Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Ascot, Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton on 22 December 2023.
ASCOT
Race 2 No11 WELCOM TO CARTRIES (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Harry Cobden
WELCOM TO CARTRIES ran into a willing foe when touched off by Beat The Beat here last month. The former Irish point winner is regarded as one of the brightest prospects amongst the novices at Ditcheat. He’s pleased his connections subsequently and can put his best foot forward in the colours of Johnny De La Hey.
Race 3 No2 AUTHORISED SPEED
Trainer: Gary Moore – Jockey: David Noonan
From a stable in cracking form that love having winners at this course, AUTHORISED SPEED could be the answer. His front-running tactics were employed successfully in three of his five outings over hurdles last season, while when meeting defeat it was at the top level. He’s always promised to find his forte as a chaser, and has jumped well in practice at home.
Race 4 No1 BAD
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Beau Morgan
BAD brings good form to the table courtesy of his second in the Gerry Feilden Hurdle at Newbury in which the grey chased home the well-regarded Hansard. He’d previously troubled the judge at this track, and was a winner in testing conditions with his previous trainer in France. The grey meets strong opposition under his big weight, but this is eased by the claim of his capable rider, and he can prevail over Mardoof, Jagwar and Toonagh Warrior who should also figure.
Race 5 HOWDEN NOEL NOVICES’ CHASE (Grade 2)
No1 UNEXPECTED PARTY
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
While any one of the four acceptors can win this valuable prize, UNEXPECTED PARTY is easily the most experienced over fences and can use that asset to good advantage. Placed in all but one of his six chases last season, he broke his novice status when returning at Chepstow and was far from disgraced when fifth to Stage Star in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. And although underwhelming back in a novice at Sandown, that was a Grade 1, so this is effectively a class drop for the grey.
UTTOXETER
Race 1 No6 TINTAGEL QUEEN (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
Camelot mare TINTAGEL QUEEN was easy to back but shaped well,on her first run over hurdles when third to Bucksy Des Epeires at Lingfield. If going forward she can open her account, as this longer trip will suit in her battle with Endless Supply who rates a big danger.
Race 3 No6 HI RIKO
Trainer: Richard Hobson – Jockey: Brian Hughes
HI RIKO might experience the change of luck he deserves with Hughes in his saddle for the first time. The fitting of a tongue strap seems to have assisted him in two near misses from as many starts this season, while the track, trip and ground are also safely ticked.
SOUTHWELL
Race 6 No5 EMBARKED (Each Way)
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Not many in this have recent winning form but EMBARKED seeks to make it a third from his last four outings for a top Newmarket trainer. The Kodiac gelding has improved for the addition of blinkers, as shown by his victories at Wolverhampton and Kempton. Formerly based in Hong Kong, this is only his fourth run on sand, and there could well be more to come.
Race 7 No3 THAPA VC (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Rimell – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Muscutt enjoys another good winning chance aboard THAPA VC. The selection hails from a trainer that gets the best out of his small string, and a switch to Southwell with cheek pieces retained can bring with it reward.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 3 No9 BETWEENTHESTICKS (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Rose Dawes
Regular earner BETWEENTHESTICKS breaks from the favoured rail and receives weight from each of his eight opponents. The three-year-old is yet to win for Jack Channon but after a longer break than he usually gets between races he’s fancied to take the spoils.
Race 5 No4 SMOKY MOUNTAIN (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Harry Davies
Frankel gelding SMOKY MOUNTAIN has most of the bases covered in an admittedly warm race. He’s the least experienced in the field but that proffers room for progression, while he has a very good draw and was impressive when opening his account over course and distance three weeks ago.
Race 6 No5 INTOXICATA
Trainer: Ed Dunlop – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
INTOXICATA wears the badge of consistency and with figures of 112322 from a good draw should again be firmly in the mix. The U S Navy Flag filly boasts winning form at Dunstall Park, and in Ryan has a jockey operating as well as any on the all-weather.
