Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Huntingdon and Kelso on 07 December 2025.
HUNTINGDON
Race 3 No3 DON’T MIND IF I DO
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
DON’T MIND IF I DO brings bags of potential to the table for this handicap hurdle after racing too freely for his own good on seasonal return at Aintree. That should have taken the fizz out of his bottle, bringing him forward to take the spoils on a track and ground that’s perfect for him.
Race 5 No1 AMBIENTE FRIENDLY
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
It’s been a largely rocky road for AMBIENTE FRIENDLY since he finished second in last year’s Derby, but having shown promise on his jumps debut at Cheltenham he can take advantage of this drop into calmer waters. This is a speed biased track that will play to his strengths.
Race 6 SKY BET PETERBOROUGH CHASE (Grade 2)
No3 SAINT SAM
Trainer: Willie Mullins – Jockey: Harry Cobden
SAINT SAM found one to beat him in his final three chases last season, but his threequarter length defeat by Found A Fifty in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse was one of his best career efforts. For a horse that likes to get on with things this speed biased course is perfect for him, while Cobden’s presence in his saddle also increases confidence that he can lead throughout. DJELO’s Charlie Hall Chase triumph is a highlight in what’s been a quiet start to the campaign by Venetia Williams’s high standards. The versatile seven-year-old attempts to repeat his 2024 success in this race in a cut back on the distance ladder, and looks the main threat to the selection. EDWARDSTONE isn’t as good as he was, but this move to two and a half miles should benefit him, and he can get into the shake-up.
Prediction: 1st SAINT SAM, 2nd Djelo, 3rd Edwardstone
Race 7 No14 WONDERFUL EVERYDAY
Trainer: Willie Mullins – Jockey: Mr Patrick Mullins
WONDERFUL EVERYDAY is the spearhead of two Mullins saddles in the finale. She sprang a 16-1 surprise at Punchestown in April but that form is very strong in the context of this race, in which Carlisle scorer LUNE BRILLANTE can form the flip side of the exacta.
KELSO
Race 2 No6 GLEN ROAD
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Peter Kavanagh
GLEN ROAD has run well on both starts this season at Wetherby, latterly showing his appreciation for a step in trip. He remains at the longer distance, and with his stable in form can consolidate. The form of that gritty success has been boosted.
Race 3 No1 LA ZOUBIDA (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
The best bet on this card, LA ZOUBIDA landed some good bets on hurdling bow at Sedgefield from which she has learned plenty. She has to carry a 7lb penalty against the useful CARRIG KATE but examination of her bumper form last season stamps her as smart.
Race 4 No5 YOUNG JACK (Each Way)
Trainer: Chris Grant – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
YOUNG JACK is carded to go off the outsider of five in this novices’ handicap chase. He’s returning from a lengthy absence and although underwhelming when last seen in a handicap hurdle here, can show himself to be a different proposition as a chaser.
Race 6 No1 MATATA
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sean Bowen
Bowen is an eye taking booking for MATATA, who can avenge his defeat by NELLS SON in this race 12 months ago. The top weight would have finished second to L’Eau Du Sud but for a jolting mistake at the last in the Schloer Chase on his latest start at Cheltenham, and on this third outing of the season should be cherry ripe to deliver.
