Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming from Ffos Las , Catterick Bridge, Southwell and Wolverhampton on 30 January 2026.
FFOS LAS
Race 3 No3 ASTRONOMIC VIEW (Each Way)
Trainer: Sue Gardner – Jockey: Lucy Gardner
Extreme underfoot conditions are the key to ASTRONOMIC VIEW, who having troubled the judge here on his latest start and been given a chance by the assessor looks like a horse that is ready to win. In the stamina sapping ground he will be going forward when plenty have cried enough.
Race 4 No7 GLENGOLLY
Trainer: Billy Aprahamian – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
From a yard that’s been quiet with its number of runners this month, GLENGOLLY can give further evidence with success in this handicap hurdle that he’s benefitted from a breathing operation. Having troubled the judge on a first run of the season here he won at Hereford and ran well in defeat at Uttoxeter. He’s gone up 3lb for his troubles, but still has the look of a well treated individual, while he has the right man on board.
Race 5 No1 SEASMOKE (Nap)
Trainer: Billy Aprahamian – Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
With three earning efforts from as many starts this season, including a victory at Market Rasen, SEASMOKE is very much the form horse in this mares’ only handicap chase. She will enjoy the testing conditions and can outstay her foes to help make it a good day for her trainer and jockey.
Race 7 No1 LUCKY LUGGER (Each Way)
Trainer: Matt Sheppard – Jockey: Toby McCain-Mitchell
Although he is risky I’m sure there’s a race in LUCKY LUGGER, who now has a top amateur in his irons for the first time as well as the addition of cheek pieces. He has the ability to pull off a shock if things fall into place.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 5 No3 FORTUNEFAVORSDBOLD (Nap)
Trainer: Christian Williams – Jockey: Brian Hughes
Soldier Of Fortune mare FORTUNEFAVORSDBOLD has played the part of a perennial bridesmaid with figures of 32234323 from her last eight outings over fences. Importantly she does know how to win, and a first visit to this easy course with its tight bends can play to her strengths.
SOUTHWELL
Race 3 No3 GOOD EARTH
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey:
GOOD EARTH returned to form at this course with a strong finish and has not been hit hard by the handicapper. From his draw he may require luck in running, but his trainer is amongst the winners and he’s more attractively priced than hat-trick seeking favourite BETTIES BAY.
Race 4 No5 LODGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Brian Meehan – Jockey: Charles Bishop
On this second run in a handicap LODGE is worth a market check. The daughter of Churchill left the cash behind when out of the money at Wolverhampton, but as that was her first look at an all-weather surface in public she can be forgiven. Her two appearances on grass last year yielded a win at Ffos Las and unlucky defeat at Wndsor, and she could easily bounce back.
Race 5 No9 DOWN TO THE KID (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
Having done us a couple of favours, including when successful here last week, DOWN TO THE KID can complete a fine hat-trick. He has the ability to quicken after travelling strongly through his races which was again evident for that latest triumph. This turning 1400 metres seems tailor made for the gelding, who can defy a 4lb rise.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 3 No8 ARLECCHINO’S REX (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Jason Watson
This represents a minor class drop for ARLECCHINO’S REX and I fancy him to get into the shake-up at a decent price. He stayed on in eye taking fashion to claim a minor cheque over course and distance, and can improve off that pleasing first outing of 2026, one that should have put him spot on.
Race 8 No1 PAPA COCKTAIL
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
PAPA COCKTAIL has gone up in the weights but needs respecting as one of the best bets on the card in the lucky last. The strong traveller was far from disgraced when claiming a minor cheque in a Class4 at Southwell, and if doing similar on this turning 1200 metres and from a plum draw he can swoop to conquer in the straight.
