Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Lingfield Park , Huntingdon, Musselburgh and Wolverhampton on 22 December 2025
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 1 No9 NORTHERN EMPIRE (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Kieran Shoemark
Although he contested a weak race, NORTHERN EMPIRE’s debut effort to trouble the judge at Kempton gives him a great chance to see off a couple of well related newcomers in the opening race of the day. The Night Of Thunder colt has a perfect slot in the gate and should know too much for them.
Race 2 No10 PARTY ISLAND
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: George Bass
After a couple of near misses PARTY ISLAND takes a cut back on the distance ladder which can make the difference to the chestnut. He operates well round here, and has to be fancied to put in another big showing from his place at the foot of the weights.
Race 3 No4 SPECIAL ACCLAIM (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
This will qualify SPECIAL ACCLAIM for a handicap mark, but the speedily bred grey has been going nicely at home, and from a good draw in this 1200 metres sprint can get into the argument.
Race 4 No7 TENBOB TOMMY (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Charles Bishop
TENBOB TOMMY had posted figures of 222 before underwhelming on his latest start. It was an uncharacteristic lapse, and on a return to this course he can bounce back.
HUNTINGDON
Race 1 No1 KHRISMA
Trainer: Nicky Henderson – Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Formally a top bumper horse in France, KHRISMA was unfortunate to be beaten at Punchestown and made no mistake with a convincing success on her seasonal return. She’s carrying a 7lb penalty for that, but should make no mistake.
Race 2 No3 PETTY CASH (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Daly – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Though his racecourse appearances have been restricted by training issues, PETTY CASH remains an upwardly mobile and unexposed prospect for three mile handicap chases. He’s derived considerable benefit from his first run back, and as one of the best bets of the day can go one better.
Race 5 No2 AMBIENTE FRIENDLY
Trainer: James Owen – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Last year’s Epsom Derby second AMBIENTE FRIENDLY produced a battling display never seen from him before to open his account over jumps at this course a fortnight ago. His previous run over hurdles also looks good after being franked, and in a first run in a handicap he can consolidate.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 6 No6 KILARO (Nap)
Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: Mr Paddy Barlow
This looks a weak bumper on a poor card for betting, in which KILARO can put his best foot forward. The Coastal Path gelding scored at one of the local points last month and as a winner of sorts has to be taken seriously on Rules debut.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 1 No10 SUNSHINE AND ROSES
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Harry Davies
SUNSHINE AND ROSES proved popular in the market but found herself locked in at a vital point in the home straight here last week. The Massaat filly appeals as the proverbial winner without a penalty, and from a cracking slot in the gate with a new jockey on board, can make amends.
Race 8 No7 HICONIC (Each Way)
Trainer: Alex Hales – Jockey: Georgia Dobie
Dual purpose horse HICONIC makes a first AW appearance in three and a half years as a maiden n that surface. However, he is a multiple scorer over hurdles who was running well over jumps in the summer. Back from a freshening break he could prove a surprise packet but he’s nevertheless a speculative advice.
Race 9 No6 PAPA COCKTAIL
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: George Wood
PAPA COCKTAIL couldn’t cut the mustard in a Class3 on latest outing but was noted running on well at the business end. Back into a Class4 over the same 1200 metres he’s capable of bouncing back, and I hope will prove a bet worth waiting for in the final race before Christmas.
