Neil Morrice shares all his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing, coming your way from Epsom Downs, Chepstow, Ripon, and Southwell on 25 August 2025.
EPSOM DOWNS
Race 3 No8 THE FINGAL RAVEN (Nap)
Trainer: Jamie Osborne – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
THE FINGAL RAVEN was popular in the market at Newmarket but had no answer to the finishing burst of Mister Winston. If the latter runs well at Goodwood on Sunday it will be a nice confidence booster to my selection, who brings very strong form to the table and has to be back winning soon.
Race 5 No7 MANILA THRILLER (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
Having run way better than her finishing position indicates at Chepstow, MANILA THRILLER is of particular interest in this class drop. She’s as tough as nails, worked beautifully last week and can make this a third success of the season.
CHEPSTOW
Race 3 No8 JOHNJAY (Nap)
Trainer: Roger Teal – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
JOHNJAY is back at a mile after going down in a bunch finish over 1400 metres here last time. A beaten favourite on that occasion, you could have thrown a blanket over the principals, and he’s well capable of bouncing back.
Race 5 No5 DARKENED EDGE
Trainer: Christopher Mason – Jockey: Gina Mangan
Caleb Bay mare DARKENED EDGE has proved a model of consistency this season and relishes the faster ground. She likes this course, with her chance boosted by the addition of first time cheek pieces.
RIPON
Race 2 No9 PROUD MARY (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Sean Kirrane
Easterby’s juveniles invariably improve a long way for a run, which is one reason to hope PROUD MARY can defy her long odds. The daughter of Mattmu was easy to back and ran green on her debut at Thirsk but will be more streetwise. If close to her paper price she makes appeal as the value.
Race 4 No5 LAM YAI
Trainer: Karl Burke – Jockey: Clifford Lee
The colours of LAM YAI have been carried by some good horses, including Certain Lad. This Lucky Vega filly is more speedily bred, and can cause the unbeaten Shaham problems in this Listed race. She was very green front when filling a minor berth at Naas but will be happier back on quicker ground.
Race 5 No7 BARLEY (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Sean Kirrane
BARLEY strikes me as a horse getting ready to win. He was worried out of it by Capital Guarantee over this course and distance last week but now has a slight pull in the weights which can help him turn the tables on that rival and notch an overdue first win of the season.
SOUTHWELL
Race 4 No2 BREAKDANCER (Nap)
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
A bet I’m looking forward to is BREAKDANCER, who raised his game when switched to handicap company to overcome greenness to score in ready fashion at Kempton. He’s definitely improved for the application of a hood, and looks as if he’s happier racing on sand.
Race 5 No3 DAPPER GUEST
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: John Egan
This is a deeper race than it looks at first sight, but DAPPER GUEST can prove the answer. He has winning and placed form at Newmarket and now swaps headgear for a visor over cheek pieces. If it helps him to settle, the Dandy Man gelding can use his finishing speed to winning effect.
