Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Brighton, Ffos Las, Carlisle, Chelmsford City, and Southwell on 16 October 2025
BRIGHTON
Race 3 No4 MAGICAL MERLOT (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Dunlop – Jockey: Mason Paetel
Home bred October Surprise is a likely improver who needs to be watched in the betting but MAGICAL MERLOT might prove a safer bet, as she already has the points on the board. She left the cash behind when denied on her latest outing at Southwell but a tendency to run free probably cost her. Her chance will therefore improve if she settles.
Race 4 No1 TENBOB TOMMY
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Charles Bishop
TENBOB TOMMY is a bit straight in front but his dam was unbeaten and had potential before injury forced her into retirement. He handled this track surprisingly well well second to Newfangled, after a gamble on him went astray on a previous visit to the course. He’s giving weight away to inferior rivals in a bad race, and though no sure thing is worth a small investment.
Race 7 No2 LIBRA TIGER
Trainer: Laura Mongan – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
LIBRA TIGER has made the podium on both his previous visits here including when second on his latest start two months ago. There wasn’t a penny for him on that occasion, but it was an encouraging improvement that puts him right in the argument and he should go close.
FFOS LAS
Race 3 No2 JAUNTY VIKING (Each Way)
Trainer: Brian Eckley – Jockey: James Best
It’s four years since JAUNTY VIKING recorded his latest success over hurdles, but though starting as a rank outsider on chasing debut at Stratford he was in the firing line until weakening over the last couple of fences. He’s not devoid of ability, and if that’s made him straighter he could prove a surprise packet.
Race 5 No6 AT THE OCHE (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Doncaster bumper scorer AT THE OCHE was unable to build on that when running too freely in a stronger race at Newbury. He returned with a pleasing effort in defeat on a first hurdles outing at Newton Abbot from which he can progress to take this.
Race 7 No6 WEAVER’S ANSWER
Trainer: Tim Vaughan – Jockey: James Bowen
Named after a hit single by Leicester band Family, WEAVER’S ANSWER can prove a thorn in the side of paper favourite Isle Of Sark. The grey doesn’t stand too much racing, but earned in the last three of four races last season, and if ready for this should make his proven stamina pay dividends at the business end.
CARLISLE
Race 2 No2 PUSH THE BUTTON (Nap)
Trainer: Mark Walford – Jockey: Jamie Hamilton
PUSH THE BUTTON goes chasing on a first outing for Walford and is the likely winner if taking to the fences. The grey was always held in high regard by his previous trainer for whom he was ambitiously campaigned over hurdles. This track with its stamina sapping uphill finish should suit him.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 4 No9 CHARLIE MASON (Each Way)
Trainer: Tony Carroll – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
A three times winner this season, CHARLIE MASON has also finished in the money on several occasions and is a credit to his trainer. Rossa Ryan is an eye taking booking for the gelding, who will race here for just a second time.
Race 9 No4 HOORNBLOWER (Each Way)
Trainer: Denis Coakley – Jockey: Rob Hornby
HOORNBLOWER hasn’t been without his problems but the chestnut remains capable when on a going day. His stable has been in good form, while his best form is on Polytrack. Furthermore this is new territory for him that can help bring about some improvement.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 No11 YOSHIMI (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Tom Eaves
YOSHIMI carded his last success over 1200 metres here in January but his best form is over this longer seven furlongs. His two runs on turf since returning from a mid season break should have served the purpose of sharpening him up for a return to winning ways, and he’s drawn to enjoy the run of the race.
Race 3 No5 ROGUE CITATION (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: PJ McDonald
Blue Point filly ROGUE CITATION troubled the judge on her Carlisle introduction when far from being ready. If going forward in the expected manner on this second start she should open her account. She’s worked well on an all weather strip in Middleham.
Race 4 No3 JAKARTA
Trainer: Oliver Cole – Jockey: Benoit De La Sayette
True Colors is an unexposed improver, but with just two outings under her belt in 2025 JAKARTA is a filly worth following in the weeks ahead and this looks a good opportunity for her. Though easy to back on each occasion, she absolutely flew at the finish to be denied by a short head on the latest at Newmarket. That should have brought her to the boil and it’s worth remembering that her last success happened exactly a year ago.
Race 6 No2 FANCY DANCER
Trainer: Ollie Sangster – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
FANCY DANCER is well drawn for his selected race from a couple of engagements with a top northern jockey in the saddle. The grey hasn’t raced here since her first ever run a year ago, and while two of her three career successes have happened on turf she’s of interest with the cards in her favour.
