The racing world is about to get its spark back. After a grueling winter of recovery, Clifford Lee is finally trading the physio table for the racing saddle. It’s been a “long journey,” as Lee himself admits, following a serious neck injury sustained in a cross-country motorbike accident last October.
While most of us would be content just being able to turn our heads to check for traffic after such an ordeal, Lee has been grinding away at Jack Berry House, strengthening those iron-willed muscles. His boss, Karl Burke, has been itching to have his “part of the furniture” back, and with the green light finally flashing, the jockey who steered Venetian Sun to Group 1 glory is ready to remind the turf exactly what they’ve been missing.
Keep your eyes peeled, when Cliff is back, the winners usually follow.
🏇 Tomorrow’s Top Rated & NAPs
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
The transition to spring ground is well underway. Here is the breakdown of the Timeform top-rated contenders and our best bets for tomorrow’s action.
Southwell (Jumps)
The Nottinghamshire track offers a competitive card where course specialists often prevail.
14:30 – Timeform Top Rated: Fern Hill (110), Analysis: Fern Hill has been knocking at the door with a string of consistent efforts, including a solid second at Chepstow last time out. Off a mark of 110, he looks the one to beat in a field where many have questions to answer.
15:00 – Smart Stat: Ukantango. Olly Murphy boasts a 24% strike rate at Southwell. Ukantango is a class act on his day and dropped into this Class 4, he should be formidable.
NAP of the Track: Queens Charm (15:30). Ben Pauling won this race last year and sends this promising point-to-point winner for her rules debut. She looks a “likely type” for a yard in red-hot form.
Sedgefield
A sharp, undulating track where “horses for courses” is the golden rule. 14:40 – Timeform Top Rated: Belaya River (107). Analysis: Harry Derham’s Belaya River is the clear standout. With a 26% strike rate for the trainer in these types of hurdles, the 11/8 forecast favorite looks solid.
16:10 – The Verdict: Phantom Gold. Despite a massive 3-year absence, Timeform gives the nod to Phantom Gold (9/2). If the market moves in his favor, expect a big performance from a horse that clearly has the engine.
Wincanton
A fast, testing track that rewards brave jumpers and tactical jockeys.
14:50 – Timeform Top Rated: Twist Of Fatecatch (110). Analysis: Dropping back in trip and given some slack by the handicapper, Twist Of Fatecatch (13/2) is the value play.
15:50 – The Daily NAP: It’s A Breeze. Paul Nicholls at Wincanton is a match made in betting heaven (25% strike rate). It’s A Breeze ran a cracker to finish second last time and looks primed to go one better here.
18+ only. Betting involves risk and losses are inevitable. Never gamble more than you can afford to lose and do not view betting as a way to make money. If gambling stops being enjoyable or becomes a concern, seek help
Silks and Shenanigans 