Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming your way from Brighton, Chepstow, Carlisle, Catterick Bridge, Stratford, Haydock Park on 30 May 2025.
BRIGHTON
Race 4 No3 VOIX DE BOCELLI (Nap)
Trainer: Henrietta Knight – Jockey: Jason Watson
Although he was rolled over as a short priced favourite at Bath last time, dual purpose horse VOIX DE BOCELLI can bounce back returned to his favourite course, where he scored easily on his previous start. He can prove another winner from a yard that’s doing well with its small team for the Flat.
Race 6 No5 JOHNJAY (Each Way)
Trainer: Roger Teal – Jockey: Jack Mitchell
JOHNJAY did not go unbacked when third on his reappearance at Chepstow. He boasts a very good earning record, having won once and made the frame on all but four of his other dozen visits to the track. The Sixties Icon gelding will be fitter for his first run on a first visit to this switchback course.
CHEPSTOW
Race 1 No10 FAST AFFAIR
Trainer: Sue Gardner – Jockey: Rose Dawes
The Gardners have their horses in good form, and fresh from a winner over hurdles at Newton Abbot on Wednesday can land this apprentice handicap with FAST AFFAIR. The dual Wolverhampton scorer is making his first appearance for his trainer, and has room for progression as this is just his fourth run on turf.
Race 2 No7 POMME POMME
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Rose Dawes
POMME POMME has felt the wrath of the handicapper following her smooth successes at Bath and Wolverhampton. However, she’s been in very good form at home, and comes here as the pick of three good opportunities. Dawes is taking 5lb out of her saddle, and a hat-trick looks on the cards.
Race 6 No1 EL MATADOR (Nap)
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Richard Kingscote
EL MATADOR has to give 5lb to the promising filly Sea Poetry, but he was an eye taking scorer at Salisbury and has attracted professional backing on each of his two career starts. Being by Lope De Vega his prospects will further improve should it rain.
CARLISLE
Race 6 No5 ORANGESANDLEMONS (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
ORANGESANDLEMONS can prove a bet worth waiting for on her first run in a handicap. The Mayson Filly had proved costly to follow until opening her account at Southwell in February, but has done well for her break since that effort, while she should prove just as effective on this first outing on grass.
CATTERICK BRIDGE
Race 5 No1 PIANOFORTE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: PJ McDonald
On another challenging card for punting the advice is to wait for PIANOFORTE. The nap has not been without issues, but on a first run for over a year can deliver in what looks a weak affair.
STRATFORD
Race 1 No1 BARTON SNOW
Trainer: John O’Shea – Jockey: Mr Huw Edwards
BARTON SNOW is unbeaten in two races under Rules since joining O’Shea, latterly when well backed at the United Hunts meeting at Cheltenham. He’s a useful recruit to hunter-chases, and can complete a hat-trick.
Race 2 No1 FAMOUS CLERMONT
Trainer: Chris Barber – Jockey: Mrs Izzie Hill
FAMOUS CLERMONT is a past winner of the Aintree Foxhunters, and though underwhelming in the same race last month has subsequently won two points and comes here as a worthy favourite for a race that has cut up in his favour.
Race 6 No2 JOKER DE MAI (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Derham – Jockey: Mr David Maxwell
JOKER DE MAI looked to be going well within himself when falling in the Aintree Foxhunters and if coping with these faster underfoot conditions should outclass his rivals.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 3 No7 GREYBEARD (Each Way)
Trainer: Kevin Ryan – Jockey: Clifford Lee
This is a course where Ryan likes to unveil the best of his juvenile ammo and well worth a watch in market exchanges is GREYBEARD. The Dark Angel colt carries the colours of the stable’s principal patron, and arrives with good vibes from Hambleton Lodge.
Race 5 No7 MISTER WINSTON
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
MISTER WINSTON hunted up a smart winner on his latest of three career starts at Chester. It’s interesting that his trainer has elected to keep him in maiden company over a shorter trip, rather than take the handicap route that he’s entitled to.
Race 6 No3 BEST ADVENTURE (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
BEST ADVENTURE rates another good chance for Park House Stables as he tried to back up his Newmarket success over a longer trip that should ideally suit the son of Frankel. In a warm looking heat he can repel the challenges of CRACKERGEE and KURAKKA.
