Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming from Windsor and Fakenham on 18 January 2026.
WINDSOR
Race 4 No1 NELLS SON (Each Way)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McManamin
On the along haul from Greystoke NELLS SON can turn back the clock in a good race for wagering. The eleven-year-old faces a couple of younger and progressive foes in HIGHLANDS LEGACY and MIGHTY BANDIT but the selection has dropped in the weights after a couple of defeats this season and under a hold up ride can do well at a price.
Race 5 No5 NAB WOOD (Each Way)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
From the same stable NAB WOOD has claims to make this a third success from four starts this season. What leads me to the nine-year-old is the likelihood of him getting a strong pace to aim at in this 16-runner field. He experienced that on his latest start at Carlisle when he landed some good bets in decisive fashion. Off a 6lb higher mark he can follow-up although ROYAL RAMBLER looks like a horse ready to win soon, and is worth saving on.
Race 6 No2 MATATA
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: JJ Slevin
On only a second attempt at a longer trip than two miles MATATA bolted up at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Waiting tactics on the normally aggressive eight-year-old paid off handsomely and he now tackles further, with his owners’ retained jockey Slevin back in the irons. He’s up against an odds-on foe in PROTEKTORAT who himself proved his effectiveness over a longer trip when third at Cheltenham on seasonal reappearance.
Race 7 No14 EXPRESS SURPRISE (Nap)
Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks – Jockey: Richard Patrick
In another good betting heat EXPRESS SURPRISE can make it a hat-trick of victories. He’s gone up 6lb for his narrow Uttoxeter success last month but could be named the winner of that some way out and he should enjoy this course on easy conditions that will play to his strengths. Several go into battle with definite chances including SPECIAL JOHN and PLANNED PARADISE who are must included for exactas and trifectas.
FAKENHAM
Race 2 No3 CASTANEA BREEZE (Nap)
Trainer: Lucy Wadham – Jockey: Tom Cannon
CASTANEA BREEZE can post a popular local triumph in this three miles handicap hurdle. He’s been a good form with a win on his first handicap assignment at Market Rasen and ran well in defeat at Wetherby. He has scope for improvement in this sphere.
Race 5 No5 OVERABOTTLEOFRED
Trainer: Tom Gretton – Jockey: Robbie Dunne
OVERABOTTLEOFRED side stepped an opportunity and now returns in what looks a tougher affair, but the mare landed some good bets when last seen at Huntingdon in the spring, and if ready for this looks the one to beat.
