Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield Park, Bath and Newcastle on 7 April 2023.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No6 SATONO CHEVALIER (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard O’Brien – Jockey: J Kearney
SATONO CHEVALIER is among a handful of Irish-trained horses that hold solid claims on all-weather championships day. The Invincible Spirit gelding has gone 2211 since being switched to sand at Dundalk, and when moving up to this mile-and-a-half trip has bolted up by an aggregate of 11 lengths. He’s a totally different horse on an artificial surface, and from his revised mark needs respecting. Another to put on the exacta and trifecta perms is Vega Sicilian, for whom Roger Charlton has booked the talented apprentice Connor Planas.
Race 2 No3 EHTEYAT (Each Way)
Trainer: George Boughey – Jockey: William Buick
Several go into this marathon off recent wins including Halic, Mr Escobar and Carzola, but one that could trump them all is EHTEYAT whose trainer has made his expected dynamic start to the year. The selection has triumphed in two of his last four starts and might have been unfortunate not to resist First Emperor at this course back in January. He’s had this race on his radar ever since, and appeals as an attractive EW entity.
Race 3 No12 DINGLE (Each Way)
Trainer: Julia Camacho – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
A change of scenery brought about a notable amount of improvement from DINGLE, who takes the eye from the foot of the weights, while fresh from a storming success at Newcastle on a first outing since undergoing a breathing operation. He’s run well on each of his outings under Camacho’s tutelage and just gets the verdict over POWER OF DARKNESS. He put in easily his best run for new trainer Charlie Fellowes when third over this course and distance last month, and if rediscovering his old ability level will be hard to keep out of the argument.
Race 6 No11 SPRING PROMISE (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
While Good Friday isn’t one on which Godolphin usually fields any of its heavy artillery, SPRING PROMISE is a filly that can bring Sheikh Mohammed’s operation joy by taking out this distaffers’ race. The daughter of Lope De Vega was a snug scorer when opening her account over the course and distance, and could well have a lot more to offer now in a handicap for the first time.
BATH
Race 1 No12 EXCEED (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Tinkler – Jockey: Rowan Scott
EXCEED makes the long trek from North Yorkshire for this opening sprint and is surely not doing so just for the goodness of his health ? He’s edged closer to a first career success in his three races in 2023 and granted the rub of the green in the 17-runner field has a big earning chance, with Ma Famille the stand out danger.
Race 2 No SHOW COMPASSION (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Hector Crouch
Of similar ilk is SHOW COMPASSION, who makes the journey from Darlington with solid claims in another 17-runner affair confined to fillies. The daughter of Showcasing has earned in three of only four outings on sand after showing promise on her introduction on grass last summer. If as good on the last-named surface she will be competitive.
NEWCASTLE
Race 1 No1 ARABIAN STORM (Each Way)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Oisin Murphy exudes a demeanour that is fuelled with determination as he engages in what should become a fascinating duel with William Buick for the Flat jockeys’ championship. Earlier in the week the Irishman pointed to a strong book of Good Friday rides for his biggest supporter Andrew Balding, and if the cards fall right he could enjoy a day to remember. ARABIAN STORM takes a big step up the class ladder into this Listed opener, but the Kingman colt will not be disgraced. He may have galloped past trees when opening his account at this track last month, but he’s gone forward in his subsequent work, and if starting anywhere close to his paper price is worth investing as a decent each way bet.
Race 2 No2 DESERT COP (Each Way)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
In the same popular colours of owner-breeder Jeff Smith, DESERT COP demands similar respect in this conditions sprint in which the lightly-raced individual can further elevate himself. By Oasis Dream out of a mare who possessed blinding speed, the gelding has to show he’s as good on Tapeta as the Polytrack to give us a good run for our money against Hello Queen and Shaquille.
Race 3 No3 BERKSHIRE ROCCO (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
BERKSHIRE ROCCO can make it a successful first visit to Gosforth Park and looks a worthy favourite for this marathon. The chestnut has the clear beating of Rainbow Dreamer, and can resist the challenge of Earlofthecotswolds to tee himself up for a crack at the major Cup races through the remainder of the season.
Race 5 No1 BERKSHIRE SHADOW
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Another strong favourite for the Balding/Murphy team is BERKSHIRE SHADOW. The grey was a tenacious scorer on his reappearance and all-weather debut at Wolverhampton last month. He regularly contested Group races last spring and summer and as a Group 2 winner at Royal Ascot (Coventry Stakes) can make his class edge count in what is sure to become a tactical heat.
Race 7 No11 VADREAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
VADREAM showed how much more effective she is on soft turf when bolting up in the Cambridge Trophy at Doncaster last week. Her form on sand is not nearly as good, but she’s in good heart as she steps down a rung on the class ladder from Listed into a conditions race under Hollie Doyle.
