Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Brighton, Thirsk, Musselburgh, Newmarket and Haydock Park on 07 August 2026
BRIGHTON
Race 3 No3 FITZMAURICE (Each Way)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Jack Doughty
Although he’s been disappointing in four start since his move to Carroll this looks a race that FITZMAURICE could win. Since a promising debut run for William Haggas at Newbury two years ago little has gone right for the gelding’s, though he did fare better when just out of the money on his latest start at Chepstow, which offers hope.
Race 4 No3 TENBOB TOMMY (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Charles Bishop
For a big long striding horse TENBOB TOMMY handles this switchback course particularly well. He’s yet to win here but has twice gone close, and though not without the occasional training issue is fresh and well for this first start since April.
Race 6 No3 PENNINE WAY (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
PENNINE WAY has shown her best form on the all-weather but comes here off a career best run at Wolverhampton. The Aclaim filly is no star, but batting out of the bottom rung of the ladder she will never get a better chance to break her duck.
THIRSK
Race 5 No2 MAJESTIC (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Connor Beasley
Former Cambridgeshire winner MAJESTIC is not the force of old but comes here in favour of a trip to the Shergar Cup. With a top northern rider in his saddle he can roll back the years as he was out of his depth in a Class2 last time but had shown a lot more on his previous two starts.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 2 No5 FAITH IN FLORENCE (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
BARNABY RUDGE puts a two race unbeaten record on the line in a race that could if he wins tee him up for a shot at the Gimcrack. The problem is his double penalty that requires him to concede just short of a stone to the only filly in the race, FAITH IN FLORENCE. Considering how well the half sister to Chipstead ran at Newbury when just failing to hold the smart Al Samsama she should spoil the party for the top weight.
Race 5 No3 MONTEZUMA
Trainer: Jim Goldie – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
MONTEZUMA put in a solid display when narrowly beaten here last week to indicate he’s on the cusp of getting back into the winners’ circle. The Blue Point gelding has been a beaten favourite on three of his last five outings and needs to claw back some of the money that has gone west.
NEWMARKET
Race 2 No4 ZARAKOVA (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Playing the experience card can enable ZARAKOVA to fend off newcomer OH SWEET ADAIRE in this fillies’ maiden. The Nap got the trip well when second over 1400 metres on her second start and now moves up to a mile. If allowed to boss the race she will be hard to peg back.
Race 5 No7 MELODICAL (Each Way)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
The one with most room for manoeuvre in terms of progression is MELODICAL, who makes a belated return to action in her first handicap. She earned on her first two starts as a juvenile but pulled her way into submission when last seen at Chelmsford. Back on turf and stepping up in trip, and with the champ in the plate she’s definitely worth a market check.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 4 No1 ARTHURIAN (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
ARTHURIAN wasn’t beaten far when just out of the money his Newbury introduction. The son of Camelot will have learned plenty from it and can use that experience to his benefit over a longer trip that is sure to suit.
