Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming from Plumpton, AYR and Wolverhampton on 23 February 2026.
PLUMPTON
Race 2 No5 KALKAROO (Nap)
Trainer: Billy Apranhaian – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
KALKAROO landed some good bets when opening his account in handicap company at Market Rasen, although he needed all his strength at the finish to get up on the line after blundering at the final flight. The Nap goes well,on an undemanding track like this and gets on well with his jockey. He’s been in good form at home.
Race 5 No6 JUNIOR DES MOTTES
Trainer: Nick Schofield – Jockey: J M Quinlan
JUNIOR DE MOTTES came out of the wilderness to gain a belated first success under Rules at Fakenham but on just a second start for Schofield. His trainer has had further time to get to know him, and the gelding remains at the right end of the weights to back it up.
Race 7 No2 A TICKATICKATIMING
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Marc Goldstein
When returned to hurdling at this course after a pine opener on the all-weather, A TICKATICKATIMING attracted plenty of support, only to fall short after being collared on the homeward turn. She’s out to go one better in this mares’ only finale, and can do so at the main expense of Kilworth.
AYR
Race 3 No6 TOMMY COMBATS
Trainer: Martin Todhunter – Jockey: Callum Bewley
TOMMY COMBATS deservedly got the job done in good style over two miles here on his third start of the season and won’t have any issues with the step up to two and a half. The grey rarely fails to trouble the judge, is in good heart and set to give another good account.
Race 4 No2 NEXT TWIST (Nap)
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
NEXT TWIST opened his account at Southwell and when trying to follow up at this course travelled strongly to trade very short in running only to reach the end of this tether on the run in. In Athos virtual match with Irish-trained GREEN HOPE he can bounce back.
Race 6 No5 LIRION
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Lewis Saunders
LIRION troubled the judge on only start in a Huntingdon bumper before joining Murphy for whom he’s making a first appearance. He’s a four-year-old taking on older rivals but should make an immediate impact to repel the challenge of KINGSMAN MAIL.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 3 No2 SUMMER HEAT (Nap)
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Ashley Lewis
SUMMER HEAT has grazed the crossbar on both starts since being bought out of the Godolphin operation. From the rail she can utilise her greater experience to open her account ahead of handicaps.
Race 5 No4 HOMME DE FER
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: William Carson
HOMME DE FER has proved an owners dream since having his attentions switched to sand with ten earning efforts in as many starts for Carroll. The form includes a success at this course and it’s hard to see him not again being right in the thick of things at the finish.
Race 8 No1 CHOURMO
Trainer: Dan Horsford – Jockey: Jason Watson
CHOURMO is with his fourth trainer but having only a third start for Horsford after an earning effort here last week. He’s enjoying the return to sand, and looks the one to beat in this bottom level race.
Place Accumulator Perm (Races 3-9)
