Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Cheltenham , Doncaster and Wolverhampton on 23 October 2026.
CHELTENHAM
Race 3 No7 WONDERING WHY
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Elliott England
Locally based WONDERING WHY. looks a lively type for the return of racing at Cheltenham, and on a card full of competitive racing. The Sea Moon gelding shaped like an improved performer when making a winning return at Warwick in a race that’s been heavily endorsed. He should operate just as effectively on this more undulating track.
Race 4 No9 PLANTERS PUNCH (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson- Jockey: Nico de Boinville
As the best bet on the card, PLANTERS PUNCH can stretch his winning sequence to four and remain unbeaten. Both COOLTOBECARELESS and SCOTT’S LEGACY are capable of causing him problems but the Nap was most impressive on his final start of the 2025/26 season when backed as if defeat was out of the question at Chepstow. He’s a horse brimful of potential who will pay his way this winter.
Race 5 No1 JPR ONE (Each Way)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
In the best race of the day I’m looking forward to the return of JPR ONE. There are few better jumpers of a fence and he showed on more than one occasion last season that he’s a top flight two miler. That included victory in the Scottish Champion Chase at Ayr and a titanic run in defeat here when failing by only half a length to concede almost two stone to the progressive David’s Well. With a big run today the nine-year-old can set himself up for a return to Graded chases.
DONCASTER
Race 2 No1 ARAMRAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Ryan Moore
ARAMRAM is a tempting price to end the season as he started it with victory on the Town Moor. He convincingly landed a Listed sprint on the opening day of the season here, and even though burdened with top weight brings a class edge to the table under an eye catching jockey booking. He loves to get his feet into the ground, and underfoot conditions are ideal.
Race 3 No10 INISHBEG (Nap)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Ray Dawson
INISHBEG had become a forgotten horse when springing a 33-1 shocker here last month but this talented individual can prove it was no fluke. He hadn’t been at his best in handicaps at York and Carlisle, but having been eased in the ratings then made no mistake last time. There’s every chance that he will be in the shake-up again.
Race 5 No7 SILVER BAY (Each Way)
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Menuisier has a high opinion of SILVER BAY, on whose debut we can eke out some value in this hotly contested novice in which most of the top stables are represented. The son of French Derby winner New Bay is bred to handle any cut in the ground, and while sure to benefit from this initial experience is a good prospect for owners Valmont.
Race 6 No12 CHARLIE MASON (Each Way)
Trainer: Tony Carroll- Jockey: Clifford Lee
CHARLIE MASON ran well when second in the heavy at Haydock and again three starts back when troubling the judge over today’s course and distance. With underfoot conditions to suit he can take away a slice of the cake in a competitive heat.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 8 No3 HILLTOP (Nap)
Trainer: Daniel Kubler – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
HILLTOP proudly wore the consistency badge in a sequence of five straight earning runs on grass before finishing second to a well treated foe here at the start of the month. The mare by New Bay knows how to win, and can deliver here with champion jockey Loughnane adding to her allure.
