Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming your way from York , Haydock Park , Chester , Southwell , Stratford , and Lingfield Park on 31 May 2025.
YORK
Race 1 No5 WEN MOON (Each Way)
Trainer: Ben Haslam – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
Course winner WEN MOON put a disappointing first run back behind him when troubling the judge at Musselburgh and should noe be fine tuned to put his best foot forward. Others that should go well in a wide open heat include BONA FORTUNA and BABA REZA.
Race 3 No4 MISS ATTITUDE (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
MISS ATTITUDE became unruly in the stalls and was far too keen in the race when underwhelming on her latest start at Goodwood. It’s best to draw a line through the form and look for her to bounce back, a feat that will more easily be achieved if she can be anchored in this much bigger field.
Race 5 No1 WHITE CROWN STAR (Each Way)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: PJ McDonald
Top weight WHITE CROWN STAR will need to operate close to his best in a race in which he enjoys the advantage of the rail. A breathing operation has assisted the Saeed Suhail-owned colt, who has attracted support on each of his subsequent outings this year.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 5 BETFRED JOHN OF GAUNT STAKES (Group 3)
No2 ALYANAABI
Trainer: Owen Burrows – Jockey: Jim Crowley
Frankel’s half-brother Kikkuli looked in need of the run here earlier in the month, and while he should do better ALYANAABI is preferred. The selection ran out a worthy winner of that Listed prize, making all and landing some good bets without being challenged. He’s progressed for it and with few miles on his racing clock can win again.
Race 6 No11 ARABIAN LEOPARD (Nap)
Trainer: David Simcock – Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Ghaiyyath filly ARABIAN LEOPARD opened her account on her second handicap run at Newmarket, going clear when hitting the rising ground to score easily. In the popular colours of Fitri Hay she looks temptingly weighted, and can follow-up.
Race 7 No3 HOT CASH (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
HOT CASH drops back in trip after having done too much from a poor draw and burned himself out at Sandown. His trainer has had a change of direction and now tries him over seven furlongs, while coming here looking for less fast conditions. He’s well though of at West Ilsley, and though having some questions to answer is one to follow.
CHESTER
Race 1 No5 BRECON BEACONS (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Pierre-Louis Jamin
Breckenborough brings the best form to the table in this interesting fillies’ maiden but offering value against her is BRECON BEACONS. The daughter of Pinatubo was beaten only three and a half lengths when green on her Kempton introduction and is going to be a lot more streetwise.
Race 2 No3 NEVER SO BRAVE
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Jason Watson
Although NEVER SO BRAVE didn’t manage to build on his triumph at last season’s May Festival here he is of serious interest on this first start out of Park House Stables. He has a good draw and should be happier returned to 1400 metres.
Race 6 No5 NAZUKI (Nap)
Trainer: Ollie Sangster – Jockey: Nicola Currie
Earthlight filly NAZUKI can chase down a hat-trick in this fillies’ handicap following her snug win at Southwell. She is perfectly drawn for her first run on grass, and appeals as the best bet on the card.
SOUTHWELL
Race 5 No10 UNDERSTUDY (Nap)
Trainer: JohnGosden – Jockey: Tyler Heard
The only bet on this card is Sea The Stars filly UNDERSTUDY who is reported to have shown promise in her work and can build on her first showing at Newmarket where she proved easy to back.
STRATFORD
Race 2 No5 SAILED AWAY (Nap)
Trainer: Rob Summers – Jockey: James Best
There’s a consistent ring to the form of SAILED AWAY who would not be winning out of turn. Over a new trip and tackling fences for the first time he can score on debut for his trainer.
Race 5 No6 JAYTEE
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Brian Hughes
JAYTEE was the winner of two of his last three starts before a setback forced him onto the sidelines. He’s undoubtedly well treated, and can take care of business if he’s ready after almost 500 days out.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 3 No7 TWILIGHT STAR (Nap)
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: Dougie Costello
TWILIGHT STAR will be an automatic favourite for this sprint in which she can prevail in the Godolphin silks. She made the podium in success visits to the Craven and Guineas meetings at Newmarket, and has been found a more straightforward opportunity.
Race 5 No1 BLUE WONDER
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Finley Marsh
Blue Point filly BLUE WONDER has gone close to scoring in two of her three starts and on a first handicap assignment should open her account. The main threat to her is Havana Whisper, while Noble Guest is capable of upping his game and could do best of the roughies.
