Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Newmarket , Thirsk and Doncaster on 16 May 2026.
NEWBURY
Race 1 SKY SPORTS RACING ASTON PARK STAKES (Group 3)
No1 KALPANA (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Colin Keane
KALPANA scored on her first run back in 2025 before going on to win a Group 1 and place in two others, making her the top middle distance filly in training. She’s in great form for this return at her local track, and can cap a fine week for her connections by taking the spoils.
Race 3 BOYLE SPORTS LOCKINGE STAKES (Group 1)
No7 NOTABLE SPEECH
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
The 2024 Guineas winner NOTABLE SPEECH can swoop to conquer in Newbury’s marquee race to show how unlucky he was on a first run of the year in the Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland. He was locked away with nowhere to go on that occasion and only saw daylight when the birds had flown, but Newbury is one of the fairest courses in the country, at which his superior turn of foot can prove decisive at the finish. Frankel colt DAMYSUS bids to given John Gosden a third win in the race in as many runnings and needs to be taken seriously after his dominating comeback success at Newmarket. A slight drop in trip shouldn’t hinder him, while ZEUS OLYMPICS a finished behind a stablemate of Notable Speech when third in Sandown’s Bet365 Mile. He has something to prove on that evidence, while THE LION IN WINTER had to work to take out a Listed race on his return at Leopardstown and is passed over. JONQUIL likes this track as demonstrated with a success in the Greenham Stakes last year. He quickened up well to win a Listed race at Ascot and can get into the argument.
Prediction: 1st NOTABLE SPEECH, 2nd DAMYSUS, 3rd Zeus Olympics, 4th Jonquil
Race 5 No9 LOST BOYS
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Jason Watson
From a stable that’s appears to be running into form, LOST BOYS can make this ultra competitive heat the clinching leg of a fine hat-trick. The Night Of Thunder colt made his first run in handicap company a winning one and landed some good bets in the process at Sandown and has gone forward for that outing. He’s well regarded and one of the nicest prospects in this yard.
Race 6 No8 ADDISON GREY (Each Way)
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
ADDISON GREY is a three times winner who has placed on three other occasions from only eight career starts. He’s been beaten by good horses on both 2026 outings here and at Newmarket and would be a deserving winner for his local stable.
Race 7 No11 MEZCALA
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
MEZCALA swooped to conquer on his first run back at Doncaster to land some today bets in the process. He put his seal on the race by stretching clear in the final furlong and has enjoyed a nice gap between races. This looks a tougher assignment, and a saver is suggested on recent Newmarket winner SPANISH VOICE.
NEWMARKET
Race 3 No3 JOLIVETTE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
This fillies’ novice can go to the beautifully bred JOLIVETTE, a daughter of Wootton Bassett who has been showing up well in her work and can take the spoils at the first time of asking.
Race 4 No12 GOLDEN REDEMPTION
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: David Probert
The same trainer-jockey combination can again be on the mark with GOLDEN REDEMPTION who after meeting with interference on his latest outing over course and distance can be regarded as a winner without a penalty. He’s running from 2lb higher, but is on good order.
Race 6 No8 GUEST HOUSE (Each Way)
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: John Egan
GUEST HOUSE went up 5lb for a taking success at Yarmouth where he looked better the further he travelled. The Dark Angel gelding should enjoy stretching out on the distance ladder, and looks a danger to all competing from the foot of the handicap.
THIRSK
Race 2 No8 CALL NICKI (Each Way)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan
CALL NICKI showed up well for a long way before weakening on her debut at this track, and having troubled the judge is capable of stepping up and utilising her experience edge to good effect.
Race 3 No8 HOT CASH (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Rose Dawes
While it’s debatable whether a mile is far enough for him, HOT CASH enjoys a plum draw for this race around a left handed bend. He’s improved for his first run back, and will hopefully be made plenty of use of.
Race 7 WOODSTOCK (Each Way)
Trainer: Ruth Carr – Jockey: Joanna Mason
Equally well drawn is WOODSTOCK for whom a big showing is in the offing. The six-year-old ran better than his finishing position indicated when returning over this course and distance and has been made fitter.
DONCASTER
Race 4 No9 NOVELLO LAD (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Midgley – Jockey: Billy Garritty
NOVELLO LAD finished best of all for a minor cheque on his first run of the year at Beverley. That should have put the cutting edge on him for this similar contest.
Race 5 No9 BLACK ENDEAVOUR (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Rimell – Jockey: David Egan
BLACK ENDEAVOUR was going on at the finish when dropped back to sprinting at Haydock. He remains at 1200 metres and should improve on it as long as he has a strong pace to aim at.
