Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Monday’s racing coming your way from Epsom Downs, Ripon, Chepstow , Southwell and Cartmel on 30 August 2026.
EPSOM DOWNS
Race 3 No5 RHOSCOLYN
Trainer: David O’Meara – Jockey: Jason Watson
RHOSCOLYN is carded to race for the third day in succession following two appearances at Goodwood. Epsom has also been a happy hunting ground for the veteran who with conditions to suit can get into the shake-up.
Race 4 No14 SEEKING CHARLES (Each Way)
Trainer: Mark Usher – Jockey: Mr Henry Main
The so called Amateurs’ Derby can see SEEKING CHARLES claiming a slice of the cake. The lightly-raced gelding has made significant strides in two races on turf this summer and especially when failing by inches to foil Educator at Newmarket. He’s on the cusp of a breakthrough first success and will receive good assistance from his saddle.
Race 7 No2 DAPPER GUEST (Nap)
Trainer: George Margarson – Jockey: Saffie Osborne
One I like is DAPPER GUEST who is worth backing to post an overdue success after being in the wilderness for the best part of two seasons. He showed with a much improved effort wearing first time cheek pieces at Brighton last time that he’s a horse ready to win.
RIPON
Race 1 No8 ARENITE (Nap)
Trainer: Michael Dods – Jockey: Connor Beasley
Dods houses a Gimcrack winner in his yard near Darlington and while ARENITE isn’t of that calibre the Kameko filly brings easily the best form to the table courtesy of her near misses at Redcar and Doncaster. Her sex allowance should help seal victory against seven males.
Race 3 No4 PURE MINT
Trainer: Simon Crisford – Jockey: Harry Davies
Minzaal colt PURE MINT represents a stable that has a happy knack of landing this Champion 2YO Trophy. He attracted notable support before impressively delivering by four and a half lengths on his introduction here, and while cut in the ground is new territory for him he’s strongly fancied to remain unbeaten.
Race 4 No9 MAJESTIC DANE
Trainer: Karl Burke – Jockey: Clifford Lee
With only two outings under his belt MAJESTIC DANE looks the type who can take out this Ripon Rowels, one of the best handicaps run at the garden course and always a good betting heat. He proved easy to back at Newcastle when trying to follow-up his debut success, yet put in a sterling effort to go down by half a length. Along with fellow three-year-old FIREFALL he looks set for another podium finish.
CHEPSTOW
Race 1 No2 CRYSTAL KRAKEN (Nap)
Trainer: Dylan Cunha – Jockey: Rossa Ryan
This is a tougher card for wagering but I do like CRYSTAL KRAKEN as the only bet. The Soldier’s Call filly gained valuable experience of the course when second and given plenty to do last time, but with Rossa Ryan in the plate she should take care of business.
SOUTHWELL
Race 3 No7 PACE ATTACK (Each Way)
Trainer: Sir Mark Prescott – Jockey: Luke Morris
PACE ATTACK might have needed the run when taking away a minor cheque on his return from a break and on handicap debut. A market watch is now advised on the grey son of Australia, who is a stayer in the making.
Race 4 No10 SOAMES FORSYTE (Each Way)
Trainer: Michael Herrington- Jockey: Tom Eaves
While he is hard to predict, SOAMES FORSYTE has the wherewithal to do well in this bottom grade handicap. He has a very good draw and from a declining mark needs considering.
Race 7 No5 SOLE SPIRIT (Each Way)
Trainer: Bryan Smart – Jockey: Paul Mulrennan
Lack of match practice might not stop SOLE SPIRIT going well in the finale. Injuries have dogged his career but it’s hard to argue with his three successes from four starts last summer. This is his return from a year off, though I doubt he’ll be in need of the run.
CARTMEL
Race 3 No4 IMPERIAL MERLIN (Nap)
Trainer: John Quinn – Jockey: Sean Quinlan
IMPERIAL MERLIN is 3lb higher than when winning at Wetherby in March, where he posted a 16-1 shocker. He’s the type that can go well off a break, and can make this a sixth career.
