Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield Park, Catterick Bridge, Newcastle, and Southwell on 31 January 2025.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No5 SEATOIT (Nap)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
In three outings since joining his trainer from Ireland SEATOIT hasn’t set the world on fire although that scenario might be about to change. He had good form in bumpers, and what could help make the difference is his move up to this near three mile trip, which can see him in a better light.
Race 2 No2 GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY
Trainer: Ben Clarke – Jockey: Rex Dingle
GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY looked like a horse getting ready to win when chasing home Lewis Stones on his second run back from a breathing operation at Exeter. The grey is an especially good jumper, and should enjoy this first career visit to Lingfield.
Race 3 No8 ELFORLEATHER (Each Way)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
A fascinating runner in this maiden hurdle is ELFORLEATHER, now in the ownership of the Million In Mind Partnership who have enjoyed abundant success with King over the years. The four-year-old was a three times winner for Jack Channon on sand, and though on the small side for a jumper so was Champion hurdler Katchit, and he’s been beautifully prepared for this switch of codes.
Race 4 No5 PASSING WELL
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
The consistent PASSING WELL can deservedly open his account for the season in this three and a half mile marathon. He’s defending a one race unbeaten record over fences at this course and will be in his element in the likely gruelling conditions.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 5 No7 CAVE ARTICLE (Nap)
Trainer: Christian Williams – Jockey: Brian Hughes
On a card that doesn’t light my fire from a betting perspective, CAVE ARTICLE is the only advice. He’s up 7lb for his cosy triumph at Sedgefield but surely isn’t travelling all the way from Wales just for the goodness of his health.
NEWCASTLE
Race 5 No4 KITAAB
Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Cam Hardie
It’s hard to get away from the sheer consistency of KITAAB, who has remained on an unchanged mark in spite of being beaten only by a subsequent winner at Wolverhampton. If running up to that level he can stave off the challenge of recent course and distance winner MUSCIKA.
Race 6 No6 TARGET MAN (Nap)
Trainer: George Boughey – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
Although he’s had a few chances, this should be TARGET MAN’s day. He cost his followers dear when finishing last of three as a hot favourite at Chelmsford, but a step up from 1000 metres to 1400 metres here can prove significant, and make a big difference to him.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No3 MARCHOGION (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
MARCHOGION is the first of several good opportunities on this card, and should make no mistake. Representing a trainer with a more than 30% strike-rate with his all-weather runners, his 85 rating gives him quite a bit in hand of his foes as he reverts to a novice from a handicap.
Race 3 No6 EDUCATOR (Each Way)
Trainer: Henrietta Knight – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
Several in this Class4 have been in good form, making it a race where it’s difficult to leave anything out. However, a recent outing over hurdles helped in shaking away the cobwebs for EDUCATOR, who can raise his game on only a fourth start since his move to Lockinge.
Race 4 No2 EYDON
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Jane Chapple-Hyam is responsible for two of the four candidates for this Winter Derby Trial but the one to be on is EYDON. He’s better off at the weights with Champagne Prince from their running in a Listed race at Kempton, and can turn the tables.
Race 5 No1 BAY OF NAPLES (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Andrea Pinna
BAY OF NAPLES is plenty high enough in the weights but the assistance from his jockey’s 7lb claim can enable him to get something out of this at a likely decent price. He frustratingly couldn’t get his head in front last season but this is the day to get involved, as it’s his first run since undergoing wind surgery
Race 7 No7 DAWN OF LIBERATION (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr- Jockey: Luke Morris
DAWN OF LIBERATION hadn’t run on sand when joining Carr around this time last year. In five subsequent outings on that surface he’s earned on four occasions but has become something of a forgotten horse. Luke Morris was reunited with him for his latest start at Wolverhampton in the autumn, since when he’s thrived for a freshening break.
