Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Exeter, Leicester, Ayr and Newcastle on 8 March 2024.
EXETER
Race 2 No1 SPIRITS BAY (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Jordan Nailor
SPIRITS BAY gained valuable experience of the Haldon circuit when landing a novice hurdle over course and distance, stamping his authority at the business end of the contest. He’s very well regarded at Grange Farm, and can make this a winning first venture into handicap company.
Race 4 No2 FINE CASTING
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Kielan Woods
FINE CASTING has done nothing wrong in three starts since having his attention switched to fences. A grand stamp of a horse, he can deservedly open his account for in-form Pauling in a fascinating race.
Race 5 No1 SUPERVISOR
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: Ned Fox
This long-distance handicap chase is best left to SUPERVISOR, who picked up a 7lb penalty for scoring at Ludlow but remains on the right side of the assessor. As long as he’s taken those exertions in his stride it should result in back-to-back successes for the lightly-raced ten-year-old.
Race 6 No1 ACTIVIST
Trainer: David Pipe – Jack Tudor
Another penalised horse with pretensions to success in this handicap hurdle is ACTIVIST. He looked to have taken a big step forward when dotting up at Taunton, and even under a combined penalty of a stone, should complete a fine hat-trick.
LEICESTER
Race 2 No1 NOCHE NEGRA (Nap)
Trainer: Luca Morgan – Lewis Dobb
Nube Negra’s close relative NOCHE NEGRA did us a good turn when powering home at Southwell. He’s been raised 5lb for those exertions but looked to have at least as much in hand. The Nap is quickly getting to grips with the rudiments of jumping fences and looks one to follow.
Race 4 No1 MONTGOMERY
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
MONTGOMERY could hardly have been more impressive when coming home unchallenged on debut for his trainer at Bangor. He’s another seeking to strike while the iron’s hot, and under a 7lb penalty should prove very hard to beat in a race that has cut up in his favour.
Race 6 No6 DRAKES WELL (Each Way)
Trainer: Fred Hutsby – Jockey: Mr T Hutsby
The Big Lense and Cap Du Mathan are interesting recruits to the hunter-chase ranks, but at a bigger price, DRAKES WELL is also considered. The veteran represents a trainer that has had some top performers through his hands over the years, and although returning from a near two-year absence is a good jumper that needs respecting.
AYR
Race 1 No4 HAZY GLEN
Trainer: Mick Easterby – Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
Irish raider Ayiko takes the eye now in calmer waters than when running at the Dublin Racing Festival. However, HAZY GLEN also commands respect and wasn’t beaten far at Newcastle last time. He drops back to the minimum trip but will be doing his best work at the finish, and can outstay his foes.
Race 3 No8 WEAVER’S ANSWER
Trainer: Tim Vaughan – Jockey: Alan Johns
WEAVER’S ANSWER has multiple entries, but if heading here needs to be taken seriously. He was totally dominant when scoring at Plumpton, and even though this is a completely different track he’s at the right end of the weights to put his best foot forward.
Race 6 No1 EL ELEFANTE (Nap)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Derek Fox
EL ELEFANTE was a very useful bumper horse who should enjoy a drop down the class ladder in this mares’ novices’ hurdle. She claimed a minor cheque in a Haydock Listed contest, and though last of five in a Grade 2 at Doncaster is going to find this a far more straightforward task.
NEWCASTLE
Race 1 No2 VERY CLASSY (Each Way)
Trainer: Geoff Oldroyd – Jockey: Harry Russell
VERY CLASSY might never live up to his name, but in these early days of his career is the least exposed in the field and can show how much he’s benefitted from a winter at grass by scoring on this handicap debut.
Race 4 No8 STAR OF KILFRUSH (Each Way)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Shane Gray
No Nay Never filly STAR OF KILFRUSH was easy to back on debut at Wolverhampton when posting a midfield finish. She should have learned plenty from that, and if near her paper price is worth win and place support.
