Neil Morrice shares all of his best bets and tips for Thursday’s racing coming your way from Salisbury, Nottingham and Newcastle on 01 October 2026.
SALISBURY
Race 1 No8 SOMERTON (Each Way)
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Pat Dobbs
On breeding newcomer YAMANA has to be of serious interest as she is by Frankel out of a Group winning mare and cost owners Juddmonte a tidy 1,500,000 guineas as a yearling. Regardless of this she’s having a first outing, whilst SOMERTON has two earning runs under his belt and could prove a tough opponent. I like the way he shaped at Goodwood last time and he will enjoy any cut in the ground.
Race 2 No4 GOLD ARMY
Trainer: Harry Charlton – Jockey: Lewis Edmunds
GOLD ARMY was mugged in the final strides on his latest start at Kempton after bossing the race until then. The son of Intello can utilise his track craft to assume early advantage, and should prove hard to catch.
Race 4 No1 A BEAR AFFAIR
Trainer: Richard Hannon – Jockey: Pat Dobbs
Brocklesby Stakes winner A BEAR AFFAIR has rubbed shoulders with some smart foes subsequently, including when fourth to Night In Vegas in a valuable Sales race at Doncaster last month. This early foal retains the blinkers worn for the first time on Town Moor and has a good chance of toppling paper favourite SOCIAL SYMBOL.
Race 5 No5 RIVER SPEY (Each Way)
Trainer: Ed Walker – Jockey: Goeorge Downing
RIVER SPEY found himself on the wrong side of the track when finishing with a wet sail at Goodwood’s Qatar Festival. He underwhelmed at Newbury last time, but is definitely one to have on your side in the softer conditions through the autumn.
Race 6 No2 BNAIDER (Nap)
Trainer: Harry Charlton – Jockey: Lewis Edmunds
There’s been no sign of BNAIDER since his hugely impressive triumph at Haydock where under a cruising ride Oisin Murphy barely moved on the New Bay gelding who powered clear. A 7lb rise for that doesn’t look excessive, although it has to be taken on trust that he’s ready for this after his lay off.
Race 7 No9 GET THIS IN
Trainer: David Menuisier – Jockey: Hector Crouch
GET THIS IN is a horse crying out for the extra yardage he encounters over a mile and a quarter today. He got going late in the game when second on his return to action at Lingfield, but better can be seen from him back on turf.
Race 8 No5 MR FREEDOM (Each Way)
Trainer: Sheena West – Jockey: Charles Bishop
West is double handed in the finale in which MR FREEDOM appeals as her better chance. The dual purpose performer was game at the finish when taking home a minor cheque at Newmarket last week, giving an indication that he needed it. This is a good opportunity for the seven-year-old to post a first win in more than two years.
NOTTINGHAM
Race 2 No10 HORNDEAN
Trainer: Jane Chapple-Hyam – Jockey: Sean Levey
As a colt getting weight from everything else in the race, HORNDEAN appeals as a value option in this nursery. He put in a career best when second over this trip at Lingfield and is likely to benefit from a return to racing on grass. He is preferred to PURE MINT, who after bolting up on Ripon debut unaccountably flopped at Ascot.
Race 4 No7 THI WAR (Nap)
Trainer: John Gosden – Jockey: William Buick
Mehmas filly THI WAR stands shoulders above her rivals after a couple of encouraging efforts to finish second at Salisbury and Newmarket. The filly that beat her last time is now rated 98, making that a particularly strong form line.
Race 5 No11 WEST BYFLEET (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Rob Hornby
Returning from a mid season break, WEST BYFLEET can up his game following a couple of underwhelming efforts. This is the Dream Ahead gelding’s first run in a handicap, and he probably didn’t act on the Polytrack when unplaced at Lingfield last time.
NEWCASTLE
Race 6 No7 BERLINETTA (Each Way)
Trainer: Jack Channon – Jockey: Billy Loughnane
BERLINETTA was beaten just four lengths when posting a midfield finish in a better race at Newmarket and is one that could outrun her lofty price to give her stable a timely boost.
