Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your Plumpton, Chepstowand Southwell on 4 January 2025.
PLUMPTON
Race 1 No6 RETETI (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Marc Goldstein
It will be touch and go whether this card gets green lighted, but should that happen RETETI looks a value option in the opener. He’s troubled the judge a few times since being sourced out of the bargain basement including when narrowly beaten over this course and distance last month. He faces a doughty foe in GENERAL BRIAR but can cause that one problems.
Race 4 No4 TURNDLIGHTSDOWNLOW (Nap)
Trainer: Martin Keighley – Jockey: Freddie Keighley
TURNDLIGHTSDOWNLOW has shown his winning form on faster ground which augurs well for his chances of making this a third success of the season. The Kempton specialist handled the stiffer Sandown course proficiently when his sequence was halted last time, but he should also operate at this easy course.
Race 5 No1 TRANSMISSION
Trainer: Neil Mulholland – Jockey: Conor O’Farrell
This Sussex National represents a drop in class in a sense for TRANSMISSION who should have won more than one chase. Four of his last six outings have been at Cheltenham, while at Ascot last time he stayed on through beaten horses in the Howden Silver Cup. In a good race for wagering UNANSWERED PRAYERS and KEN ROY also enter calculations.
Race 7 No6 POSTPONED LEGACY
Trainer: Martin Keighley – Jockey: Harry Atkins
POSTPONED LEGACY was a clear cut scorer at Uttoxeter last week for which he incurred a 7lb penalty. It was his second win on the bounce, he’s firmly in the zone and having taken it in his stride can complete a hat-trick.
CHEPSTOW
Race 2 No1 BARON NOIR (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
This should be easy meat for BARON NOIR even though he is closely matched with MODERN MAN on official ratings. The Nap opened his hurdling account in smooth fashion at Uttoxeter and appeals as the type of horse that will get better with racing. He’s one of the nicest prospects carrying the Noel Fehily Syndicate colours this season.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No4 DOWN TO THE KID (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Neil Callan
DOWN TO THE KID shaped well when second on his return from a break last month and this six times course winner can show that he’s similarly effective over this shorter 1400 metres distance. He has a cracking draw and that recent outing has brought him back to near his peak.
Race 6 No10 KIPP KELLY
Trainer: Derek Shaw – Jockey: Gina Mangan
Having made a habit of getting into the shake-up, KIPP KELLY can post a deserved first career success for a trainer with a couple of good chances on the cards. He looked to be given a shade too much to do when second in a classified race on his latest start here, an effort which shows he’s surely getting ready to win.
Race 8 No4 LATE CLAIM
Trainer: John Mackie – Jockey: Tyler Heard
Almanzor mare LATE CLAIM has few miles on her racing clock and ended 2025 with a win and a solid earning run at this track. She back in trip today, but is a versatile individual and should again finish on the premises.
