Friday Racing Tips: Kazar Forez on hat-trick mission

There are five meetings coming up across Britain and Ireland on Friday with jumps action at Catterick and Ffos Las in the afternoon supported by Southwell, with two more meetings on the all-weather running through the evening.

Southwell gets the action underway at 13:02, followed by Catterick at 13:10 and Ffos Las at 13:20, with Dundalk opening their card at 15:43 with Wolverhampton last away at 17:00. Read on for my Friday racing tips.

14:10 Catterick - Avalon Beach @ 7/2

AVALON BEACH is a lightly raced seven-year-old who is on an upward curve and appears to have been improving with each start this season.

Having shown little on his initial outings, he took a big step forward when landing a maiden hurdle at Sedgefield in November, travelling well throughout and pulling clear to score with plenty in hand.

He’s since produced a solid effort on his latest start at Wetherby on Boxing Day, where he finished second in a competitive handicap hurdle over 2m on soft ground.

He was beaten just over two lengths on that occasion, shaping as though further improvement is still to come as he continues to gain experience.

A step up in trip to 2m3½f looks a sensible move based on how he’s been finishing his races, and if able to build on his recent form, he looks capable of going very close.

15:48 Catterick - Born In The West @ 11/4

The Sam England-trained BORN IN THE WEST bids to continue his perfect record at this North Yorkshire track, where he is 2-2, both times travelling stylishly and winning with a bit in hand. 

He won on his penultimate start at Catterick, but was unable to follow up at Market Rasen last time out, as he ultimately faded late on. He wasn’t miles behind though and is certainly capable of better.

Ground on the day may be a question mark, but his recent win at this track came on good to soft and, perhaps more importantly, he is back up in trip and can run his race.

16:23 Catterick - Kazar Forez @ 4/6

KAZAR FOREZ has taken a big step forward since joining Micky Hammond and is now looking to complete a hat-trick following two convincing victories in novice handicap hurdles.

He was particularly impressive at Sedgefield last time out, drawing right away to score by 12 lengths, a performance that highlighted how he is thriving under his new connections.

He does have to carry a penalty for that latest success, but the manner of the win implies he still looks to be ahead of the handicapper and can defy it, particularly with Joshua Thompson’s handy claim as he reunites with the selection having been on board for his win at Newcastle two runs ago.

Kazar Forez’s earlier form in France hinted at ability and that promise is now being fully realised in this sphere and he looks well placed to continue his upward trajectory to make his presence felt once again.

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