Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Kelso and Southwell on 29 December 2023.
DONCASTER
Race 3 No1 ONEMOREFORTHEROAD
Trainer: Neil King – Jockey: Jack Quinlan
ONEMOREFORTHEROAD made no mistake on his debut over fences over this course and distance earlier in the month to suggest he has a bright future as a chaser. He jumped well and came home unchallenged to record a first success in over two years, while race has cut up favourably for him.
Race 4 No3 ZAMBELLA (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
In a cracking Listed mares’ chase, ZAMBELLA can deliver the goods. When scoring on seasonal return at Aintree she was winning that race for the third year, while she is unbeaten in two visits to this track, both over fences. She’s in great form at home, and can stave off a strong challenge led by Irish raider Limerick Lace and the improving Carole’s Pass.
Race 5 No6 DANCING IN BRAZIL (Each Way)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
DANCING IN BRAZIL unseated his pilot on hurdles debut but fared much better when second to the well-regarded and impressive Secret Squirrel at Kempton. If he can build on that good effort he is the one to beat. The cash that arrived for Parade Away at Hereford this month went west when he was beaten fair and square by Handstands, and he’s the one who could given my selection most to think about.
KELSO
Race 1 No3 CLOVIS ISLAND
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
Several can win this opening novices’ hurdle although CLOVIS ISLAND might provide the best value. Having been the ready winner of his only start in a Hexham bumper last season, he was a warm order for his first run over hurdles at the same track last month, only to take minor honours behind Great Pepper. He’s better than he showed, and with his stable in top gear can put the record straight.
Race 5 No3 NELL’S BELLS (Nap)
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Theo Gillard
NELL’S BELLS was on the mark on the first and last of his four outings last season. However, he was never better than when taking out a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle on his final start at Newcastle. He’s shown the ability to operate effectively after a long absence, and with so few miles on his racing clock has plenty of room for further progression.
Race 6 No12 WALK ON QUEST
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Derek Fox
Former Irish pointer WALK ON QUEST will have been well tutored for this first run under Rules. He hails from a yard that houses many well-regarded novices’, and as long as the market speaks favourably for him, can deliver.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 No3 MR STRUTTER
Trainer: David Thompson – Jockey: Elle-May Croot
MR STRUTTER and Revoquable are drawn alongside each other on the inner for this race around a lap of the track. Revoquable wasn’t beaten far here three weeks ago while Mr Strutter added to his Newcastle success in the summer when scoring in heavy ground at Catterick at the end of October. Both horses are worth backing singly and also including in exactas, trifectas and quartets.
Race 3 No2 LEAP DAY (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
LEAP DAY has so far promised more than he’s delivered and remains a maiden after seven attempts. However, he raised his game to trouble the judge when switched to a handicap last time, and a repeat of that Newcastle running could give him the edge over Gold Aura and On The Cards in what looks a strictly three horse war.
Race 8 No1 CLOUD CUCKOO (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
Four-year-old CLOUD CUCKOO takes the eye in this classified stakes for a trainer who hasn’t run anything on the all-weather since the end of the turf season. The selection was beaten less than four lengths when having a first run in a handicap at Chepstow in the spring and this is his first subsequent outing. He also showed promise when claiming a cheque at the same course on turf debut, and is one to keep a close eye on in the betting.
