Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming from Wincanton, AYR, Lingfield Park and Chelmsford on 29 January 2026.
WINCANTON
Race 3 No1 AGUELLID (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Sean Houlihan
AGUELLID found Vol Royale a hare he couldn’t catch at Hereford but his chance was compromised by a tendency to pull, while along with the winner he was a country mile clear of the remaining runners. That second run of the season should have taken the fizz out of the Nap, who has been working well.
Race 7 No3 MIDNIGHT DOYEN (Each Way)
Trainer: Jeremy Scott – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
MIDNIGHT DOYEN was very easy to back but raised her game to trouble the judge on a second career start at Warwick. Handy throughout, she led turning into the straight, and though eventually being overhauled came out of it with some credit. She should make further progression, and has the best form on offer.
AYR
Race 4 No4 SANILAM (Each Way)
Trainer: Sandy Thomson – Jockey: Brian Hughes
SANILAM is unbeaten in two visits to this course, landing a bumper on Rules debut and latterly easily landing the spoils over course and distance on a second outing following a breathing operation. On paper he has a bit to find with STEDE BONNET, but at the respective prices he is preferred.
Race 7 No8 THE SKETCHER (Nap)
Trainer: Dan Skelton – Jockey: Harry Skelton
Although he has no form under Rules, THE SKETCHER ran well to be denied on his final outing in an Irish point and that race has worked out. On a first outing for the Skeltons, and making the long journey from Warwickshire, he needs a market check.
LINGFIELD PARK
Race 2 No5 MASKATTO
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Jason Watson
MASKATTO had to grind out victory on his first outing of 2026, but by scoring narrowly he didn’t take quite the hit he could have done from the handicapper. He’s up against two other recent first time back winners in SPACE INVASION and SOVEREIGN WEALTH, but can cash in on a fair weight concession from each of them.
Race 3 No5 CELTIC JOHN (Nap)
Trainer: Pat Phelan – Jockey: Paddy Bradley
CELTIC JOHN came with a beautifully timed challenge to get up on the line over course and distance two weeks ago and needs maximum respect in this follow-up attempt. His last two runs have shown him to be only now in the zone, and there’s probably enough progression in him to prompt an action replay.
Race 6 No3 SILENT STRIKE
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Hutchinson
SILENT STRIKE cost a quarter of a million euros and is the most interesting contender for this maiden over 1200 metres, with the way he travels in the betting likely to hold the key to his chance. My news is that he goes well, and though needing to be alert breaking from the rail it’s probably the best place for him to be.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 5 No2 EDERGOLE’S GIFT
Trainer: Conrad Allen – Jockey: Ryan Kavanagh
EDERGOLE’S GIFT is without the cheek pieces she sported when narrowly beaten at Lingfield at the start of the month but from the favoured rail and with horses around her she should operate just as effectively. The mare has a capable apprentice taking 5lb off her back, and looks sure to go well in this admittedly open affair.
Race 7 No6 LUMINOUS WARRIOR
Trainer: Dylan Cunha – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
With his gritty Kempton triumph before Christmas, LUMINOUS WARRIOR stepped up on previous efforts, since when he’s enjoyed a nice gap between his races. He’s improved from race to race in four outings for his South African trainer, and there could be more to come.
