Neil Morrice outlines his best bets and tips for Friday’s British meetings at Exter, Warwick, Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton on 25/02/2022.
EXETER – 25/02/2022
Race 4 No1 KINGOFTHEWEST (Nap)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Fergus Gillard
KINGOFTHEWEST holds the cards in this novices’ hurdle following a win and a second in as many outings over hurdles since joining his trainer from the Irish pointing field. He carries a 7lb penalty against what looks a weak field, while his task might be further assisted by the addition of a first time tongue tie.
Race 5 No10 RADDON TOP
Trainer: Chris Down – Jockey: James Davies
Bottom weight RADDON TOP has sound claims to complete a hat-trick in this handicap hurdle. His liking for this course is mirrored by those back-to-back wins in a three week period, and he’s been given an almost identical gap before this return to the Haldon track.
Race 6 No8 PEMBERLEY (Each Way)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
Sussex National runner-up PEMBERLEY looks in a good place to go one better as he now contested the Devon National. The selection has been doing the ‘National’ rounds as he fell in the Surrey version on his latest start, a race won by subsequent Haydock Grand National Trial winner The Galloping Bear. His form since being switched to fences has a remarkably consistent ring to it, and if turning up in similar form he will again be in the mix.
WARWICK -25/02/2022
Race 4 No1 MIDNIGHTREFERENDUM
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
MIDNIGHTREFERENDUM found herself in a much warmer race than this when finishing last behind Zambella at Doncaster, and ran with promise for a long way. Though prone to the odd race-ending mistake, she has plenty of ability.
Race 6 No4 LUTINEBELLA (Nap)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Paddy Brennan
This is a tricky card, but the best is saved until last via LUTINEBELLA. The Kayf Tara mare has brushed the crossbar in successive visits to this course, with only the smart Game On For Glory proving her superior last time. If she runs to that level today should should win.
LINGFIELD PARK – 25/02/2022
Race 3 No2 ARLECCHINO’S GIFT
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: David Probert
Having skipped an engagement last week, ARLECCHINO’S GIFT looks to have been found a more straightforward task by his trainer. He landed some good bets on seasonal reappearance at Lingfield, and after running well in defeat at Southwell now has Probert back in the irons. The combination look worthy favourites to take the spoils.
Race 4 No2 EMBLEM EMPIRE ( Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Rab Havlin
Although up against a very much in-form rival as Old Port, EMBLEM EMPIRE is an upwardly mobile colt that should have too much for him in this most interesting race on the card. The selection was a dual scorer in a campaign restricted to the all-weather last year, and holds bundles of scope for further progression.
Race 5 No10 GUITAR
Trainer: Martin Smith – Jockey: Joey Haynes
GUITAR was a worthy winner of a low grade Wolverhampton handicap before changing stables. As that was just a fifth career start for the gelding, he should have more to offer in what in itself is a weak enough starting point for new connections.
WOLVERHAMPTON – 25/02/2022
Race 2 No2 BARRINGTON
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Ryan Sexton
It’s been a long time since BARRINGTON last tasted victory, but there are grounds to believe the eight-year-old can now get it right after a series of solid earning efforts. His only successes were achieved on turf but he has a good earning record here at Dunstall Park.
Race 4 No7 ARCADIAN NIGHTS
Trainer: Mark Loughnane – Jockey: Philip Prince
ARCADIAN NIGHTS was not without issues, yet still managed to gain successes at Chepstow and at this track in the late summer. As a three times winner on sand from just four attempts he must be afforded respect on a first run for new connections.
Race 6 No4 VOLTAIC
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
VOLTAIC will be a warm order and can justify that billing by getting back in the winning groove. The chestnut posted a first all-weather success at this track and might not have enjoyed the best of runs when trying to follow-up under a penalty. He remains in calm waters, and should prove hard to beat.
Race 8 No4 MISS MESSENGER (Nap)
Trainer: Brian O’Rourke – Jockey: Tyler Heard
MISS MESSENGER was a 40-1 no-hoper when narrowly beaten on debut at Kempton. She has plenty of ability, and with a win here can show it was no fluke.
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