Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Friday’s racing coming from Exeter, Leicester, AYR, and Newcastle on 06 March 2026.
EXETER
Race 1 No9 LIMIER D’ARTHEL
Trainer: Philip Hobbs – Jockey: Callum Pritchard
LIMIER D’ARTHEL proved very easy to back before falling on his first run over hurdles at Huntingdon. The former bumper winner finds himself in a weaker race, and is well worth a market check in the colours of JP McManus.
Race 6 a No2 FOLLOWING CHAPTER
Trainer: Alistair Ralph – Jockey: Ciaran Gethings
FOLLOWING CHAPTER was turned over as an odds-on shot at Ludlow and is now 5lb higher on drying ground. It’s worth taking account however of the fact he’s looked an improved performer this season, and over a longer trip that he will prefer he’s worth staying with.
Race 7 No3 TED THE THIEF (Nap)
Trainer: Robert Walford – Jockey: Harry Kimber
TED THE THIEF hacked up at Taunton three weeks ago and is strongly fancied to make it back-to-back victories from his revised mark. He’s improved from race to race this season, and should prove very hard to beat.
LEICESTER
Race 2 No3 ERIC CARMEN
Trainer: Gary Hanmer – Jockey: Benjamin Macey
Hat-trick seeking ERIC CARMEN was a cosy scorer at Market Rasen for which he is 4lb higher. He should enjoy this galloping track just as much, and can take the spoils at the main expense of RIVER RUNS FREE.
Race 5 No2 LUCKY LUGGER (Nap)
Trainer: Matt Sheppard – Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Having troubled the judge on his last two outings, this is the best chance LUCKY LUGGER has been presented with so far this season. In a smaller field he’s less likely to make silly mistakes, and if getting into a rhythm he can deny GRAIN TRADE who though unpredictable can fill the flip side of the exacta.
AYR
Race 3 No9 LARGY GO (Nap)
Trainer: Jonjo O’Neill – Jockey: Jonjo O’Neill Jr
Winning pointer LARGY GO changed hands for a not insignificant sum and can now start to repay that purchase price. He ran above expectations considering he lost a shoe when second on Rules debut at Lingfield, and should be another winner for a stable whose horses are running into form at the right time for Cheltenham.
Race 5 No6 FOLLOW CHARLIE (Each Way)
Trainer: Mike Smith – Jockey: Nathan Moscrop
FOLLOW CHARLIE does most of his racing at this course and looked like a horse that’s ready to win again when second over three miles last month. The four times hurdles winner cuts back to two and a half, but should prove just as effective.
NEWCASTLE
Race 2 No3 SILENT STRIKE
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
SILENT STRIKE scored impressively at Kempton after meeting with defeat on debut when he couldn’t cope with BUCKLOW HILL. In an interesting match up I fancy the placings to be reversed, as my selection has done well at home over the last fortnight.
Race 6 No1 MOYOWASI (Nap)
Trainer: Ian Williams – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
Under a 5lb penalty for his cosy Kempton triumph on Monday, MOYOWASI can make this a third success of the year under a jockey that knows how to get the best out of him. A return to a mile suited him, and over the same trip he can deliver again.
Race 8 No2 BULLINGTON BOY (Each Way)
Trainer: Joey Ramsden – Jockey: Taryn Langley
BULLINGTON BOY earned on his first outing from the Ramsden yard at this course where he was a bit free, and didn’t get home. Now operating over 1200 metres he has a chance to consolidate, and if near his paper price looks good each way value.
