Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming from Kempton Park , Lingfield Park and Wolverhampton on 19 January 2026.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 3 No7 HELGA (Each Way)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
HELGA was very easy to back before her only career start at Southwell where she posted a midfield finish after showing signs of greenness. The daughter of Sixties Icon should know more of what’s required on this first outing of 2026 and has a good draw as well as the best jockey in the irons.
Race 4 No4 CALIBAN (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
The best bet on this card is CALIBAN, who looked sure to win with a furlong to travel at Wolverhampton but in the end ran out of real estate against Siouxfonic. That was a third out for the gelding who got the trip well, and won’t mind tackling a slightly shorter distance here.
Race 5 No6 SAXON PRINCE
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Hector Crouch
With three educational outings so far SAXON PRINCE will surely benefit from a move into handicap company. Interestingly he’s attracted a certain amount of support on each start and should relish moving up to the 1200 metres sprint distance for the first time
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 2 No13 WONDERING WHY (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
WONDERING WHY has the best form after twice troubling the judge in as many starts over hurdles for Pauling. He only succumbed narrowly to Ambiente Friendly at Huntingdon, and if running close to that level on a track that’s better suited to him he can open his account.
Race 3 No4 VAL DANCER (Each Way)
Trainer: Mel Rowley – Jockey: Charlie Hammond
It takes a four stayer to see it out in a long distance chase at this poor draining course, which strongly hints to VAL DANCER making his mark in the three and a half miles Surrey National. Last season’s Welsh National hero needed his first run back but improved on that when third in the Becher Chase at Aintree. That was a very good effort and should have brought the sometimes front runner forward fitness wise.
Race 5 No2 BOLLIN THOU
Trainer: Nicky Henderson Schofield – Jockey: Sean Bowen
BOLLIN THOU was still in second gear when extending his winning sequence at Hereford last week and on this quick return to the track should have no problem in completing a hat-trick.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 No6 BLUE SIAM
Trainer: Hugo Palmer – Jockey: Jason Hart
BLUE SIAM ran well when just out of the money on her first run of the year at this course last week. She wasn’t wanted in the betting but tonight’s race looks more her cup of tea, and I shall watch the market for confidence in her.
Race 3 No6 ARISHKA’S DREAM
Trainer: Daniel Kubler – Jockey: Dylan Hogan
ARISHKA’S DREAM troubled the judge on his last two of three 2025 outings at this track and it’s interesting that his trainer is happy to keep him in maiden company rather than go for a handicap. That’s pretty much the best form on offer, while he has a good draw for this 1200 metres contest.
Race 7 No3 COLOURS OF FREEDOM (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Ponting – Jockey: Gina Mangan
COLOURS OF FREEDOM has been costly to follow with figures of 2-222 on her last four outings, but this is her best chance yet to deservedly put her head in front. The Mayson mare has started at 5-2 or under for each of those defeats and will probably be shorter tonight, but from a favourable draw she should get the job done.
