Neil Morrice provides tips for Thursday’s British race meetings at Haydock, Taunton and Wolverhampton on 30/12/2021.
HAYDOCK – 30/12/2021
Race 2: TORN AND FRAYED (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
TORN AND FRAYED gave it a good shot when second to My Drogo at Cheltenham before Christmas, having been very unlucky not to prevail on his previous outing at Ascot. He’s a good jumper who should enjoy the track, trip and ground as he moves into the handicap arena.
Race 3: TRANSFER FRIENDLY
Trainer: Harry Whittington – Jockey: Adrian Heskin
TRANSFER FRIENDLY landed some tasty bets at Ffos Las to come home 16 lengths clear of a good yardstick in Gris Gris Top. The former Irish pointer is going to love the testing underfoot conditions in Lancashire and can outstay hat-trick seeking Jungle Jack.
Race 4: BLAKLION
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
BLAKLION came out of the wilderness to post a first success for his new trainer here at the start of the month as well as a first career triumph in four years. He looked to have matters under control a long way out, and was good value for his margin of victory over Aso. The veteran has put in a couple of other good efforts round here, including when landing a bumper in his early career, and looks to have found a change of scenery rejuvenating.
TAUNTON – 30/12/2021
Race 3: BRAVE KINGDOM (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
BRAVE KINGDOM romped home on his first run for this stable and on jumps debut at Chepstow. The punting public might have got carried away with what they saw in making him a 6-5 shot to graduate into a Grade 2 at Sandown, something the gelding never looked like achieving. However, back in normal novice company under a penalty, he can rebound from that 20 lengths defeat to the very useful Lossiemouth to put his career back on track.
Race 5: RAINYDAY WOMAN
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
Nicholls can add to his fine record in this Listed contest through RAINYDAY WOMAN. The Kayf Tara mare has taken out a couple of novice hurdles at Wincanton when long odds-on, and now makes a big jump up the class ladder. However, it’s impossible to gauge how much improvement there might be under her bonnet, and this is the day to pay to find out.
Race 6: THE BOAT
Trainer: Evan Williams – Jockey: Adam Wedge
THE BOAT responded to the addition of cheekpieces to open his account with something up his sleeve at Market Rasen. He remains nicely weighted after being reassessed, and if in the same mood can follow-up.
WOLVERHAMPTON – 30/12/2021
Race 1: ALLOWED (Each Way)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rob Hornby
Al Kazeem filly ALLOWED posted a first frame finish to earn a handicap mark at Lingfield. She has a good draw and is the least exposed runner in what looks a weakly contested affair.
Race 5: KOEMAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Mick Channon – Jockey: George Bass
KOEMAN is of interest dropping back into a Class 4 and coming off a five-week break. The top weight’s chances are boosted by the 5lb claim of his apprentice rider, and he was a winner at this track off a similar mark a year ago.
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