Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Fontwell Park, Musselburgh, Lingfield Park, and Wolverhampton on 08 December 2025.
FONTWELL PARK
Race 4 No5 SHOTGUN SHIRLEY (Nap)
Trainer: Lucy Wadham – Jockey: Tom Cannon
If SHOTGUN SHIRLEY can translate her smart bumper form to jumping hurdles she should take out this mares’ race. Beautifully bred for National Hunt, the Soldier Of Fortune filly enjoys some cut in the ground, while her Cheltenham form in a Listed race last time is outstanding.
Race 6 No5 STORMING NELSON (Each Way)
Trainer: Sue Gardner – Jockey: Lucy Gardner
Less obvious are the claims of STORMING NELSON, but with his small stable doing well with its jumpers he’s capable of getting into the argument at a price. He returned from wind surgery to take away a minor cheque at Chepstow, and if building on that can definitely earn again.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 5 No11 HALFWAY HOUSE LAD (Each Way)
Trainer: Maurice Barnes – Jockey: Ross Chapman
HALFWAY HOUSE LAD has indicated when completing in three of his five starts this season that he’s going to win again soon. Admittedly he was beaten a long way at Sedgefield last month, but this sometimes exuberant jumper is capable of bouncing back.
Race 6 No1 JEHOL DE THAIX (Nap)
Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
As the least exposed member of the field, JEHOL DE THAIX can up his game and especially if ridden more conservatively than was the case on his return to action. He needed that Wetherby outing, and can progress.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 6 No8 PARTY ISLAND
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: George Bass
It’s taken PARTY ISLAND a while to return to a mark he can win from, but following a near miss last time this could be his day. The chestnut’s previous AW success happened here 19 months ago, though subsequent outings have been largely targeted on turf. He ran into a well treated winner last time, and is unlikely to find another in this field.
Race 8 No1 MOUNT MOGAN
Trainer: Laura Mongan – Jockey: Luke Morris
A pea out of the same pod is MOUNT MOGAN. He was only denied in the final strides here last month, and though raised 2lb looks in the mood to return to the kind of form that saw him take out back-to-back races over 1400 metres last winter.
Race 9 No5 AMBER HONEY (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Dunlop – Jockey: Cieren Fallon
Mount Mohan’s stablemate Beta Reader should go well but preference is for AMBER HONEY, who earned in a recent visit here and looks to be crying out for this longer trip. She can post an overdue first career win at this track.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 No4 ZIPWIRE
Trainer: Stan Moore – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
Arguably the best form on offer is that of ZIPWIRE when he finished second to Elan d’Or last time, as that rival went on to stylishly win again. In receipt of 5lb from Newcastle scorer Emma’s Letter he can deservedly open his account.
Race 5 No8 PAPA COCKTAIL (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: PJ McDonald
As long as he enjoys the rub of the green in the short home straight, PAPA COCKTAIL can swoop to conquer running over his optimum distance. He’s proving a regular earner for his connections, and after hosing up over course and distance three runs back has upheld his progression with a couple of podium finishes at this higher level.
Race 8 No1 GOOD EARTH
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Tom Eaves
Herrington has another good winning chance with GOOD EARTH although the top weight needs to circumnavigate a poor draw in the 1000 metres dash. The selection appears to be running into form, and won’t mind dropping back to the minimum trip after his earning run over 1200 last tme.
