Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Saturday 19 April 2025

HAYDOCK PARK

Race 2 No1 GIVEMEFIVE
Trainer: Harry Derham – Jockey: Paul O’Brien

GIVEMEFIVE was a high class juvenile hurdler who has crossed the divide into handicaps with a couple of successes including on his latest outing at Newcastle. He enjoys the better ground, and can take the spoils before embarking on a Flat campaign.

Race 4 No9 THE WIDDOW MAKER (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Jack Tudor

Although his career has been interrupted by injury, THE WIDDOW MAKER demonstrated with his Exeter triumph last month that he’s retained a good amount of his old ability. He appears to have derived benefit from a second wind operation, and finds himself on a handy mark.

Race 7 No1 ARTIC ROW (Each Way)
Trainer: Nick Alexander – Jockey: Callum Pritchard

ARTIC ROW seems to have overcome some jumping issues and is capable of defying top weight in this two and a half mile handicap chase if in the mood. He ran better than his eventual placing indicates at Carlisle last time and should be happier on this left-handed track.

NEWTON ABBOT

Race 5 No2 SCARFACE
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Freddie Gingell

SCARFACE gave a good account at Newbury when chasing home BALLO and might have won but for making a couple of silly mistakes. The way he stayed on at the finish suggests they cost him dear, but on this easier course he can foil Royal Jewel.

Race 7 No5 MOONSET (Nap)
Trainer: Neil Mulholland – Jockey: Conor O’Farrell

With few miles on his racing clock MOONSET is a horse to follow. He landed some good bets to gain a first win under Rules at Market Rasen and does not look harshly treated for this first run in a handicap.

CARLISLE

Race 6 No1 HOMME D’UN SOIR (Nap)
Trainer: Billy Aprahamian – Jockey: Sean Quinlan

This is best left to HOMME D’UN SOIR, who can complete a hat-trick. The nine-year-old has not looked back since having his attention turned back to fences, and following successes at Market Rasen and Ludlow can make this the icing on the cake.

HUNTINGDON

Race 7 No7 URBAN ISLE (Each Way)
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Tom Cannon

URBAN ISLE hasn’t shown much in his two starts in bumpers but is a well relayed type who could up his game and trouble the judge at a fancy price.

MUSSELBURGH

Race 1 No5 WILTSHIRE LAD
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

Balding sent out a former Sir Michael Stoute inmate to win at Newbury in Jonquil, and while WILTSHIRE LAD isn’t in his league he could prove the answer to this three-year-old only handicap. The selection ended his juvenile season on a high note when scoring at Southwell and has adapted well to life at Park House Stables.

Race 6 No6 EPIVADROS
Trainer: Karen Scott – Jockey: PJ McDonald

EPIVADROS enjoyed a bountiful first season with Scott courtesy of back-to-back successes at Carlisle and Hamilton. The filly was a 66-1 roughie when finishing just out of the money on a first run of the year at Southwell and that has sharpened her up. She looks set for a big run on a second visit to this easier track.

Race 7 No3 ZARZYNI (Nap)
Trainer: David Barron – Jockey: Connor Beasley

ZARZYNI is a dual scorer at this venue who looked like a winner waiting to happen when making a podium finish over course and distance last month. That should have served to blow away any cobwebs, and the eight-year-old should again be involved.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 2 No2 RED SAND (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Tom Marquand

RED SAND was a most impressive scorer at Goodwood last May, only to disappear for the remainder of the season. The son of Too Darn Hot should enjoy the step up to 1400 metres but needs to be alert at the start from his outer draw, as well as prove his fitness after such a long absence.

Race 4 No2 MAGIC RUNNER
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson

MAGIC RUNNER upped her game when making her handicap debut here before Christmas. Her first earning performance is there to be improved on for a stable that can do little wrong.