Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Sandown Park, Aintree, Chepstow and Wetherby on 06 December 2025.
SANDOWN PARK
Race 3 No4 THE LORD MAID (Each Way)
Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Several take the eye in a tight knit affair, but value seekers could prosper from THE LORD MAID, who strips a fitter mare than when troubling the judge on her return to action at Aintree. The winner of that race Impose Toi boosted the form by scoring at Newbury, while runner up CHASING FIRE may struggle to uphold those placings from a revised mark.
Race 4 BETFAIR HENRY VIII NOVICES’ CHASE (Grade 2)
No3 LUMP SUM (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
LULAMBA will start odds-on for this second run over fences, having jumped with alacrity when scoring at Exeter. Nicky Henderson sees him as his Arkle horse and while it’s correct to be impressed by that first foray to chasing, LUMP SUM is one that can cause the favourite problems. A Grade 2 winner over hurdles who last season finished second in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle, my selection stylishly landed some good bets on his own first run over fences at Uttoxeter where he accelerated right away from a subsequent winner in Jax Junior. The seven-year-old put in a superb piece of work when completing his preparation for this step up in class, and with no negatives next to his name is excellent value at 4-1 to upset the applecart.
Race 5 No2 KNICKERBOCKERGLORY
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
GLYNN BRAE is an upwardly mobile improver who needs respecting, but it’s easy to see KNICKERBOCKERGLORY repeating his 2024 success in this race on his seasonal reappearance for the Skeltons. The nine-year-old has 11lb more to carry but represents an outfit who are lethal in the big handicap hurdles. He’s been a big market mover for the race, suggesting that connections mean business.
Race 6 BETFAIR TINGLE CREEK CHASE (Grade 1)
No4 L’EAU DU SUD
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
In a rehearsal for the Queen Mother Champion Chase worth going a long way to see, L’EAU DU SUD can lead the charge up the final hill. The grey dispatched JONBON with ease in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham when the latter self destructed with what are now becoming characteristic mistakes. And although Jonbon has a very good record at this course, even with cheek pieces added he will surely struggle to turn the tables on my selection who has his tail up. He looks a more rounded individual than that who was beaten in the Arkle and Maghull Chases at the conclusion of his first season as a chaser. IL ETAIT TEMPS is a class act in his own right as he attempts to cement himself as the top two miler for Willie Mullins and owners Hollywoodbets. Although beaten in the Arkle, he then put together an unblemished three race winning spree by taking out the longer Manifesto Chase at Aintree, the Barberstown Castle at Punchestown and the Celebration Chase at this course. He made a pleasing return to action in the Clonmel Oil Chase and on that evidence is a worthy favourite.
Prediction: 1st L’EAU DU SUD, 2nd Il Etait Temps, 3rd Jonbon
AINTREE
Race 4 No1 THE KALOOKI KID
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
On just a fifth start over fences, THE KALOOKI KID is in calmer waters than when finishing last of four in an intermediate chase at Carlisle, won by Resplendent Grey. The form has taken a knock, but my selection wasn’t beaten far, and will be fitter for this two and a half mile handicap chase.
Race 6 WILLIAM HILL HALF A MILL BECHER HANDICAP CHASE
No1 MR VANGO (Nap)
Trainer: Sara Bradstock – Jockey: Jack Tudor
Unable to make the cut in the Randox Health Grand National in April, MR VANGO now gets the chance to show what he can do over the famous fences. He put together a three race unbeaten record last season, culminating in a gutsy triumph in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. Wearing cheek pieces and a tongue tie, his forcing tactics should prove a joy to behold and it’s a shame the fences lack their old severity, as this fellow could jump a house. The Gavin Cromwell-trained BIOLUMINESCENCE and BILL BAXTER make appeal for exotic wagering and could also be involved.
Prediction: 1st MR VANGO, 2nd Bioluminescence, 3rd Bill Baxter
CHEPSTOW
Race 2 No7 JUST OVER LAND (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Mr Harvey Barfoot
JUST OVER LAND did well to win at Fontwell when meeting interference, but he looked good value for his margin of victory and can defy a 4lb rise at the expense of recent course and distance scorer BEN SOLO.
Race 4 No4 JUBILEE EXPRESS
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
The money that came for JUBILEE EXPRESS on his reappearance went west, but last season’s Welsh National runner-up is worth another chance on his favoured terrain, as he will come on for it and has underfoot conditions in his favour.
Race 5 No3 IVALDI (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
The giant IVALDI has endured training issues and now comes back following a breathing operation. With few miles on his racing clock this could be the time to catch him, and if starting near his paper price he’s worth a speculative bet.
Race 6 No2 BRISKY DANCER
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Liam Harrison
A market check is advised on the well related BRISKY DANCER, who has shown promise ahead of this debut under Rules and could prove popular taking on mainly older rivals.
WETHERBY
Race 4 No5 CHASE A FORTUNE (Nap)
Trainer: Chris Grant – Jockey: William Maggs
CHASE A FORTUNE went down by inches when returning to hurdles at Carlisle. He sports first time cheek pieces in this two miler, which can help him get his head in front.
