Author: John Burke

Hi all,

The action switches from the jumpers to the flat on day three of the Listowel Festival. The feature race of an eight-race card is the Listed Edmund & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes (4.37). I have a couple of selections from the Irish track today.

Listowel

4:37 – Edmund & Josie Whelan Memorial Listowel Stakes (Listed Race) – 1m 1f

Roca Roma looks sure to be popular choice to give the inform Ger Lyons another winner. The 4-year-old a winner at Killarney two starts back. Improved to run Pearls Galore to 1 ¾ lengths when 2^nd of 15 in a Group 3 at Tipperary last time and the winner has since gone close in a Group 1 at Leopardstown. No issues with the ground for the filly and she the one they must beat.

At bigger odds I prefer the claims of Visualisation. The 3-year-old didn’t seem to stay 1m 2f in Group 3 company last time. However, he’s better judged on his 2 ½ length 2^nd of 14 behind Foxes Tales in a Royal Ascot handicap. The slight drop in trip should suit as will the rain softened ground. In fact, he won’t mind if the ground was to ease further given his best four RPR’s have come on soft or heavy ground.

4:37 – 1pt win – Visualisation – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

5:40 – Listowel Arms Hotel Handicap – 1m

The softer the ground the better for Comfort Line who looks on a competitive mark.

Starting Monday was said to have not handled the track or the quick ground when a beaten favourite at Ballinrobe 92-days ago. Today’s softer ground is a plus and he’s been given a break to freshen up. A winner on his seasonal return in March and looks set for a big run here. 

Fil The Power is a consistent enough handicapper, albeit he doesn’t find winning easy. The 4-year-old finished a length 3^rd of 17 at Leopardstown on his last flat start. A reproduction of that performance would see him go close here.

1pt win – Fil The Power – 15/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup (3.40) is the big betting race of the day. There’s a good supporting card of races including Virgin Bet Silver Cup (2:30). The Group 3 Virgin Bet Firth Of Clyde Fillies’ Stakes (3:05) and the Listed Virgin Bet Doonside Cup (1:55).

ITV are covering five races from Ayr and four from Newbury. There are three Group races at Newbury; the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (2.50), the Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes (2.15) and Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup (4.00) both Group 3 contests.

There’s also an afternoon fixture at Newmarket, where the feature race is the Close Brothers Cesarewitch Trial Handicap (3:15).  Catterick, Gowran Park and Wolverhampton complete Saturday’s action.

There was rain towards the end of Friday’s Ayr card and a bit more was expected on Friday evening whether it will be enough to ease the ground much is another matter. Plenty more rain expected tomorrow but it’s not forecast to arrive until after racing. It looks like it will be mainly dry at Newbury though.

Like last weekend I’m have concentrated the races on the races being covered by ITV. Today’s betting advice is at the bottom of the main piece.

Ayr

2:30 – Virgin Bet Ayr Silver Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 6f

Not sure how the draw will work out. In yesterday’s Bronze Cup it seemed like lower numbers were favoured and looking at the race pace map most of the early speed looks to be low.

Blackrod is drawn in stall 10.  The 3-year-old has improved on each of his four starts this year and comes into the race having won his last two out Newmarket over 6f and when dropped down to 5f at York last month. The minimum trip was on the short side for him so he did well to get up and win. Can race off the same mark here and looks to have a great chance on a sound surface of landing the hat trick.

Royal Scimitar looked a handicap winner in waiting when finishing a ½ length 4^th of 17 behind Blackrod at Newmarket. He hasn’t won any of his three subsequent starts but has placed twice and if the first blinkers have the desired effect, he wouldn’t be far away out of stall 9.

Magical Spirit won this last year off 6lb lower. He looks to have been trained for the race again and bounced back to form just in time for an autumn campaign when a head 3^rd of 10 at the Shergar Cup last month. That run was over 5f and they way he finished off his race he would have won in another couple of strides. He’s been nudged up 2lb for his Ascot performance but any ease in the ground will suit and stall 4 will hopefully be ideal.

Of those drawn towards the middle I wouldn’t rule out a big run from Blackrod’s stablemate Woven. The 5-year-old has been knocking on the door in 6f handicaps this season. Awkward at the start he did well to finish a 2 ¼ length 2^nd of 13 behind Gold Cup fancy Just Frank at Thirsk last time. A strongly run 6f will suit and he shouldn’t be far away.

3:05 – Virgin Bet Firth Of Clyde Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) – 6f

The Ger Lyons trained Head Mistress is the ante post favourite.The filly bids for a hat trick after wins at Downpatrick and latterly a Listed race at the Curragh.  Steps up to 6f for the first time but she should by the new distance and looks the one to beat.

The biggest threat to the favourite could be the Kevin Ryan trained Hala Hala Athmani.  A half sister to Group 1 winning 6f sprinter Hello Youmzain she created as seriously good impression when winning at Carlisle on her racecourse debut last month.  Capable of much better and interesting that connections opt to bring her here for her second career start.

3:40 – Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 6f

Unlike the Silver Cup most of the pace seems to be among the high numbers. However, the favourite Great Ambassador is drawn 1 and second favourite Commanche Falls is in stall 2.

Great Ambassador ticks plenty of boxes and could be capable of holding his own Group 1 next season. Provided the ground is good or quicker he’s a worthy market leader but the draw would be concern if the pace forecast is correct. Stablemate Popmaster is also a big contender the 3-year-old won at Ascot two weeks ago and although he’s a got a 5lb penalty to carry for that win he’s going the right way and should be in the mix out of stall 11. Interestingly the first-time blinkers are applied.

Commanche Falls had the favourite one length back in third in the Goodwood Stewards Cup and at the revised weights he’s got a good chance of finishing front of him again. He’s only 4lb higher than for winning at Goodwood and is another who could be pattern horse next season.

Bielsa was back in 6th in the Stewards Cup. His run can be slightly marked up as he ran alone down the centre of the track that day. You must go back to October 2019 for his last win but he’s run plenty of good races in defeat since and is on a winnable mark when all the cards fall right. Racing out of stall 25 any rain is a plus for his chance.

Just Frank put in a career best when making all to win at Thirsk last time. He looks well treated under a 5lb penalty and provided there is some juice in the ground will be there or thereabouts out of stall 18.

Ostilio (11) has been slowly adapting to sprinting since joining the Paul Midgely yard and seems to be slowly getting the hang of it. He caught the eye again when a fast-finishing 4th of 11 in the Listed Beverley Bullet over the minimum trip.  The return to 6f will suit and there’s no doubting he’s a well handicapped horse.

Fivethousandtoone (5) was a smart juvenile he finished runner-up in the Mill Reef Stakes 12 months ago and was only 4 ½ length behind St Mark’s Basilica in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes. The 3-year-old hasn’t been at his best so far this season. However, his 3-length 3rd of 4 behind Great Ambassador at York was a step back in the right direction.

4:15 – Virgin Bet Handicap (Class 2) – 1m

Dance Fever wasn’t suited by the way the race was run when fourth behind stablemate Aratus at Goodwood last time. Back up to a mile for just the third time in his career but looks worth another try at it.

Cruyff Turn has already won four times this year and put in a career best when winning at the York Ebor Festival last month. He’s gone up just 3lb for that win which doesn’t look harsh but he did get the run of the race out in front at York and needs good or quicker ground.

Shelir finished runner-up twice over C&D, off around today’s mark, in the summer. He comes into the race in good form having finished a neck 2^nd of 10 at Pontefract 10-days ago. He doesn’t hold any secrets from the handicapper but shouldn’t be far away and wouldn’t be winning out of turn.

Whatever the fate of Just Frank in the big race. Trainer Les Eyre hold another chance here with Fame And Acclaim.  Formerly with Joseph O’Brien the 4-year-old looks nicely enough treated on the best of his Irish form in the spring. Yet to win on his four starts for his new trainer but has pot in a couple of performances that suggest he can win a race like this.  Must bounce back from a poor run in the race won Cruyff Turn at York but the quick ground didn’t suit him that day and he’s better on an easier surface.

Hong Kong Harry, trained by Richard Fahey, is lightly raced for a 4-year-old. A winner of his first two starts here this season, both over 7f. Was off the track for four months but ran with plenty of encouragement when 3^rd of 11 over an extended 7f at Lingfield last month. He might have needed the run last time and wasn’t given a hard race when his jockey realized he couldn’t win.  Shapes like the step up to a mile could really suit and is a big contender.

Newbury

3:25 – Dubai Duty Free Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Aramaic didn’t need to improve to win a Musselburgh maiden but improved plenty when making a winning handicap debut at York 13-days ago. The step up to 1m 2f suited the colt and although he’s been raised 7lb for that win, which doesn’t look to harsh, there should be plenty more to come from this progressive 3-year-old.

Pivoine finished runner-upto Aramaic at York last time he’s got 3 ½ lengths to find with the winner who’s open to more improvement. The 7-year-old does get 7lb from the winner but still it hard to see him finishing in front today.

King Of Clubs is another who put in a career best last time when putting his head down on the line to win at Sandown. The front two pulled clear of the rest that day which means the handicapper has put him up 7lb.  That rise in the weight makes life tougher for him but there could be more to come.

Injazati bids for the hat trick after wins at Nottingham and on the tapeta at Newcastle last time. He’s up 6lb here and in a deeper race but he’s another going the right way and remains capable of better.

King Leonidas a winner of his first two starts over shorter hasn’t been seen in action since finishing 6^th of 17 in last season’s Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. The 4-year-old has a 457-day absence to overcome but looks to have been given a chance by the handicapper off a mark of 102. Interesting that connections run the colt over 1m 2f for a belated return to action.

Mo’assess has won his last two both at Kempton. He actually beat Aramaic a neck at Kempton two starts back so has to be respected on that form. Looks capable of better and should stay today’s 1m 2f. Opening mark looks workable and yard had a Listed winner here yesterday.

4:00 – Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) – 6f

Gis A Sub and Fearby 2^nd and 4^th in last month’s Gimcrack Stakes are both strong contenders if running to their best.

The bookies make Dhabab the ante post favourite. The colt didn’t seem to stay 7f when an excellent 1 ½ length 3rd to Native Trail in the Superlative Stakes last time. A reproduction of that run would make him hard to beat on Saturday.

Maglev a son of Galileo Gold looked nicely treated for his nursery debut at York’s Ebor Festival. And, so it proved as he ran a tremendous race to finish a 1 ½ length 2^nd of 16 to last week’s big sales race winner Harrow. He remains an unexposed colt who won’t have any problem with the drop back to 6f.

Interesting to see trainer John Ryan has once again booked William Buick for Manaccan. Buick was in the saddle for the colt’s success in a Newmarket novice last month. The son of Exceed And Excel produced a good turn of foot to go clear of his rivals that day. It’s a be a big step up in class here for him but he shapes like a useful prospect and further improvement seems likely.

Betting Advice:

Ayr

2:30 – 1pt win – Blackrod – 9/2 – Gen and 1pt win – Magical Spirit – 10/1 @ Bet365 or 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt each way – Woven – 16/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (both paying 6 places 1/5 odds)

3:40 – 1pt win – Just Frank – 11/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook and Bielsa – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

4:15 – 1pt each way – Fame And Acclaim – 18/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

Newbury

3:25 – 1pt win – King Leonidas – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Mo’assess – 13/2 @ Bet365

4:00 – 1pt win – Maglev – 8/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook and 1pt win – Manaccan – 14/1 @ Bet365 or 12/1 @ Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Sadly, yesterday’s each way selection Highwaygrey could only finish 5^th just one place out of the money.

The quality increases on day two of Ayr’s Western Meeting with the Listed British EBF Stallions Rosebery Stakes (2.10) and Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies’ Stakes (2.45). There’s also the first of the Ayr Gold Cup consolation races the Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup Handicap (3:20) and opportunity to see if there is any draw bias on the straight track.

At Newbury the highlights of a seven-race card are the normally informative 2-year-old race the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes (2.55) at Newbury, which is followed by the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes (3.30). Newton Abbot’s fixture completes the afternoon racing in Britain and there are fixtures at Downpatrick and Dundalk in Ireland.

I will begin today’s preview looking at three big races at Newbury before moving onto four races at Ayr. Today’s selections can be found at the end of the main piece.

Newbury

2:55 – 41st Running Of The Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes (Class 2) – 1m

The expensively purchased King Of Conquest won his first start for Charlie Appleby at Sandown last month and looks capable of much better. 

Westover was also sharp enough to win on his racecourse debut at Sandown last month. The son of Frankel showed a nice turn of foot to win that day and is another open to improvement.

Paradias finished 2 ½ lengths behind King Of Conquest in second on his racecourse debut and should progress further with racing.

Rawyaan is one of the more experienced of the six runners having had three starts. However, he’s improved with each run and can’t be discounted if as good with more ease in the ground for his two wins.

3:30 – Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes (Listed Race) – 7f

A surprisingly large field of 15 runners are set line up which is a much bigger field than the race has attracted in recent seasons.

Al Suhail was a disappointing 11/4 favourite in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes over C&D two starts but was back on track when easily seeing off two rivals at Haydock 15-days ago. He’s the joint top on official ratings but isn’t sure to be in the same form here and his three career wins have come in field sizes of seven or less.

Stablemate D’bai was also down the field in the Hungerford Stakes but was back to something like his best when 2^nd of 6 in the Group 2 Park Stakes at Doncaster last Saturday. The forecast strong pace will suit a horse who likes to come off the pace.

Albasheer shaped with promise on his first start for 11 months when just touched off by Jumby at Salisbury last month. Given his long absence he probably hasn’t be the easiest to train. The 3-year-old only had the four starts and has the ability to win more races.

Saeed bin Suroor saddles the improving Silent Escape. The 4-year-old has only had the four career starts. Two from three this year she looked a useful prospect when winning a 7f handicap at Sandown last month. Up several notches in class here but the filly is progressive and capable of better.

Given the form of the Jessica Harrington yard you can’t rule out her runner Ace Aussie in the first-time tongue tie. The 3-year-old looked set for a good season when running Poetic Flare to 1 ½ length on his seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown although ran as well when 3^rd of 8 in a Group 3 at back at the venue the following month. Ran poorly when last seen in action at the Curragh 61-days ago.

River Nymph’s form figures here are 21 and he won a C&D handicap last August. He made it 3-5 over 7f when beating 26 rivals in the Victoria Cup at Ascot in May. Showed he was capable of being competitive in pattern company when a 5 lengths 4th of 9 to Kinross at Haydock 11-days ago. Back in bigger field will suit although he may prefer even easier ground, two of his best RPR’s have come on soft.

4:05 – Dubai Duty Free Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f

Makram a winner over 1m 2f two starts back showed he stays 1m 4f when a neck 2^nd of 4 at Newmarket last time and should be there or thereabouts.  However, preference is for Surrey Gold, a winner here over 1m 3f in May. It was good to soft that day and this will be the first time on since his win that he get’s soft in the going description. He ran better than his 8^th off 22 in the Melrose Handicap at York last time. He probably didn’t stay 1m 6f that day and will be better back down in trip.

Ayr

1:35 – EBF Nursery Handicap – 6f

The Richard Fahey pair of Straits Of Moyle & Final Account look the ones to concentrate on here. Straits Of Moyle put in a much-improved effort when winning a Carlisle nursery 9-days ago. He has a 6lb penalty to carry for that success but looks open to more improvement. Final Account put in his best effort since his racecourse debut when finishing a neck 2^nd of 6 at Hamilton earlier this month. Likely needs to another step forward to win but the first time cheekpieces are applied and they could bring out the necessary improvement required.

2:05 – British EBF Stallions Harry Rosebery Stakes (Listed Race) – 5f

Project Dante finished ¼ length 3^rd of 15 in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes. This will be his first start since running poorly July Stakes (6f) at Newmarket last time but he’s better than he was able to show that day and better can be expected back at the minimum trip.

The Ger Lyons trained Geocentric has improved with each of her three career starts. A Navan maiden winner she ran her smart stablemate Sacred Bridge to 3 ¾ lengths when 2^nd of 12 in a Group 3 at the Curragh three weeks ago. A speedy sort the drop back to 5f will suit her and she would have been a convincing winner last time but for her stablemate.

Recent Hamilton winner Peggy Sioux is open to plenty improvement on just her second career start for the inform Kevin Ryan yard.

Mitbaahy has improved with each of his four starts and put in a excellent effort when a 1 ¼ length 3rd of 9 in his first start in Listed company at York last month. The second has since gone on to win the Flying Childers so the form looks solid and he shouldn’t be far away.

2:45 – Arran Scottish Sprint EBF Fillies’ Stakes (Listed Race) – 5 ½ f

The speedy Tweet Tweet put in a career best effort when winning a Class 2 Handicap at York’s Ebor Festival last time.  Now 3 wins from 4 starts this season, with an excuse for her sole defeat. Deserves her step up into Listed company. Will face pressure for the lead but has a good chance if she’s as effective over this extra 1/2 f.

Teresa Mendoza will be suited if there is a strong pace to chase. Sole win came on her racecourse debut last year but she’s put in plenty of good performances in Listed/Group company this season. Notably when a 1 ½ length 2^nd of 16 behind recent Group 1 winner Romantic Proposal in 6f Listed race at the Curragh in June. Not disgraced when 4^th of 7 in a Group 3 at the Curragh last month. Claims here if they go hard up front.

3:20 – Virgin Bet Ayr Bronze Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 6f

Bernardo O’Reilly a good 2^nd of 7 at Ascot two starts back, shaped like remains inform when a 2 ½ length 4^th of 12 at Doncaster 7-days ago. Hopefully the ground won’t be too quick for him but he’s suited by a big field scenario and needs a strong pace to come off which he should get here

The 3-year-old Twilight Madness twice a winner at Kempton earlier in the year, took another step forward when returning from a six-month absence to win at Newmarket in July. Ran almost as well when a 1 ½ length 3^rd of 7 at Windsor 20-days ago. Probably did to much up front but likely remains open to more improvement provided he doesn’t do too much in the early stages of the race like he did at Windsor.

Mark’s Choice winner of the Great St Wilfrid consolation race at Ripon two starts back would likely have won back at the same venue if he’d got a clearer run when making his effort between the final two furlongs. Same mark so is handicapped to go well again if he transfer his Ripon form to Ayr.

Pockley ran a race full of promise, on his first start since switching to Linda Perrett, when a ½ length 2^nd of 7 at Carlisle 22-days ago. The winner has gone in again since. He can race off the same mark here and the 3-year-old has claims, if he’s in the same form as last time.

Betting Advice:

Newbury

4:05 – 1pt win – Surrey Gold – 4/1 @ Bet365

Ayr

1:35 – 1pt each way – Final Account – 14/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

2:10 – 1pt win – Geocentric – 9/2 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

3:45 – 1pt win – Teresa Mendoza – 8/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

4:20 – 1pt win – Twilight Madness – 9/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook and 1pt win – Bernardo O’Reilly – 10/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Media Guest ensured a winning day for the service on Wednesday. A shame about the 20p Rule 4 but still a tidy profit on the day.

It’s the final day of Yarmouth’s Eastern Festival today and that coincides nicely with the start of Ayr’s Western Meeting which culminates on Saturday with the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup.  There are some big field sizes for some fairly run of the mill handicaps.

The highlight of an eight-race card is the Virgin Bet Kilkerran Cup Handicap (4.10). I have had a look at that race but I wasn’t able to look at anymore of Thursday’s races last evening which means there’s only one selection today.  

Ayr

4:45- Virgin Bet Kilkerran Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Overnight favourite Cockalorum has been in great form this season winning at Musselburgh & Redcar in May prior to finishing a head 2nd of 20 in the John Smith’s Cup at York.  He’s since gone on to finish third in valuable handicaps at Goodwood & York. Some rain would help his cause and he must have solid claims for the win.

At bigger odds and on quick ground it may pay to side with Highwaygrey. The 5-year-old is at his best on a sound surface and likes to come off a strong pace. He was set a bit too much to do in a steadily run race when a 1 ¼ length 3rd of 9 at Newcastle 14-days ago. Down to his last winning mark and if he gets the race run to suit and his optimum going then shouldn’t be far away. Coral & Ladbrokes are paying four places so hopefully an each- way play can reward backers.

1pt each way – Highwaygrey – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A rare Wednesday foray outside the big festivals for me today.

The Listed EBF Stallions John Musker Fillies’ Stakes (2.15) at Yarmouth is the feature race of today’s action. There’s also Listed action at Sandown in the Chasemore Farm Fortune Stakes (3.30). The field sizes for the two Listed races have stood up well and they look decent races for what has been a run of the mill week so far after last week’s excitement.

Ayr’s three day Gold Cup or Western Meeting gets underway tomorrow and there are the normal big fields handicaps. There is likely to be the odd selection tomorrow but before that I have a couple for today.

Sandown

3:30 – Sir Busker is the best horse on ratings has placed in Group 1 company over a mile. The 5-year-old has been running in Group races on his last four starts. A mile his optimum distance and he won’t be far away here. However, he does need a strongly run race to be seen at his best and he’s not certain to get it here.

Mostahdaf a winner of his first three starts including a soft ground Listed contest over C&D in May. Was well beaten in the Group 1 St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot when last seen in action but the quick ground may not have ideally suited him that day. His half-sister Nazeef improved with racing and was a double Group 1 winner at four on soft/heavy ground. Get’s his ground and likely to be popular with punters.

Perotto has improved from handicap company, won the valuable Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot, into pattern company. Not disgraced when a 2 ¼ length 5^th of 9 in the Group 2 Celebration Stakes at Goodwood last time. He will appreciate the drop-in class here but I’m not sure he wants the ground to soft. Like Sir Busker he might be at his best in a evenly run race.

The softening of the ground will suit the improving Rhoscolyn. Improved to win three handicaps in May/June and was an excellent second in the valuable Golden Mile Handicap at Goodwood two starts back. Not at his best on good to firm when a 3 ¼ length 3^rd of 6 behind Toro Strike in a Group 3 back at Goodwood last time. Looks worth another chance to show he’s up to this level which think he is on soft ground.

1pt win – Rhoscolyn – 15/2 @ Bet376 & Paddy Power

Yarmouth

4:10 – Media Guest returned from a four-month break in August to post a a couple of decent looking efforts including putting up a career best effort on RPR’s when a neck 2^nd of 10 over C&D 17-days ago. He looks capable of bit more improvement and seemed to handle soft ground well enough on his two juvenile starts in 2020.

Not saying he’s a good thing here by any means because he’s not but at 15/2 & bigger he looks worth a punt. At say 9/2 he wouldn’t.  It’s all about the price with this one.

1pt win – Media Guest – 8/1 @ Bet365 or 15/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Irish Champions Weekend heads to the Curragh for another day of fantastic racing. There are four Group 1’s on the eight-race card.

The main event is the Irish St Leger (4.40) as Search For A Song bids to complete a hat-trick in the Classic. Top juveniles from Ireland and Britain will be on show in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (3.30) and National Stakes (4.05). In the latter race the Aidan O’Brien trained Point Lonsdale puts his unbeaten record on the line. He faces the unbeaten Charlie Appleby trained colt Native Trail and exciting Dermot Weld juvenile Duke De Sessa who created a good impression when winning at the Curragh last month.

The classy 5f sprinters are out in force in the Group 1 Flying Five (2.55). Last year’s winner and subsequent Breeders’ Cup winner Glass Slippers could bid to provide Kevin Ryan with more top-level glory following Emaraaty Ana’s Sprint Cup success at the weekend. There are also two ultra-looking competitive handicaps that bookend the card.

Across the Channel Longchamp stages its trials day for next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe headlined by the Group 1 Prix Vermeille, for which Arc favourite Snowfall holds an entry. The Prix Neil and Prix Foy are other races that are often used as a prep for the Arc.

This side of the Irish Sea there’s plenty of action there’s the rescheduled Sunday Series meeting at Haydock and cards at Bath, Chelmsford and Musselburgh. ITV are covering all seven races from Haydock, plus two from the Curragh and one from Musselburgh as part of a ten-race show. 

All today’s selections are from the Curragh and can be found at the end of today’s preview. I have also taken a brief look at all the races on Haydocks’s Sky Bet Sunday Series card for those of you thinking of going through the card although there are no selections.

Irish Champions Weekend – Day 2

Curragh

There’s another eight-race bonanza for racing fans at the Curragh this afternoon. Fingers crossed there’s not much rain forecast for the Curragh so it should be decent ground.

1:45 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Bold Lad” Sprint Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 6f

The draw normally favours those drawn high over 6f here but in last year’s race the first four home were drawn in the first seven stalls. Looking at the pace map for the race most of the early pace also looks to be drawn low to middle.

Blairmayne twice a C&D winner is well suited a strongly run 6f on a stiff track as he showed when winning at Naas 41-days ago. Up 4lb and on a career high mark makes life tougher for the 8-year-old but he ticks the all-important boxes of course, distance & going and should give his running once again from a probably decent draw in stall 20.

Lord Dudley has already won twice this season but put in a career best effort when a ½ length 2^nd of 16 over C&D 16-days ago.  Up 4lb for his latest effort but interestingly the first-time blinkers are being applied and Adam Farragher comes over to take advantage of being still able to claim 7lb in Ireland. Another big run expected from the 3-year-old and he’s high on the shortlist.

Hightimeyouwon has improved with each start this season and found the drop back to an extended 6f no problem when a head 2^nd of 19 here 57-days ago. Up 4lb but shouldn’t be far away again on ground that should suit. Trainer Dermot Weld has booked Ryan Moore for the ride.

Edward Lynam who saddled the winner in 2018 runs four. Major Power, Jon Riggens, Rough Diamond and Heavenly Power. You can make a strong case for the last three.

Jon Riggens showed improved form to get off the mark on his first start since joining the yard when showing a nice turn of foot to beat 11 rivals in a 5f maiden here 35-days ago. Handicap debut over 6f, should stay, off what looks a workable mark of 86, if stall 8 isn’t an inconvenience.

Heavenly Power, a half-brother to top sprinter Slade Power, also won a C&D maiden last time. Previously the 3-year-old had finished runner-up to stablemate Jon Riggens here over 5f. It was soft ground when he won so quick ground is a bit of an unknown but stall 27 could be ideal and he’s another on a good-looking mark for his handicap debut.

Rough Diamond might be a 4-year-old but he’s only had six career starts. A winner of a soft ground C&D maiden on his racecourse debut last August before finishing runner-up on his handicap debut. Did best of the drawn low when a ¾ length 3^rd of 14 at Tipperary on his second start this season. Not quiet at that level when 3 ¼ length 6^th of 19 in the valuable Scurry Handicap here last time. He has three lengths to find with Hightimeyouwon on that running but he gets 6lb and I think we haven’t seen the best of him yet.

Given the form of the Jessica Harrington & Ger Lyons yards you can’t rule out Provocateuse who made all to win a fillies’ handicap at Naas last time and in July made most to win here over 5f.  She’s up 7lb for her Naas success but is going the right way although she will do well to dominate this field out of stall 4.

Ger Lyons saddles Angel Palm and Power Under Me. The former showed she’s well suited to 6f when winning at Dundalk last month. An 8lb rise in the weights makes life tougher for the 3-year-old but she will enjoy the decent ground and stall 22 may be a good one. Power Under Me is the choice of stable jockey Colin Keane and races out of stall 9. The 3-year-old has placed in a Group 2 over 7f and last month finished a 2 ¼ length 2^nd of 7 behind the smart Gustavus Weston, who runs in the Group 1 Flying Fire later on the card, in a Group 2 over C&D last month.  Big weight to carry but he does have a touch of class.

Verdict: I normally want to be with those drawn high here but that didn’t work out in last years race. I’m going to take three one low, one from the middle and one drawn high. Of the three Edward Lynam runners I want to be with Rough Diamond and Jon Riggens. I like the claims of Lord Dudley with Adam Farragher taking a valuable 7lb off the 3-year-old’s back.

2:20 – Moyglare ”Jewels” Blandford Stakes (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) – 1m 2f

Love takes a drop-in class here and races against her own sex for the first time since winning last year’s Yorkshire Oaks. Last season’s 1,000 Guineas & Oaks winner hasn’t been at her very best this season but still managed to win the Group 1Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot on her seasonal reappearance. Remains the one to beat and should win even if not at her very best.

Her main rivals are Thundering Nights who won the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes over C&D two starts back and then finished a close-up 3^rd of 8 in a Group 1 at Deauville three weeks ago. Cayenne Pepperwon this race last years and goes well on a sound surface. She finished 2 ¾ lengths behind Thundering Nights in the Pretty Polly and behind that one at Deauville last time. Needs Love to underperform to win but I fancy that this race has been her aim all season.

La Petite Coco has improved with each of her five starts this season. She stepped into Group company for the first time and put in an impressive display to win a Cork Group 3 (soft) by a comfortable 5 ½ lengths. Fully deserves to take her chance and could well be the one to give Love most to do but quick ground would be a concern.

Verdict: Love is the one to beat. Le Petite Coco is the big improver in the field but maybe better on softer ground. Last year’s winner Cayenne Pepper has likely had the race on her radar all season and will like the ground.

2:55 – Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes (Group 1) – 5f

A cracking line up for this Group 1 sprint. Recent Nunthorpe winner Winter Power comes over for the race. A reproduction of her York run would make her difficult to beat here. However, the Curragh’s a much stiffer track does make her vulnerable.

Last year’s winner Glass Slippers missed York to wait for this race. She made a promising reappearance behind Suesa at Goodwood and will be spot on fitness wise for this.  

Dragon Symbol finished 1 ¾ lengths behind Winter Power at York but this stiffer track will suit him better than York. The 3-year-old has placed on his four starts in Group 1 company and wouldn’t be winning one out of turn.

The home team also have two strong contenders in Mooneista and Gustavus Weston.  The latter has won three times here but all those wins have come over 6f. However, he doesn’t lack pace so the drop back to 5f shouldn’t be too much of a problem for the 5-year-old who is getting better with age.

Mooneista beat Gustavus Weston in a Group 2 over C&D 57-days ago. The 3-year-old had too much speed on good ground for the runner-up on that occasion. She hasn’t run for 57-days but this race has been the target so she will be spot on for it.  

Verdict: I want to take on Winter Power away from York. Last year’s winner Glass Slippers has likely been aimed at this and has a big chance. Mooneista is an improving sprinter and should go well.

3:30 – Moyglare Stud Stakes (Group 1) – 7f

The first of the two juvenile Group 1 contests. Agartha is improving with racing and she put in a dominate front running display to win the Group 2 Debutante Stakes over C&D last time.  The ground was soft that day but she handled good ground well enough when winning at Leopardstown.

Discoveries finished 4 ½ length behind Agartha last time. Alpha Centauri’s half sister could get closer to the winner on quicker ground and has the scope to better as 3-year-old.

We haven’t seen the Dermot Weld trained Homeless Songs since she beat Agartha in a Leopardstown maiden back at the beginning of July. The daughter of Frankel looked a smart prospect that day and although she’s bred to be a better 3-year-old and over mile+ she should go well here.

Cairde Go Deo confirmed the promise over Leopardstown debut when improving to win over C&D last month. Like Homeless Songs anything she does as juvenile is a bonus as the best of her should be seen next year. Interesting that Ger Lyons has supplemented the filly for this Group 1 contest.

Verdict: Cairde Go Deo and Homeless Songs are open to plenty of improvement. Agartha brings the best form into after her win a Group 2 over C&D last time. Discoveries was third to Agartha last time but on a sounder surface could get closer today.

4:05 – Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (Group 1) – 7f

A small but select field of seven for this year’s renewal of the National Stakes. Point Lonsdale made it 4-4 when winning a Group 2 over C&D 22-days ago. He’s arguably the best juvenile we have seen so far this season and is likely to be sent off a strong favourite for the race. Given there doesn’t seem to be much in the way of pace pressure he also seems likely to get an uncontested lead.

It will take a good one to lower his colours today but there are colts who are also exciting prospects. The Charlie Appleby trained Native Trail impressed me when making it 2-2 when beating 8 rivals in the Group Superlative Stakes at Newmarket. He will need to have improved on that running to beat Point Lonsdale but given he’s a big scopey colt there’s a good chance that there are better performances in him.  

Duke De Sessa improved on his racecourse debut when running out an impressive winner of a mile maiden here 22-days ago. Trainer Dermot Weld has speaking very highly of the son of Lope De Vega whose dam won over 1m 6f as a 3-year-old. Whether a race like this comes to early in his career we shall find out today but whatever his fate today he’s likely got a big future ahead.

Verdict: Duke De Sessa could be a Classic horse next season but should go well here. Point Lonsdale is clear of the field on ratings and will be a tough nut to crack but I really like Native Trail and I think he’s the one most likely to beat the favourite.

4:40 – Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (Group 1) – 1m 6f

Search For A Song bids for an Irish St Leger hat trick. The 5-year’s old’s whole season has been geared around this race and she’s the one to beat. That said she does face what looks a stronger field of rivals this time around.

Baron Samedi won seven on the bounce, five races last season and two this, after a gelding operation. Found his winning run finally come to and end in a Group 1 won over 1m 4f at Saint-Cloud in July. He stays 2m and this previous Group 2 winner could well win a Group 1 over this sort of distance. Stablemate Twilight Payment won last season’s Melbourne Cup and bounced back to winning ways when beating Princess Zoe in a Group 3 over C&D last month.

Barrington Court was 4 ½ lengths behind Twilight Payment last time and probably needs the rain to arrive to finish in front of the winner here.

Sonnyboyliston battled on well to win the Ebor Handicap at York last time. The 4-year-old is on a upward curve. He doesn’t have much to find on the figures and is unexposed over 1m 6f. Seems likely to give his running once more and is a contender.

Passion is the choice of Ryan Moore ahead of King Of The Castle & Amhran Na Bhfiann. The 4-year-old was only 5^th in this race last year but ended last season with a career best effort when a 3 ½ length 3^rd of 12 behind Wonderful Tonight in the Group 1 Fillies & Mares on Champions Day. Just the one start this season when third to Amhran Na Bhfiann over C&D on Irish Derby Weekend.

Verdict: Search For A Song must have a great chance of a race hat trick but this looks a stronger race than last year. The most likely to beat her looks to be Baron Samedi.

5:45 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Northfields” Handicap (Premier Handicap) -1m 2f

There should be a strong pace here which could bring the closers into this although they usually normally aren’t favoured over the distance here.

Just a 26-runner handicap to conclude Irish Champions Weekend and a race you can see on ITV this afternoon. In truth my initial short list contained 11 of the 26 runners which underlines how potentially competitive the race is.

Turbulence made a good handicap debut when a 1 length 3^rd of 13 here over a mile. Should stay today’s extra 2 furlongs and although he’s 2lb higher now remains on a competitive mark. Yard going through a quiet spell though which is a slight negative to his chance.

Band Of Outlaws made an encouraging first start from a 645-day absence when a 2 ¼ length 3^rd of 15 at Naas in May. A high-class juvenile hurdler two seasons back. Down to his last winning flat mark and looks nicely handicapped based on his high-class hurdles form.

He Knows No Fear is just 1lb higher than when winning a 1m 1f handicap at Leopardstown in June. The 4-year-old was doing his best work at the finish when 7^th of 27 in the Irish Cambridgeshire and Osin Murphy is an eyecatching jockey booking. Mind you Osin will do very well to win this from stall 25.

Top-weight Saltonstall was a 4-length 4^th of 27 in the Irish Cambridgeshire last time. Not handicapped out of this but must prove he stays 1m 2f. Stablemate Star Harbour was back in 5^th that day. The 3-year-old won over the distance in the spring so must be respected back up in trip. Goes well on a sound surface and Colin Keane who rode him to success at Killarney in July is back in the saddle.

Crystal Black was 6th in the Irish Cambridgshire. Remains unexposed but does need to improve for the step up to 1m 2f.

Still Standing is back down to his last winning mark and wasn’t disgraced when 4 length 4^th of 12 at Dundalk last time. The first time cheekpieces are applied but he may prefer more juice in the ground.

Lough Derg has been running in Listed/Group company without any success this season and the 3-year-old can’t be ruled out on his handicap debut off a fair mark of 101.

Mosala a winner over the distance at Leopardstown two starts back ran just as well if not slightly better when a 3 ½ length 3^rd of 18 at Galway last time. Dropped 1lb since Galway and likely to give his running again.

Pineapple Express has been in tremendous form this season winning her fourth race of 2021 when successful in a handicap here over 1m 4f last month. Just 1lb higher here but she’s does seem at her best on soft ground so would be of more interest if the ground was to ease before post time.

Verdict: I like the chances of He Knows No Fear but stall 25 is slightly off-putting. Turbulence won’t be far away if he stays this longer trip. The strong pace will suit Band Of Outlaws who looks to be nicely handicapped. Star Harbour is reunited with Colin Keane and must have a good chance on ground that will suit.

Haydock

The rescheduled Sky Bet Sunday Series meeting at Haydock has attracted some more big fields for its seven races and you can watch all seven on ITV 4 this afternoon.  The going is likely to be on the fast side of good for the meeting

4:10 – The likely strong pace should suit Global Humor who was a 1 length 4^th of 10 over C&D 8-days ago. Modular Magic looked a handicap sprinter worth following when making all to beat 16 rivals at Musselburgh two starts back but must bounce back from a poor effort at Sandown last time. Albeit he probably didn’t like the softer ground last time.

Verdict: Global Humor will be doing his best work at the finish but I just prefer the claims of Modular Magic back on quick ground

4:35 – The inconsistent Manigordo couldn’t get into the race over C&D last week but he had shaped with promise on his previous two starts and should be suited by the step back into Class 4 company here and the forecast strong gallop. Ancient Times returned to winning ways at Epsom 13-days ago and the 3-year-old shouldn’t be far away again off just 3lb higher. Previous C&D winner Macho Pride wasn’t beaten far here over 5f 8-days ago and will be better suited by the return to 6f. Lezardrieux showed quick ground held no terrors for him when winning at Catterick last time. Nudged up 2lb for that success but is another in with a chance. Stablemate Tommy Taylor made a promising debut for the yard when 2^nd of 8 at Carlisle last month. The 7-year-old’s losing run does go back nearly four years but he’s a well handicapped horse when all the cards fall right. Troubador is another who has been sliding down the weights and the 4-year-old put In a better effort in the first time blinkers when a 2 ¾ length 6^th of 16 in the Great St Wilfrid consolation race last time. Prince Of Abington was doing his best work at the finish when a 1 length 3^rd of 9 over 5f at Newmarket 15-days ago and will be better suited by a return to 6f.

Verdict: I loath to leave out Manigordo back down in class. The pace of the race seems likely to suit Prince Of Abington who shouldn’t be far away back at 6f.

5:00 – Trainer Clive Cox has his horses in great form and he’s also 4-16 +3.24 with his 2-year-olds at Haydock. He runs Whoputfiftyinyou who makes his racecourse debut in this 6f maiden race for newcomers.

5:30 – Bearcardi ran up to his best when ¾ length 3^rd of 6 at Carlisle 17-days ago and is likley to be on the premises again. Mystery Fox was a respectable 5^th of 14 on his first start at 7f last time and should better now stepped into nursery company for the first time. International Boy is an eight-race maiden but should be more competitive back in nursery company. Sir Min ran with credit on his first start for new trainer Charlie Fellowes when 2^nd of 6 in a Pontefract nursery 9-days ago. The step back up 7f will suit and he goes well on quick ground. Exminster won a Redcar maiden on his racecourse debut before running well under a 6lb penalty at Ripon last time. Should be able to be competitive in handicap company for a yard who had two winners here at the last meeting. St Andrew’s Castle improved on his Ayr racecourse debut win when a 1 ¼ length 4^th of 16 under a 6lb penalty at Thirsk last month. He was doing his best work at the finish of the 6f trip so should be suited by the step up to 7f for his nursery debut.

Verdict: St Andrew’s Castle should be suited by the step up to 7f on his bursary debut. However, It’s another nursery debutant that I like most and its Exminster.

6:00 – Arabian Romance goes well on a sound surface. A winner at Leicester two starts back she showed she remained in form when 5^th of 12 at York last time. The return to a mile should suit her and she should go well again in a slightly easier race. Libby Ami is at the other end of the handicap to Arabian Romance. She made a winning start for new trainer Grant Tuer when successful at Carlisle last month. The filly improved further when a neck 3^rd of 13 at Newcastle 6-days ago. Same mark here and the drop back to mile shouldn’t be too much of a problem for her.

Verdict: Libby Ami remains on a competitive mark but preference here is for Arabian Romance who ran well in a 7f handicap at the Ebor Festival and shaped like a return to mile will suit.

6:25 – Cadeau D’Or took advantage of a drop back in Class 5 company when winning at Ffos Las last time. Up 2lb and in a higher class today but should remain competitive. Six Strings has placed on his last seven starts and showed he remains in form when a ½ length 3^rd of 10 at Pontefract 9-days ago. Goes well on quick ground and should be in the mix again without quite winning. Strawman completed the hat trick when winning at Ripon 12 -days ago. The quick ground has suited her and although she’s now 2lb higher she won’t be far again. Liberation Point showed improved form to get off the mark on his first outing since switching to Michael Appleby when winning a Ripon maiden last month. That was his first start for 11 months and he’s interesting on his handicap debut. Steps up to 1m 2f for his handicap debut and there’s a good chance he will stay it. Silver Gunn put a career best when winning over today’s trip on the last Sunday Series meeting at Sandown three weeks ago. He’s up 4lb for that success but looks to be progressing and still be ahead of the handicapper.

Verdict: Handicap debutant Liberation Point is respected as is Silver Gunn who could follow up his recent Sandown success

6:55 – This 2m handicap looks the most competitive on the card with five last time out winners among the 13 runners.

Emaraty Hero can race off the same mark as when winning a 1m 4f apprentice handicap last Sunday. Steps up 4f here but looks he will stay and is ahead of his mark if he does. Snowalot won at Goodwood over 1m 6f last time. The 4-year-old is up 4lb for that win but is another who could improve for the step up to 2m. Teqany comes into the race after wins over 2m/2m 1f at Chepstow and Pontefract. No stamina concerns for the 7-year-old who should be in the mix but is vulnerable to any less exposed types here. Land Of Winter is consistent in staying handicaps like this and made most to win at Ripon last month. Up 2lb but another in with a chance although it won’t be as easy to dictate the pace here. Goobinator is up 4lb for winning over today’s trip at York 64-days ago. That was only his fourth start on the flat so there could be more to come from the 5-year-old. Nataleena was a good 2^nd of 12 over 2m at York last Sunday. Prior to that she had won at Thirsk off 2lb lower. The mare stays well and is in great form but is another who’s vulnerable to any better handicapped rivals. Toronto was 1 ½ lengths behind Nataleena at Thirsk. That was the 4-year-old’s first start at 2m and he seemed to stay well enough. This is his first start for new trainer Charlie Fellowes but he looks to be on a mark he can win off. Clearance made an encouraging stable debut for Michael Blake when a ¾ length 2^nd of 7 at Ffos Las 17-days ago. Can race off the same mark here and should go well again. Author’s Dream won a 2m handicap at Lingfield (good to soft) last August off 2lb lower. The 8-year-old set to strong a gallop, on his first start since finishing well beaten in last seasons Cesarewitch, when 5^th of 12 at Newbury in April. That was a stronger race than this but its first run for 149-days and he races in the first time cheekpieces.

Verdict: Emaraty Hero is well in if staying today’s longer trip. Snowalot could improve for the step up to 2m and will like the quick ground. Goobinator remains on a competitive mark after his York win and the yard is among the winners.

Betting Advice:

Curragh

1:45 – 1pt win – Jon Riggens – 8/1 @ Bet365 and 1pt win – Lord Dudley – 12/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook and 1pt win – Rough Diamond – 16/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

2:20 – 1pt win – Cayenne Pepper – 8/1 @ Bet365

2:55 – 1pt win – Mooneista – 11/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

3:30 – 1pt win – Discoveries – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

4:05 – 2pts win – Native Trail – 7/2 @ Bet365 & Coral

4:40 – 1pt win – Baron Samedi – 11/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

5:45 – 1pt win – Turbulence – 14/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and Band Of Outlaws – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

There’s a fantastic couple of days racing ahead. It’s the final English Classic of the 2021 flat season with Cazoo St Leger the feature of a seven-race card at Doncaster. Irish Derby winner Hurricane Lane is a hot favourite for the oldest classic but as we saw last week with Starman in the Betfair Sprint Cup these short-priced favourites can be beaten.

There’s also a good supporting card of races. The Group 2 Champagne Stakes may have only attracted a field of four but they include Gimcrack winner Lusail and The Queen’s exciting classic prospect Reach For The Moon. Add in the big field Portland Handicap and you have a great end to four days racing on Town Moor.

Leopardstown stages the first day of Irish Champions Weekend on a stellar Saturday. The Irish Champion Stakes (2.45) is the feature race of an eight-race card and is set to play host to a mouth-watering clash between top three-year-old St Mark’s Basilica, Breeders’ Cup Turf heroine Tarnawa and English 2,000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare stepping up to 1m 2f for the first time.

Some top fillies and mares headed by Mother Earth will be in action in the Group 1 Matron Stakes (1.40). The card also contains two Group 2s, the Champions Juvenile Stakes (2.10) and Boomerang Mile (3.15), as well as two ultra-competitive handicaps on a brilliant day of action.

The ITV cameras are covering four races from Doncaster, the Irish Champions Stakes and two races from Chester on a seven-race show.

I don’t have the time to preview all those big races so I’m concentrating on those races where I have selections plus the two big races.

Today’s selections can be found at the end of today’s preview.

Cazoo St Leger Festival – Day 4

The rain arrived during racing on Friday to ease the ground to good to soft but little rain is forecast so it should be just about perfect ground for St Leger Day.

Doncaster

1:45 – Portland Handicap (Class 2) – 5 ½ f

Hurricane Ivor was a length 3^rd of 22 at York last month. He races off the same mark and this intermediate trip looks ideal for the 4-year-old who has nice pot in him. There looks to be a decent amount of pace in the lower drawn numbers but low draw hasn’t been an advantage in this race in the past 13-years with stalls 1-6 producing 0 winners from 73 7 placed.

Stone Of Destiny won this last year off 7lb lower. Hasn’t won since but has run several good races this year including when a 1 ¼ length 3^rd of 16 in the Epsom Dash off 2lb higher. A decent 1 ¼ length 5^th of 10 behind Mondammaj at Haydock last Saturday. His style of running means he needs all the cards to fall right like last year. The forecast pace suggests he should get the race run to suit. Also, in the King Power colours like Stone Of Destiny is the interesting Premier Power. The 4-year-old has only had the seven career starts, winning two of then both on the all-weather. He’s only had two starts on turf the first on his juvenile debut and the next one when a 5-length 7^th of 10 at Newmarket last month. He ran well for a long way that day and given that was his first since February he should strip fitter today. Osin Murphy is an interesting jockey booking.

Jawwaal could have done with the rain staying away. His best form has come on quick ground and he’s Doncaster form figures are 321011. His won poor effort here came in this race last year. Finished a nose in front of Stone Of Destiny last week.

Mondammaj finally landed on a sprint handicap at Haydock last Saturday. He’s 3lb higher now but this sort of race should suit the 4-year-old and he’s not out of it, now he’s got the winning habit.

Whenthedealinsdone looked nicely head of his mark when winning at Goodwood (good to soft) two starts back but ran no sort of race at York last time. The 3-year-old is surely better than that run and if you forgive him that run, he’s a contender. William Buick stays in the saddle which is a positive to his chance. Trainer won this in 2019 with another 3-year-old Oxted.

Boundless Power looked like a big field strongly run sprint handicap would suit when winning at Nottingham in May. Shaped like he was still on a good mark when a 2 ¾ length 5^th of 18 at Ascot on his next start. He got no luck in the run and ran much better than his 12^th of 25 in the Goodwood Stewards Cup consolation race and didn’t get the clearest of runs when a 1 length 4^th of 10 at Windsor 23-days ago.

Verdict: I’m loath to leave out last years winner Stone Of Destiny off the shortlist but I’m going with Boundless Power and Whenthedealinsdone.

3:35 – Cazoo St Leger Stakes (Group 1) – 1m 6 ½ f

It’s hard to find any chinks in the armour of the odds on favourite Irish Derby winner Hurricane Lane. Aidan O’Brien saddles four of the ten runners. The two that interest me most are High Definition & Interpretation. The former finished a 2-length 3^rd of 10 to Hurricane Lane in the Dante on his seasonal return but has run very poorly on his last two starts in the Irish Derby and the Great Voltigeur at York. Interesting that connections supplemented for £50,000 earlier in the week and as I was hoping he gets the first-time headgear. Hopes are pinned on the first time cheekpieces having the desired effect. If they do, he can give the favourite a race.  Interpretation has won all three starts this season and showed he stays well when winning a Listed race at Leopardstown last month. There could be more to come from him, given he’s only had the four-career starts. Still, he will need to have improved plenty to win a race like this.

Verdict: Hurricane Lane surely wins this but I’m expecting a much better run from High Definition in the first-time headgear.

5:10 – Vermantia Handicap (Class 2) – 1m

Royal Fleet a winner of his first three starts lost his unbeaten record when a 3-length 5^th of 14 behind Rifleman at York last month. Would have preferred a more strongly run race at York and I don’t think we have seen the best of the 3-year-old just yet.

Dance Fever didn’t really get the race run to suit when 4^th to his stablemate Aratus at Goodwood last time. Should be better suited by the pace of today’s race and not ruled out from the inform Clive Cox yard.

Ametist won his first three starts this season but hasn’t kicked on and has been his best on his last two starts. The first time cheekpieces are applied and if they can galvanize him back to form, he’s not handicapped out of this.

Teston is likely to be one of the outsiders here but has each way claims. The 6-year-old’s last win came over C&D in June last year, off 1lb higher. and he’s having his first start since wind surgery. Trainer & jockey combined for a big race winner here on Wednesday.

Verdict: I don’t think we have the best of Royal Fleet yet and he looks the one to be with from a win perspective but C&D winner Teston has each way claims.  

Irish Champions Weekend – Day 1

I have more fancies running at Leopardstown than Doncaster today.

Leopardstown

1:10 – KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (Group 2) – 1m

Maritime Wings, a maiden winner on his racecourse debut, has since finished runner-up to the smart Point Lonsdale on his last two starts. He brings the best form into the race but does face several unexposed colts. Stablemate Buckaroo built on the promise of his racecourse debut when winning at Galway last time. Given he didn’t seem to handle the track to well and still looked a bit green, it was an excellent effort.  He’s got plenty of scope for improvement and should be better suited by this flatter track.

Atomic Jones looks the pick of the Ger Lyons pair on jockey bookings. The son of Wootten Bassett seemed to relish the quick ground when making a winning racecourse debut at the Curragh 76-days ago. First run since but is open to plenty of improvement for the step up to a mile.

Verdict: Joseph O’Brien has a strong hand with favourite Maritime Wings and Buckaroo but at the prices I like the looks of the Ger Lyons trained Atomic Jones.

1:40 – Coolmore America “Justify” Matron Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) – 1m

Mother Earth has already won two Group 1’s this season the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Prix Rothschild at Deauville last month. She’s also placed in two other Group 1’s and will be hard to beat here.

Champers Elysees won this 12 months ago but hasn’t been at that level of form this season albeit it was a step back in the right direction when she finished runner-up to Acanella in a Group 3 at the Curragh last time.  

A bigger danger to the favourite could be the improving Pearls Galore.  The 4-year-old has won her last two in Group 3 company and fully deserves her place in Group 1 company.  The better the ground the better her chance so she will be hoping the ground doesn’t ease too much before post time.

Verdict: Mother Earth has the best form but I think the improving Pearls Galore looks the value pick at the 7/1 available with Bet365.

2:10 – Clipper Logistics Boomerang Mile (Group 2) – 1m

Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Mac Swiney takes a drop-in class here after running in Group 1 company on his last three starts. Back at a mile for the first time since his Guineas success a reproduction of that performance would make him tough to beat especially should the rain arrive to ease the ground.  

Maker Of Kings improved for the fitting of the first-time blinkers to win a Group 3 over C&D in May and improved again to run Japan to a short head over 1m 1f here 58-days ago. Looks likely to be there or thereabouts again.

Fev Rover is respected on her 1 ¼ length 3^rd of 11 to Mother Earth in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. She’s struggled on both her starts since on heavy ground but has place claims on her Guineas run. First run since Royal Ascot but she’s gone well fresh in the past.

Njord can normally be relied on to give his running. Put in an excellent effort when a 2 ½ length 3^rd of 10 behind Sacred in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last month. The ground would have been plenty quick enough at Newbury and he’s another who will be suited by rain easing the ground.

Verdict: Mac Swiney can take advantage of today’s drop-in class and beat Maker Of Kings.

2:45 – Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) – 1m 2f

Just the four runners but with three Group 1 winners in St Mark’s Basilica, Tarnawa and Poetic Flare all set to run it’s a high-class renewal of the race.

St Mark’s Basilica heads the betting and is a worthy favourite. His best form has come with some juice in the ground but he’s a good mover so there’s no reason why he won’t be just as effective on a quicker surface. Tactically versatile the French 2,000 Guineas/ French Derby winner showed a good turn of foot to beat three rivals in the Coral Eclipse. I suspect there is an even better performance in the colt.

Easier ground would bring Tarnawa’s stamina into play. Her main target this season is the Arc and finishing close-up to St Mark’s Basilica wouldn’t damage her Longchamp chance that’s not to say that this high-class mare can’t win this.

Poetic Flare has excellent form at a mile winning the 2.000 Guineas & the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and running Palace Pier to a neck in the Jacques le Marois at Deauville last month. He looks worth a try at 1m 2f on pedigree but needs good or quicker ground to be at his best.

Verdict: A race to enjoy rather than bet in for me. If Colin Keane makes the running on Tarnawa he could take the sting out of St Mark’s Basilica speed. The quicker the ground the better the chance for Poetic Flare. However, I think the favourite can win take this.

3:45 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Petingo” Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 1m 5f

The first of two big field competitive handicaps that conclude the first day of Champions Weekend.

Phoenix Cowboy put in a career best effort when powering clear of his rivals to win at Gowran Park last month. He’s been raised 9lb for that 4-length success but he’s going the right way and could improve further for the step up to 1m 5f.

Silaiyli was 7 lengths behind Phoenix Cowboy in 5^thin the Gowran race. He wasn’t as well placed as the winner that day and does get a 13lb pull in the weights but still it will be a tough ask to finish in front, although the first time cheekpieces could help, as could the step up to 1m 5f.

One place and 1 ¾ lengths further behind at Gowran Park was Shoshone Warrior. He’s a frustrating horse but its worth noting some of his best runs have come at Leopardstown including when a ½ length runner-up in this race last year off 4lb higher.

Willie Mullins saddles five and the best of his runners could be Hook Up to be ridden by Ryan Moore. The 5-year-old ran well when a 4 ½ length 4^th of 19 in the valuable 2m 1f amateur handicap at Galway last time.

Crowns Major improved to win for the first time on the flat when successful in a valuable 1m 4f handicap at the Galway Festival last time. He’s been hiked up 14lb for that win but he’s lightly raced enough to think we haven’t seen the best of the 4-year-old. The first time cheekpieces are applied today and he’s a big contender. Longbourn was 2 lengths back in second and gets an 8lb pull in the weights here. He should give his running again but probably doesn’t have the scope for improvement as the winner.

Presto shaped with plenty of encouragement on his first start for seven months when a 4 ¼ length 3^rd of 15 over C&D two starts back. Not so good in the first time cheekpieces at Killarney 23-days ago. The headgear has been removed and with Dylan Browne McMonagle taking off a handy 3lb he’s not out of this.

Verdict: Plenty on the shortlist. My two against the field are Phoenix Cowboy and Crown’s Major.

4:25 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Sovereign Path” Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 7f

Masen is plenty short enough at around 4/1 given he has a wide draw in 19 to overcome. That said the 3-year-old has only had four career starts and is open to more improvement. He returned from a 11-month absence to finish a good second in Killarney Listed race last month. Will be sharper today and could be on a good mark for his handicap debut. Stablemate Bucky Larson has won twice here over a mile. He returned to winning ways at Naas last time and is 2lb higher here. Sam Ewing takes off 5lb which negates the 6-year-old’s rise in the weight and the forecast strong pace will bring his stamina into play.

Riot shaped with plenty of promise on his first start for Johnny Murtagh when a 2 ½ length 3^rd of 14 at Dundalk. That was his first start at 6f and he was doing his best work at the finish. Best form has come over 7f so a return to the trip is a positive. Not the easiest to win with but the forecast strong pace will suit his hold up style.

Dream Today was ¾ length behind Riot at Dundalk he’s run well over C&D in the past and is only 1lb higher than when winning a 6f handicap at Fairyhouse two starts back.

Top-weight Bopedro put in a much-improved performance in the first-time visor when winning the Irish Cambridgeshire last time. He’s 9lb higher and dropping back to 7f here but did finish 4^th in this race in 2019 and has the pace to cope with the drop in distance. Will need luck in the run but another big run can’t be ruled out.

English trained runners have won this four times in the past ten years so both Fools Rush In and Tadleel have chances. The former bids for the hat trick after wins at Haydock & Chester and is suited by both ground and distance. Tadleel wouldn’t be far away of reproducing his 5^th of 18 in the Bunbury Cup although he probably wouldn’t want easier ground than good. Trainer Richard Fahey won this in 2018.

Blue For You won here over a mile two starts back. The first-time visor had the desired effect that day but he ran dreadfully at Galway last time. The visor is replaced by the first-time blinkers. If the switch of headgear works, he wouldn’t be far away although stall 20 doesn’t look the best of draws.

Verdict: Another handicap with plenty on the shortlist. Masen & Riot are big contenders. Fools Rush In must be respected but my slight preference is for Masen’s stablemate Bucky Larson.

Betting Advice:

I actually have more fancies at Leopardstown than Doncaster today.

Doncaster

1:45 – 1pt win – Boundless Power – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win Whenthedealinsdone – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.

5:10 – 2pts win – Royal Fleet – 3/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt each way – Teston – 30/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds).

Leopardstown

1:10 – 1pt win – Atomic Jones – 8/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

1:40 – 1pt win – Pearls Galore – 7/1 @ Bet365

2:10 – 1pt win – Mac Swiney – 9/2 @ Bet365 & Coral

3:45 – 1pt win – Phoenix Cowboy – 7/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power and 1pt win – Crowns Major – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

4:20 – 1pt win – Bucky Larson – 12/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

On the eve of the St Leger and Irish Champions Weekend things are going to hot up on the selections front.  I have looked at six of the seven races at Doncaster and my betting advice is at the end of the preview.

Cazoo St Leger Festival – Day 2

I’m happy to leave out the first race which is a juvenile maiden.

1:40 – Cazoo Flying Scotsman Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) – 7f

Eldrickjones remains a maiden after five starts but still he tops the RPR’s for the race. He’s been running in Group 2 company on his last four starts so this is a drop-in class. Looks worth another try over 7f on a sound surface. Should be there or thereabouts but is vulnerable to any improvers among his nine rivals.

Noble Truth heads the ante post betting for the race. The Charlie Appleby trained colt looked a useful prospect when winning a Newmarket maiden two starts back but disappointed when upped to Group 3 company at York last time. He was too keen in the early stages and didn’t convince with his finishing effort either. Maybe the track didn’t suit but he has questions to answer after that run.

Hoo Ya Mal won Britain’s richest maiden race at York last month. He remains open to further improvement and holds a Group 1 entry.

Razzle Dazzle holds three Group 1 entries and comfortably landed a Newmarket novice contest 14-days ago on his second career start. There should be more progress to come from the colt who looks a nice prospect.

Find got his head in front at the fourth attempt when easily dismissing five rivals in a Yarmouth novice 12-days ago. Prior to that he had finished runner-up to smart juveniles Lusail and Bayside Boy.

No fancy entries yet for the Shadwell pair of Ribhi & Alflaila. The first named created a good impression when making a winning racecourse debut at Salisbury last month. He powered away from his rivals showing a nice change of gear to lead inside the final furlong. He’s got scope for plenty of improvement. Interesting that connections opt to come here rather than go for a race under a penalty.  Alflaila finished a 1 ½ length 2^nd of 16 to Harrow in York nursery last month. Given he made his effort wider than the winner his effort can be marked up a bit.

Verdict: If the Roger Fell yard was in better form, then Eldrickjones would look a nice price at around 15/2. Ribhi created a good impression and is open to more improvement and would be my choice.

2:10 – Wainwright Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) – 5f

Armor looked a very smart juvenile when winning the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood. Slightly below that form when 2 ¼ length 4^th of 14 in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville last time. Back at the minimum trip and won’t be inconvenienced if the thunderstorms arrive as it was soft when he won at Goodwood. Remains the one to beat.

Corazon built on the promise of his racecourse debut when winning Lingfield novice last month before improving when winning a Group 3 at Deauville 8-days ago. The filly showed a good battling attitude to prevail as she was headed inside the final furlong before rallying to get back up in the shadow of the post. There should be more to come from her and she should give the favourite a race.

The Organiser a soft ground winner at York on his racecourse debut in May. Not disgraced but found Group 2 company to hot on just his second start in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. The colt ran better than his 3-length 6^th of 11 suggest behind Lusail in the Group 2 July Stakes the following month. He didn’t get the best of runs a 1f out that day or would have finished closer. Another useful effort when beaten a head, trying to give the useful Pearl Glory 5lb at Salisbury last time. Drop back to 5f doesn’t seem a bad move but he probably needs some ease in the ground to win this.

Caturra just failed to get up when beaten ½ length in the Listed Roses Stakes at York last time. Trainer Clive Cox saddled the winner of the race in 2017 but Caturra needs Armor to under perform and some of the less exposed runners to fail to progress if he’s to win.

Verdict: Armor has the best form coming into the race but if the thundery showers have arrived to ease the ground, I can see The Organiser dropped back to the minimum trip giving him a race.  

2:40 – Doncaster Cup Stakes (Group 2) – 2m 2f

The feature race of day 3 of the St Leger Festival. The Stradivarius/Trushan match could be on if the forecast showers arrive.  If the ground is on the soft side of good and they go a decent gallop to enable Trueshan to settle I think he can win but if it’s a sedate pace and the race is tactical you must fancy Stradivarius. It looks a two-horse race on the figures although I can see the sole 3-year-old Alerta Roja outrunning her odds. The filly gets plenty of weight from the big two, stays 2m well and looks like she will improve for the step up 2m 2f. Trainer Sir Mark Prescott won the race in 2015 and his form figures with 3-year-olds are 3434. Sadly, there are just seven runners but I can see her getting into the first four.

Verdict: If the rain has arrived then my preference is for Trueshan but don’t rule out a big run from the 3-year-old filly Alerta Roja.

3:15 – racehorselotto.com Mallard Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 6 ½ f

The first of three handicaps that conclude today’s card. It’s tightly knit handicap. All eyes on the potentially well handicapped Sevenna Star from the shrewd Emmet Mullins yard. The 6-year-old was classy 3-year-old who won Sandown’s Classic Trial before running down the field in the 2018 Epsom Derby when trained by John Gosden. Only joined his present yard in the spring and has run well on his last two starts off a much-reduced mark. Runner-up over 2m at Tramore two starts back and he was doing his best work at the finish when 4^th of 10 at Killarney over 1m 6f 22-days ago. First time hood applied and he looks a better horse than his current mark of 80. if the money arrives that should be heeded.

Prince Alex needs the heavens to open if he’s to win. Likewise Rhythmic Intent also needs the ground to ease.  He looked worth another try over 1m 6f when 5^th of 15 at York last month. Future Investment is consistent sort in these staying handicaps but edges up the weights for not winning. The first time cheekpieces are applied which may eke out the improvement to win off a mark of 97.

Sovereign Duke wasn’t seen on the flat in 2020. Returned to original trainer Henry Candy, after going hurdling with Jeremy Snowden. The 6-year-old built on his Kempton reappearance in June with a good effort when a 1 ¼ Length 2^nd of 12 at Sandown 19-days ago. Just 1lb higher but remains on a competitive mark based on his back form. This a better race than last time but Saffie Osborne takes off a handy 5lb and he’s got each way claims.

Verdict: A bigger field than for recent renewals and open looking handicap. Sevenna Star is an interesting contender for the shrewd Emmet Mullins yard. . However, at the prices I’m happy to take a chance with two at bigger odds. Rhythmic Intent ran well at York last time and looks worth another go at 1m 6f. Sovereign Duke has each way claims

3:45 – Cazoo Handicap (Class 2) – 6 ½ f

Chairmanoftheboard is now 1lb below his last winning mark and shaped better than his 5-length 5^th of 13 at Thirsk last time suggests. Slowly away that day he also met trouble in the run when making his effort 1f out and wasn’t subjected to hard race when his jockey realized his chance had gone.

Asjad is the least exposed runner in the field, The 3-year-old has only had the three career starts and was only touched off by a head by one of today’s rivals Desert Doctor at Ffos Las 2-weeks ago. He get’s 1lb from the winner today and has more scope for improvement.

Kimifive was only beaten a head in last season’s Stewards Cup at Goodwood. Now 5lb lower he shaped nicely enough when a ¾ length 3^rd of 5 at Epsom 10-days ago on his second start since joining a new yard. Has dropped 3lb in the weights since that run and a return to a more strongly run race should suit. On a losing run of 25 but the 7-year-old is well handicapped if all the cards fall right.

Bernardo O’Reilly is a useful sprint handicapper at his best but is a bit of an in/out performer. Was on a going day when winning here over 6f at last year’s St Leger Festival and when coming up against an improving 3-year-old at Ascot 7-days ago.  Back down to his last winning mark but his hold up style means he needs a strong pace to chase but if he gets one, he won’t be far away. Effective enough on quick ground but his best form has come on an easier surface.

Raatea took advantage of a handy mark when coming from the rear to win at Newmarket last month. He’s been raised 5lb for that success but there could be more to come from the 4-year-old who has only had seven starts on the grass.

Verdict: Kimifive is a well handicapped horse if the cards fall right but the 25 long losing run is a slight concern. Chairmanoftheboard ran well at Thirsk last time and is another capable of winning off his present mark. Asjad is a lightly raced and open to further improvement but lacks the experience of these older handicappers. Raatea appreciated quick ground when winning at Newmarket last time and is another who could be capable of better performance. Bernardo O’Reilly needs a strongly run race, if he gets it won’t be far away and any rain would be a plus for him.

4:20 – British EBF Premier Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f

Viola beat Sea La Rosa a neck over C&D when last seen in action 55-days ago. She’s 6lb higher now but the runner-up has improved since which means she meets Sea La Rosa on 1lb better terms here.

Sea La Rosa shaped well for this when a ½ length 2^nd of 12 at York last time. That was over an extended 1m 2f and she’s got scope for more improvement returned 1m 4f.  Up 2lb for her York effort but Adam Farragher takes off a useful 5lb which negates her rise in the weights.

A Thousand Oaks showed improved form for the step up to 1m 4f when winning a Newmarket novice last month. The 3-year-old is open to further improvement and looks on a workable mark for her handicap debut.

Ms Gandhi got off the mark at the fifth attempt when winning a 1m 2f Ripon Handicap 27-days ago. The daughter of Kingman is bred to improve for the step up 1m 4f and shouldn’t be far away although this is a deeper race than last time.

Verdict: A small field but some unexposed fillies who are open to further improvement. Ms Gandhi could improve for the step up in distance. There shouldn’t be much between Viola and Sea La Rosa and at the prices the former makes plenty of appeal. I wouldn’t be surprised if A Thousand Oaks won this on her handicap debut but she’s plenty short enough in the betting.

Betting Advice:

Doncaster

2:10 – 1pt win – The Organiser – 13/2 @ Bet365

3:15 – 1pt win – Rhythmic Intent – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt each way – Sovereign Duke – 14/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

3:45 – 1pt win – Kimifive – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and 1pt win – Bernardo O’Reilly – 14/1 @ Bet365

4:20 – 1pt win – Viola – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Morning all,

Not the best of starts to the St Leger Festival but not to much damage done to the betting bank.

The dry and warm spell of weather is coming to an end with thundery showers forecast for today and tomorrow although Saturday could be mostly dry.

The St Leger Festival tends to be a slow burner with the quality of racing improving each day. It’s fair to say today’s seven race card is of better quality than day one.

The ITV cameras are covering five races on the second day of the St Leger meeting plus the jump jockeys Derby at Epsom. The feature races at Doncaster are the Group 2 May Hill Stakes (2.40). Where next seasons 1,000 Guineas ante post favourite Inspiral should be odds on to maintain her unbeaten record. The other feature race is the Group 2 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes (3.15). Which is known as the fillies St Leger, as it run over the same distance as Saturday’s classic.

In today’s preview I have looked at six of the seven races on day two of the St Leger Festival. Like yesterday I’m taking it easy on the selections front with plenty of more betting opportunities between now and Sunday.  You’ll find today’s betting advice at the end of the preview.

Cazoo St Leger Festival – Day 2

1:10 – Silk Series Handicap (For Pro-Am Female Jockeys) (Class 3) – 6f

Lord P bids for the hat trick, after wins Carlisle & Thirsk. Has been raised 9lb for winning what looked a poor race’ However, Hollie Doyle has been booked and more improvement could be forthcoming from the likely favourite.

Call Me Ginger ended a losing run that went back almost two years when winning at Hamilton 23-days ago. Up 4lb but has run well off higher marks in the past.

Giogiobbo was well placed to win three times over C&D in June. The 8-year-old has struggled on his last two starts though. His record here means he merits consideration and Hayley Turner has been booked for the ride. Trainer has gone 50 days and 42 runners since his last win.

Citron Major bounced back to form when winning at York two starts back. However, he’s not the most consistent of handicappers as he showed last time when down the field at Ripon.

Mountain Brave returned from a five week break to finish a solid enough 1 length 4^th of 6 at Salisbury 7-days ago. Likely needs an uncontested lead to be able to defy her career high mark.

Verdict: Lord P looks the one to be with here but if Citron Major is back to his York best he wouldn’t be far away.

1:40 – British Stallion Studs EBF ‘Carrie Red’ Fillies’ Nursery Handicap (Class 2) – 6 ½ f

Daiquiri Francais made all to win under a penalty at Windsor last time. It was heavy that day but prior to that she had shown her versatility ground wise by winning on good to firm at the same venue. Nursery debut off a workable mark and remains open to further progress.

Gnat Alley hadshown ability in three starts in maiden/novice company and was sent off the 3/1 favourite for her nursery debut at Ripon 9-days ago. Her chance was lost at the start but she stayed on to good effect to finish 1 ½ length 4^th of 10. The market support she received last time suggests she’s on a winnable mark. First start beyond 5f but should stay today’s extra 1 ½ f.

Form Of Praise needed every yard of Hamilton’s 6f to beat four rivals on her nursery debut 13-days ago. Today’s extra ½ will suit and the first time cheekpieces are applied today. Up 2lb for her Hamilton success but further progress can’t be ruled out if the headgear has the desired effect.

Dora Penny bids for a hat trick after wins at Newmarket and Wolverhampton 15-days ago.  She’s going the right way and remains one to be interested in going forward.

Summer’s Day, made all tocomfortably see off four rivals at Brighton 17-days ago. Nursery debut off what looks a decent enough mark and the Godolphin filly should be capable of better than she’s shown so far.

Verdict: Daiquiri Francais looks open to more improvement on her nursery debut. Gnat Alley appears to be on a winnable mark and is expected to appreciate today’s extended 6f. Expect Form Of Praise to be doing her best work inside the final half furlong.

2:10 – Weatherbys Scientific £200,000 2-Y-O Stakes (GBB Race) (Class 2) – 6 ½ f

With £200,000 in guaranteed prize money. It’s not unsurprising that the race has attracted a maximum field of 22 juveniles.

Ever Given landed the big sales race at York last time and looks a worthy enough favourite to win another big pot.

System who had previously run the smart Zain Claudette to 2 ¼ length in a Group 3 at Ascot was over eight lengths behind Ever Given at York. This slightly longer trip and stiff track should suit her better.

The improving Harrow bids for a hat trick, after wins at Ffos Las and on his nursery debut at York last month. York win was over 7f and the forecast strong pace should see him doing his best work at the finish.

Jazz Club is getting better with racing and ran out a comfortable winner of a quick ground maiden at Windsor last month.  Has the scope for more improvement and has to be respected in the first time blinkers.

Verdict:  Harrow is progressive and should be fine dropped back in distance today. Jazz Club is also open to further improvement if the first-time blinkers have the desired effect.

2:40 – Cazoo May Hill Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) – 1m

Next year’s 1,000 Guineas favourite Inspiral will be odds on to maintain her unbeaten run here. The daughter of Frankel will be suited to the step up to a mile and is the one to beat. She’s still available at 12/1 for nest year’s first fillies classic and she will be shorter if she wins here.

Speak overcame inexperience to make a winning racecourse debut at Kempton last month. Bred to be a better filly over middle distance as a 3-year-old (half-brother Valley Forge won 1m 6f Melrose Handicap).  Scope for plenty of improvement with racing but may find the favourite to sharp here.

Prosperous Voyage has improved with each of her four starts and last time ran the potentially smart Mise En Scene to 1 ¼ lengths, when third in the Group 3 Prestige Stakes at Goodwood. Today’s mile is a positive and trainer Ralph Beckett saddled the winner of this race in 2016.  

Rolling The Dice showed a nice turn of foot to win a Newbury maiden last time. Another open to improvement and capable of a big run despite a big rise in class here.

Banshee got off the mark at the fourth attempt when beating two rivals in a Yarmouth nursery 11-days ago. The first time cheekpieces she wore last time are replaced by the first-time blinkers. Stamina is assured and she goes well on fast ground.

Verdict: Its hard to see beyond ante post 1,000 Guineas favourite Inspiral but should she underperform Prosperous Voyage looks like the one who could take advantage.

3:15 – Hippo Pro3 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes (Group 2) – 1m 6 ½ f

Free Wind bids to give the Gosden yard a third win in the race since 2015. The 3-year-old seems to be progressing with racing and last time won a Group 3 at Deauville.  The step up to 1m 6f should elicit more improvement in her.

Tribal Craft is joint top on RPR’s but the five-year-old needs the ground to ease significantly before post time to win this.  

Urban Artist is the other joint top-rated filly but she’s another who probably will be seen to better effect when she gets her toe in.

Save A Forest fourth in the Oaks at Epsom put in a personal best in the first time cheekpieces when winning the Listed Chalice Stakes at Newmarket. On the evidence of that run, she should be suited by the step up to 1m 6f and given she still holds an entry in the St Leger is clearly highly regarded by connections.

Yesyes finished 3 ¼ lengths behind Save A Forest at Newmarket but has since improved to win a Chester Listed race over today’s distance. That was just her fourth career start and the Chester track may not have totally suited the 3-year-old.  Has the scope for more improvement and there shouldn’t be much between the pair again.

Top bumper mare Eileendover looked well suited by the step up to 1m 6f on her handicap debut at Newmarket last month.

Silence Please, a useful performer in Ireland, put in a personal best when getting with 6 ¼ lengths of Tarnawa in a Group 3 at Leopardstown two starts back. Stays 1m 4f well and has each way claims but needs the step up to 1m 6f to eke out a bit more improvement to win.

Verdict: Free Wind looks to have a good chance to give the Gosden yard a big race double on day two. Save A Forest and Yesyes are both progressive 3-year-olds and the latter won’t mind if the showers arrive.

3:45 – Cazoo Handicap (Class 2) – 7f

A disappointing field of just seven for this handicap. Still, it’s competitive enough and you can make some sort of case for most of the runners.

Modern News is the bookies early favourite. The gelding won a Newmarket handicap over the distance back in July. With the first two finishing nicely clear of the rest. Up 6lb but is going the right way.

Motawaajed is progressing nicely and bids for the hat trick after wins at Lingfield and over C&D last month. He had useful Dance Fever ½ length back in second here and has only been raised 2lb for that win. He showed a battling attitude to prevail last time and is open to more improvement.

Run To Freedom made it 2-7 when winning at Newmarket 12-days ago. The return to quicker ground suited him last time and he’s respected here off just 2lb higher.

Seven Brothers, a winner of a 6f handicap here in April, off today’s mark, bounced back to form when a 1 length 2^nd of 9 at Goodwood (good to soft). Had Run To Freedom well back in 7th that day although the softer ground wouldn’t have suited that one. The step up to 7f seemed to suit last time and he can’t be ruled out for the inform Kevin Ryan yard.

Ataser was an improving juvenile last season winning three of his five starts, including a C&D nursery at this meeting 12 months ago. Well, beaten on his sole start this season in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot. Questions to answer after that run but not out of this if bouncing back to last year’s best.

Verdict: Motawaajed has a likeable profile and if the ground stays on the fast side the one to beat. Seven Brothers looked suited by the step up 7f last time and could get into the places as could Ataser of bouncing back to form of his C&D win 12 months ago.

Thursday’s Betting Advice:

Doncaster

1:40 – 2pts win – Daiquiri Francais – 9/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes & 1pt win – Form Of Praise – 11/1 @ Bet365.

2:40 – 1pt win – Prosperous Voyage – 8/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook.

3:15 – 1pt win – Yesyes – 5/1 @ Bet365.

Ante Post:

For those of you wanting to follow me in with an ante post punt for next year’s 1,000 Guineas. Take the 12/1 available with Bet365 for next year’s first fillies classic. She will be shorter should she impressively win today’s May Hill Stakes.

1,000 Guineas 2022

Inspiral – 12/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Doncaster’s St Leger Festival gets underway today. Sadly, the ITV cameras won’t be in attendance on day one of the St Leger Festival. It’s the ‘Legends’ race at 2:50 which sees the return to the saddle of jump legends Richard Johnson & Barry Geraghty. There’s also the Group 3 Sceptre Stakes (3:25) and Listed Scarborough Stakes (4:00). Despite the forecast good to firm ground the field sizes for the seven races have held up well. I have had brief look at six of the seven races on the Doncaster card in today’s preview.

Doncaster St Leger Festival – Day 1

1:45 – Hippo Pro 3 Nursery Handicap (Class 2) – 7f

Newmarket maiden winner Modern Games improved again when ¾ length 2^nd of 10 at Leicester last time. Nursery debut off a workable mark of 90 and looks a worthy market leader.

Sed Maarib is getting better with racing and won a Beverley novice last time. Another open to further progress now going handicapping.

Implore is more experienced than the other two. However, he made a solid nursery debut when runner-up at Sandown 18-days ago. The first-time blinkers are applied today and the yard is 1-1 with its runners in the race since 2011. The Gosden yard is also 6 winners from 12 runners 50% +10.32 with its juvenile runners not making their racecourse debut at the meeting since 2016 which is a strong stat for the chances of the selection.

Verdict: The first-time headgear could do the trick for Implore. However, he does face a couple of handicap debutants in Modern Games and Sed Maarib who are both capable of better.

1pt win – Implore – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

2:20 – British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes – 1m

Five of the 10 juveniles are unraced and the Gosden yard set a poser with two of the unraced runners in Frantastic & Israr. Both are well bred and should win races with Frantastic a full brother to Cracksman. Yard’s record with racecourse debutants at the meeting is 0 wins from 6 runners 2 placed.

Mark Johnson runs another newcomer in Triple Joy. The son of Kitten’s Joy is bred to win races and could go well.

Charlie Hills saddles racecourse debutant Beaches who has a likeable pedigree. A race that should be informative with the future in mind but not one that appeals from a betting perspective.

3:25 – Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) – 7f

Just Beautiful was well placed to win her first four starts and wasn’t disgraced when a 2 ½ length 6^th of 13 in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. A reproduction of that effort would make her tough to beat here.

The admirable Highfield Princess continues in fine form and must be respected back against her own sex on her recent second to Space Blues in Group 2 at York.

Double Or Bubble was not match for Toro Strike in the Group 3 Supreme Stakes at Goodwood last time, The quick ground will suit her and she shouldn’t be far away back against her own sex.

Potapova, a Redcar winner on her reappearance, predictably struggled when upped to Group 1 company in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on just her third start.  However, she shaped much better when a 4 ½ length 4^th of 10 in a Group 3 at Sandown last time. A return to quick ground should suit the daughter of Invincible Spirit.

Loch Lein and Wren’s Breath come over from Ireland. The latter looked a nice prospect when winning a 6f Listed race at Naas 49-days ago. That was just her second career start so she remains open to further improvement and should stay 7f given the way she finished off her race last time.

Verdict: Double Or Bubble looks to have plenty in her favour. Just Beautiful looks the best of these fillies on form. Potapova will like the fast ground and shouldn’t be far away for a yard that does well at Doncaster and this meeting. Wren’s Breath is open to improvement for the step up to 7f.

1pt win – Wren’s Breath – 13/2 @ Bet365

4:00 – Cazoo Scarbrough Stakes (Listed Race) – 5f

Arecibo is the one to beat if reproducing his 1 ¼ length 2^nd of 16 in the King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. However, he does need a strong pace to chase and it doesn’t like he will get that here.

Tarboosh won this 12 months ago so can’t be ruled out on a C&D that suits but he’s struggled to find his best form so far this season.

Live In The Moment is another stepping up from handicaps. The 4-year-old was a progressive handicap sprinter in 2020. Just two starts this season but he looked as good as ever when a ¾ length 2^nd of 22 at York last month. I was hoping he would go for the Portland Handicap so it’s interesting to see him run in a Listed race. A prominent racer he looks like he should get the run of the race.

Verdict: Arecibo is the best horse in the race but Live In The Moment could be better placed in what doesn’t look a race with a lot of pace.

1pt win – Live In the Moment – 11/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

4:30 – I Love Julie Parkes Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Faisal won his first two starts on the all-weather last season and continued winning ways when making a successful turf/handicap debut at Windsor in May. First start for 100-days but the 4-year-old remains open to plenty of progress.

Anmaat is 3-year-old going the right way winning at Bath last month and is respected.

Maiden Castle goes well on good to firm ground. The 5-year-old returned from a 12-week absence with a neck 2^nd of 15 at Sandown 17-days ago. He’s 3lb higher now but remains on a competitive mark.

Strait Of Hormuz bids for back-to-back wins in the race. Hasn’t been in the best of form on his last two starts, found a mile to short at Pontefract 5-days ago and probably wasn’t suited by the rain that fell prior to the race at York two starts back. Better judged on his ¾ length 3^rd of 20 in the John Smith’s Cup at York.

Verdict: The unbeaten Faisal may not have reached his ceiling just yet but is plenty short enough. Maiden Castle shouldn’t be far away and last year’s winner Strait Of Hormuz is very much in the mix if back to his best.

1pt win – Maiden Castle – 8/1 @ Bet365

5:00 – Visit Doncaster Handicap (Class 4) – 5 ½ f

Thirteen handicap sprinters are set to take meet the starter.  Wentworth Falls goes well here and on quick ground.  He comes into the race in good form after finishing a head 2^nd of 10 in the Grey Horse Handicap at Newmarket 25-days ago. The 9-year-old style of running means he needs a strong pace to chase and luck in the run but if he gets it won’t be far away.

Rewaayat looked set for a good season when a 1 ¼ length 2^nd of 11 behind Arecibo at Newmarket on his seasonal reappearance Not so good on his last two starts but today’s intermediate trip could well suit the 6-year-old. Likely to get a good tow into the race among the high numbers.

Al Simmo has been in great form this season, winning four of her five starts. Last time out she put in a career best when beating five rivals at Bath three weeks ago. Up 7lb in a deeper race but continued progress can’t be ruled out especially on quick ground.

Bomb Proof a winner of his first two career starts hasn’t really progressed on his six subsequent starts. However, he returned from a wind-op with an encouraging enough effort when 2^nd of 9 at Kempton 17-days ago. If he builds on that performance the 4-year-old shouldn’t be far away.

Verdict: A tricky handicap sprint concludes day one. Wentworth Falls likes it here and if he gets a strong pace to chase won’t be far away. Rewaayat has the ability to land a handicap like this and this trip could turn out to be ideal. Bomb Proof is interesting on his second start after wind surgery.

1pt win – Rewaayat – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John