Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from New Market , Fffos Las , Carlisle and Southwell on 22 October 2026.
NEWMARKET
Race 2 No1 HAPPY LOVE (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Rob Hornby
HAPPY LOVE made a good fist of gunning his first start at Beverley, when after leading he was only collared in the closing strides. The son of Sea The Stars has learned plenty from it and could easily wire this 1600 metres restricted novice as the course will suit him equally as much.
Race 4 No5 MYTHICAL GUEST (Each Way)
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
You have to go back a long way to see MYTHICAL GUEST’s last winning effort but there have been recent signs that he’s ready to buck that trend. With his stable amongst the winners and Osborne an eye taking booking the six-year-old should give a good account, while any further rain will also assist his cause.
Race 7 No1 IRISH NECTAR
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Dylan Hogan
Herrington is doing a fine job with IRISH NECTAR, who even though burdened with a double penalty remains effectively 4lb well in. His Leicester and Haydock triumphs have been gained in authoritative style, making him very much the one to beat.
FFOS LAS
Race 1 No1 FAIRY PARK (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
On a good card for betting FAIRY PARK can get us off to the perfect start by taking out this mares’ novices’ hurdle. She brings very strong form to the table courtesy of her second placing in the mares’ final at Aintree, while she’s been well tutored for her first run over hurdles.
Race 2 No5 QUICKKICK
Trainer: Philip Hobbs- Jockey: Sean Houlihan
QUICKKICK should have plenty to offer in this first leg of the novices’ hurdle, representing a stable that has saddled few runners so far. With plenty of rain around that situation is in the process of changing and QUICKKICK has plenty in his favour. The Newton Abbot bumper winner is progressive and should fend of the challenge of MOURNE CRYSTAL in an interesting encounter.
Race 4 No1 KILWAUGHTER
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Jack Stonehouse
Newbury winner KILWAUGHTER just needs to show that three miles is within his stamina capability to go well in this long distance handicap hurdle and on his return from a break. He’s thrived for his summer at grass and is a horse to follow through the late autumn and in the run up to Christmas.
CARLISLE
Race 1 No1 DILRISK
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
DILRISK troubled the judge on both bumper starts last season and commands respect on his hurdling bow. He represents a value alternative to the paper favourite PUSH THE LIMIT who though rated 103 on the Flat needs to prove he gets the trip on softening ground.
Race 5 No13 JOTO (Each Way)
Trainer: John Dawson – Jockey: Alice Stevens
JOTO is a speculative choice to make the frame in a race where most of the runners have been out of form. The mare’s jumping issues appear to be behind her, while there was something to glean from her latest run at Sedgefield where she stayed on as if wanting a longer trip.
Race 6 No8 GOLDEN ACE (Nap)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
Former Champion hurdler GOLDEN ACE sets the standard on a first outing since chasing home Lossiemouth at Punchestown in the spring. It’s a long journey from her West Country base to the borders of Scotland, and I doubt she’s making it for the goodness of her health. If ready for her return she can outpoint BURDETT ROAD and tee herself up for another big season.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No7 BLUE TULIP
Trainer: William Muir – Jockey: Jason Hart
BLUE TULIP brings winning form over course and distance to the table whilst enjoying assistance from a top northern jockey. She’s an upwardly mobile filly that can continue to progress.
Race 6 No7 SILESIA (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Kevin Stott
SILESIA was a 125-1 no hoper when finishing just out of the money in a Listed contest at York and now finds herself in much calmer waters. It will be a surprise if she’s not good enough to open her account as the best bet on this card.
Race 7 No8 POINTED
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Finley Marsh
The well named POINTED enjoys a plum drawn for this 1200 metres fillies’ novice run round a left handed bend. A daughter of Blue Point, she earned over 1400 metres at Kempton and Redcar but this drop back to the sprint trip is what she wants.
