Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Newbury, Yarmouth , Nottingham, and Chelmsford City on 12 June 2025.
NEWBURY
Race 3 No7 TIME TO TURN
Trainer: Charlie Appleby – Jockey: William Buick
TIME TO TURN was outpointed by his longer priced stablemate on debut at Haydock but the form was given a massive boost when the winner followed up in Epsom’s Woodcote Stakes last week. He faces some attractively bred newcomers in this second division of the novice, in which he can put his experience edge to good use.
Race 4 No7 MANILA THRILLER (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Tom Marquand
Tough as teak filly MANILA THRILLER makes abundant appeal as the best bet on this card. She hasn’t enjoyed the rub of the green in any of her last three starts as she was given too much to do at Wetherby and though out of her depth in Listed company at Goodwood last time was far from disgraced, and only beaten three and a half lengths. A repeat of that run would put her bang in contention and she will enjoy the prevailing conditions.
Race 5 No3 BRECON BEACONS (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: George Bass
While this third career start will afford her a mark, BRECON BEACONS looks a value proposition and should be involved. The money that came for her at Chester last time went astray when she blew the start, but it was encouraging to her connections to see her run past beaten horses in the closing stages. She is going to be more streetwise this time.
YARMOUTH
Race 2 No1 ALMERAQ (Nap)
Trainer: William Haggas – Jockey: Jim Crowley
ALMERAQ finished second at Newbury before opening his account in easy conditions over this course and distance last autumn. The Dark Angel colt carries a 7lb penalty of faster ground but is well thought of a Somerville Lodge, and can make a winning return
Race 6 No6 INQUISITION
Trainer: James Fanshawe – Jockey: Daniel Muscutt
A move into handicap company can produce improvement from INQUISITION, who although well beaten on her latest start at Wolverhampton can benefit from being brought back to a mile as well by a switch to grass.
NOTTINGHAM
Race 3 No3 CAMERON HIGHLANDER (Nap)
Trainer: Paul Cole – Jockey: Luke Morris
CAMERON HIGHLANDER ran into a smart foe when third on his Newcastle introduction in March and has progressed physically and mentally in the interim period. He’s well regarded at Whatcombe, and strongly fancied to flourish on the switch to turf.
Race 6 No3 DEEP WATER BAY
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Luke Morris
DEEP WATER BAY is a typical Prescott project in that he was beaten a country mile without attracting a morsel of support on his first three outings before scoring easily when upped to a mile and a half at Wolverhampton. He’s carrying a 7lb penalty, but will be even more effective now moved up to a mile and threequarters, and can win again.
CHELMSFORD CITY
Race 4 No6 EXPLODE (Nap)
Trainer: James Ferguson – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
EXPLODE troubled the judge on both career starts and has the champion jockey in his irons on this step up in trip. His previous experience on this track should also boost his chances.
Race 7 No2 GUNDOGAN (Each Way)
Trainer: Ross Burdon – Jockey: William Carver
GUNDOGAN blew the start but stayed on well to make the podium on his latest start here. It was an encouraging effort, suggesting he is close to ending a lengthy losing spell.
