Sky Sports’ All-Weather Racing expert Simon Mapletoft looks ahead to the meetings at Southwell and Newcastle on Friday.
Chookie Can Bounce Back on New Tapeta Track
Course and distance scorer CHOOKIE DUNEDIN (Nap) can bounce back to winning ways in the MansionBet Proud Partners Of The AWC Handicap (2.50) at Southwell on Friday.
Keith Dalgleish’s gelding overcame a similarly wide draw to win on the new Tapeta in December, beating the re-opposing Custard The Dragon, and had legitimate excuses last time.
He could never get competitive after missing the break at Wolverhampton but was still beaten only three lengths by the well backed Thapa Vc and can gain compensation off a mark some 10lb lower than the one he won off in February last year.
Emperor Has More to Offer Over Longer Trip
DUBAI EMPEROR is open to improvement now he’s tackling longer trips and can supplement his commanding Chelmsford City win last week in the 1.10 at Southwell.
Well on top in a 10f handicap at the Essex track with a previous winner well behind, this four-year-old remains well treated despite his penalty and promises to relish the additional furlong on such a galloping track.
David Simcock’s son of Gleneagles is well drawn to stalk the pace from stall two and can reward the in-form trainer with his fourth winner in eight days.
Arlecchino a Gift in Southwell Finale
Daniel Muscutt, who is enjoying his best ever winter season, has a strong winning chance on ARLECCHINO’S GIFT in the closing 6f handicap at Southwell (3.55).
His victory over a subsequent winner at Lingfield Park last time can be upgraded as he won with more in hand than a 3lb rise suggests.
It was also his first start since last summer, when he was rated considerably higher. He should enjoy Southwell’s long straight and, significantly, Muscutt enjoys a healthy level stakes profit for his trainer Mark Usher.
Keep it Local in Newcastle Handicap
In-form trainer David O’Meara, who sits in second place in the trainers’ championship, has engaged top jockey Tom Marquand for his LOCAL BAY in the MansionBet Proud Partners Of The AWC Handicap (4.30) at Newcastle.
Successful over 1m at Gosforth Park on his stable debut in December, the son of Cable Bay drops back in grade following a respectable run at Wolverhampton over Christmas despite losing a shoe.
Lightly raced for a four-year-old, he looks well handicapped off a 1lb lower mark and O’Meara will be keen to send him to the February sales on the back of another win.
Simon’s Best Bets:
Southwell (Friday):
1.10 Dubai Emperor
2.50 Chookie Dunedin (Nap)
3.55 Arlecchino’s Gift
Newcastle (Friday):
4.30 Local Bay