Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thurday’s racing coming from Chepstow, Kelso, Chelmsford City and Southwell on 02 April 2026.
CHEPSTOW
Race 4 No6 SOLDIEROFTHESTORM (Nap)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Kevin Brogan
SOLDIEROFTHESTORM jumped beautifully when opening his chasing account at Sandown and remains exposed over fences. His connections are trying to take advantage while the easier ground exists, and though this is a step up the class ladder he’s going to love this big galloping track on which he can put his opponents to the sword.
Race 5 No5 SO YOU KNOW
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
SO YOU KNOW is the least experienced member of the party in this handicap hurdle but needs taking seriously. He was just denied at Warwick but is going to appreciate racing over a longer trip against MARLACOO, whose stable looks for a third recent triumph in this race.
KELSO
Race 4 No7 GUET APENS (Nap)
Trainer: Oliver Greenall – Jockey: Toby Wynne
GUET APENS won in France and contested a Listed race there before his move to the UK. He ran well to earn on Rules debut and then scored easily at Carlisle, with the form of that first outing subsequently boosted. The Dubawi gelding is well regarded, and appeals as the best bet on this card.
Race 6 No3 POETS WHISPER
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
Richards joined the 1000 winner club on Tuesday and POETS WHISPER can set him on course for a further century by taking out this bumper on his first outing. He steps out from Greystoke with good vibes behind him, and is likely to be strong in the betting.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 1 No4 FOREVER NOAH
Trainer: Joey Ramsden – Jockey: Warren Fentiman
FOREVER NOAH breaks from a plum slot in the gate for this sprint around a left handed bend. He put a couple of disappointing efforts behind him when returned to 1200 metres at Wolverhampton earlier in the week, and if able to dominate will be hard to catch.
Race 3 No10 PENTONVILLE (Nap)
Trainer: George Boughey – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
PENTONVILLE made his only start in a good novice at Yarmouth before posting a near miss on his AW debut at Kempton last month. He was beaten by dead heating opponents but was in contention throughout and showed that he’s effective on this surface. With a bit more progression he can open his account.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 No6 ZERIYA (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Shane Foley
Foley is an eye taking booking for ZERIYA who is closely related to a multiple Group winner, and whose stable has been amongst the winners on the AW this week. The daughter of Too Darn Hot is strongly fancied to open her account at the first time of asking.
Race 2 No2 CAJETAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
CAJETAN has been in the wilderness but he’s one to monitor for a strike in the coming weeks. He’s well treated on his old form, and only a high draw dampens my enthusiasm for him a tad here, though I will nevertheless have a bit on.
Race 3 No5 FOLK PAGEANT
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: S D Bowen
FOLK PAGEANT still looked green when opening her account at Lingfield, but the fact that she was pressed for the win should have helped her in terms of her benefitting from it. The daughter of Derby winner Masar will enjoy stretching out to a mile, and will stay further in due course.
Race 6 No8 A MERE BAGATELLE (Each Way)
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Cieren Fallon
A MERE BAGATELLE ran well when second over hurdles at Fontwell and now debuts for a trainer who is well versed in getting the most out of his new arrivals. The nine-year-old catches the eye getting weight from the field, and could easily outstay them.
