Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Thursday , 15 May 2025

YORK

Race 1 No11 ZOULU CHIEF (Each Way)
Trainer: Heather Main – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

ZOULU CHIEF has winning form over 1200 metres here and signalled with an encouraging earning run at Ascot last month that he’s rediscovering his smart juvenile form. Murphy is an eye taking booking for the chestnut, who might well be on the best part of the track from his high draw. PILGRIM is another that can progress from his latest run for a trainer who is a master with sprint handicappers, while others to throw into the exotics are AMERICAN AFFAIR, JM JUNGLE and FINE WINE.

Prediction: 1st ZOULU CHIEF, 2nd Pilgrim, 3rd JM Jungle, 4th American Affair, 5th Fine Wine

Race 2 No1 NORTHERN EXPRESS (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan

NORTHERN EXPRESS has looked a little rusty in his two starts this season, but having been cut a bit of slack by the assessor can raise his game in a handicap where he brings a touch of class to the table. His trainer adds cheek pieces, while he is a three times winner at this course.

Race 3 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI MIDDLETON STAKES (Group 2)

No7 SEE THE FIRE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

With her second in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes and Group 3 triumph at this venue, SEE THE FIRE brings by far the best form to the table in this excellent renewal. While she fell short after being supported on her return against males in the Sandown Mile, it might have been the shorter trip that caught her out, and she’s strongly fancied to bounce back.

Race 4 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD a DUBAI DANTE STAKES (Group 2)

No1 ALPINE TRAIL
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick

All eyes will be on Coolmore’s THE LION IN WINTER on his eagerly awaited return to the track. The O’Brien team has dominated the Classic trials but confidence in this colt is tempered by the fact that he’s been held up by minor setbacks, and this is his first run for nine months. WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE ran well to just miss out on a frame finish in the Guineas, and appeals as horse that should enjoy the move up to a mile and a quarter. DAMYSUS rates the pick of John Gosden’s three runners but as Godolphin ponder running Guineas hero Ruling Court in the Eclipse, I’m expecting a good showing from ALPINE TRAIL. This son of Dubawi is unbeaten in three starts including a Listed race at the Guineas meeting over today’s trip. He impressively powered clear up the final hill, and is ready to stamp himself as Appleby’s number one for Epsom.

SALISBURY

Race 2 No6 MEDIA MOGUL (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: David Probert

MEDIA MOGUL showed he is just as effective on grass as on the AW when scoring at Redcar. This progressive individual has his confidence level on a high and can handle a 3lb rise in the weights to complete a fine hat-trick.

Race 5 No6 GLADIUS
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert

GLADIUS was a worthy winner of his first run at Kempton. The form is working out, while he should prove just as effective now racing on grass. Spanish Train could give him problems, but as a son of Lope De Vega might find the going on the quick side.

PERTH

Race 1 No2 CHICHESTER (Nap)
Trainer: Lucinda Russell – Jockey: Patrick Wadge

CHICHESTER will struggle to convert his good Flat form to hurdles but the eight-year-old showed more on his second start over jumps at Musselburgh and can improve on that.

Race 3 No6 ARTIC ROW (Each Way)
Trainer: Nick Alexander – Jockey: Dominic Hislop

The mercurial ARTIC ROW shows scant respect for his fences but has the ability to go close with a new rider taking weight off his back. He lost three places on the run in when clouting the final obstacle at Haydock last time, and while risky makes some appeal at his big paper price.

FONTWELL PARK

Race 1 No2 MOUNT OLYMPUS
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon

MOUNT OLYMPUS moves into a handicap after being narrowly denied at Fakenham. He has few miles on his racing clock and should improve for a step up in trip, while he’s shown the ability to handle a tight track, as Fontwell certainly is.

Race 5 No3 ROCKS UP LATE (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones

There should be plenty of improvement to come from ROCKS UP LATE, who made the perfect start for his stable when scoring at Worcester where he looked value for his winning margin. He can defy a 7lb penalty for top connections.

KEMPTON PARK

Race 5 No9 DASH OF AZURE (Nap)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Richard Kingscote

DASH OF AZURE has experience of the course and deserves a change of luck after knocking on wood on all three of her career starts. She is perfectly drawn on the rail and can stave off the challenge of ISABELLA CASTILE, who also ran well here on her latest outing, and is worth a saver.

Race 6 No6 ARCTIC DAWN
Trainer: Daniel Kubler – Jockey: Richard Kingscote

ARCTIC DAWN went down fighting on his first run of 2024 at Southwell and should enjoy stretching out to a mile. He could prove a thorn in the side of multiple scorer DOWN TO THE KID, who needs respecting despite a 6lb hike for his latest success.