Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Thursday, 14 May 2026

YORK

Race 2 No3 REDORANGE (Each Way)

Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Ryan Moore

REDORANGE ran several good races in defeat last year but did not appear to enjoy the Tapeta surface on his latest start at Southwell, for which he has been eased 2lb. It can be looked upon as significant that Ryan Moore has been booked for the four-year-old, who is ready for this return to action and hopefully set for an earning run. Course specialist COPPER KNIGHT seeks a third win in the contest off the back of a recent success and enjoys a favourable (low) draw. The veteran can again get into the shake-up while AIR FORCE ONE also goes well here and is nicely positioned in the gate. Another locally trained horse that can get into the argument is COROLLA POINT who should be all the better for his pleasing first run back.

Prediction: 1st REDORANGE, 2nd Air Force One, 3rd Copper Knight, 4th Corolla Point

Race 3 No17 POINT OF CONTACT (Each Way)

Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Marco Ghiani

Lightly raced POINT OF CONTACT ran well on both visits to the Knavesmire last season, including when just out of the money in the Sky Bet Mile in August when he would have finished closer but for hanging. He started second favourite for the equivalent race at the Doncaster St Leger fixture and was far from disgraced, in spite of weakening in the closing stages. That was only his seventh race and he’s strengthened up through the winter to encourage me he will show a competitive spirit throughout today’s race. One to keep en eye on is GODWINSON on a first start for Jack Channon. He fits a similar mould to Johan, who won the Lincoln after owners Jon and Julia Aisbitt transferred him to West Ilsley.

Race 4 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI MIDDLETON FILLIES’ STAKES (Group 2)

No5 SEE THE FIRE (Nap)

Trainer: Andrew Balding- Jockey: Oisin Murphy

Easily the most impressive performance at the 2025 May meeting was SEE THE FIRE’s 12 lengths demolition job in this distaffers’ feature. The five-year-old wasn’t disgraced when taking away a cheque on a return visit for the Group 1 Juddmonte, and made a pleasing return to gain a narrow but solid success in the Nottinghamshire Oaks (Listed). Oisin Murphy has been impressed with the feel the chestnut has given him in her preparatory work at Park House, and the combination can consolidate at the main expense of five times Group 1 winner FALLEN ANGEL.

Race 5 AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI DANTE STAKES (Group 2)

No5 ITEM

Trainer: Andrew Balding- Jockey: Colin Keane

The final pieces of the Betfred Derby puzzle should go not place following the trial that remembers wartime Classic winner Dante. It’s usually looked upon as the best of the handful of races in which prospective Epsom candidates state their cases for the big one. Camelot colt CHRISTMAS DAY brings back-to-back Group 3 triumphs to the table as he bids to elevate Coolmore’s already strong hand for the Derby with Ryan Moore in the saddle. This galloping track will surely play to his strengths. His stablemate ACTION underwhelmed at Sandown and has work to do to resurrect his claims, while MORSHDI was visually impressive in Newmarket’s Feilden Stakes and switches to this after being a late scratch at Chester. My eye is drawn however to the unbeaten ITEM, who as an unbeaten sun of Frankel is hard to assess, especially as his wide margin success in a novice happened at Bath. He’s well regarded by connections but will need to be smart if he’s to cope with this big class jump.

Prediction: 1st ITEM, 2nd Christmas Day, 3rd Morshdi

Race 6 No7 REVIVAL POWER (Nap)

Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan

REVIVAL POWER is hard to peg back when getting loose on the lead as was the case when she took out the Listed sprint at the August fixture. She delivered a carbon copy performance in the Group 2 Flying Childers at Doncaster and was in the lead until 150 yards out on her final start on the more demanding Rowley course in the Cornwallis. Her overall form gives her strong claims to win this in spite of her penalties, while the slightly downhill 1000 metres suits her just as much as her close relative and Nunthorpe winner Winter Power.

Race 7 No2 NORTHERN BRAVE (Each Way)

Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan

Gleneagles colt NORTHERN BRAVE is the least experienced in this tricky three-year-old handicap and I hope the assessor hasn’t over reacted to his wide margin triumph on a second and final outing at Ayr. He came home five lengths clear over that inadequate mile and should greatly appreciate the big step up in trip today. However he fares, he’s a horse that will win races this year, and is one to follow.

SALISBURY

Race 2 No4 MR FREEDOM (Nap)

Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Kieran O’Neill

Dual purpose horse MR FREEDOM appeals as the only bet on this card. He might have won the hurdle race in which he fell when last seen at Plumpton over a year ago. It followed success on the level at Grade 1 courses Sandown and Goodwood which illustrate how well the gelding operates on an undulating track, which Salisbury certainly is.

PERTH

Race 3 No8 FOLLOW CHARLIE (Each Way)

Trainer: Mike Smith – Jockey: Nathan Moscrop

One that could go well at a price is FOLLOW CHARLIE. He’s been given some respite from the handicapper and ran well when in the money on a recent visit to this course where he won at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago.

Race 4 No6 SAUCE OF LIFE (Each Way)

Trainer: Nicky Richards – Jockey: Danny McMenamin

SAUCE OF LIFE has moved into the veteran stage with few miles on his clock over the past two seasons. He’s engaging in just a sixth outing in the space of more than two years but is on a tempting mark if ready for this.

FONTWELL PARK

Race 5 No2 GRAIN TRADE (Nap)

Trainer: Billy Aprahamian- Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

GRAIN TRADE takes the occasional fall, as was the case when he was holding every chance on his latest start at Market Rasen. He’s none the worse for that hiccup and can be looked upon as a winner without a penalty.