Today's Racing Tips: Honeyball hurdler worth more than a passing Glance at Ascot

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Sam Turner has two tips for Friday

Betfair tipster Sam Turner returns with two selections for Friday's racing at Ascot and Newcastle...

  • Well-treated five-year-old catches the eye

  • Fleet-footed Dance can justify faith

  • Sherlock hunting a much-needed first win


Ascot, 14.25 - Back Dance And Glance each-way @ 5/16.00

There is a school of thought that suggests Dance And Glance is an extremely well handicapped hurdler on a current mark of 116.

The case for the prosecution would suggest the five-year-old has enjoyed four opportunities to vindicate that view and has yet to win a handicap despite being sent off favourite twice and not once more than 7/1.

The son of Passing Glance has yet to tackle a trip in excess of two miles and three furlongs since undergoing a wind operation and that might be a road that trainer Anthony Honeyball looks to explore in the not too distance future.

For now, Dance And Glance remains at the minimum trip for this 0-120 handicap which has attracted a sizeable field and looks likely to be run at a true gallop with Parramount, Norman Fletcher, Easter Icon and Gower Spirit all looking likely pacesetters.

That should play to the strengths of the selection who craves a pace collapse at this trip given the way he travels in his races and he could reward an each-way wager with extended place terms available.

His fourth to Alexei in a warm race last time catches the eye and, although there is rain forecast, it might not be enough to dent his chance.

I will probably have a saver on Let It Rain given connections have sought to enter her in the Grade 1 mares event at Cheltenham which suggests a mark of 120 is extremely exploitable.

She has a good record fresh and won her second bumper here so this looks a plan by her shrewd operation.


Newcastle, 18.15 - Back Sherlock @ 6/42.50

Given he is still maiden after 15 starts, Sherlock might not be top of every punter's list as a potential winner, however the application of first-time cheekpieces might prove the catalyst to a welcome first success here.

The Invincible Spirit gelding sports the headgear for the first time this evening as well as dropping in trip which could be a combination that works in the selection's favour as he just looked like the mile at Gosforth Park stretched him last time.

That effort still represented a highly creditable performance as the winner, Priapos, had previously won with a degree of comfort over course a distance a fortnight before his follow up success last time.

Sherlock only gave way late on and, although it can be a costly exercise following non winners, the time of that performance gives Kevin Ryan's gelding a major chance at this level with conditions ideal.


Now read Katie Midwinter's latest tips here


Sam Turner

Sam Turner is an award-winning journalist with more than three decades of experience in the racing industry.

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