Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Sandown Park, Doncaster, Newbury and Yarmouth on 24 July 2025.
SANDOWN PARK
Race 2 No11 BOSUM PALS (Each Way)
Trainer: Tom Dascombe – Jockey: Pierre-Louis Jamin
Several of the top stables are represented in this maiden but at a longer price BOSUM PALS can get into the argument. The Ten Sovereigns filly upped her game when doing her best work at the finish on a second start at Southwell but the return to a shorter 1000 metres here is countered by the stiffness of the track.
Race 3 No3 HOPE QUEEN (Nap)
Trainer: Karl Burke – Jockey: Clifford Lee
The featured Star Stakes has uncovered some high class fillies in recent years, including champion Inspiral. This year’s renewal features six last time out winners of whom HOPE QUEEN can emerge the best. The daughter of Night Of Thunder justified strong support to score at odds-on when making her introduction at Beverley and has learned plenty from that. She’s a very good prospect, and can remain unbeaten.
DONCASTER
Race 1 No4 DODGE CITY
Trainer: Brian Meehan – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Victor Ludorum colt DODGE CITY has progressed from race to race ahead of this first run in a handicap. He ran into one on his latest start at Ayr and has been giving off good signals for this race where his trainer has a good record.
Race 5 No5 THE CURSOR (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Jason Watson
THE CURSOR can take advantage of a considerable class drop after finishing in the ruck in the King George V Handicap at Ascot in which he was too keen. Back in a novice and in a smaller field the Frankel colt can live up his earlier promise and open his account.
Race 7 No1 SONG BROCADE
Trainer: Ralph Beckett – Jockey: Hector Crouch
SONG BROCADE is the type of individual that could easily find herself back here for the St Leger meeting in September. The daughter of Study Of Man easily landed the odds laid on her at Ffos Las, and though the assessor has taken no chances with her she’s held in high regard, and can follow up.
NEWBURY
Race 3 No6 WHO IS ALICE (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Rose Dawes
WHO IS ALICE benefitted from a positive ride when making all as a 14-1 gem for this column at Chepstow and now moves into the nursery arena. She is in very good form, and Rose Dawes will be an asset taking 5lb off her back especially if similar adventurous tactics are employed.
Race 6 No4 NAASMA (Each Way)
Trainer: Pat Phelan – Jockey: Paddy Bradley
Churchill mare NAASMA a is a very well related individual whose dam was top class. She therefore had a lot to live up to, but after changing stables has delivered on a season by season basis, latterly at Windsor at the end of last month. She ran well in defeat on her first of two visits to this course and with her tail up should again get into the shake-up.
YARMOUTH
Race 3 No6 JIMMY SPEAKING (Each Way)
Trainer: Chris Dwyer – Jockey: Jack Dace
In a good race for wagering, JIMMY SPEAKING offers up the best value. He’s opposed by a couple of musts for your exotics in Arctic Dawn and Mount King, but has performed like a horse that’s getting ready to win. He ran his best race in well over a year when second at Ascot and can build on that for his veteran handler.
Race 4 No9 LEADMAN (Nap)
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Finley Marsh
Juddmonte cast off LEADMAN has not been without his issues but his new trainer appears to be extricating some of his initial promise and turning it into success on the track. It manifested itself in a recent triumph at Newmarket which has done wonders for the Kingman gelding’s confidence and he can win again, though one that is worth saving on at longer odds is NIKOVO.
Race 7 No5 RATHGAR (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: David Probert
History can repeat itself with RATHGAR going back-to-back in the race he won from a pound lower in 2024. The chestnut enjoyed himself in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Monday and is giving off good signals to suggest he can earn in a very competitive heat.
