race 1 No13 TIRIAC (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
While the Channon stable very rarely has one ready first time, TIRIAC could prove an exception to the case, and with cut in the ground sure to suit him he’ll be going on at the finish. The brother to smart Nastase works well with the best juveniles at West Ilsley, while his apprentice rider has played a considerable part in his tuition at home.
Race 2 No10 MUDSKIPPER
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: James Doyle
MUDSKIPPER showed that cut in the ground holds no perils for him when chasing home High Honour at GOODWOOD last month. It was a fair step up from his first offering when he was unplaced at Sandown, and he’s now ready to open his account at the main expense of Rajasthan.
Race 5 No7 JACOVEC CAVERN
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
JACOVEC CAVERN hasn’t been beaten far in strongly contested handicaps at this course and Redcar, especially when only three lengths adrift of the winner Zimmerman on his latest start. This is probably his optimum trip (mile and three-quarters), and with the galloping track and easygoing also to suit he should take home a cheque.
Race 8 No1 MAIN FACT (Nap)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Oliver Searle
It will be fascinating to see how the long absent MAIN FACT gets on running for the first time in over 18 months. The now nine-year-old was a high-class dual purpose horse before injury forced him onto the sidelines, and enjoyed a field day around this time two years ago when success at this course sparked a fine hat-trick. Horses from his stable are rarely compromised by lay-offs, and he’s ready to pick up the thread from where he left off.
DONCASTER
Race 3 No2 DOOM
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Tom Marquand
Dubawi filly DOOM is bred to handle testing conditions, though the ground can often be better on Town Moor at this time of year. The daughter of Breeders’ Cup Filly And Mare Turf winner Dank went down in a blanket finish at Newcastle and is set to build on that pleasing effort bey opening her account.
Race 6 No3 TRAILA (Nap)
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: William Buick
A change of stables doesn’t seem to have done TRAILA any harm judged upon his good effort against The Gadget Man at Yarmouth. Easy to back on that occasion, he picked up well from off the pace and was a tad unlucky not to win. He’s a strong staying type that can cause problems to paper favourite Almuhit.
Race 8 No7 MORNING SUN (Each Way)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore
As one of the least experienced horses in this huge field, MORNING SUN has the potential to progress on what is just a second outing for the gelding in a handicap. He finished off his race strongly when second at Windsor in identical underfoot conditions, and has worked with aplomb since that end of August effort.
NEWCASTLE
Race 3 No8 STAR SOUND (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Shane Gray
STAR SOUND attracted plenty of market support before finding only Lord Sam’s Castle too strong on her debut here. She’s sharpened up for that pleasing effort, and coupled with her track knowledge from a stable whose juveniles are going well, she should go one better.
Race 8 No5 DESERT LAND (Each Way)
Trainer: Keith Dalgleish – Jockey: Billy Garritty
DESERT LAND has rarely missed, posting figures of 121012 since his switch to the Dalgleish stable. Those efforts include a win at this course last month, and a near miss back at Gosforth Park last week. In current mood he looks a reliable entity to earn in the lucky nightcap.
