Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thurday’s racing coming from Taunton, Leicester, and Lingfield Park and Chelmsford City on 12 February 2026.
TAUNTON
Race 4 No1 HELL HOUND
Trainer: Neil Mulholland – Jockey: Conor O’Farrell
Given his ability to produce the goods when fresh from a break, HELL HOUND is taken to defy an absence of well over a year in the colours of the Noel Fehily Racing Club. The seven-year-old is straight into handicap company on chase debut but young enough to make his mark in the new discipline, while his trainer will almost certainly have him ready.
Race 5 No3 WELSH CHARGER
Trainer: Alistair Ralph – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
WELSH CHARGER faces a very much in form opponent in CELTIC ART, and while I’m loath to oppose the latter the selection could be in his element around this tight track. He was backed down to favourite for a race at the Musselburgh trials meeting only to unship his pilot at the start. It was therefore an abortive visit to Scotland, but he didn’t take anything out of himself, and is capable of winning here if on a going day.
Race 6 No1 GOLDEN SUN (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Miss Gina Andrews
GOLDEN SUN came home unchallenged at Warwick in the style of a horse that can do well on the hunter-chase circuit. He’s up against a willing foe in recent point winner BEACON EDGE but could prove too strong for him, as he’s done well since that comeback success for a Ditcheat yard that usually picks up prize money in this sphere.
LEICESTER
Race 2 No2 MILAN TINO
Trainer: Tom George – Jockey: Jonathan Burke
In siding with MILAN TINO it has to be taken on board that he can put in the odd stinker, as was the case on his latest outing at Doncaster where he looked to be travelling ok only to suddenly go backwards. This former useful juvenile hurdler has previously finished strongly to score at Ludlow, and represents value as the outsider of four.
Race 3 No1 FORTUNEFAVORSDBOLD (Nap)
Trainer: Christian Williams- Jockey: Sean Bowen
Model of consistency FORTUNEFAVORSDBOLD got no further than the first fence at Catterick in a race I definitely thought she could win. A regular earner, she returns none the worse for the spill, and with the champion jockey in her irons can make the most of her appealing mark. She just needs to show she knows how to win, as figures of 34323F beg a question.
Race 4 No2 LUCKY LUGGER (Each Way)
Trainer: Matt Sheppard – Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell
LUCKY LUGGER can only be a speculative choice in this handicap chase but I’m convinced he has the ability to post a shock when everything goes right for him. The addition of cheek pieces failed to bring about an improvement in his jumping at Ffos Las, but he’s shown his best form in the mud. His conditional jockey is capable of getting a tune out of him.
Race 5 No1 ROSSCAHILL
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell
Dual hurdles winner ROSSCAHILL switches from the cancellation of his intended race at Bangor and is one to be interested in. He gallops with an exaggerated action which makes it look like he’s broken down, but don’t let that fool you. He’s well regarded at Grange Farm Stakes and this point winner has thrived for a break since his underwhelming first run over regulation fences.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 2 No1 SPANISH VOICE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
The best bet on this card is SPANISH VOICE, who on just a third start has room for progression from a stable that does well with horses of his ilk, and especially ones that carry the colours of Saeed Suhail. He had his tongue tied down when winning at Newmarket last Spring and that headgear is retained. He’s definitely one to follow whatever happens today.
Race 5 No2 COME TO PASS (Each Way)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: William Carson
COME TO PASS has side stepped a race in which his trainer had multiple entries to come here. Although it’s more than three years since his last win on Polytrack, he shaped well to claim a minor cheque on his latest start and now gets cheek pieces added.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 4 No3 CARLTON (Nap)
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Ashley Lewis
Course specialist CARLTON seeks a seventh success at the track and in current mood has strong claims to achieve it. The Frankel gelding was only just denied over two miles, and while he’s up 3lb for getting beaten, that’s countered by the fact he’s dropping back to a more favourable distance.
Race 7 No1 LEQUINTO
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Jack Doughty
LEQUINTO steps up in trip, and if proving his stamina can show how unlucky he was not to score at Lingfield last month where he was hampered and ran out of racing real estate. He’s up 1lb but has a good draw, and is effectively a winner without a penalty.
