Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Taunton, Ludlow, Newcastle, and Chelmsford on 27 February 2025.
TAUNTON
Race 3 No3 GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Clarke – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Having skipped a good opportunity earlier in the week, GOOD FRIDAY FAIRY can take care of business in this less competitive race. The grey reacted so well to the addition of cheek pieces that on his latest start at Wincanton he came home unchallenged, whilst landing some good bets into the bargain. Twiston-Davies was in the hot seat that day, and can remain unbeaten on my Nap.
Race 5 No1 SPACE VOYAGE
Trainer: Olly Murphy – Jockey: Sean Bowen
SPACE VOYAGE left her previous form this season some way behind when rocking up on her first run over fences at Huntingdon. Her racecourse visits have been sporadic over the last year, but chasing seems to be the Shangri-La she’s been looking for, and she’s strongly fancied to follow-up.
LUDLOW
Race 1 No11 WALKADINA
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
The experience of WALKADINA can prove a vital factor in this weakly contested novices’ hurdle that gets today’s show on the road. The selection has never failed to light up the board in six starts in Ireland and the UK including a success at Uttoxeter when she benefitted from having her tongue tied down. She’s now operating for the first time since undergoing a breathing operation, as she went out very quickly at the end of her latest outing at Wincanton on Boxing Day.
Race 3 No2 GAYE LEGACY (Nap)
Trainer: Tom Symonds – Jockey: Benjamin Poste
From a famous racing dynasty, GAYE LEGACY can take the spoils in the colours of Mercy Rimell’s sister Scarlet Knipe. The Flemensfirth mare takes a class drop after posting a solid frame finish on her seasonal return at Sandown when she proved very easy to back. She missed out on what looked a winning opportunity when Plumpton was abandoned on Monday, but this isn’t much harder and she should convert.
NEWCASTLE
Race 1 No9 VISITANT (Each Way)
Trainer: David Thompson – Jockey: Andrew Mullen
Although it’s over two years since he carded his last AW success (at this track), veteran VISITANT needs respecting. He can get detached and leave himself with too much to do, but from a good draw the 12-year-old could find himself closer to the pace turning in. He finished with a rattle on his latest start which has given him something to build on.
Race 4 No9 ORIENTAL PRINCE
Trainer: Jim Goldie – Jockey: Amie Waugh
With three successes from his last four outings, ORIENTAL PRINCE is enjoying a rich vein of form. The hooded gelding has notched two of those with Waugh in the hot seat and both over the 100 metres distance at this course. The combination had no trouble stepping up to today’s level of Class5 and receive upwards of 3lb from their rivals.
Race 8 No4 LONGHAIRED GENERAL (Nap)
Trainer: Craig Lidster – Jockey: William Pyle
Barnaby will have plenty of support in his hat-trick bid but this is a trappy heat in which LONGHAIRED GENERAL can spoil the party. The four-year-old takes a two race unbeaten record on sand to post, having shown on each occasion that he operates best after a short break. The one question mark is whether this will come too soon just ten days since his last run, but given his fine record and low mileage he could easily have more to offer.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 6 No1 ELTERWATER (Nap)
Trainer: Daniel Kubler – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
ELTERWATER did us a good turn when coming home unchallenged over the course and distance last weekend. The Camelot mare has her tail up, and though having to concede weight all round should make this three wins from her last four visits to the Essex venue.
Race 7 No4 URBAN LION
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
For much of his three-year-old season URBAN LION looked unfurnished and raw, and far from being the finished article. Having had a winter to fill into his giant frame the Zoustar gelding can preserve his unbeaten record at this track. He scored over 1200 metres last August but tonight’s mile is going to be his optimum distance this term, in which he’s a horse to follow.
