Our horse racing tipster gives his best bets from a busy day’s racing at Brighton on Friday.
Chourmo (3:30pm)
After a long run of poor performances, four-year-old gelding Chourmo took a serious step forward in his two most recent course and distance starts.
Winning on April 20, he battled on gamely to just hold off Global Tycoon (The Conqueror in third).
Following that up and despite making a slow start, he raced keenly and came a close third behind repeat opponent The Conqueror.
This being a Classified Stakes race is arguably easier than both previous outings and he can maintain his improved form here to gain a second career win.
Voodoo Ray (4:30pm)
A horse in a rich vein of form right now, Voodoo Ray has won three Class 6 Handicaps in a row – all at this track – since returning to action this year.
Drifted sharply in the market late three weeks ago after strong early support suggesting that maybe something wasn’t quite right.
However, those fears were found to be misguided as he won easily again, keeping on and always doing enough.
A further 5lb rise for that performance is fair and with Tom Queally – the jockey for those three wins – in the saddle again, he should be able to overcome the step up in grade to complete the four-timer.
Zachary (5:05pm) E/W
Winner over both five and six furlongs, he has disappointed in his last two starts after a promising second on April 11.
Excuses can be made for both of those most recent outings, however. He was hampered at the start on his penultimate run and stretched out Oisin Murphy’s arms in his last outing, when taking a keen hold throughout but still having something left to make late headway while never posing any real threat.
He remains just 3lbs higher than the last winning mark and the transition to a fairly firm going turf may well work in his favour, while being a detriment to others. Well worth an E/W play at the expected price.