Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Wincanton, Wetherby, Bangor-on-dee, and Kempton Park on 26 February 2025.
WINCANTON
Race 4 No4 CAST’S TASHA (Nap)
Trainer: Ben Clarke – Jockey: Ben Jones
Although carded to start as a roughie in this handicap hurdle CAST’S TASHA should outrun her lengthy odds. She’s given a good account on all three starts this season with her last success happening with Jones in the saddle at Ffos Las. She had run second in a better race than today’s at Sandown, and probably found two and a half miles an insufficient test when fourth at Lingfield at the end of last month.
Race 6 No6 GO SACRE GO
Trainer: Sally Alner – Jockey: Miss N Parker
On return from an enforced absence GO SACRE GO ran well to chase home Mr Glass at Wincanton. It was his first run over fences and first since joining his trainer from the Henderson stable. There will surely be some wiggle room for progression and he can give paper favourite Yccs Portocervo something to think about.
WETHERBY
Race 5 No5 OFF THE JURY
Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: Mr David Maxwell
OFF THE JURY hasn’t yet managed to properly chip away at his lofty purchase price but this appeals as a good opportunity for him to put his head in front. Having troubled the judge in all three of his outings over hurdles he races for the first time following a breathing operation, the benefits from which can make the difference to him.
Race 6 No2 SHADY B (Nap)
Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks
Having landed a gamble at Ffos Las, SHADY B needs to consolidate under an 8lb higher mark. Although consistently in the money prior to that smooth delivery, the gelding appeared to benefit from the effects of a wind operation, and as it was his first outing of the season there should be more to come.
BANGOR-ON-DEE
Race 5 No4 WINCHMORE HILL
Trainer: Donald McCain Jnr – Jockey: Brian Hughes
This maiden hurdle has cut up favourably for WINCHMORE HILL who looks the spearhead of two runners from the McCain stable. Not without his issues, he made a pleasing first run after wind surgery when chasing home Roussel at Uttoxeter, and has a great chance of going one better.
Race 6 No4 CEST DIFFERENT (Nap)
Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Dylan Johnston
CEST DIFFERENT is in hot pursuit of a rapid-fire hat trick following facile successes at Hereford and Chepstow. He raced off the same mark last week but looks equally attractive under a penalty here, as he was in front plenty soon enough and dossed in the closing stages.
KEMPTON PARK
Race 4 No4 LERWICK
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
LERWICK is a horse on the cusp of a breakthrough which could easily happen on his long journey from Middleham to London. Blinkers replacing a hood have helped the gelding to raise his game and finish second at Southwell and Newcastle. He’s well drawn for this first visit to Kempton, and can post a first AW victory.
Race 7 No5 QUAI DE BETHUNE
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
QUAI DE BETHUNE is the first of two interesting runners on the card from Park House Stables. In a fascinating conditions race the Persian King colt faces a two-pronged challenge from the Charlie Appleby stable and a multiple scorer in Molveno, but has plenty going for him after powering home on his seasonal reappearance here. He can find further progression to thwart the Godolphin main string OPERA BALLO.
Race 8 No2 TUSCAN STAR (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
TUSCAN STAR has looked the part in back-to-back triumphs at Southwell and Newcastle and can remain unbeaten on the all-weather. He finished of those races doing his best work, and should relish stretching out to this substantially longer trip.
