Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Saturday’s racing coming from Haydock Park, Newton Abbot , Huntingdon, Carlisle , Musselburgh and Wolverhamton on 04 April 2026.
HAYDOCK PARK
Race 1 No6 FLASH BARDOT (Each Way)
Trainer: Henrietta Knight – Jockey: Brendan Powell
Multiple Flat winner FLASH BARDOT is an interesting addition to the hurdling ranks and worth monitoring for market support. The Sixties Icon mare prefers cut in the ground and the level of that could influence how she gets on racing for the first time under Rules.
Race 3 No7 HEATHER HONEY (Each Way)
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Peter Kavanagh
HEATHER HONEY gamely delivered at this course last month and as long as there’s some juice in the ground remains of interest in this better race. She gets on well with her jockey, and the combination can reward each way support in an open affair.
Race 4 No2 GUARD YOUR DREAMS (Nap)
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies – Jockey: Toby CmCain-Mitchell
For a veteran, GUARD YOUR DREAMS doesn’t have many miles on his racing clock. In this prized contest for older chasers he has to be greatly respected, as he scored easily at Warwick and was unfortunate to be brought down at the first fence in the Plate at Cheltenham. He’s a fascinating contender for the best viewing race on this card, and I shall be getting involved.
NEWTON ABBOT
Race 3 No4 HARDY DU SEUIL
Trainer: Jamie Snowden – Jockey: Isabelle Ryder
HARDY DU SEUIL likes to dominate and there’s every chance of that happening on an easy track that suits his style of racing. He can add to what has been a tremendous season for his trainer.
Race 5 No8 WALK TALL (Nap)
Trainer: Joe Tizzard – Jockey: Lorcan Williams
The giant WALK TALL upped his game when second on his latest start and now moves up the distance ladder to a trip that will better suit him. He’s going to be a smashing chaser next season, but from his current tempting hurdles mark and in receipt of weight from the field he’s the best bet on the card.
HUNTINGDON
Race 4 a No1 RUMOURSAREFLYING (Nap)
Trainer: Pam Sly – Jockey: Kielan Woods
RUMOURSAREFLYING did this column a good turn when tenaciously delivering at Ludlow, and if ridden in similar fashion can defy his new mark for a trainer with a very good record at the course.
Race 5 No2 SLEEPING LATE (Each Way)
Trainer: Pam Sly – Jockey: Kielan Woods
The Sly stable also has claims with SLEEPING LATE, who though not quite so obvious a choice has it in him to raise his game after a mainly disappointing but select campaign so far.
CARLISLE
Race 5 No1 HANG ON (Nap)
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Danny McManamin
On his return from a lengthy absence HANG ON catches my eye and is worth tracking for a market move. He’s underwhelmed when fancied on a couple of occasions but returns with untapped potential, and shouldn’t lack for fitness.
Race 7 No3 RYEBRIDGE
Trainer: Sue Smith – Jockey: Danny McManamin
From the same stable RYEBRIDGE can prove the answer to a tricky finale. His last gasp success at Carlisle earned him a 5lb rise but he’s been very consistent, and is the most likely of the recent winners in the field to repeat that level of form.
MUSSELBURGH
Race 1 No6 COMIC HERO
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
It will be a surprise if COMIC HERO isn’t a popular choice for a trainer/jockey combo that need respecting on their visits here. The selection enjoyed a step up in trip when scoring at Kempton, and now back on turf should make further progression on this first crack at the 1600 metres distance.
Race 2 No2 GOLDEN MIND (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Fahey – Jockey: Barry McHugh
GOLDEN MIND is a speculative choice for this 1400 metres contest round a right-handed bend even though he showed little to get excited about on his first run of the year at Kempton. He demonstrated with his success at Doncaster on the last day of the 2025 season that he’s capable of bouncing back to form without warning, and when he does that he’s usually a big price.
Race 4 No8 TEAM PLAYER (Each Way)
Trainer: Ewan Whillans – Jockey: Greg Fairley
TEAM PLAYER regularly runs well when returning from an absence or on debut for a different stable. Now with a third trainer, the chestnut can show with another earning effort that a 5lb rise for his Newcastle triumph last time isn’t enough to stop him.
Race 5 No3 TROPICAL STORM (Nap)
Trainer: Andrew Balding – Jockey: Oisin Murphy
TROPICAL STORM failed in the main to live up to expectations in his three-year-old campaign, showing how difficult it can be for speedy juveniles to graduate the following year although in fairness his only success happened in Listed company at York. He rubbed shoulders with the top sprint handicappers after that, and gives the impression that first time back will be the time to catch him.
WOLVERHAMPTON
Race 4 No1 KIRKDALE
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
KIRKDALE makes a first visit to Dunstall Park after doing the bulk of his AW racing at Newcastle, but he should enjoy the new territory and has a solid chance of making this a first triumph since his juvenile days.
Race 5 No2 CODIAK (Nap)
Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Callum Rodriguez
A second Bethell advice is CODIAK, who is Napped to complete a hat-trick. He’s enjoyed a freshening break since scoring on his first outing of the year at Southwell in January and had demonstrated his liking for tonight’s venue when landing some good bets on his previous start in December.
Race 6 No8 AMERJEET (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington – Jockey: Hollie Doyle
AMERJEET has been unlucky not to win already this year and especially when hampered and short of room at Southwell two runs back. As a hold up horse he always requires a certain amount of luck in running, but he’s underiably well treated.
