Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Doncaster, Yarmouth , Newmarket and Newcatle on 26 June 2026
DONCASTER
Race 3 No5 PAPA COCKTAIL (Each Way)
Traner: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Connor Beasley
PAPA COCKTAIL has regularly earned when advised in this column, and while a bit below form on his latest start he’s enjoyed a deserved three week break and dropped 1lb in the ratings. His previous three visits to the Town Moor yielded figures of 312, and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back.
Race 6 No1 BLACK ENDEAVOUR (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Rimell – Jockey: David Egan
Top weight BLACK ENDEAVOUR won off this mark at Nottingham, and when third over course and distance on his latest start produced a seasonal best. Having been dropped 1lb he has a good chance to return to winning ways.
YARMOUTH
Race 1 No3 MOUNTBATTEN (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Stevie Donoghoe
Japan colt MOUNTBATTEN relished a step up in trip when making his handicap debut at Southwell. He’s back for more under a 6lb penalty and strongly fancied to follow up.
Race 5 No6 GENEROUS RASCAL (Each Way)
Trainer: Dylan Cunha – Jockey: Sean Levey
GENEROUS RASCAL has earned on three of four starts for this stable, latterly on the Kempton Polytrack. The way he kept on at the finish suggests a return to 1400 metres will be to his advantage.
Race 7 No5 SHINING GUEST (Each Way)
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: Sylvester De Sousa
Even though she failed to beat a single rival over course and distance when last seen in April, SHINING GUEST obtained a mark. It will be interesting to see whether stepping into a handicap brings about a better effort from the daughter of Starman, as this is a very poor race.
NEWMARKET
Race 3 No8 POLKA BLUE (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Hills – Jockey: Tom Marquand
POLKA BLUE has shown herself to be adept both on grass and the all-weather. She’s climbing the weights but receives weight from the field in this Class4, and has a top pilot doing the steering.
Race 7 No1 VILAINE VERLAINE
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Alicia Perkins
VILAINE VERLAINE raised her game when troubling the judge for the first time this season at Kempton. She got every yard of the two miles and just needs to consolidate in order to get into the shake-up in this open affair.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No10 VIPER (Nap)
Trainer: Brian Ellison – Jockey: Ben Robinson
The safest option is VIPER, who tops the ratings and should open his account if running to his mark. He’s back over 1400 metres after a near miss over 1200 last time, and it will probably help him.
Race 4 JENNINGS BET IN DELVES HOPPINGS FILLIES’ STAKES (Group 3)
No3 ASHARIBA (Each Way)
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
This is easily the best race of the day in which ASHARIBA can step up a gear for a stable that is doing well with its occasional runners. The chestnut might well have needed her first run back when second in a Listed race in the French provinces and is the type to progress this year. If that is the case she can give DIAMOND RAIN and SKY SAFARI something to think about.
Race 5 No6 COROLLA POINT
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
COROLLA POINT is a name to conjure with in this Gosforth Park Cup. He needs to turn the tables on AIR FORCE ONE on Beverley running but is weighted to do so. The Godolphin cast off has acquitted himself well since his move to Middleham with back-to-back successes last September and earning runs at Beverley and York this season.
Race 6 No5 TIRIAC (Each Way)
Trainer: Paul Midgley – Jockey: David Nolan
TIRIAC frequently fails to make an impact, whilst at the same time leaving the impression there is something in his tank. Definitely well handicapped, always requires a certain amount of luck in running, and as the outsider in the field is a speculative advice. Should there be support for him I will increase my wager.
