Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Tuesday’s racing coming from Newbury, Market Rasen, and Wolverhampton on 17 February 2026.
NEWBURY
Race 1 No3 PERSONAL AMBITION
Trainer: Ben Pauling – Jockey: Ben Jones
PERSONAL AMBITION has been in the wilderness so far this season, but there are reasons to believe he can turn things around in a race that’s cut up in his favour. The seven-year-old has been ambitiously campaigned because his trainer knows he is talented, and though well beaten in a Grade 2 at Ascot last time he can with the addition of blinkers cause problems for odds-on QUEBECOIS.
Race 2 No12 TALAKAN
Trainer: Toby Lawes – Jockey: Kevin Brogan
All the top stables are represented n this maiden hurdle, but as there doesn’t appear to be an outstanding candidate from them TALAKAN looks the one to be on. As a four-year-old taking on older opponents he receives a very handy weight allowance, while his form to finish third at Ascot and a close second at Ludlow puts him in with every chance.
Race 3 No1 BOBBY’S NELSON (Nap)
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Sean Houlihan
BOBBY’S NELSON missed out on a good opportunity last week but this Turners Hurdle entry at the Festival remains in a good place to add to his laurels. He impressed with the way he sealed the deal when scoring at Ffos Las and can prove too strong for SWINDON VILLAGE.
MARKET RASEN
Race 2 No1 CHARISMA CAT (Nap)
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Thomas Bellamy
CHARISMA CAT had kept good company and run well to twice trouble the judge before scoring at Chepstow. The three times bumper winner landed the odds in businesslike manner on that occasion, and can now outpoint fellow winners GETAWHISKY and KHRISMA.
Race 5 No8 AIRE SPRAY
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Danny McMenamin
AIRE SPRAY has improved from race to race in three starts this season, latterly finishing second at Newcastle. The cash that came for him went west that day, but the way he races suggests this three miles is what he wants, and he can go be better.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 4 No7 TOO HOT TO TANGO (Nap)
Trainer: Hughie Morrison – Jockey: Rhys Clutterbuck
From a stable that has been quiet through the winter, TOO HOT TO TANGO can play the experience card to telling effect in this fillies’ maiden. She’s squandered a few chances whilst running well in defeat, and can turn things round tight from a good draw, and with cheek pieces added.
Race 5 No1 FOREVER NOAH
Trainer: Joey Ramsden – Jockey: Alex Jary
FOREVER NOAH is back at the minimum trip following a deserved first win of 2026 over 1200 metres at Chelmsford. The Dark Angel gelding picked up a 5lb penalty for his troubles but that is tempered somewhat by the 3lb claim of of his capable apprentice pilot.
