Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming from Chepstow, Newcastle, and Wolverhampton on 27 January 2026.
CHEPSTOW
Race 1 No11 CROSSBEAU (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Vaughan – Jockey: Mr Edward Vaughan
CROSSBEAU’s three visits to this track have seen him finish sixth, unseat at the last when he would have won and then atone for it with a win back in November. Theoretically he is a dual scorer here, and I fancy him to bounce back from an underwhelming performance at Fontwell, where he never looked like justifying his position as an odds-on favourite. He’s in an open affair, but at his predicted price he is tempting.
Race 3 No8 WALKADINA (Each Way)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
Of similar ilk is WALKADINA, who on her first two starts this season traded very short in running only to flatter to deceive. She appeared to run out of gas up the final hill at Cheltenham, and was then mugged on the run in when back in trip at Ludlow. If a line can be drawn through her poor run at Ascot in an admittedly better race, then she has a bright earning chance.
Race 4 No2 PALACIO
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
French raider STENCIL has the best form but hasn’t won over fences while PALACIO has. The eight-year-old jumped beautifully to score on chase debut here last November only to sulk after the lead was wrestled from him early in a Newbury contest that has worked out. This free goer has been given plenty of time to recover from his exertions, and with his knowledge of the course can cause his odds-on foe problems.
Race 5 No1 CHARISMA CAT
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
Those happy to row in with a ‘shorty’ might support CHARISMA CAT to get the job done in this mares’ novices’ hurdle. The former smart bumper performer has finished second on both hurdling starts this season, and if repeating the level of her Newbury run in late November will be very hard to beat.
Race 7 No3 JUSTALARGEWHISKY (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
Thomas likes to introduce his nicer bumper horses at this course which encourages me that JUSTALARGEWHISKY can make a winning debut under Rules in spite of having no form to his name. He’s shown ability in his preparation at home, and is definitely one to watch for an early move in the betting.
NEWCASTLE
Race 5 No1 PITWOOD ROAD (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
PITWOOD ROAD had to buckle down to repel a persistent challenger on a first run for Richards at Carlisle. She enjoyed that return to hurdling and has benefitted from a change of scenery, and looks the one to beat in this mares’ only race.
Race 6 No1 YOUNG JACK (Each Way)
Trainer: Chris Grant – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
After showing bags of promise when second on his first outing over fences at Kelso, YOUNG JACK made mistakes and never looked happy at Ayr. I feel the performance was too bad to be true, and that it’s worth having a speculative bet on him to recoup any losses. He should enjoy a return to Gosforth Park, where his record over hurdles reads 213.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 No4 HOMME DE FER
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: William Carson
Consistency is the hallmark of HOMME DE FER who can kick off with a success in the opener on what will hopefully prove a good night for his trainer. His record at Dunstall Park reads 21 and although wider than ideal in the gate he can soon latch onto the pace under a jockey that knows him.
Race 3 No1 HORWICH
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Rob Hornby
HORWICH looked as green as grass but it didn’t prevent him taking the spoils on his introduction at this course before Christmas. The hooded gelding has to carry a penalty which is never easy, but he should have learned plenty from it, and can thwart KOKUSHOKU.
Race 4 No1 MIDNIGHT CALL (Nap)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Tyrese Cameron
The best bet on the card as he will start odds against is MIDNIGHT CALL, who should make this a fourth win at the track from as many visits since starting the ball rolling in November. He’s making a quick reappearance after last week’s triumph, but has shown in the past he takes his racing well.
Race 7 No5 PINK SOCKS
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Paddy Bradley
Seeking a fourth win on the bounce is PINK SOCKS, who though taking a step up the class ladder and tackling a longer trip can keep up the good work. It took the mare a long time to get on top in that race, signalling the need to go further.
