Carl Harris’ Daily Racing Tips / Carl Harris / 20 November 2009 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet View Market

Carl Harris is focusing on the action at Ascot today with the intention of building a bank for the Betfair-sponsored Haydock card on Saturday

My betting is all about Ascot as the Berkshire track commences what should be an excellent two day meeting. Haydock on Saturday is the best card of the weekend and the object today is to boost the betting bank for a good tilt at the Betfair Chase. We will focus on that race tomorrow, but it is interesting to note the bullish reports coming from the Paul Nicholls stable, unlike this time last week with Master Minded.

There are three jumps meetings at Ascot, Kelso and Exeter with the obligatory all-weather card at Wolverhampton. I must admit to finding it hard to get too enthusiastic about the all-weather, but the National Hunt season is really getting good now. I am following the quality and sticking to Ascot today.

13:30 Ascot, Zemsky - Win. An interesting beginners chase where Zemsky can get the better Prince Taime who is much higher rated over hurdles. Nicky Henderson has a very good record with first time chasers and in Zemsky he has a chasing type who was a big improver last season, winning his last two races. His last race at Perth was very eye-catching and he should improve for the switch to the bigger obstacles.

14:05 Ascot, Manyriverstocross - Win. This may be one for the multi-bets if the price prohibits a decent single. Rated 97 on the flat he made a victorious debut at Chepstow, winning readily by eight lengths a couple of weeks ago. Alan King has plenty of decent novice hurdlers and as I have said before it could be a good year for the King / Thornton partnership.

15:15 Ascot, Any Currency - Win. Martin Keithley is establishing a reputation as a capable trainer. He was in the winners' enclosure on Sunday with Wolf Moon at Cheltenham and has formed a decent alliance with jockey Warren Marston who rode Any Currency to victory at Sandown last time out. The ground will be no problem and he is an exciting sort to follow over fences. My best bet of the day.

Those are my three bets for today, but if things go well I will have a small punt on Zabeel Palace (15:50) who was unlucky last time out when I thought he was given too much to do by Paul Moloney. He looks a decent sort who is still improving, but I am always wary about piling in on horses from this stable. I do think he has a big chance, all things being equal.

For my value bet today I am taking Percussionist (14:25) at Kelso to come back from a break and run well. The Howard Johnson yard can certainly get them fit first time and Percussionist has the form in the book to compete here. I suggest a win and place bet.

Carl Harris' Best Bets for Friday 20 November...
13:30 Ascot, Zemsky - Win @ [3.1]
14:05 Ascot, Manyriverstocross - Win @ [1.65]
15:15 Ascot, Any Currency - Win @ [3.9] (NAP)

Tags: Any Currency, Ascot, Betfair Chase, Haydock, Manyriverstocross, Percussionist, Zemsky