Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Ascot, Chepstow, Catterick Bridge and Southwell on 21 November 2025.
ASCOT
Race 2 No2 DOCTOR BLUE
Trainer: Sam Thomas- Jockey: Dylan Johnston
Denied only in the shadow of the post on his return in a Grade 2 novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham, DOCTOR BLUE finds himself in a race that’s cut up in his favour. His trainer equips him with a first time tongue tie which should assist the five-year-old to a success over Idaho Sun.
Race 3 No3 LUCKY PLACE (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
LUCKY PLACE was never better over hurdles than at this time last season when he landed Grade 2 hurdles at this meeting and at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. While unable to build on that in the Stayers’ Hurdle and a race at Sandown, he’s entering the chasing arena with a big home reputation, and should take care of business as the best bet on this card.
Race 4 No1 YOUR DARLING
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
YOUR DARLING loves this course and must have a great chance of winning this race for the third year running. He is lethal when making his first appearance after a break, as is the case today, and though his form is not as good away from here, it’s is a case of going with what you know. He has a full 13lb more to carry than for his cruising 2024 triumph, but goes to post in the best possible form from the home gallops and schooling ground.
Race 7 No1 SAINT JEANNAIS
Trainer: Nigel Twiston- Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Having skipped a good opportunity last week, SAINT JEANNAIS can deliver and remain unbeaten in the concluding bumper. He could be named as the winner early in the home straight when scoring on Rules debut at Worcester, and has done everything right subsequently.
CHEPSTOW
Race 1 No5 KNEAD A WIN (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
KNEAD A WIN learned from his first outing over hurdles, where he ran out, to place on subsequent starts at Uttoxeter and Ffos Las. He’s equipped with a tongue strap for this reappearance, and with his stable in good form is fancied to open his account at the expense of the promising but inexperienced LE FRINEUR.
Race 3 No8 PETTY CASH (Each Way)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Since learning the rudiments of jumping PETTY CASH has upped his game, although it was disappointing for connections that following corrective wind surgery and a success at Chepstow last November, he wasn’t seen on the track again. That won’t stop me backing him today, as he appeals as a well handicapped horse who has conditions rank in his favour.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 6 No2 ALMAZHAR GARDE (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon – Jockey: Daire James McConville
Granted how well he operates round a sharp track this should prove a welcome return to the garrison course for ALMAZHAR GARDE, who has won here and finished second twice in four previous visits. A dual scorer at Worcester in the summer, he is versatile ground wise, and can utilise his slick jumping to get the job done.
Race 7 No11 NIMBA
Trainer: Mickey Bowen – Jockey: James Bowen
If near to his paper price, NIMBA rates an attractive alternative to the hot favourite TRIGG. The selection makes his debut under Rules for an upwardly mobile trainer. He had good pointing form in Ireland and came to the UK from a regular source of winners.
SOUTHWELL
Race 4 No8 TAKINCAREOFBIZNESS (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Charles Bishop
Angel Gabriel should prove hard to beat in spite of a tricky draw, but one that can make a race of it with him is TAKINCAREOFBIZNESS, who though beaten a long way on his first run has benefitted from it to make him more streetwise.
Race 7 No4 CALIBAN (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
Participle has squandered a few chances and is beginning to look vulnerable which makes CALIBAN the go to runner in this novice for future stayers. The Napshaped well on his first run over a mile and a half at Haydock where in spite of running green he stayed on to claim a minor cheque. Representing top connections, he should step up considerably from that.
Race 8 No4 AIR FORCE ONE (Each Way)
Trainer: Geoff Oldroyd – Jockey: PJ McDonald
AIR FORCE ONE underwhelmed on his final turf start at Doncaster but had previously won and been placed twice in competitive races at York. He just needs to show he is effective on the all-weather on his debut on sand, in the same manner as Tiriac earlier in the week. Should he do so he’s the one to be on.
