Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Cheltenham, Sedgefield and Southwell on 13 November 2026.
CHELTENHAM
Race 2 No5 INTOSOMETHINGGOOD
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
INTOSOMETHINGGOOD upped his game to land back-to back triumphs in a handicap hurdle and a novices’ handicap chase before finishing last of three in a hot race at Aintree. Beaten five lengths by the very smart Royal Infantry, the locally trained gelding makes a quick reappearance and is capable of bouncing back.
Race 3 SCHLOER CHASE (Grade 2)
No4 SAINT SEGAL
Trainer: Jane Williams – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
JONBON is a dual winner of this early trial for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Second in the race 12 months ago, he is entitled to start favourite but with his tendency to make the occasional blunder SAINT SEGAL is preferred. The selection might enjoy the luxury of an easy lead, and as this is only his second run over fences at the track there could be improvement in him, especially as he’s race fit from an earning run at Ffos Las which was probably needed.
Race 4 No7 TRIPLE TRADE (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Harry Cobden
In the latest chapter of his career TRIPLE TRADE proved the gamest of scorers at Market Rasen where under Brendan Powell he stayed on to lead in the final strides. With Powell now on the 8n jury list Cobden is an eye taking deputy for the veteran who has run well on his last three visits to this course.
Race 5 ALBERT BARTLETT NOVICES’ HURDLE (Grade 2)
No7 WOODSTOCK OCTO (Each Way)
Trainer: Kayley Woollacott – Jockey: Ben Jones
FEROCIMO was a most impressive scorer at Fontwell but multiple point winner WOODSTOCK OCTO put in a career best to score at last month’s Showcase fixture here in an effort hallmarked by his willing attitude. The six-year-old clicked with Ben Jones who made a race winning move when switching his mount right at the second last. The selection should have learned in spades from that first outing under Rules and though this is harder, he can remain unbeaten.
Race 6 No6 WAY OF STARS
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
WAY OF STARS has made a smooth transition from the Flat to hurdling with David Pipe, winning and being placed in all but one of his five outings and that was in the competitive Bet365 Novices’ Final at Sandown. He ran a stormer when going down by a short head on his rea
SEDGEFIELD
Race 1 No3 WALK IN THE VALLEY (Nap)
Trainer: Joel Parkinson – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
Having needed his first run of the season WALK IN THE VALLEY made no mistake at Market Rasen where he really stamped his authority on the contest over the final two fences. He remains unexposed and rates the best bet of the day in his attempt to defy his new mark.
Race 4 No3 CLOSE HOUSE
Trainer: Chris Grant – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
CLOSE HOUSE left the cash that came from him behind when last of three on his debut for Grant in September, but nevertheless gave a good account to be beaten a total of less than two lengths. He’s learned plenty from that second career outing and should prove hard to beat on this hurdling bow.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No2 GATA BAN
Trainer: Neil Mulholland – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
GATA BAN has held her form well in a summer jumps campaign and again proved competitive when third on her latest start at Fontwell. From a stable very much amongst the winners she can make this a third win of the year and on a first visit to this track.
Race 5 No3 CLONDAW PARK (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Derham – Jockey: Paul O’Brien
The Derham stable is creeping into form which augurs well for the chances of CLONDAW PARK. The Walk In The Park mare shaped well when last seen finishing third in a novice hurdle at Chepstow but is ready for the return from that enforced absence.
Race 6 No1 CHARACTER TESTING
Trainer: Mark Walford – Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
CHARACTER TESTING knows every blade of grass at Sedgefield, and was a deserving scorer on her latest visit there when her trademark enterprising tactics had the opposition on the back foot a long way from the finish. She’s gone up 7lb for that demolition job but it’s given the mare a confidence lift.
Race 7 No2 KEEP ON COBBLING
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: William Featherston
KEEP ON COBBLING scored on her first run back last season and in a select campaign ended up making a podium finish at Cartmel. I’m slightly worried that horses from her stable are needing a run, but she might prove an exception.
