Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Plumpton, Newcastle, Southwell and Chelmsford City on 05 November 2026.
NEWBURY
Race 1 No2 SPIRITS BAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Toby McCain Mitchell
SPIRITS BAY will receive the best assistance from the saddle in this conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle and on seasonal return. He won first time back in the 2024/25 season in the corresponding race, and though a chase campaign didn’t go well he signed off with a very good effort when just out of the money in Sandown’s Imperial Cup. Taking stock of that he’s overpriced at his forecast odds.
Race 5 No9 SAPPINGIRL (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Nicholls has always considered SAPPINGIRL an exciting prospect for novice hurdling and the gelding returns over what the trainer regards as his optimum trip, and on perfect ground. Having run well in a Listed bumper when last seen he’s been working well ahead of this return to the fray.
Race 6 No11 WORDFROMHOME
TRAINER: Paul Nicholls – Jockey: Sam Twiston- Davies
From the same stable, WORDFROMHOME can with a win on Rules debut endorse the promise of his impressive success in his only point in Ireland. He was the Sales topper at the Goffs Aintree Sale in the Spring and carries a tall home reputation to post.
PLUMPTON
Race 5 No1 BARBURY BOY (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Tom Cannon
It’s unusual to see Plumpton race twice within a week as well as on a Thursday, and while the card doesn’t proffer many bets, BARBURY BOY is one to have on your mind in this juvenile hurdle. He was a dual winner over a mile and a quarter on the Flat earlier in the year and hails from a yard that excels with this type of individual.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No9 AIRE SPRAY (Nap)
Trainer: Joel Parkinson – Jockey: Oscar Palmer
AIRE SPRAY has won four races from ten starts over the last two years, giving him a very smart win to run record. He receives weight from the field in this long distance handicap hurdle and needs respecting.
Race 3 No7 THORNEYLANDS
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
The Richards stable is getting its act together and THORNEYLANDS can add to its tally by taking out this handicap hurdle on seasonal return. A well supported winner when last seen at Kelso, he’s ready for a first start in six months.
Race 6 No2 BRAN GALAD (Each Way)
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
A rare runner in National Hunt for Menuisier, any support for BRAN GALAD might be worth heeding. The Camelot gelding is well bred for this discipline.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No6 JOHN T
Trainer: Jonny Portman – Jockey: Clifford Lee
JOHN T went up in the weights for finishing second on his latest outing at this track, but it was a clear sign that the chestnut is nearing a return to winning ways. It was only a third start of the year for the four year old who showed this Mike and a half trip holds no perils for him.
Race 4 No2 FENAROLI (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Charlton – Jockey: Colin Keane
Frankel colt FENAROLI chased home a couple of well regarded foes when second on his Kempton introduction. This switch to grass sees him tackling an altogether different surface, but should he handle the easy conditions the Juddmonte-owned Nap can take care of business.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 4 No3 MR FREEDOM (Nap)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Charles Bishop
Dual purpose horse MR FREEDOM brings very solid form on turf to the table in this stayers’ handicap. He ran a stormer when second at Goodwood on his latest start a month age but now tackles an AW surface for only a third time in his 46-race career. Should that not pose a problem he has every right to get to the shake-up.
