Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming from Ludlow, Wincanton, Newcastle, and Chelmsford City on 15 January 2026.
LUDLOW
Race 1 No6 SHOT BOI (Nap)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Ryan Corcoran
Pond House has been by its standards quiet through the New Year but SHOT BOI looks one who can buck that trend. On a second run of the season he picked up well under pressure to stay on for a minor cheque at Wincanton, and that should have put the edge on him for a return to winning ways.
Race 3 No5 ISLAND BRIDGE
Trainer: Kim Bailey – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
ISLAND BRIDGE returns to his optimum distance in an open affair, but with few miles on his racing clock together with plenty of evidence of ability after a period on the easy list, he should be doing his best work when his rivals have had enough.
Race 4 No6 LUCKY LUGGER (Each Way)
Trainer: Matt Sheppard – Jockey: Robbie Dunne
A speculative bet each way is LUCKY LUGGER, who has run well at this track and looks the type that could pop up at generous odds should the cards fall for him. Granted his tendency to hit the odd fence and race freely he needs to be on his A-game, but at 33-1 he’s tempting.
WNCANTON
Race 3 No7 WOLF WALKER (Nap)
Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks – Jockey: Richard Patrick
This small but able operation has yet to find its stride but in WOLF WALKER it could have a tide turner. The selection’s front runnng tactics should be ideally suited to this easy track, and his form in two near misses this season suggests the former multiple point winner can gain a first triumph under Rules.
Race 6 No4 TURNDLIGHTSDOWNLOW
Trainer: Martin Keightley – Jockey: Freddie Keightley
TURNDLIGHTSDOWNLOW has shown himself to be progressive in this division and was in no way disgraced when getting close to completing a hat-trick at Sandown last time. He’s taken another step up in the weights but after a refreshing break should have too many guns for the promising A PERFECT DAY.
Race 7 No7 RIVERS CORNER
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Brendan Powell
RIVERS CORNER is assisted by the addition of a tongue tie and can make this featured Somerset National a deserved first success of the campaign. In three outings so far he’s troubled the judge, and was the last to come off the bridle when third, beaten four lengths in the Mandarin Chase at Newbury last month. He makes abundant appeal getting weight from the field and looks a betting proposition, though I shall have a small saver on the veteran OUR POWER.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No10 MADAME LE PAPILLON
Trainer: Miss C Dyson – Jockey: Alice Stevens
If able to build on her promising first effort over jumps when second at Wetherby, MADAME LE PAPILLON can take care of business here. The former bumper winner was racing after a long break and will be all the better with that experience under her belt. She can show with a win that it was no fluke.
Race 3 No1 GLEN ROAD
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Peter Kavanagh
GLEN ROAD’s hat-trick attempt fell flat when he was fourth at Wetherby but I’m not prepared to take that form at face value. Now switched to fences we should see the gelding operating at least as effectively and he can make light of his welter burden.
Race 6 No3 SUGAR ROAD
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
First time in a handicap after three modest efforts in novice company makes SUGAR ROAD the makings of a plot. His stable produced a similar type in Soldierofthestorm to do us a favour when landing a gamble at Catterick and a market check on this unexposed type is recommended following his improved effort in gaining a mark at Market Rasen.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 1 No5 VARIETY ACT (Nap)
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Luke Morris
Gennadius looks thoroughly exposed and the one that can take advantage is VARIETY ACT who was only narrowly denied on his only start and will appreciate this step up to a mile on Polytrack.
Race 5 No2 PLEASANT MAN
Trainer: Joey Ramsden – Jockey: Lewis Edmunds
PLEASANT MAN appeals as the type that Ramsden can profit from as he continues to take a tumble down the ratings. The Galileo gelding hasn’t attracted a penny of support in four outings for his trainer so far, but I shall certainly keep an eye on the market, and if there’s money for him, step in.
Race 6 a No1 BISHOP’S GLORY
Trainer: Joey Ramsden – Jockey: Alistair Rawlinson
This represents a class drop for BISHOP’S GLORY, who after a couple of encouraging efforts this year looks in a good place to post a deserving success for a stable amongst the winners.
