Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Friday 13 October 2023

CHEPSTOW

Race 1 No7 GOOD BOY BOBBY (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

GOOD BOY BOBBY returns from a five month absence, but has shown in the past that he’s effective when fresh. He was not entirely disgraced in the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and needs to be taken seriously for a stable amongst the winners.

Race 3 No3 CLASSIC KING
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy

CLASSIC KING brings good bumper form to the table for this first run over hurdles. He’s been well tutored over obstacles at home, and should enjoy this galloping track.

Race 4 No8 INCH HOUSE (Nap)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

INCH HOUSE was a late scratch from his intended first run back a couple of weeks ago. The least exposed in the field, he brings course winning form to the table from his final outing over hurdles, and has schooled well over fences at home.

Race 6 No1 BEFORE MIDNIGHT (Each Way)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien – Jockey: Mr Ben Sutton

A change of scenery may bring about a confidence boost for BEFORE MIDNIGHT, who contested some wickedly competitive handicap chases last season including at the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. He’s a very good jumper and needs taking seriously, though his fitness has to be taken on trust.

NEWMARKET

Race 1 NEWMARKET ACADEMY GODOLPHIN BEACON PROJECT CORNWALLIS STAKES (Group 3)

No9 FLORA OF BERMUDA
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

Zoulu Chief will ensure there’s a lightning pace in this historic sprint, and could prove hard to catch, but one that will be shadowing him and could pounce late is FLORA OF BERMUDA. The Dark Angel filly chased home Big Evs in the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster and is now at her peak, with ground conditions an added plus to her profile.

Race 2 GODOLPHIN LIFETIME CARE OH SO SHARP STAKES (Group 3)

No6 SKELLET
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Ryan Moore

SKELLET can put her name at the forefront of the 1,000 Guineas market by taking out a race named after one of the few fillies to have landed the Triple Crown. The daughter of Kingman looked the part when opening her account at Salisbury in a race that keeps being boosted. Moore is an eye taking booking for her, and the combination can land the spoils at the main expense of Dance Sequence and Chic Colombine.

Race 3 THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY EMPLOYEE AWARDS CHALLENGE STAKES (Group 2)

No2 CHINDIT (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Ryan Moore

CHINDIT has been a captain of industry through the summer and autumn as he readies himself for stallion duties in India. Second to Modern Games in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, he took out a Group 3 at Haydock and a Listed race at Sandown before being denied in a blanket finish to the Joel Stakes at this course last month. He needs to show that he’s as effective over today’s shorter trip, but the presence of Matilda Picotte should provide a strong pace for him to aim at.

Race 5 BET365 FILLIES’ MILE (Group 1)

No6 SEE THE FIRE (Each Way)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

SHUWARI surrendered her unbeaten record to a classy foe in the Rockfel Stakes and is entitled to head the market for the day’s feature. YLANG YLANG was a place behind her on that occasion, and in a different situation has a chance to turn the tables. If there’s one that can upset the applecart it is SEE THE FIRE, a Sea The Stars filly whose dam won the Juddmonte International at York. The home-bred was a convincing scorer on debut on the July course before chasing home Darnation in the May Hill at Doncaster. With just those two outings under her belt she could have more to offer in the popular colours of Jeff Smith.

Race 8 NEWMARKET PONY ACADEMY PRIDE STAKES (Group 3)

No5 BOOGIE WOOGIE (Each Way)
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien – Jockey: Frankie Dettori

Dettori’s decision to ride on into 2024 does not cloud my belief that BOOGIE WOOGIE is going to get the better of barnmate UNLESS in this interesting distaffers’ race. The latter will appreciate stepping into slightly calmer waters, but my selection has dodged what looked a golden opportunity at Naas on Sunday, while her form from the Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp and the Park Hill at Doncaster is certainly strong enough.

YORK

Race 1 No9 PILGRIM (Nap)
Trainer: David Barron – Jockey: Joe Fanning

PILGRIM brings a big experience edge over his foes to the table, having taken away minor cheques in each of his four starts. The son of go-to sire Havana Grey can stave off the challenge of 250,000 guineas newcomer Wahkan.

Race 3 No10 AFRICAN SPIRIT
Trainer: Ben Brookhouse – Jockey: Dougie Costello

This valuable Sales race gives AFRICAN SPIRIT the chance to advertise the merits of his hugely impressive debut success at Newcastle. He’s worked well on grass at home, and though lacking the experience of some of his rivals can give his rookie trainer an important big race triumph.

Race 4 No1 NORTHERN EXPRESS (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan

NORTHERN EXPRESS never looked entirely happy when running over six furlongs for the first time in the Ayr Gold Cup. Returned to his optimum trip of a mile, the top weight can use his trademark powerful finish to good effect and rates one of the best betting entities on a fascinating day.

Race 6 No6 WEN MOON (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Haslam – Jockey: Jonny Peate

With near misses on his last two starts, WEN MOON has indicated he’s going to notch a decent prize before long. Should the Mehmas gelding enjoy the rub of the green he can take the spoils, with LOOKING FOR LYNDA another to be included in exotic permutations.

NEWCASTLE

Race 6 No2 TOWNSEND MANOR (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Philippart De Foy – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt

TOWNSEND MANOR powered home at Redcar before running well under a penalty to claim a cheque at Lingfield and is now back up to sux furlongs in a race that might not take much winning. He can play the experience card to telling effect as the best bet on this card.

Place Accumulator Perm (Races 3-9)

9, 2, 4 x 2, 4 x 2 x 2, 1 x 3, 10 x 7, 6, 9 x 1, 7

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