Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Friday 26 April 2024

SANDOWN PARK

Race 3 BET 365 GORDON RICHARDS STAKES (Group 3)

No7 TASMAN BAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Sir Mark Todd – Jockey: David Probert

TASMAN BAY is carded to go off the outsider in a seven-runner field but can do better than the odds imply. On a first run since returning to Todd’s stable he proved different class to his Bath rivals, but in a Class3 handicap. It’s a big jump up in class for the six-year-old, but at his best, he was a proper Group 2 horse. In a fascinating race, Okeechobee could also offer value on a second start for his rookie handler.

Race 4 BET365 MILE (Group 2)

No5 NOSTRUM (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore

NOSTRUM has usually looked the part in his homework and would appear to be his veteran handler’s best chance of hitting the high spots this year. Apart from an underwhelming display at York in August the Kingman colt has done little wrong and was an emphatic winner on his first-ever run here. Reports on his home form ahead of this return come with crossed wires, but if on his A-game he can take the spoils, and tee himself up for a shot at the Lockinge and/or the Queen Anne.

Race 5 BET365 CLASSIC TRIAL (Group 3)

No1 ARABIAN CROWN
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick

ARABIAN CROWN is Godolphin’s main protagonist for the Derby at this relatively early stage, and his odds of around 12-1 will contract if he adds to his three successes as a juvenile, which included a breakthrough win at this course and finally victory in the Group 3 Zetland Stakes at Newmarket. While that form has been devalued, the Dubawi colt could not have been more impressive, and it proved he enjoys plenty of cut in the ground. He’s now stepping up in trip on a drying surface but is confidently expected to deliver.

Race 6 No3 BEELEY
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark

Oaks entrant BEELEY has attitude and was a late scratch for her intended comeback race last week after bolting to the start. However, her only racecourse appearance in 2023 was brimful of promise, and the daughter of Camelot can open her account.

DONCASTER

Race 1 No11 TEES GEORGE
Trainer: Adrian Nicholls – Jockey: Paddy Mathers

TEES GEORGE proved a costly failure on his last run at Southwell but can be given a chance to recoup the losses on a switch to a grass surface which he should appreciate. For a handicapper of his age, he has few miles on his racing clock, and this is just a fifth run on turf for the gelding.

Race 8 No10 FLYING FINN (Nap)
Trainer: Adrian Keatley – Jockey: Mark Winn

FLYING FINN annihilated her rivals when backed from odds against to odds on at Ripon, where the testing conditions played to her strengths. As long as the ground on Town Moor doesn’t dry up she can make it back-to-back successes.

PERTH

Race 4 No4 ARTIC ROW (Nap)
Trainer: Nick Alexander – Jockey: Sean Quinlan

With three wins in four outings, ARTIC ROW is one of the most progressive chasers in Scotland. He dominated the closing stages of his latest triumph at Ayr and has been given plenty of time to get over those exertions. The seven-year-old can continue his upwardly mobile progression as the best bet on this card.

Race 5 No1 CHASING FIRE
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen

African Dance is a fascinating contender returning from a protracted absence, but the fact he’s won after a layoff before adds lustre to his chance. However, stablemate CHASING FIRE is narrowly preferred, having made the smart General Officer pull out the stops at Kelso. He’s also lightly raced over fences, and should have more to offer.

CHEPSTOW

Race 1 No16 SPRING GALE (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Harry Cobden

SPRING GALE looks one of the best bets of the night, and can assist Cobden clinch the jump jockeys’ title. She ran well in a handicap at Hereford last time, having put up a very good performance to chase home Coco Mademoiselle at this course, form which has been endorsed by her conqueror.

Race 3 No1 AUCUNRISQUE (Each Way)
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Freddie Gordon

AUCUNRISQUE did not go unbacked in the Sussex Champion Hurdle, but after showing more enthusiasm faded over the final two flights. He’s one with a touch of class, and on drying ground that will favour him can end a long lean spell, with Matterhorn looking his main obstacle to success.

Race 4 No3 TIGHTENOURBELTS
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

TIGHTENOURBELTS might not have lived up to his early promise over fences, but after a confidence-boosting run in a hurdle can now show his true colours. He’s one of the best young prospects in the Lavelle yard, and it looks significant that Sheehan has been booked for the mount on a rare ride for her.

Race 8 No14 PIPERS CROSS (Each Way)
Trainer: Robbie Llewellyn – Jockey: Liam Harrison

PIPERS CROSS was a clear-cut scorer over this course and distance earlier in the month to make it two successes from her last three outings. A strong traveller who hadn’t previously found much when hitting the front, it proved a different story in that recent triumph, and her confidence is now on a high.

NEWCASTLE

Race 3 No7 ANIF (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Tom Eaves

ANIF has been in the wilderness but there was evidence from his latest run here that he’s on the cusp of an overdue revival. Five of his nine career wins have happened at Gosforth Park, and this looks a good earning opportunity for him.

Race 5 No3 ROYAL VELVET (Nap)
Trainer: William Knight – Jockey: Jason Hart

ROYAL VELVET can make the long haul from West Sussex pay off on her handicap bow. The Lightning Spear filly is the least experienced in the field but was a winner on Tapeta on just a second start at Wolverhampton. If progressing from that she will prove hard to beat.

Race 7 No8 SAAHEQ (Each Way)
Trainer: Adrian Nicholls – Jockey: Mia Nicholls

SAAHEQ usually requires luck in running as he likes to arrive late on the scene. He’s shown in both outings this year that he’s on a cusp of a return to winning ways, and will go close if getting the rub of the green.