Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Exeter, Hexham and Newcastle on 10 November 2023.
EXETER
Race 3 No3 DIAMOND RI (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
One of the most exciting horses in the Tizzard stable, DIAMOND RI makes abundant appeal on this jumps debut at a galloping track that will suit. The chestnut bolted up on his Rules debut at Warwick in March, and has delighted connections in his preparation for the switch from bumpers to novice hurdles.
Race 5 No2 GREY DAWNING
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
All eyes will be on Albert Bartlett Hurdle winner Stay Away Fay on his chase debut, but the Nicholls stable suffered a reverse with one of its recruits to fences earlier in the week, and the six-year-old may find GREY DAWNING too hot to handle. The selection completed a fine hat-trick in novice and handicap company before falling in a Grade 1 at Aintree. He’s a top prospect for the Skeltons, and can set himself up for a bountiful season.
Race 6 No3 BRAVE SEASCA
Trainer: Venetia Williams – Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
The featured Haldon Gold Cup is a tricky puzzle to unravel, but granted the very testing underfoot conditions BRAVE SEASCA could be the way to go. His trainer produced him ready after a lengthy absence around this time last season, and he duly bolted up at Aintree. Although unable to build on that, there’s a feeling that today could be D-day for him. This isn’t the strongest renewal, but Editeur Du Gite had the best form last season and can again run well to get into the money.
Race 7 No5 BROOMFIELD PRESENT (Each Way)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: David Bass
Bailey’s horses are in good order and BROOMFIELD PRESENT is a fascinating contender for this stayers’ handicap chase. He’s a winner between the flags and was unlucky not to win in each of his three appearances over hurdles last season. With few miles on his racing clock there should be more to come from him.
HEXHAM
Race 3 No6 JIMMY CHOU PECOS AA (Nap)
Trainer: John McConnell – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
McConnell is red hot with the horses he ships from Ireland and JIMMY CHOU PECOS AA gives the trainer a strong chance of taking out this maiden hurdle. His defeats at Navan and Kelso came at a price, but following a mid season break he’s strongly fancied to recoup some of those losses.
Race 5 No3 GEORDIES DREAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Pauline Robson – Jockey: Brian Hughes
GEORDIES DREAM made an immediate impact when landing a Kelso bumper and showed promise on his first start over hurdles. He then endured training issues, but if back to near his best can cut a dash in this handicap hurdle debut Following a lengthy absence.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No7 LEVERET
Trainer: Richard Fahey – Jockey: J Garritty
Invincible Army filly LEVERET was a strong finishing second on her introduction at this course when she had a couple of previous winners in her wake. If making the expected progression on this second outing she should open her account.
Race 3 No3 CIRCUS LION (Each Way)
Trainer: Bryan Smart – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
CIRCUS LION brings good form to the table for this competitive novice, but could be over priced. The grey troubled the judge at Hamilton and Redcar, and has worked well on an all-weather surface in a seven week break since his last outing.
Race 6 No9 MR HEINZ (Nap)
Trainer: Simon Whitaker – Jockey: Cam Hardie
MR HEINZ has improved for the application of blinkers and shown very good form at this course, winning easily and being denied in a photo on two visits last month. Granted his preference for Gosforth Park he looks set for another earning run, and is a PA banker.
