Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Ascot, Uttoxeter, Southwell, and Newcastle on 19 December 2025
ASCOT
Race 2 No5 DIG DEEP
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
DIG DEEP was a well supported favourite when second in what looked a warm heat at Warwick and is out to put the record straight in this hotly contested maiden hurdle. He’s tightened up in the ensuing month and can open his account, though an improved showing from roughie WALK TALL wouldn’t come as a surprise.
Race 4 No7 WALKADINA (Each Way)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
WALKADINA has cruised on both starts this season at Cheltenham and Ludlow, only to meet with defeat. She failed to get up the hill on the first occasion, than when dropped back to two miles was run down in the final 150 yards after looking all over the winner. I’m expected another big shot from the mare, whose chance will increase if her pilot waits.
Race 5 No1 STEEL ALLY (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
NO QUESTIONS ASKED is another who appeared to be sent about his business too soon when reeled in at Newbury, but for which he would be unbeaten over fences. He’s a good prospect, but in consideration of how easily STEEL ALLY delivered on his chase debut at Carlisle he is preferred. The former high class handicap hurdler jumped with aplomb, and went clear on the run in despite Johnston dropping his whip.
Race 6 No14 THE WALK (Each Way)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
There’s a fascinating bumper to end proceedings on a good card. BASS HUNTER brings the best form to the table but equally promising is THE WALK, who really grabbed the imagination with the way he travelled and quickened to score decisively on Rules debut over course and distance last month. He’s fancied to build on that, and is definitely a horse to follow.
UTTOXETER
Race 2 No4 MINELLA JURY (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Brian Hughes
MINELLA JURY won a bumper at Wexford and was placed on two more before his arrival at Grange Farm. The grey looked in good order cantering up the steep all weather yesterday, and can make a winning Rules debut.
Race 7 No7 THE LAST DROP (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Phillips – Jockey: Finn Lambert
THE LAST DROP has earned in three of six starts for Phillips to show he has a certain amount of ability. He appeals as a value option to make an impression in a weakly contested finale.
SOUTHWELL
Race 2 No11 LATE CLAIM (Each Way)
Trainer: John Mackie – Jockey: Rowan Scott
Almanzor filly LATE CLAIM outstayed her opponents when getting off the mark at Lingfield while looking good value for her margin of victory. She holds good claims of staging a repeat from her 3lb higher mark.
Race 5 No6 KODEBREAKER (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Zak Wheatley
KODEBREAKER has the rail in this race round a circuit of the track, and if getting into a handier than usual position can better his good run at Wolverhampton. The step up to a mile should suit the six-year-old, who looks to be coming back to the boil.
NEWCASTLE
Race 4 No7 THESTRAL (Nap)
Trainer: Hugo Palmer – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
THESTRAL beat the retreat in the closing stages of his introduction here, but the support for him that day suggests better was expected. Now with the benefit of that outing under his belt and a cut back on the distance ladder, the Dream Ahead colt can open his account.
Race 7 No4 SHERLOCK
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Josephine Gordon
Although he’s struggled to win, SHERLOCK has gone close on two of his last three outings. Two factors that can make the difference to the gelding today are the addition of cheek pieces, and a drop back to 1400 metres.
