Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from York , Sandown Park , Chester , Leicester and Uttoxeter on 14 June 2025.
YORK
Race 4 No15 CRESTOFDISTINCTION (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
CRESTOFDISTINCTION overcame a trick draw whilst recording a smart time when scoring at Kempton before being far from disgraced switched to turf on a first handicap assignment at Leicester. He could have been handed a good berth in stall 22 for this fiercely handicap sprint, and is the type that could outperform his high price. DOUBLE RUSH is a progressive Blue Point colt who is drawn alongside the selection and can make a bold bid to complete a hat-trick. MARCHOGION bounced back to score well at Newmarket, and with limited experience on turf has room for similar progression.
Race 5 No6 STELLAR SUNRISE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
STELLAR SUNRISE swerved a great chance at Goodwood to be re-routed here and again holds strong claims for a yard in tip top form ahead of Royal Ascot. His debut effort at that track was full of promise and he’s going to be more streetwise, as he will have to be in order to newcomers Tactical Formation and Yy Nation.
SANDOWN PARK
Race 1 No5 RIVER KING (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Sean Levey
RIVER KING ran into one when meeting Excellent Believe at Nottingham and then troubled the judge on handicap bow when again being supported. He’s yet to covert his very good home form onto the racecourse, but is worth sticking with and a big run in expected.
Race 2 No6 URBAN LION (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
Hunt Cup hopes for URBAN LION were dashed when it became clear he wouldn’t make the cut for the Ascot contest next week. Channon has switched him to this race around a bend which presents a more straightforward opportunity for the gigantic gelding. He’s been working the house down at home, and should operate just as effectively up the final hill as long as he can overcome an outer draw and get cover. Should things not go to plan for him, CLASSIC is the one who can benefit most.
Race 5 No1 LANCASHIRE
Trainer: Martyn Meade – Jockey: Harry Davies
While HINCHINBROOKE could put his experience to good use there’s a strong vibe for LANCASHIRE, who flourished for his winter break after a highly encouraging first run at Wolverhampton, from which he can build.
Race 6 No10 SOHO SQUARE
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
Showcasing filly SOHO SQUARE made a winning return over seven furlongs and now stretches out to a more suitable mile on a stiffer track. In the colours of former trainer Peter Harris she can dominate this first leg of the fillies’ handicap.
Race 7 No9 MISS CHESTER (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
One that could go well at a working man’s price is MISS CHESTER, who was a 14-1 chance when scoring on second career start at Kempton. She’s progressed from that pleasing effort, and with an earning run on this switch to turf can prove it was no fluke.
CHESTER
Race 2 No10 COPPER KNIGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Duran Fentiman
Course specialist COPPER KNIGHT shows no signs of regression on his senior years. The eleven-year-old goes to post with his tail up, and from a good draw m should prove hard to keep out of the money, in what could be a fifth triumph on the Roodee.
Race 3 No13 ENCOURAGER (Each Way)
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Jack Doughty
From his position at the base of the weights ENCOURAGER needs to be taken seriously in an admittedly warm handicap for older horses. The Churchill gelding is the winner of his last two starts at Kempton and Lingfield, and although the most recent happened in a claimer he can show further progression now switched to the grass.
LEICESTER
Race 4 No6 SEA MASTER (Nap)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: Jonny Peate
There’s not much to get excited about at this meeting but SEA MASTER does look like a betting proposition on a second outing for his trainer. He earned on his first run back, and Carr will know more about him.
UTTOXETER
Race 6 No5 SIDE STEPPER (Nap)
Trainer: Christian Williams – Jockey: Jack Tudor
SIDE STEPPER has progressed from race to race since being sent chasing, scoring easily on his latest start at this course. He’s an unexposed horse from a yard that excels wit this type of individual, and can win again.
