Neil Morrice best bets and tips – Saturday 18 July 2026

NEWBURY

Race 2 No3 TEAM PLAYER (Each Way)

Trainer: Ewan Whillans – Jockey: Greg Fairley

TEAM PLAYER is two from four since joining his trainer and that figure might have been bigger had he been ridden closer to the pace in both the Chester Cup and the Northumberland Plate. The chestnut is getting better with racing and should enjoy operating on this galloping track, and back on turf. He’s my main pick, but a saver is recommended on BAILEYS KHELSTAR who is chasing down a hat-trick and looks dangerous with Rossa Ryan in the saddle.

Race 4 WEATHERBYS SUPER SPRINT

No18 ANGELS LANE (Each Way)

Trainer: Henry Candy – Jockey: Laura Pearson

ANGELS LANE posted a 33-1 shocker on debut at Chepstow n spite of running too freely for her own good in the early stages. The Harry Angel filly edged ahead in the final 50 yards with the principals drawing clear. This represents a big step up n class for the selection, but Candy knows how to get the best out of his limited stock, and she’s worth chancing. Her high draw will hopefully prove advantageous, which puts her close to the strongly fancied BONT ARCHANGE. If the bias favours lower numbers ROLLTHEDICEBABY could be the answer, operating for a stable with a great record in this contest.

Prediction: 1st ANGELS LANE, 2nd Bint Archange, 3rd Rollthedicebaby

Race 7 No6 VELVET RHYTHM (Nap)

Trainer: Charlie Johnston – Jockey: Saffie Osborne

VELVET RHYTHM has signalled with four successes from six starts this season that she is a force to be reckoned with. Three of those triumphs happened at Catterick, but she’s a versatile operator, and should prove just as effective on this totally different course. Johnston is a man to follow through the remainder of the month, and will no doubt have Goodwood on the radar for this one.

NEWMARKET

Race 2 No6 REVOIR (Each Way)

Trainer: Ralph Beckett- Jockey: Hector Crouch

REVOIR goes in search of further black type after finishing second in back-to-back Listed races this season. In total she’s filled that spot in four Listeds as well as finishing third in a Group 3 at Newmarket. Plenty of water has flowed under the bridge since her debut triumph at Nottingham, but this classy individual would be the most deserving of winners.

Race 4 No4 FENLANDER (Nap)

Trainer: Pam Sly – Jockey: Christian Howarth

While it took FENLANDER seventeen attempts to get off the mark the five-year-old is now making up for lost time with three wins on the bounce, making him fully in the zone. Having discovered how to win he can add to his laurels in this jump not a Class4 for a popular local stable.

Race 5 No4 JOHN HARRISON

Trainer: Alan King – Jockey: David Probert

JOHN HARRISON is the type of individual King excels with, and after troubling the judge in the last three of only five career outings he is fancied to open his account, as the substantial step up in trip is exactly what he’s looking for.

RIPON

Race 1 No4 WARBY (Nap)

Trainer: Tim Easterby – Jockey: David Allan

In what looks a good race the confident choice is WARBY, who was a decisive scorer at Catterick and possesses the natural speed to do well for owners Valmont.

MARKET RASEN

Race 2 No10 SQUEEZEBOX (Each Way)

Trainer: Tom Lacey – Jockey: Stan Sheppard

The first of two big summer jumping races on this card can see SQUEEZEBOX giving a good account. Not only is this lightly raced individual on the cusp of completing a hat-trick, but his Southwell success has been endorsed, and an 8lb rise for that triumph might not stop him.

Race 3 No2 SOUL ICON (Each Way)

Trainer: Kieran Burke – Jockey: Harry Cobden

The featured Summer Plate can see a bold attacking display from SOUL ICON who was brought down on his latest start in Aintree’s Topham Trophy but has dropped to a tempting mark. He was edged out in this race on his only previous visit to the course two years ago, meaning that he brings track craft to the table under a jockey who is mustard on a natural front runner.

Race 6 No1 SPECIAL JOHN (Nap)

Trainer: Sam Thomas – Jockey: Matt Griffiths

SPECIAL JOHN has gone up 9lb since his comprehensive Bangor win in May, since when he ran well under a hold up ride at Fontwell. While there’s not a lot of margin for error, this drop back to three miles should play to his strengths.

NOTTINGHAM

Race 5 No5 THURSDAY GIRL (Nap)

Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Ashley Lewis

While there are no winners in this novice it’s a race with quality, and one that THURSDAY GIRL can take in her stride. The daughter if Pinatubo has gone close on each of her three starts this season, being worn down late by Cristo on the latest at Sandown. She stays the 1600 metres well, while ground conditions are perfect for another bold bid.

DONCASTER

Race 2 No6 SANBORO WARRIOR

Trainer: William Knight – Jockey: Taylor Fisher

SANBONA WARRIOR gave it a good shot when chasing home Duke Of Burgundy on his Kempton introduction in a race where the principals pulled clear. Granted normal progression on this switch to grass, the son of Ten Sovereigns can open his account.

Race 3 No1 YORKSHIRE (Each Way)

Trainer: Ed Bethell – Jockey: Kevin Stott

YORKSHIRE is being afforded a select campaign, and on this third outing of the year needs respecting. He ran well in the Victoria Cup, and though unable to step up on that Ascot effort at Newcastle he’s now back in a Class3, the level at which he posted his latest triumph in the spring of 2025.

Race 5 No5 WILLOW WOOD (Nap)

Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: George Downing

A bet worth waiting for is WILLOW WOOD, who when moved up to a mile and a half opened her account in ready fashion at Ffos Las. The filly looked better the further she travelled, making her of serious interest operating from her raised mark.