Neil Morrice shares all his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing, coming your way from Brighton, Thirsk , Haydock Park and Newmarket on 08 August 2025.
BRIGHTON
Race 4 No12 CHARLIE MASON (Nap)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Jack Doughty
With a pleasing run at Ffos Las earlier in the week, CHARLIE MASON confirmed that he’s a horse getting ready to win again. On this first career visit to Brighton he can do just that, and at the main expense of his stablemate CINDY LOU WHO.
Race 6 No3 RED ADMIRAL
Trainer: John Gallagher – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
RED ADMIRAL a has not been without his issues, and is with a third trainer in the space of a year. He’s attracted support on a couple of occasions to suggest he shows ability at home, and in this decidedly weak affair can open his account.
THIRSK
Race 4 No7 KING’S CROWN (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Rhys Elliott
Although his horses have been a shade in and out this season, the same cannot be said about KING’S CROWN whose performances can be measured with the accuracy of a Swiss watch. A victory here would be a third from the gelding’s last four starts, but it looks on the cards.
Race 6 No5 SOLE SPIRIT
Trainer: Bryan Smart – Jockey: Harrison Shaw
SOLE SPIRIT left previous efforts well behind when scoring on his seasonal return at Doncaster. It was a tidy success for the gelding, who granted normal progression can follow-up.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 4 No2 BENY NAHAR ( Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
The best bet on this card is BENY HAHAR, who made a bold fist of trying to go gate to wire on his first run at Newcastle. The first two finished well clear, while the Nap has thrived in the interim and now faces a gilt added opportunity to open his account.
Race 6 No7 RASCAL RECKNELL
Trainer: Mike Appleby – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
There are several in-form contenders for this 1400 metres finale, but the one that rocks the boat is RASCAL RECKNELL, who has clearly benefitted from a change of stable. On his first run for Appleby and first of the season he was a last gasp winner in a blanket finish, but there should certainly be more to come from him.
NEWMARKET
Race 1 No5 KING’S TRUST
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: Ryan Moore
The two-year-old races on this card involve a handful of well related newcomers, and in the first Kingman colt KING’S TRUST takes the eye as does the booking of Ryan Moore for him. He brings positive vibes to the course from Clarehaven, in the colours of the King.
Race 2 No6 LYRICS OF LIFE (Each Way)
Trainer: Brian Meehan – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
Pinatubo filly LYRICS OF LIFE attracted a bundle of support only to finish last but one on her debut here back in May. She’s probably had a few issues, but with the benefit of that race under her belt is worth considering. If anywhere near her paper price she’s worth a bet.
Race 3 No5 GOUKEN (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: He tor Crouch
GOUKEN stayed on for a podium finish on debut at Newbury and that experience can stand him in good stead against form horse First Time. Juveniles from his stable invariably step up a long way from their first outing to a second, and he can prove a case in point.
