Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Thursday, 04 December 2025

WINCANTON

Race 4 No4 WEST ORCHARD
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell

WEST ORCHARD was a gritty winner of a chase when last seen at this track almost a year ago. The blinkers added that day assisted in his triumph, but he endured subsequent training issues that kept him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season. The eight-year-old wears cheek pieces for his return back over hurdles and can make things difficult for favourite and hat-trick seeking FINAL STRAW.

Race 5 No6 PILSDON PEN (Each Way)
TRAINER: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Lorcan Williams

PILSDON PEN needed his first run back last season, but if fitter for his latest return to the fray can make an impression. He’s a strong traveller who jumps well and hasn’t been afforded the time required to reach his full potential. As an eight-year-old, he still has time on his side, and if he stand,s training is worth following, whatever happens today.

Race 6 No2 SPECIAL JOHN (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston

A step up in trip assisted SPECIAL JOHN in his first chase triumph at Exeter, where he had to dig deep to take the spoils. The former pointer winner rarely misses the judge’s eye, and having come out of his race well, can follow up.

Race 7 No 10 SURREY LORD
Trainer: Toby Lawes – Jockey: Kevin Brogan

SURREY LORD benefitted from a patient ride to gain a second win of the campaign at Kempton. He gets weight from everything in the field under a jockey who gets on with him well, and on a similarly easy right-handed course that will play to his strengths, he can win again.

MARKET RASEN

Race 3 No2 MONTEMARES (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard

In some ways this novices’ hurdle is the race of the day on an average card in terms of standard and betting opportunity. HARRY LOWES transferred his pointing form to hurdling with a clear-cut delivery at Exeter, and in the colours of JP McManus will attract an abundance of support. However, there’s a chance that MONTEMARES will cause the favourite problems, as he looked the part when taking out a Hereford bumper, and has worked and schooled well ahead of this first jumps outing.

LEICESTER

Race 3 No3 CAST’S TASHA (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Clarke – Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell

The ability to operate well when fresh from a layoff was demonstrated by CAST’S TASHA on her winning reappearance last season. She loves to get her feet into the ground, and on this first run in 300 days ,returns following a breathing operation. She skipped an opportunity last week but has been made fitter, and is the one most likely to cause problems for recent scorer HOLD UP LA COLMINE.

Race 7 No6 OLIVIA KATE (Nap)
Trainer: Stan Sheppard – Jockey: Ned Fox

Should the grey OLIVIA KATE be on her best behaviour she will take plenty of beating in this two-mile handicap hurdle. The six-year-old loomed as a real threat when running out at Ludlow and looks dangerous getting weight from all but one of her opponents in a race she can definitely win.

CHELMSFORD CITY

Race 1 No5 SUNLIT SEA (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Luke Morris

SUNLIT SEA showed good speed when third over 1200 metres at Wolverhampton and now drops back to the minimum trip from a good draw. With her stable amongst the winners she has good prospects of wiring this nursery in the colours of Kirsten Rausing.

Race 5 No5 DANGER ALERT
Trainer: George Baker – Jockey: Jason Watson

DANGER ALERT went off too fast for his own good at Lingfield last week, and though turning for home with a decent lead surrendered three places inside the final furlong. He’s looking to end a more than two year wait for success, but can do so if ridden with a bit more restraint.

Race 8 No12 AMICA (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass

AMICA takes a step up the ladder in this Class5 after running well in defeat on debut for Channon in a Kempton Class6. The Dark Angel filly needs to improve, but as the move to West Ilsley appears to have benefited her she could find it.