Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Thursday 16 July 2026

CHEPSTOW

Race 2 No5 RIVER EDGE

Trainer: Christopher Mason – Jockey: Rose Dawes

The one with scope for progression on just a fifth career start is RIVER EDGE. The grey troubled the judge in each of three outings before going onto the injury list, but there was plenty to glean from his earning comeback from a lengthy absence, teeing him up nicely for this first run in a handicap.

Race 3 No1 BLONDIE LARRY (Nap)

Trainer: Jamie Osborne – Jockey: Saffie Osborne

This 1000 metres on fast ground is just the ticket for BLONDIE LARRY, who went down to a smart foe on second start and has learned plenty from it. The Showcasing colt should prove hard to beat as the best bet on this card.

Race 4 No5 DAPPLED LIGHT

Trainer: Adrian Wintle – Jockey: Finley Marsh

DAPPLED LIGHT is back to his optimum distance of 1600 metres, having narrowly failed to notch a hat-trick over shorter last time. He’s taken a 2lb rise for his troubles, but considering his overall well-being he is the one to beat.

THIRSK

Race 2 No5 HATAMOTO

Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Jake Dickson

Easterby fields some fancied runners at his local track including HATAMOTO, who might have idled when opening his account at Beverley, explaining why the trainer has elected to add cheek pieces as the gelding returns from a 2lb higher mark.

Race 6 No6 BARLEY (Nap)

Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Sean Kirrane

Perhaps the stable banker is the consistent BARLEY who was earning for the fourth time in succession at Carlisle, and granted better luck can make it a first win at this course, and second since joining his trainer.

HAMILTON PARK

Race 1 No3 CALL NICKI (Nap)

Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan

This nursery has fallen apart, and all to the benefit of the speedy CALL NICKI. The Soldier’s Call filly gained a deserved career first victory in style here and should have more to offer now handicapping, and with her tail up.

Race 2 No8 SIXCOR (Each Way)

Trainer: Linda Perrett- Jockey: Tom Kiely-Marshall

SIXCOR wasn’t at his best when out of the money here last time but that three lengths defeat in not a disaster considering his overall record at this course. He shouldn’t be written off in his attempt to win this race for the second year running.

Race 4 No2 RHOSCOLYN

Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Danny Tudhope

The best race of the day can fall to RHOSCOLYN who is a horse to keep on the right side of over the coming weeks. He failed to cut the mustard at Epsom’s Derby fixture but had a genuine cause that day. But we are reaching the time of year when he peaks, and I fancy after today his trainer is eyeing the same Goodwood race he won last year.

Race 6 a No1 RAIN CAP

Trainer: John Riches – Jockey: Ethan Tindall

There was support for RAIN CAP leading into his latest start at Catterick where the 1400 metres proved a bridge too far. Now back at his optimum trip the top weight can recoup the losses racing from a mark 1lb lower.

WORCESTER

Race 3 No3 TRIGGER THE LIGHT (Nap)

Trainer: Sara Bradstock – Jockey: Miss Lily Bradstock

TRIGGER THE LIGHT showed promise between the flags including when chasing home a smart rival at Larkhill. He returned from a breathing operation to trouble the judge at Southwell where he would have finished closer without silly mistakes. If he’s benefitted from some subsequent schooling he can win this.

Race 6 a No3 SHESONNET

Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Harry Bannister

SHESONNET ran into a well handicapped foe when second at Warwick and from a 2lb higher mark can return to winning ways. The return to this trip suited the mare, who finds herself in a weaker race.

EPSOM DOWNS

Race 3 No1 TIGER (Nap)

Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Edward Greatrex

With only three outings in 2026 TIGER is a horse to follow. His best effort was his last when narrowly denied at Doncaster, and though he’s trying to end a long losing run he’s probably well treated, while his stable won this in 2025.

Race 5 No3 DREAM OF MISCHIEF

Trainer: Amanda Harwood – Jockey: Rob Hornby

DREAM OF MISCHIEF made an encouraging return to the fray when second at Lingfield for which he was raised 2lb. The run is there to be improved on in a race that might not take much winning.