Neil Morrice’s best bets and tips – Friday, 17 April 2026

NEWBURY

Race 2 No10 SONG OF THE CLOUDS

Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Tom Marquand

Granted his good record in this distaffers’ contest over the years, Haggas could again have the answer in Night Of Thunder filly SONG OF THE CLOUDS who races in the silks of Sir Philip Oppenheimer. I’ve received positive vibes about the selection, for whom this is an only entry.

Race 3 No1 ALLAIRE

Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

ALLAIRE was noted doing her best work at the finish when second on her Lingfield introduction before Christmas. The Study Of Man filly didn’t go unbacked and should greatly benefit for the move up to a mile and a quarter in the colours of Kirsten Rausing.

Race 4 No5 ALFARAZ (Nap)

Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy

lthough he proved costly when failing to handle the track at Epsom in the autumn, ALFARAZ returns as much more the full model. The Nathaniel colt shouldn’t mind dropping back to 1400 metres, having done well physically through the winter. He’s a taking individual, and one to follow.

Race 6 No10 CROWN OFFICE (Each Way)

Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Tom Marquand

In an open affair the eye is drawn to CROWN OFFICE, who can help make it a good day for owner Saeed Suhail. His form through three late summer and autumn appearances culminated in a clear cut success in the soft at Leicester. He’s going to be fine stretching out to 1400 metres and is definitely one to monitor in the market on his handicap bow.

AYR

Race 1 No5 MAGNA VICTOR (Each Way)

Trainer: Alistair Ralph – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings

The Scottish National meeting provides a pleasant contrast to Newbury with race fans enjoying the best of both worlds. In the opener, MAGNA VICTOR is respected as he continues his love affair with Scotland. Both of this lightly raced seven-year-old’s successes this season happened north of the border at Musselburgh, and if handling this different course he has strong claims to complete a hat-trick.

Race 3 No5 LIRION (Nap)

Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen

LIRION looked raw and still badly in need of experience when short headed in an amateurs’ bumper here. He’s had the best part of two months to strengthen up, and if jumping the hurdles fluently can open his account under the champion jockey.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Race 5 No8 MR WRITER

Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Ross Coakley

MR WRITER can play the experience card to good effect here. The Dark Angel gelding went into many notebooks after an eye catching effort at Newbury which afforded him a mark, but though backed into favourite he then underwhelmed on a first nursery outing at Doncaster. On sand he’s twice been touched off at Kempton, and on this return could know too much for his opponents.

Race 6 No5 POLITELY (Nap)

Trainer: Martyn Meade – Jockey: Silvestre De Sousa

Advertise filly POLITELY found plenty when shaken up at the end of her Lingfield maiden and has to be taken seriously switched to a handicap, in which she gets weight from the field. The contest has cut up beautifully for her to make it two from two in 2026.

Race 8 No3 UPSTART CROW

Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Miss Teagan Padget

Some strange horses contest this conditions race in which UPSTART CROW can add to his six career successes and under the same rider back up his defeat of HIBIKINADA DU MAZET in an Arab race at Lingfield.

EXETER

Race 5 No9 PRAIRIE QUEEN (Nap)

Trainer: Sue Gardner – Jockey: Sean Houlihan

Few mares jump with the precision of PRAIRIE QUEEN, who though lacking a change of gear is guaranteed to go close in this novices’ handicap hurdle. While it’s not an obvious move to put her back over hurdles after a couple of very good efforts chasing, her trainer looks to have found a weak race in which she can post a first success under Rules.

BATH

Race 5 No3 TOUGH DATE (Nap)

Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass

Ourbren would boss this if running to her best but a chance is taken on TOUGH DATE to spring a surprise. The gelded son of Gregorian was too green to do himself justice on a second start at Southwell, but having troubled the judge that day can find further progression.

Race 6 No5 CHAPMAN’S PEAK

Trainer: Ed Dunlop – Jockey: Jamie Spencer

Named after the beautiful coastal drive between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, CHAPMAN’S PEAK can continue from where he left off in 2025 and complete a hat-trick. He found his niche when moving into the handicap arena with back-to-back Kempton successes in October, and is ready for this seasonal return, and switch back to turf.