Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Christmas Dark Horses – 22 December 2025
CHRISTMAS DARK HORSES
STARMOUNT, trainer Ben Pauling
STARMOUNT is carded to run in the Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree and considered by his trainer one of the best bets from the yard over the festive period. The five-year-old made the perfect start to his jumping career when jumping from hurdle to hurdle and dominating throughout over two miles at Wetherby and is cry g out for a longer trip.
ONE WAY WEST, trainer Ben Pauling
ONE WAY WEST gained back to back triumphs at Warwick and Wetherby last month, living up to the promise he’d shown in a number of earning efforts without winning last season. Although creeping up the weights the Westerner gelding is probably ahead of his mark and in Pauling’s words “massively on the improve”.
MR VANGO, trainer Sara Bradstock
Last season’s Midlands National winner MR VANGO made a valiant attempt to give away weight all round in the Becher Chase, only to be denied in the final stride of that Aintree contest. This dour stayer has taken those exertions exceptionally well, and will have everything in his favour on his next start in the Welsh National on Saturday. The ground at Chepstow in late December is always bottomless, which is just what he wants.
OLD PARK STAR trainer Nicky Henderson
OLD PARK STAR bolted up at Newbury in a manner that suggests he’s out of the top drawer. His next race isn’t set in stone, but watch out for him either back at Newbury or at Chepstow on December 27th. He’s very smart and looks a proper Festival horse for next year.
PILSDON PEN, trainer Jeremy Scott
It’s a big weekend for Scott as he takes Champion Hurdler Golden Ace to Kempton, but away from the main meeting PILSDON PEN would greatly interest me if heading to Wincanton for the Lord Stalbridge Cup. He was easy to back and scored on seasonal reappearance despite needing the race. With few miles on his racing clock he’s capable of further success.
