Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Friday , 16 May 2025

YORK

Race 3 No6 KON TIKI (Nap)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam – Jockey: David Egan

Gulya looked extremely unlucky not to score at Ascot but even if she gets the rub of the green in this Listed race today, KON TIKI is just preferred. The unbeaten daughter of Night Of Thunder has been a convincing winner of her races at Wolverhampton and Kempton and should take the switch to turf in her strides as she’s very well regarded by her trainer.

Race 4 BOODLES YORKSHIRE CUP (Group 2)

No1 REBEL’S ROMANCE
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick

Very interesting to see global traveller REBEL’S ROMANCE making a belated first visit to the Knavesmire that he should take in his stride. A winner in Dubai, Germany, the United States and Hong Kong as well as on home soil, he should relish the long home straight on which his grinding style can prove too much for SWEET WILLIAM to handle. He’s only raced once in the UK since scoring at Kempton in December 2023, but is expected to bounce back from a rare defeat on his latest start at the Dubai World Cup.

Race 6 No2 POINT OF CONTACT
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: PJ McDonald

POINT OF CONTACT did us a good turn when scoring on his return to action at Newbury. Balding is doing well with the horses owned by Saeed Suhail and this son of Blue Point can cause problems for odds-on BOWMARK.

NEWBURY

Race 4 No1 MONTPELLIER
Trainer: James Ferguson – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

MONTPELLIER was a clear cut winner of a Thirsk maiden that has worked out. He has to shoulder a 7lb penalty but can repel the challenge of Sea Force on the way to better things.

Race 5 No1 INDIAN SPRINGS
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

Murphy makes a rare appearance in the Godolphin silks and should deliver on INDIAN SPRINGS. The colt produced a smart turn of foot to storm clear at the business end of his comeback race at Newmarket last month and the champion jockey should find him good value for his penalty.

Race 6 No6 HINCHINBROOKE (Nap)
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt

Carrying the same name as a smart Australian sprinter that ran at Royal Ascot, HINCHINBROOKE made a pleasing start to his career when fourth in a big field for the Wood Ditton. He surrendered three places from the Bushes but has learned plenty from it, and needs to be taken seriously.

NEWMARKET

Race 2 No1 BEDOUIN PRINCE
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Dougie Costello

BEDOUIN PRINCE can play a part in making it a good day for Godolphin by taking out this novice. The son of Ghaiyyath was the narrowest of scorers when returning at Doncaster and should prove even more effective pulled back to a mile under his penalty.

Race 6 No6 DAPPER GUEST (Nap)
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: Tom Queally

DAPPER GUEST went onto my radar when he returned over 1200 metres at Windsor. It took a while for the penny to drop, but he flew home in the final furlong to just miss out on a frame finish. This more demanding track should play to his strengths.

AINTREE

Race 3 No2 AUCUNRISQUE
Trainer: Chris Gordon – Jockey: Freddie Gordon

AUCUNRISQUE ran well when returned to fences at Plumpton but needs respecting now back over hurdles on a first visit here since the 2023 Grand National meeting. The track, trip and ground are in his favour, while he has a very capable conditional taking 3lb off his back.

Race 4 No2 SAIL AWAY
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton

SAIL AWAY hasn’t enjoyed the rub of the green in a so far fruitless year but things can change, as he’s been given a chance by the handicapper. Two of his three previous visits here have seen him taking away a cheque.