Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your Southwell, Exeter, Newcastle and Wolverhampton on 9 January 2025.
SOUTHWELL
Race 3 No2 COOL CUSTOMER (Nap)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Fern O’Brien
COOL CUSTOMER ran into a talented foe when chasing home Old Habits at this course on Rules debut in early December. In the firing line throughout, he eventually succumbed to the winner but had the rest of the field well strung out behind him. It’s strong form to bring to the table in this bumper for conditional and amateur jockeys.
Race 5 No10 THE EGYPTIAN GINGE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Mr Jamie Nield
THE EGYPTIAN GINGE has been handed some tough assignments since going hurdling and been well beaten at both Cheltenham and Haydock. However, this is a far cry from the Grade 2 in which he finished with everything in front of him on the last occasion, and if transferring the level of his bumper form from last season to the track he can open his account.
Race No7 AFTER MANY DAYS
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Former champion jockey Hughes is an eye taking booking for AFTER MANY DAYS who has plenty of experience and should have won by now. Her two earning starts this season suggest she’s capable of picking up a small race, and this can prove an overdue success.
Race 7 No8 BOLLIN THOU
Trainer: Nicky Henderson Schofield – Jockey: Sean Bowen
BOLLIN THOU landed some good bets on his third start for rookie trainer Schofield at this course and is out for more off his new mark. He slammed a previous winner in Glengolly that day, producing a much higher level of form than ever before.
EXETER
Race 1 No7 PIPERS CROSS (Each Way)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Cameron Johnstone
PIPERS CROSS was noted doing her best work at the finish at Doncaster on her latest start, a run that should have brought the mare forward. She can reward each way support in this open affair.
Race 4 No8 PILSDON PEN (Nap)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
PILSDON PEN won when retuning from a lengthy absence at Wincanton and was supported to back it up at the same track when it looked as if he didn’t get the trip. Now back to his optimum two and a half miles this good jumper can bounce back as the best bet on the card.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No5 NEW BAY STAR (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: PJ McDonald
NEW BAY STAR missed out on a great chance when his chosen meeting was cancelled last week, but here is an equally attractive opportunity for the New Bay gelding to break his duck. It’s only a second outing on sand for the grey, who can get the job done.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 2 No7 HAZIYM (Each Way)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Jack Doughty
HAZIYM gave a signal with his earning run at Kempton before Christmas that he’s ready to come out of racing’s wilderness. The former French based gelding has gone 20 starts with Carroll without a win, but after taking big drifts in the betting this season a market check is advised on him in a race where he can earn.
Race 5 No3 BELA SONATA
Trainer: Oliver Cole – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
With a success on Polytrack and another on turf to her name, the lightly raced BELA SONATA makes appeal as a filly that has progression in her. She’s returning from almost six months off but is ready for this return to Dunstall Park, where she finished third last May.
Race 6 No9 THE CARIBBEAN
Trainer: Heather Main – Jockey: Cieren Fallon
THE CARIBBEAN scored for his trainer at the 20th attempt over course and distance before Christmas, and if that has served as a confidence boost the No Nay Never gelding can go back-to-back in this higher grade affair. The blinkered selection did us a good turn on that occasion, and can stage a repeat.
Race 9 No6 MY FERMOY (Nap)
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: Ron Hornby
A flurry of support accompanied MY FERMOY in his first career win after which he stuck on well to beat all but Duke’s Command in a first handicap assignment. While this looks a slightly tougher ask, he is less exposed than his opponents.
