Best Bets: Friday 30 April

DROOPYS REY (Trap 5) - 15:26 Newcastle

On the back of a very fast trial, DROOPYS REY was pitched straight into Open company for his debut in February. The fact he’s yet to win a race of any note since is clearly disappointing, but the 15:26 Newcastle contest is probably the weakest A2 race he’s contested. There’s always a niggling doubt backing one yet to get their head in front but he looks worth another chance in this.

TARANAKI (Trap 2) - 15:44 Newcastle

TARANAKI has had a stop-start career of late, but she displayed a very willing attitude to see off the aforementioned Droopys Rey in this grade earlier this month. Sets a stiff task in a six-bend Open since, Taranaki was rather put in her place but that run is easy enough to overlook. She’s back in her pay grade in the in the 15:44 and is taken to quickly regain the winning thread.

JAXX JURASSIC (Trap 1) - 18:51 Nottingham

There’s pace across the track in the 18:51 Nottingham with the exception of habitual slow-starter JAXX JURASSIC and the make-up of the race may play out perfectly for that runner. With the rail draw very much in his favour, he can let pacier types get on with it early before plotting his way through as an A2 performer for most of his career, he’s more than capable of picking up this calibre of rival.