Neil Morrice shares all his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing, coming your way from Musselburgh, Catterick Bridge, Hexham, and Kempton Park on 27 August 2025.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 3 No7 MARRY THE NIGHT (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
MARRY THE NIGHT posted a first career triumph at the twelfth attempt when scoring at Redcar where a step up to a mile was keynote. The gelding is up another furlong in this bottom grade handicap, and with his confidence boosted can follow up.
Race 6 No10 ARAIFJAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
ARAIFAJAN claimed his latest success back in November 2023, but there’s a strong case to be made for him in this based on a string of earning efforts in the current campaign. He’s been narrowly denied the last twice at Newcastle and Yarmouth and should cope with a move back to the minimum trip here.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 2 No5 ROGUE ATTRACTION (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
Invincible Spirit filly ROGUE ATTRACTION traded very short in running on her Carlisle debut, only to be outbattled by a more experienced rival. She will be a lot more streetwise and from a good draw inside her market rival Blue Nguru can see off that foe.
Race 4 No3 BOLLIN NEIL
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
Any rain will greatly boost the chance of BOLLIN NEIL, and it is forecast. The selection likes this track and shaped like a horse about to return to winning form on his latest outing over two miles here. The dual purpose performer won’t be inconvenienced by a drop to a shorter trip while his stable is in good form.
Race 6 No2 BLUE JAY WAY (Each Way)
Trainer: John Riches – Jockey: Mark Winn
One that could be win and place value is BLUE JAY WAY. Purchased out of the bargain basement, he put in a seasonal best when third at this track and is another that should benefit from any ease in underfoot conditions. The big question mark is whether he can overcome a nasty outside post.
HEXHAM
Race 3 No12 PALM BEACH
Trainer: David Thompson – Jockey: Miss Pippa Brown
PALM BEACH has done the rounds, starting life as a winner for Aidan O’Brien before scoring over hurdles for Joseph O’Brien. For John Dixon he scored on his first jumps start but suffered from recurring breathing issues. It’s interesting that on a second start for his current handler, who he joined from Ben Pauling, he put his best foot forward to score with plenty in hand at Worcester and a repeat of that would make him the one to beat.
Race 5 No2 CRACKING DESTINY (Nap)
Trainer: Ewan Whillans – Jockey: Craig Nichol
As a twelve-year-old CRACKING DESTINY took an immediate likingto Hexham on his first visit to the course, notching a success in June that looked unlikely for most of the way. He’s back for more after a freshening break, and in a race that lacks depth can repeat the dose.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 2 No11 SECRET SONATA (Each Way)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
Grizedale sets a good standard as the only winner in the field, but in receipt of 12lb SECRET SONATA can cause him problems. The Showcasing filly was a beaten favourite at Carlisle when worried out of it but now stretching out to 1400 metres she can make it a first success at the third attempt.
Race 3 No2 SARAB STAR (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
While SARAB STAR is the form pick for this novice he comes with risks attached and could prove easy to back. He’s had a few minor issues but is one of the best workers in the Channon stable, and if starting north of evens is a tempting proposition.
Race 4 No7 ISABELLA CASTILLE
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
His stablemate ISABELLA CASTILLE needs to cope with a wider draw than ideal, but if doing so should definitely get into the argument. She put in a solid first run of the year when second in a similar Class4 fillies’ handicap at Newbury and has benefitted from the run.
