Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Brighton, Musselburgh and Windsor on 24 August 2026.
BRIGHTON
Race 3 No3 DARK SUN (Nap)
Trainer: James Bennett – Jockey: Laura Coughlan
A race sponsored by veteran racing journalist Ian Carnaby can fall to the super consistent DARK SUN. The Dark Angel mare has earned in all but one of her seven starts in 2026 and should enjoy a return to Brighton where she ran well in the early summer. She’s developed a fine understanding with her jockey.
Race 4 No8 TWILIGHT GUEST (Each Way)
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: Kieren O’Neill
Carded to start the outsider in a field of eight, TWILIGHT GUEST is a speculative choice to raise his game. His seven race programme in 2926 has brought with it a tale of woe, but he may be worth one last chance to show he’s retained some of the ability that saw him rattle off a hat-trick around this time last year.
Race 5 No8 CELTIC JOHN (Each Way)
Trainer: Pat Phelan – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
CELTIC JOHN needs taking seriously in this low grade handicap as he has few miles on his clock with just three starts through the summer and on two occasions ran better than his eventual finishing position indicates. He needs to get a tow into the contest and if that transpires he can swoop late up the final hill.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 1 No3 THE MEAN FIDDLER (Nap)
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Jewson Hart
Although backed as if defeat was out of the question, THE MEAN FIDDLER ran into a smart foe in Reflect On Glory at Ripon when the pair pulled clear. The son of No Nay Never showed similar promise on his first start at Pontefract, and has been handed a fine chance to open his account.
Race 4 No3 TWO COMMANDERS
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Oisin Orr
TWO COMMANDERS is the least experienced in the field but with a Catterick win and three frame finishes to his name needs taking seriously on only a second run in handicap company, and for a yard amongst the winners.
WINDSOR
Race 1 No5 SUNDAY GIRL (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
Frankel filly SUNDAY GIRL should take care of business in this fillies’ novice. She finished off her only career start in eye taking fashion at Newbury, and while she’s racing for the first time in almost a year she’s ready for it.
Race 2 No10 NAKILA STAR
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
NAKILA STAR stepped up on her first effort when switched to Polytrack to finish with a wet sail at Lingfield, where he needed one more stride to prevail. The selection is bred to enjoy every yard of this 1600 metres and can go be better.
Race 5 No4 CAPE TORONADA
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Ryan looks a significant booking for the in form CAPE TORONADA who has posted successes at Brighton either side of earning runs at this track. The Tornado filly is narrowly preferred to hat-trick seeker MOLLY MAC, who has taken a hike in the weights but should still prove dangerous.
Race 6 No2 TRAFALGAR (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Case – Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette
TRAFALGAR regularly troubled the judge before his move to Edgcote from where he’s been given a select campaign this season. While his two outings have seen him with more rivals in front of him than behind he’s capable of taking away a cheque in this weakly contested affair for a trainer that sent out a 33-1 winner last week.
