Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Epsom Downs and Newcastle on 12 September 2024.
DONCASTER
Race 2 No14 AN OUTLAW’S GRACE (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Sean Levey
Granted he has placed form in a Group race, AN OUTLAW’S GRACE needs respecting in this valuable Sales race. From the final crop of Dandy Man, he has subsequently finished out of the money in another Pattern race at Goodwood and stayed on to do his best work at the finish in the equivalent of this contest at York. Although there’s a big field there are not many that can win, and I would include CAMILLE PISSARRO and especially INTRUSIVELY in all exotics.
Race 3 BETFRED MAY HILL STAKES (Group 2)
No8 MANILA THRILLER (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa
Whatever wins this recognised Classic trial will gain quotes for next year’s 1,000 Guineas, and especially if it’s the favourite DESERT FLOWER. The Godolphin-owned filly is unbeaten in a couple of starts at Newmarket and has dominated the early betting on this with the Coolmore fillies ECSTATIC and JANUARY. The latter impressed when landing a Listed race last time and might prove the better, but for those who enjoy getting place odds out of a roughie, MANILLA THRILLER might float your boat. She hunted up Linwood at Ripon and then Serving With Style at Goodwood and both of those conquerors are no mugs. If near her paper price of 100-1, the daughter of Sixties Icon is worth a speculative investment.
Race 4 BETFRED PARK HILL STAKES (Group 2)
No5 SUMO SAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: James Doyle
Although she is yet to get her head in front this season NIGHT SPARKLE must have a good chance of doing so in this historic feature. The Postponed filly found two miles stretching her stamina at York but a drop back to a mile and threequarters should see her in her comfort zone. OXFORD COMMA has limited experience but the fact that Ralph Beckett is running her at this level so soon indicates how highly he regards the Nathaniel filly. She’s come home challenged in novices at Salisbury and on this course and looks sure to enjoy the extra yardage. SUMO SAM took out last year’s Nassau Stakes in monsoon conditions and followed up in this race but has been in the wilderness subsequently. She did however run a bit better in the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury, and with her stable amongst the winners could raise her game, especially if it rains.
Race 5 No4 FOX LEGACY (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute – Jockey: Ryan Moore
A win for FOX LEGACY would be poignant granted the announcement earlier in the week that Sir Michael Stoute will retire at the end of the year. The Lope De Vega colt bolted up at Salisbury and was so impressive the handicapper raised him 16lbs. It’s easy to think such punishment will anchor him, but in lieu of the fact it was only his fifth career start and second in handicap company, there could be even more to come. I strongly fancy him to follow up and stave off the challenge of VICTORIOUS STREET.
Race 6 No2 SPELL MASTER
Trainer: Andrew Balding- Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Kameko colt SPELL MASTER has shown a professional attitude in his racing, and though just behind QASEEM in his first nursery at York can turn the tables at the revised weights. He had earlier shown tenacity to open his account at Goodwood while the ground, track and trip are all in his favour.
EPSOM DOWNS
Race 2 No12 REDREDROBIN (Each Way)
Trainer: Malcolm Saunders – Jockey: Charlie Bennett
REDREDROBIN is very effective on this switchback course, as she showed when grabbed on the post at the end of last month. It transpired that her rider had to contend with a slipping saddle in the closing stages, but though clearly unlucky she was unable to show her form when missing the break at Chepstow last week. It’s best to put a line through that underwhelming run and support her to bounce back, as she’s been handed the perfect draw from which to either lead or be handy.
Race 3 No3 THURSDAY (Nap)
Trainer: Simon Dow – Jockey: Christian Howarth
THURSDAY has been in good form through the late summer and would be an apt winner of this Class5. She was a game scorer on turf at Lingfield before troubling the judge at this track and Windsor. She looks booked for another big earning run for her local trainer.
NEWCASTLE
Race 6 No5 KITAAB
Trainer: Phil Kirby – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
KITAAB has shown promise in all three start since joining his trainer and arrives here a fresh horse. Not only should he enjoy the switch onto an all-weather surface, but he enjoys the additional benefit of having Doyle in his saddle for the first time.
Race 8 No8 DANDY FITZ (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Duran Fentiman
There aren’t many betting opportunities on this card but DANDY FITZ could be one worth waiting for. The selection competes off the same mark as when chinned at Southwell earlier in the month and can prove too hot for the equally in-form DC Flyer to handle.
