Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Cheltenham, Doncaster and Southwell on 12 December 2025.
CHELTENHAM
Race 1 No2 LISBANE PARK
Traner: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
LISBANE PARK bolted up on Rules debut at Exeter in a performance that had his trainer looking at bigger fish for the gelding to fry. That jump up the class ladder happens today against a couple of dangerous foes in OLD PARK STAR and KINGSTON QUEEN, but if close to his paper price the selection is a solid win and place entity.
Race 4 No3 GOWEL ROAD (Each Way)
Traner: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
GOWEL ROAD is a fascinating runner in a race that could involve a minor upset. It’s his first run over fences in three years, but when last seen in this division he won a novices’ handicap chase at Ascot. His seven subsequent hurdling efforts at this course stand up to the closest inspection and include a success in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle back in January. The locally trained selection has jumped schooling fences well at home, and in an open race can earn.
Race 5 No1 ELDORADO ALLEN (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
Following two wind operations veterans chases are now the playground for bold jumping grey ELDORADO ALLEN. His superior jumping helped guide him to a clear cut triumph in that division here last month and in current mood he’s fancied to back that up in a race where TORN AND FRAYED can also get into the argument for local connections.
Race 6 No3 MISTER COFFEY (Each Way)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Since going chasing MISTER COFFEY’s record at Prestbury Park reads 2352252 and includes a second in this race 12 months ago. This mercurial character is looking to gain a first success both as a chaser and in the cross-country discipline, but after chasing home Eldorado Allen at the Paddy Power Gold Cup meeting last month he’s clearly in good form, and would have his chance boosted if his conqueror performs well in the previous race. Respected on his visit from France is ICEO MADRIK, who underwhelmed on his only previous visit to this course, but has subsequently reaped a rich harvest in staying chases at Compiegne.
DONCASTER
Race 6 No5 PIPER’S CROSS (Nap)
Trainer: Emma Lavelle – Jockey: Cameron Johnstone
As she always needs a run to bring her closer to full fitness, PIPER’S CROSS looks in the right place to go well in this mares’ handicap hurdle. She’s regularly troubled the judge since joining her in form trainer, and should again be on the premises in an open affair.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 No3 NOELIES DREAM (Nap)
Trainer: Dylan Cunha – Jockey: PJ McDonald
The way NOELLIES DREAM opened his account at Newcastle proffers for more to come in this back end nursery. He could be named the winner at the quarter pole and can take a step up the class ladder in his stride for his in form South African trainer.
Race 4 No8 TALES OF WISDOM
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Dougie Costello
This weak looking maiden can be fought out between TALES OF WISDOM and EMPIRICAL, with the workings of the market of crucial importance. Preference is for the first named gelding who is drawn alongside his rival in an outside gate. He’s bred to appreciate the all-weather and is related to a horse who won in Listed company on sand.
Race 6 No4 HERETIC (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Dylan Hogan
HERETIC has raced in all but two of his 14 outings since joining Herrington at this course where he was a back-to-back scorer in the autumn. Though his winning spree came to an end last month he’s capable of bouncing back as the main arrow of two runners in the contest for his handler.
Race 7 No7 BLAZEON FIVE
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
Having been freshened up since her last winning run at Nottingham, BLAZEON FIVE can cope with a step up the class ladder to complete a hat-trick. The seven-year-old mare has never been better, signalling that she wants every yard of this two miles on that latest start.
