Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Chester , Ascot , Market Rasen , Hereford and Ripon on 9 May 2025.
CHESTER
Race 3 IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH HUXLEY STAKES (Group 2)
No3 CERTAIN LAD (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
CERTAIN LAD has twice troubled the judge in this race whilst seeming at the age of nine to be as good as ever. His third to Map Of Stars in last month’s Prix d’Harcourt at Longchamp is strong form to bring to the table, and even though the ground is only just acceptable for this soft going lover, he can put his best foot forward, and especially if electing to lead.
Race 4 LADBROKES CHESTER CUP HANDICAP
No13 EAST INDIA DOCK (Each Way)
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Harry Davies
EAST INDIA DOCK enjoyed a bountiful winter when winning three of his four juvenile hurdles and finishing third in the Triumph. He had good form on the Flat for his previous trainer and from what looks a very fair mark just needs to show that he stays to make a big impact in the big betting race of the week. HOT FUSS won well first time back and from a good draw is one that can also go well. His trainer Tom Dascombe has saddled dozens of winners at the track. The 2024 winner ZOFFEE shoulders 4lb more but can never be discounted at his local track. It would be no surprise to see him trouble the judge. LEINSTER is a thoroughly unexposed challenger from a top stable in Ireland who looked to relish a step up to a mile and a half and could be dangerous if leading. WHO’S GLEN also catches the eye as a course winner who ran well on his all-weather return, though the quicker ground is new territory for him.
Prediction: 1st EAST INDIA DOCK, 2nd Leinster, 3rd Zoffee, 4th Hot Fuss, 5th Who’s Glen
Race 5 No9 RATHGAR (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
RATHGAR showed his ability to handle an unorthodox track when caught in the final strides of the City & Suburban at Epsom. Although he has won over further than today’s mile and a quarter he seems happier at this trip, while having the balance and brawn to operate around these tight turns, though it must be emphasised he doesn’t have to lead.
Race 7 No10 TAILORMAN
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Ryan Kavanagh
TAILORMAN is the type of individual Williams excels with, and makes plenty of sense as a bet worth waiting for in the nightcap. Not only did he look unlucky in running on his reappearance, but he’s run well round here, and shouldn’t be at all fazed by a move up in trip, which is probably what he wants.
ASCOT
Race 1 No4 BRAVE MISSION (Nap)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Frankel colt BRAVE MISSION was strong to the line when opening his account over 1400 metres at Kempton last September. He had previously run well at Newbury and Doncaster and appeals as a horse to follow who could have a lot more to offer in big three-year-old handicaps such as the Britannia back here next month.
Race 4 No8 PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Trainer: Peter Chapple-Hyam – Jockey: Rab Havlin
As an each way alternative to course specialist Rohaan, PHOTOSYNTHESIS fits the bill. He’s racing for a third trainer on only his ninth career start but after earning on a first run for Chapple-Hyam at Newbury there could be more to come, as this is only the Aclaim gelding’s fifth start on grass.
MARKET RASEN
Race 1 No7 BLUENOSE BELLE (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Phillips – Jockey: Finn Lambert
BLUENOSE BELLE has progressed from race to race since going hurdling this year, latterly opening her account in good style at Fontwell. She enjoys the spring ground, and under a rider that knows her is fancied to follow-up.
Race 5 No6 BETHPAGE
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
The winner of four of her last eight outings over hurdles, BETHPAGE has recently shown with a Wincanton triumph and a near miss at Cheltenham that she’s benefitted from a breathing operation. She can cut the mustard in this admittedly open affair for a trainer whose summer jumpers have started well.
HEREFORD
Race 5 No2 MOONSHINE MAN (Nap)
Trainer: Henrietta Knight – Jockey: Brendan Powell
A breathing issue was detected after MOONSHINE MAN stopped as if shot on his latest start at Plumpton. The run was too bad to be true, and he can prove it by bouncing back after undergoing wind surgery, and having a tongue tie added. If the operation has worked, he can show himself to be a well handicapped horse.
RIPON
Race 2 No1 ZAPPATA (Nap)
Trainer: George Scott – Jockey: Liam Wright
ZAPPATA has been cleverly placed to win his last three races within the space of just over a week. Having done us the odd favour he can shown that his progression is far from finished, though it will be at prohibitive odds.
NOTTINGHAM
Race 3 No3 EXCELLENT BELIEVE (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Neil Callan
EXCELLENT BELIEVE appeared a shade unlucky not to score on his Wolverhampton introduction since when he’s delighted connections at home. His training has included a racecourse gallop at Kempton, making him finely tuned for a race that should prove well within his compass.
Race 4 No4 GIGI BLISS
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Sean Levey
Galileo filly GIGI BLISS seemed to appreciate a return to the grass when second on handicap bow at Yarmouth. It was just a fourth career start for the selection, whose trainer looks to have found her a straightforward opportunity to go one better.
