Neil Morrice shares all his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing, coming your way from Ffos Las, Newbury, and Southwell on 28 August 2025.
FFOS LAS
Race 1 No5 GOUKEN
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: George Downing
GOUKAN attracted a welter of support on second start at Newmarket and the form from both that and his first run is working out. He brings the best form to the table, and will be unlucky to run into anything as smart as the horses that have beaten him so far.
Race 4 No4 HUNSTERSON
Trainer: JonnyPortman – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
A drop back to this mile and a half is unlikely to inconvenience HUNSTERSON, who stayed on for a podium finish on debut at Goodwood. He appeals as a value option to Klassleader, in spite of that one holding an experience edge over him.
Race 6 No8 ADRIAN
Trainer: Robbie Llewellyn – Jockey: Aidan Keeley
ADRIAN has troubled the judge in the last four of his five outings in 2025 and deserves a change of luck. It could happened, as his trainer won the corresponding race 12 months ago and he can prove the pick of four from the stable this time.
NEWBURY
Race 1 No1 BLACK ENDEAVOUR
Trainer: Mark Rimell – Jockey: Jim Crowley
BLACK ENDEAVOUR picked up the pace when sent to race at Nottingham where he’s finished in the money in three races within a month, opening his account on the latest on his second nursery start. He returned a 14-1 roughie that day, but there was no fluke about the victory, and he’s fancied to follow-up.
Race 3 No9 STORMY MUSIC
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
A market check is advised on the home bred STORMY MUSIC who is by Guineas winner Night Of Thunder out of a mare who was speed through and through. Her owner likes to introduce his best prospects at this track, and she should prove no exception under the champion jockey.
Race 4 No8 KHAFAR
Trainer: Charlie Hills – Jockey: Jim Crowley
There’s nothing to go on in terms of form for the majority of the field by KHAFAR is one to scrutinise in market exchanges granted her breeding and ownership. The Dubawi filly has been working well, and can make it a winning debut for a trainer who could do with a nice prospect.
Race 6 No7 SLIPPER TIME (Nap)
Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Trevor Whelan
SLIPPER TIME was a welcome winner for this column when scoring at Salisbury where he showed more resilience than on his previous outing at Lingfield. He’s a fascinating proposition switched from novice company into a handicap, looking to have a deal more scope than any of his opponents.
SOUTHWELL
Race 1 No13 COTSWOLD COTTAGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Faye Bramley – Jockey: Callum Shepherd
COTSWOLD COTTAGE was a first winner back with a new licence for Henrietta Knight at Windsor last October but her latest success at Ffos Las was out of the historic Uplands Stables in Lambourn. She achieved that in tidy fashion, and from a good draw can make an impact in this better contest.
Race 5 No9 JIMMY SPEAKING
Trainer: Chris Dwyer – Jockey: Jack Dace
JIMMY SPEAKING was denied in a blanket finish on his latest outing and has to be taken seriously as this mile is his optimum trip, while he’s won on the AW. In an open race he can account for Blue Prince and Indalo.
Race 6 No7 CHARMAINE (Nap)
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
There’s plenty to like about the versatile CHARMAINE, whose three AW successes include one at this course, while her trainer is enjoying a purple patch. The Camelot filly has the points on the board for another earning experience following impressive figures of 11233 from her last five starts.
Race 7 No10 TAN RAPIDO (Each Way)
Trainer: Charlie Fellowes – Jockey: Callum Shepherd
TAN RAPIDO scored on the Poly at Chelmsford before finishing second off a 3lb higher mark in soft ground at Yarmouth. While needing to improve to win this, his form has a consistent ring to it, while his yard is starting to run into some form.
