Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Newmarket , Ripon and Stratford on 18 May 2025
NEWMARKET
Race 1 No3 TREANMOR
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
Appleby sent out a future Group 2 winner to land this prize 12 months ago, and 2,000,000 Euros purchase TREANMOR can follow suit. The regally bred colt brings strong vibes to the table, although he will start at prohibitive odds.
Race 4 No4 CAMPAIGN TRAIL (Nap)
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: Jim Crowley
CAMPAIGN TRAIL represents a jumps trainer who does well with his runners on the Flat. He’s a three times winner at up to two miles for his previous handler, and has benefitted from a couple of readying spins over hurdles. One of his successes was on good ground, suggesting he should find the track, trip and going to his liking.
Race 5 No1 NORTHERN TICKER
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
NORTHERN TICKER won twice and ran well for podium finishes on his other outings as a juvenile to mirror the promise of a good sprinter in the making. He moves from Listed company into a first handicap with top weight, but can go well for the same owners as the very useful Northern Express.
RIPON
Race 3 No8 POET’S DAWN ( Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
POET’S DAWN troubled the judge on the best of three outings this season over course and distance last week. It was an indication that he is now primed to return to winning ways, and show that increasing age is not nullifying his ability.
Race 7 No5 SANBONA (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Connor Beasley
SANBONA has a similar profile in that his third and latest effort of the season was his best. Indeed, in finishing third to City Of Strangers at Redcar the Coulsty gelding took away his first cheque and left the impression that he could build on it.
STRATFORD
Race 1 No1 BATSMAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Sara Bradstock – Jockey: Miss Lily Bradstock
BATSMAN is a point-to-point winner from a good jumping family who has suffered with breathing issues. His two underwhelming efforts after corrective surgery might not augur well for him, but this has cut up and looks a weak affair. He’s carded to start at 100-1 and if near that price a small speculative bet is advised.
Race 4 No3 CULLIGRAN (Each Way)
Trainer: John O’Shea – Jockey: Kielan Woods
Chase debutant CULLIGRAN was unfortunate not to score more than once over hurdles and should do better in this area of the jumping code. The grey makes win and place appeal in an open affair.
Race 5 No5 ANNIE NAIL (Nap)
Trainer: Tracey Leeson – Jockey: Tabitha Worsley
ANNIE NAIL stylishly landed some good bets at Fakenham and seeks to follow-up under a 7lb penalty. She looked good value for her margin of victory, having jumped well, and still gets weight from all but one of her opponents.
