Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Sunday’s racing coming your way from Aintree and Market Rasen on 25 October 2026.
AINTREE
Race 2 No10 TITI MONTMARTRE
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Sean Houlihan
A market check is advised on unbeaten pointer TITI MONTMARTRE as he debuts under Rules for a stable that’s strongly represented on the day. He impressed with the manner of his win at Alnwick, and has shown abundant promise in his work and in schooling to make him a value option against short favourite ORDER ON TIME.
Race 3 No2 UN SENS A LA VIE
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Some big reputations go on the line in an excellent novices’ limited handicap chase in which UN SENS A LA VIE can prevail. The four times winner had to fight for the spoils when returning over hurdles at Market Rasen but everything about him screams fences, making this move into the chase arena one in which he can prove even more effective. The six-year-old has looked good n his schooling but will need to be near his best to stave off the challenges of TAURUS BAY, KLUB DE REVE and KADASTRAL.
Race 5 WILLIAM HILL OLD ROAN LIMITED HANDICAP CHASE (Grade 2)
No1 MATATA (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: JJ Slevin
On more than one occasion stablemates MASTER CHEWY and MATATA have crossed swords in the same race and on this latest renewal the value could lie with the last named chaser. At eight the bold front runner is young enough to cause problems to the best of them when on a going day, and while two previous visits to this course have proved fruitless it’s a terrain that should suit him. Master Chewy is more versatile but was outclassed on his final outing last season in the Ryanair Chase. IMPERIAL SAINT is in good order for his seasonal return and well treated if his jumping stands the test. BLUEY also catches the eye as a young and progressive novice, although this is a big step up for her.
Prediction: 1st MATATA, 2nd Imperial Saint, 3rd Master Chewy, 4th Bluey
Race 6 No8 VOL ROYALE (Each Way)
Trainer: Kayley Woollacott – Jockey: Ben Jones
VOL ROYALE landed some good bets when upped in trip and on handicap debut at Hereford to record a third successive under Rules. This reprints a step up in class for the confirmed front runner who should enjoy the track, trip and ground and could prove hard to peg back. He should certainly outrun his lofty price although I can pass on a good message for NORM IRON, who warrants a saver.
MARKET RASEN
Race 3 No5 TRIPLE TRADE
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
This should end up being fought out by TOMMY’S OSCAR and TRIPLE TRADE, with preference for the latter who is getting a stone from his older rival. The selection is a six times winner over fences who was highly tried towards the end of last season. This is a welcome move into calmer waters for the ten-year-old, whose stable is on a hot streak.
Race 4 No3 LIVIN ON LUCO (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Sean Bowen
Any of the four runners can win this long distance handicap chase to be run in searching conditions. Although he’s not shown consistency the one to be on is LIVIN ON LUCO, who notched his only success last season on his return to action at Fontwell. He was ambitiously campaigned afterwards, ending with a failure to complete in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown, but now fresh from his summer at grass it should be the time to catch him.
Race 5 No1 WALK IN THE VALLEY
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
WALK IN THE VALLEY probably needed the race when weakening at the finish over course and distance which was his first visit to the track in 11 months. He will strip fitter and possesses the class edge to defy his big weight.
