Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Thirsk , Worcester , Epsom Downs and Chepstow on 2 July 2025.
THIRSK
Race 3 No2 FOREST CAPER
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Danny Tudhope
While he might well prefer easier conditions, FOREST CAPER has the wherewithal to get the job done in this 1600 metres novice. He did too much in front and paid the penalty in a race he possibly should have won at Beverley and can under a more controlled ride go be better.
Race 5 No9 LANGHOLM (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Rhys Elliott
I have a hunch LANGHOLM has dropped to the sort of mark from which his connections will hope to be winning with him soon. For a front runner he has a good draw today, and it would be no surprise to see him get into the argument.
Race 6 No2 TOPTEAM (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
Oasis Dream colt TOPTEAM is running out of his skin and this race has cut up beautifully for him in his hat-trick bid. He’s displayed agility to gain back-to-back triumphs at Chester and looks like a horse that hasn’t stopped improving.
Race 7 No13 EASY PEELER
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Jason Hart
EASTPY PEELER brings winning form from York to the table while her overall credentials are rock solid for this sprint handicap in which she’s copped a favourable draw for her match up with Mythical Phoenix and veteran Dakota Gold.
WORCESTER
Race 4 No4 INTOSMETHINGGOOD
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
INTOSONETHINGGOOD looked an improver when opening his account at this track on a related first run over hurdles. He has apparently learned much from that success, and can win again.
Race 5 No11 HAMMER DAN (Nap)
Trainer: David Pipe – Jockey: Jack Tudor
One that could be well handicapped is HAMMER DAN, who is arguably unfortunate not to have won his last three starts. Having ranged up menacingly, it was disappointing that the Pond House raider couldn’t put the race to bed at Newton Abbot though it was his first outing in almost a year, and one he should progress from.
EPSOM DOWNS
Race 2 No6 IBSHARA (Nap)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Sean Levey
IBSHARA holds the cards in this 1400:metres maiden after troubling the judge on both outings last month. She chased home the smart Date Line at Newmarket and given that she’s likely to have come on again for that she should prove very hard to stop.
Race 4 No7 NAVID
Trainer: Harry Charlton – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
NAVID takes the eye at the base of the handicap after showing his first piece of worthwhile form at Newbury. The step up to a mile and a half sat well with the Sir Percy gelding who with Hollie Doyle in the plate can further raise her game.
Race 5 No3 CHARLES MORIN (Each Way)
Trainer: Pat Phelan – Jockey: Paddy Bradley
CHARLES MORIN looked to be running into form when runner-up at Lingfield last month to suggest he can take away a cheque although the market is unlikely to provide any clues to his chance. On his last seven appearances he’s started as long as 150-1 and never shorter than 12-1, but it could be the breathing operation he underwent at the start of the year is starting to benefit him.
CHEPSTOW
Race 2 No4 THIS GUY
Trainer: Clive Cox – Jockey: Finley Marsh
Blue Point colt THIS GUY underwhelmed after attracting notable support on his Newmarket introduction but fared better when making the frame in the Haydock contest won by Maximized. That form was boosted by the winner in a better race at Epsom, while my selection may benefit I’d he’s ridden with more restraint.
Race 4 No1 CHIEF MANKATO (Nap)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Edward Greatrex
Although he has suffered from blood vessel issues, CHIEF MANKATO will surely regain the winning thread soon. He returned from a break to be grabbed by the well supported Under The Twilight after travelling best for much of the journey at Windsor, and can better that with the aid of a tongue tie and cheek pieces.
Race 6 No4 FISHERMANS COTTAGE (Each Way)
Trainer: Malcolm Saunders – Jockey: William Carson
FISHERMANS COTTAGE has done the bulk of his racing at Bath, but it was at this track that he posted an improved effort to finish second at the end of last month. He enjoys the faster ground, and deserves a change of luck.
