Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Southwell, Lingfield, Catterick and Newcastle on 2 February 2024.
SOUTHWELL
RACE 1 No7 TIME FOR A PINT
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neil Jr
There was much to like about TIME FOR A PINT’s breakthrough triumph at Catterick three weeks ago. The seven-year-old was totally in charge at the business end, and although operating from an 8lb higher mark can handle it.
Race 3 No2 TOMMIE GUN (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
TOMMIE GUN underwhelmed at Leicester after opening his account at the first time of asking over jumps at Southwell. He went out too quickly to be true last time, but heavy ground probably caused the reverse, and he will race on a better surface here. With challenges emanating from Act Of Authority and Teorie he could appeal as an each way bet to nothing.
Race 4 No1 MINNIEMUM (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Richard Patrick
From a stable that could do with a change of luck, MINNIEMUM has to be of serious interest and rates the best bet on the card. She’s unlucky not to have won her last two races, having gone for home too soon and getting mugged at Doncaster, and then unseating at the last when four lengths clear at Catterick. This similarly easy track will play to her strengths, and she’s the classic case of being a winner without a penalty.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 2 No12 OUTREACH (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: George Bass
OUTREACH has troubled the judge more often than not and now visits Lingfield for the first time on its Polytrack from a favourable draw in a race round two bends. The grey claimed a minor cheque behind barnmate Sea The Buckthorn at Wolverhampton and was a winner at that course on his previous start. Bass was in the hot seat on both occasions, and keeps the ride.
Race 4 No5 BRADMAN (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
As long as a cut back on the distance ladder doesn’t ruffle his feathers, this should see BRADMAN completing a hat-trick. The Australia gelding has been getting the job done in efficient rather than spectacular style, and could easily have more to offer.
Race 6 No3 KITBAG (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
KITBAG hasn’t been seen at his best in three outings since scoring in a first-time visor at Wolverhampton before Christmas but has the wherewithal to bounce back. That second career victory was achieved with Bass in the saddle, and if starting near his forecast double-figure price the four-year-old can prove a value win and place bet.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 7 No1 LETTHEDUSTSETTLE (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Cameron Iles
On a very tricky card, LETTHEDUSTSETTLE is the only bet. The six-year-old revelled in the easy ground to post a wide margin victory on his first visit here for which he looks well in under a penalty.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No5 MARMADUKE LEMON
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Pierre-Louis Jamin
Sioux Nation gelding MARMADUKE LEMON finished last on his debut here in early December but showed he’d learned plenty from it when narrowly beaten over a longer trip at Wolverhampton. The chestnut should repel the challenge of course dead-heater True Promise if making further progress, which he’s expected to do.
Race 4 No5 GOOD MORNING ALEX (Nap)
Trainer: David Barron – Jockey: Adam Farragher
GOOD MORNING ALEX has thrived since opening his account as a 28-1 roughie at Southwell at the end of December. He smoothly landed the odds laid on him over today’s course and distance last month and under a 6lb penalty can complete a hat-trick, as well as remaining unbeaten under Farragher.
Race 7 No10 SHERDIL
Trainer: Paul Midgley – Jockey: Ryan Sexton
SHERDIL shaped like a horse getting ready to win when third to The Tron over the minimum trip at Wolverhampton. He has a plum draw in this finale and can prove to be a bet worth waiting for.
