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Just a quick message on this for 2022/23 season. I intended to get going for Prem league start this week but haven't had chance to get it sorted so rather than rush and potentially catch people out we'll look to start weekend of 13th. This also coincides with the Spanish La Liga restart so we should have the full complement of matches for then. I'm intending to hold just 3 seasons this time so we can do the full 10 week run with a week off in between. We'll also need to take a break mid-season when the World Cup break starts. Everyone who completed season 4 last year will be allocated a place and new players are also invited to join in. I will put up a new thread as soon as possible with confirmation of the Divisions and for new players to show their interest. In the meantime, study the form!

A decent day with winners at 14/1, 10/3 and 13/8 plus places at 12/1 and 7/1 all for a profit today of 24.14 points. Tomorrows thoughts are already uploaded.

Get in. Won very easily Beer o'clock Keeps the stout drinkers in the snug happy!

Filled my Fookin boots only Zilzalian gives you monster 216/1 forecasts

A bumper eleven races being covered on Saturday afternoon by ITV coming from Ascot, Haydock and Newmarket and here's my thoughts on all eleven - Ascot 1.35 ITV’s Shergar Cup coverage starts with the second on the card at Ascot - the 7F classified stakes where on official ratings there’s only 4lb between the field. Orbaan was impressive in winning the Golden Mile at Goodwood last week but was well drawn and this will be a totally different test with just eight runner under a 7lb penalty. At the likely odds I’ll take him on. One horse who I feel is overpriced is Katie Scott’s Gweedore. The five year old gelding actually beat Orbaan at Ayr only a month ago by a cosy 2 1/4L receiving 4lb and actually receives 5lb from David O’Meara’s charge today. He’s currently five times the price and hopefully if all eight stand their ground will be worth backing each way. Crack Canadian jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson who’s won the Golden Saddle here before takes the ride which is no negative at all. GWEEDORE 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Ascot 2.10 The Shergar Cup Dash is up next, a 5F handicap. A case can be made for plenty with my main fancy being Robert Cowell’s Arecibo who will be ridden today by Danny Tudhope who has actually ridden the seven year old gelding fourteen times in his career. The last time he was seen in a handicap was eleven runs ago back in May 2021 when winning at Newmarket off of a mark of 99, 4lb lower than today’s mark. He’s kept very good company since running in group races this season. He’s still got plenty of zip and looks the one to beat. Mick Appleby’s King Of Stars arrives in good form having run well here last month and has claims along with the only three year old in the field Manaccan who may have more improvement to come. He looks the danger to Arecibo. ARECIBO 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill Haydock 2.25 A small field of only seven assemble for this class 2 one mile handicap. Saeed Bin Suroor’s Electrical Storm is the favourite and holds a good chance on the back of a York victory and 3rd in a decent Sandown handicap where the horse just behind him Protaganist has won since. Off of the same mark he should go close. Top weight Young Fire is 3 from 6 at the track and is another with claims whilst the Charlie and Mark Johnstone trained Dutch Decoy may be the best current value having won at Newmarket on the July course last month prior to a credible 2L 4th in a decent Goodwood handicap last week over a furlong further. Back to a mile should suit and he’s my selection. Skybet, William Hill and Betfred are paying three places in this even runner contest and that looks the way to go. DUTCH DECOY 1 point each way @ 13/2 William Hill 1/5th 123 Ascot 2.45 The Shergar Cup Stayers is a handicap run over two miles and looks destined to go to Goodwood runner up Super Superjack trained by Milton Harris. He was unlucky not to have won that day as he didn’t get the breaks when he needed them and the drop back half a mile today will hopefully suit him. Nicola Currie who was in top form with a treble a Carlisle earlier in the week has been drawn to ride him. Ralph Beckett’s top weight Rock Eagle went down by half a length to Reshoun at Newbury last month and looks the biggest danger to the selection. SUPER SUPERJACK 2 points win @ 9/4 William Hill Haydock 3.00 William Haggas’s Grocer Jack was highly impressive on his British/stable debut and will be hard to beat in this group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes run over 1m 2F 100yds for three year olds and upwards. He’s a skinny enough price mind for one that who’s win can be crabbed as I’m not sure what he beat that day. I can remember saying at the time what a weak listed contest it was. At the likely prices I’m against him. Saeed Bin Suroor’s Passion And Glory is interesting having won a listed contest at Sandown last time whilst the most interesting form line may well turn out to be the first and third from the John Smiths Cup at York a month ago. Owen Burrows’ Anmaat won that on his seasonal re-appearance with Intellogent 3/4L back in third at the line having come from some way back. On 2lb better terms I’ll take Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Intellogent to turn the tables especially as he is proven with cut in the ground unlike Anmaat. INTELLOGENT 1 point each way @ 11/2 bet365 1/5th 123 Ascot 3.20 The Shergar Cup Challenge is a handicap run over a mile and a half for four year olds and upwards. Newmarket trainer William Haggas has some interesting entries today none more so than his lightly raced four year old gelded son of Pivotal, Pride Of Priory. He’s chasing a hat trick of victories having won all weather handicaps at around this trip at Kempton and Newcastle this summer. He’s risen 10lb for those two success’s but may still be ahead of his mark especially now getting back on turf which he won twice on last Autumn. Kieran Shoemark has been drawn to ride and that’s certainly not a negative. The Whipmaster comes here in good shape having won four of his last five starts but I would be very worried of the form of his trainer Gary Moore who has gone 15 days and 19 runners since his last winner. Southern Voyage is another interesting runner from the Archie Watson stable who was well backed last time when apparently breaking a blood vessel. PRIDE OF PRIORY 2 points win @ 7/2 Paddy Power Newmarket 3.40 Nine two year old fillies go to post for the group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes run over 7F of the July course. Likely favourite is the Charlie and Mark Johnstone trained Lakota Sioux who was last seen seven weeks ago when third in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. That form hasn’t worked out that well and I think he’s worth taking on today. Richard Spencer’s Ivory Madonna failed to win his maiden last time and is another I can be against. I’m keen on the once raced Karl Burke trained Novakai, a daughter of Lope De Vega who bolted up on her debut at Doncaster at 12/1 and could be useful and the similarly once raced Ismail Mohammed trained Alseyoob who won a Newmarket maiden on her debut in a race where the third won at the weekend. I’ll dutch the pair. ALSEYOOB 1 point win @ 6/1 bet365 NOVAKAI point win @ 4/1 bet365 Ascot 3.55 The Shergar Cup Mile is a handicap that is open to four year olds and upwards and features, to my eyes, the best bet on the card. William Haggas trains the lightly raced four year old chestnut son of Exceed And Excel Montassib who’s won three of his five career starts and hasn’t been been beaten far in two big field handicaps on his last two starts. Off of the same handicap mark and with Danny Tudhope in the plate he looks a worthy favourite and can take this. Isla Kai has been a bit disappointing so far this season but his time is near and he should be thereabouts whilst David O’Meara’s ex Irish import Bopedro who ran well on his English debut when fourth of ten here can also be thereabouts but for me this is all about Montassib who’s stepping up to a mile today for the first time. MONTASSIB 3 points win @ 5/2 bet365 Curragh 4.15 A small but select field of six go to post for this years renewal of the group one Phoenix Stakes run over 6F. Aidan O’Brien saddles a brace of decent two year olds in Blackbeard and Little Big Bear. Ryan Moore appears to have chosen the latter and following a demolition job in a group 3 here last time should be thereabouts but may not be good enough to beat the English raider Bradsell who could be very good. A visually impressive winner at York on his debut in May he followed up a month later when a cosy winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot from subsequent group winners Persian Force, Royal Scotsman and Blackbeard. Trainer Archie Watson was stating earlier in the week that he hasn’t got anything fast enough at home to lead him on the gallops including group one winner Glen Shiel. Hollie Doyle’s over to ride and although this is a step up from Ascot he could be very good and worth a good bet. BRADSELL 3 points win @ 7/4 bet365 Ascot 4.30 1m 4f is the distance of the Shergar Cup Classic a handicap for three year olds only. William Haggas is maybe in for a good day and his Hamaki is my fancy here. He’s been raised 5lb for his victory at Haydock last time out on soft ground but has done enough on faster ground previously to suggest that he handles any types of ground. Jamie Spencer rides and although not my favourite jockey can certainly get the job done when needed. Andrew Balding’s Berkshire Breeze is still maiden after six starts but has been knocking on the door on his last two starts and his time is near. The Gosden’s Franz Strauss got turned over in a three runner handicap last time and may have little in hand of his mark. HAMAKI 2 points each way @ 5/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 1234 Ascot 5.05 The Shergar Cup concludes with the Sprint, a handicap run over 6F for three year olds only. That man William Haggas has another fancied runner here in the shape of the Jose-Luis Martinez ridden Razeyna, a winner at Carlisle last time which is already starting to work out. He should run well but I want to with the Richard Fahey trained Admiral D who’s run well in defeat in two of the best three year old sprint handicaps of the season so far. Runner up to Lethal Levi (winner since) at Newmarket last time he will ridden by the capable Joanna Mason and should be bang there at the finish. Reserve Conflict is making his handicap debut for Andrew Balding and would be a player if getting a run. ADMIRAL D 2 points win @ 7/2 Coral On a footnote Unibet are currently promoting a great offer of their 15 to Go Offer on all of the ITV races (in Sunday as well) where if you place a bet with them in the 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and back the winner they will match your stake with a free bet up to £20. That’s a great offer I think and if you want to get involved click on this link Unibet 15 to Go Offer

Goodwood 1.50 Day two of the Goodwood Festival kicks off with a class 2 12F three year old handicap. I don’t like tipping favourites but sometimes they just stand out and although only one favourite has obliged in the last ten years in this race I can’t get away from Charlie Appleby’s top weight Secret State. A winner of his last three starts having started his career with a second spot in the Wood Ditton behind the smart Francesco Clemente with his latest victory coming in the King George V Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot from the subsequent group 3 winner Deauville Legend. 2 1/2L back in 6th that day was Andrew Balding’s Teumessias Fox whilst George Baker’s Surrey Mist was just behind and the Haggas runner Mandobi was a further 5 1/2L further back. That trio re-oppose on 4lb, 7lb and 8lb better terms respectively but I fully expect William Buick’s mount to confirm the form and enhance his St Leger claims for which he’s currently only a 14/1 chance. Surrey Mist may actually come out the best of the three behind him that day and chase him home. SECRET STATE 3 points win @ 9/4 bet365 Goodwood 2.25 A bumper field of seventeen assemble for the group 3 Oak Tree Stakes and it does have an open look about it this year. Pushing for favouritism currently is the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Soft Whisper who had four of these in Bounce The Blues, Improvised, She Do and Internationalagent behind when winning at Chelmsford last time. She should confirm the form with that quartet but I don’t like his wide draw in 16 of 17 and I can pass her over. The other top rated on official ratings here is the Richard Hannon trained Heredia, a good winner of the Sandringham at Royal Ascot but a bit disappointing when very well supported in a Sandown listed contest last time. She drops a furlong today and has claims but I like Oscula who actually finished a length ahead of Heredia at Sandown and is 3lb better off at the weights today. I’m surprised she’s twice the price of the Hannon filly especially after a good effort at Ascot last Saturday behind Jumbly. The other runner I like is Ed Walker’s Primo Bacio who has ideal conditions today and wasn’t disgraced in a group one last time. I’ll dutch the pair of Oscula and Primo Bacio here who both have favourable low draws and just hope they don’t find too much trouble in running. OSCULA 1 point win @ 11/1 William Hill PRIMO BACIO 1 point win @ 17/2 William Hill Goodwood 3.00 Eight go to post for the group 3 Molecomb Stakes and I really can’t see past the favourite Rocket Rodney who will be very hard to beat. George Scott’s flag bearer has the best form and has shown his liking for this switchback course having won a novices stakes race over course and distance here in April prior to an excellent neck runner up in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot to Little Big Bear (impressive winner since) with Eddies Boy (winner of valuable sales race since) back in third. He stands out here and is the days best bet. David Loughnane’s Walbank looks his chief danger having finished runner up in the group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot to The Ridler. Eddies Boy is held on Ascot form by the selection and this should be a point and shoot job for Daniel Muscott. ROCKET RODNEY 4 points win @ 5/4 William Hill Goodwood 3.35 Only seven go to post for the group one Sussex Stakes following the eleventh hour defection of 2000 Guineas winner Coroebus and it looks a penalty kick for the smart Baaeed. William Haggas’s Shadwell Stud owned four year old is now unbeaten in eight starts and as he already holds most of these on earlier form should be winning. Last years winner Alcohol Free comes here on the back of a July Cup victory over 6F but is held by the favourite on earlier form. He’s at prohibitive odds but should be a banker for any acca bet. Goodwood 4.10 A class 2 nine runner fillies handicap run over just short of ten furlongs is up next. William Haggas’s Sea Speedwell is making her handicap debut and under Tom Marquand appears to hold claims. Also on the short list has to be the John and Thady Gosden trained Natasha who wasn’t disgraced in a similar contest at Newmarket twelve days ago. Hughie Morrison’s Lyrical Lady ran a smashing race in listed company last time when only 6L behind the useful Grande Dame. She has paid the penalty for that mind with a rise of 11lb. A tough race but in the hope that the Gosden runner has come forward for her recent re-appearance I’m with Natasha. NATASHA 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 Goodwood 4.45 The ITV terrestrial coverage finishes with a ten runner two year old fillies’ conditions stakes. A warm favourite here is the Richard Fahey trained The Platinum Queen who on official ratings has plenty in hand here. A winner at Ripon on her debut in June she may have found the Queen Mary all too much a fortnight later when finishing down the field as a 66/1 shot. She bounced back however three weeks later when dominating from the gate to take a nine runner field apart at York from odds on favourite Yahsat. Oisin Orr has ridden the Cotai Glory juvenile in all three of her racecourse starts and keeps the partnership intact today and will be hard to beat. All The Time was ultra impressive on her debut when an impressive 5L winner at Nottingham but blew out in the Queen Mary (some 7L behind The Platinum Queen) finishing plum last. She’s no doubt better than that but has questions to answer now and this can go to the The Platinum Queen THE PLATINUM QUEEN 3 points win 11/8 William Hill THE PLATINUM QUEEN / ROCKET RODNEY 2 point win double. 11/8 & 5/4 William Hill

well well still life in the old dog yet { that goes for the trainer as well as the horse } tudor city wins the prize

Newbury 1.50 Just five declared for this 10F listed Steventon Stakes. It’s certainly not the strongest of listed contests with just two pounds covering the quintet of runners on official ratings. Favourite Cadillac was sold on the eve of Royal Ascot for a cool half a million pounds and rewarded new connections with second place in the listed Wolferton Stakes. That form however hasn’t worked out that well with seven individual runners from the race beaten since. At odds of around 6/4 I’m more than happy to take him on. Desert Encounter has a 259 day absence to overcome whilst Finest Sound ran a shocker on his re-appearance (reportedly didn’t like the track). Grocer Jack is interesting, a German import that’s shown some promise in two starts abroad for top trainer William Haggas and has claims but the one I want to be with to small stakes is the Mark Todd trained Tasman Bay. He was some 12l behind Cadillac at Ascot but that was his re-appearance and is reflected in his price. He ran placed behind some smart sorts last season in Hurricane Lane, Alenquer and Baaeed and surely he’s better than his Ascot run. At the prices I’ll pay to find out with David Probert back on board (was ridden by Jack Mitchell at Ascot). TASMAN BAY 1 point win @ 10/1 bet365 Market Rasen 2.06 Seven runners here for this class 2 2m 7F handicap hurdle. There’s shouldn’t be much between Galileo Silver and Jersey Wonder. There was a length between them in favour of the former and on 2lb worse terms may just confirm the form. Jonjo O’Neill has his team of jumpers in fine shape and Apache Creek bounced back to form at 14/1 at Warwick last time and despite a 4lb rise can too be competitive. David Pipe is having an excellent summer and his Roman De Senam reverts to hurdles from a 7lb lower mark and shouldn’t be dismissed. Top weight Ask Paddington is chasing a four timer having risen 17lb for those victories but is unproven at three miles. A tough handicap with no stand out bet but maybe a small wager on Sam Thomas’s improver Galileo Silver in a first time visor to confirm recent placings with Jersey Wonder. GALILEO SILVER 1 point win @ 11/4 William Hill Newbury 2.21 Just eight go to post for the two mile class 2 handicap. There’s certainly no stand out bet here as claims can reasonably be made for all. Three of these ran in the 2m 5F handicap at Royal Ascot with Going Gone coming out a length too good from Reshoun with Rock Eagle three and a half lengths further behind. Going Gone is a couple of pounds better off today but wouldn’t be certain to confirm the form with Ian William’s Reshoun. Others with chances include Tom Ward’s Diamond Bay, a runner up at Salisbury last time out and bottom weight Auriferous. I’ll take a chance though on the nine year old and top weight here Withhold trained by Harry and Roger Charlton and owned by shrewd gambler Tony Bloom. His best days are no doubt behind him (he won the 2017 Cesarewitch at Newmarket and 2018 Northumberland Plate at Newcastle) but showed enough following a 245 day absence when 6th of 7 at Chester behind subsequent winner Soapy Stevens to suggest there’s another payday in him and in a race where nothing stands out can be competitive. He’s won this actual event before and was a good third in it last year and as always expect him to be ridden prominently from the front which as there appears to be no other pacesetter may allow him to get an easy lead. WITHHOLD 1 point each way @ 15/2 888sport 1/5th 123 Market Rasen 2.41 A fair turnout considering the likely lightning fast conditions with eleven going to post for this class 2 handicap hurdle over the minimum trip of two miles. The two improvers are at the head of the market in the shape of Dr Newland’s Galata Bridge and Gerald Stephen Quinn’s Cirque Royal. The former comes here on the back of a very impressive win at Huntingdon back in May for which he’s been pushed up 12lb whilst Cirque Royal is making his handicap debut having won novice hurdles at Perth and Kelso in May. He easily dismissed Ted Hastings on the latter course and that one has easily won at Cartmel giving the form a boost. He’ll do for me. Bottom weight Caramelised also comes into the reckoning for Alan King but it’s Cirque Royal for me who started his career with the Godolphin operation at Charlie Appleby’s and looks one of the day’s better bets. CIRQUE ROYAL 3 points win @ 4/1 bet365 Newbury 2.56 A competitive contest next up for the group 3 Hackwood Stakes run over 6F with a decent field of fourteen going to post. Last years winner Happy Romance looks likely to run well having kept group one company on both his starts this season. The best in at the weights today is David Evans’ Wokingham winner Rohaan who’s yet another with claims. Man Of Promise should appreciate stepping up in trip and although he carries a 3lb penalty is another who can be competitive. Owen Burrows won one of the feature races last Saturday and his Minzaal looks likely to be thereabouts and is the tentative selection in a race that look open enough. MINZAAL 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Market Rasen 3.14 The Summer Plate Handicap Chase is run over 2m 5F 89yds and this year has attracted a competitive field of fourteen chasers. Fergal O’Brian’s Mortlach is unbeaten in three starts over fences and has obvious claims whilst last year’s easy winner Francis Du Berlais is only 2lb higher this time around and should be thereabouts. It’s a wide open contest mind and I’ll play a couple of recent winners small each way against the field. Texard jumped well when bolting up at Uttoxeter in the week coasting home by some 28L and if in the same form can go well under Philip Armson for David Pipe. He’ll be my main play here whilst I’ll also have a small each way wager on bottom weight Rostello trained by Dr Richard Newland at Claines in Worcestershire. He too was an easy wide margin week earlier in the week and like Texard has to carry a 5lb penalty but such was the ease of the success that he (like Texard) will be going up more than that when re-assessed next week. TEXARD 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 ROSTELLO 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 Ladbrokes 1/5th 1234 Newbury 3.30 The usual 5F cavalry charge for the two year old’s is up next with twenty one juveniles spread across the course for the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes with £200k guaranteed in prize money that goes right down to tenth place. 7lb clear on official ratings is the David O’Meara trained Maria Bramwell who brings easily the best form to the table and represents the best bet of the day. She followed up wins at Thirsk and Sandown (listed National Stakes) with an excellent third in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot behind the smart Dramatised. As a 22,000 guineas purchase as a yearling she gets a reasonable weight here and with a fair draw in stall 11 will be hard to beat. On the subject of the draw it pays to be in the higher numbers with the last ten winners all berthed in double figure stalls. Rogue Spirit looks speedy and from stall 18 can give Tom Clover and Jack Mitchell a good spin. Richard Hannon has an excellent record in this race and saddles five runners today. The best of which may well be Miami Girl who’s berthed in stall 16 but is actually held by the selection on Royal Ascot running. With luck in running ( I was very keen on Chipotle in this race last year but his chance was undone by a poor ride) I fully expect Maria Bramwell to go very close and she’s the bet. MARIA BRAMWELL 3 points win @ 11/4 bet365 Curragh 3.45 Eight go to post for the Irish Oaks run over a mile and a half and we have a warm favourite here in the John and Thady Gosden trained Emily Upjohn. She was arguably unlucky when fluffing the start in the Epsom version but finished well to go down by the shortest of short heads to Tuesday. That form is far superior to any of her rivals, the best of whom may well be the Ribblesdale winner Magical Lagoon trained by Jessie Harrington. Aiden O’Brien saddles three here with the best being Toy who is the pick of Ryan Moore. She would need to significantly step up on what she’s shown this season mind and this first prize should be making its way to Clarehaven Stables at Newmarket. She’s at prohibitive odds mind so there’s no betting angle for me. Late news - Emily Upjohn misses the race due to travel complications

No change to the top 4 on the last day. Congratulation to the winner @Gary66 Well done to the 2nd @BBBC, 3rd @kenisbusyand 4th @Johnrobertson

Thanks very much for running these comps Mclarke great job👍 Well done the winner.

Goodwood 1.50 The 2022 Glorious Goodwood meeting kicks off with a highly competitive 10F class 2 handicap which has attracted a maximum field of 18. There’s sure to be hard luck stories here in such a size field but let’s try and find the most likely winner and hope it’s not us finding the trouble! A key piece of form is the John Smiths Cup run at York 17 days ago won by Anmaat. That form was doubly franked at the weekend by success’s for the runner up Achelois and 4th Spirit Dancer so the 5th and 6th from that race Brilliant Light and Just Fine have to be given maximum respect. Saeed Bun Suroor’s Brilliant Light finished a length ahead of Sir Michael Stoute’s Just Fine but is 2lb worse off. There shouldn’t be much between them and both hold major each way claims. Roger Varain’s Legend Of Dubai was backed down to 7/2 favouritism at Royal Ascot but ran a stinker and although he’ll appreciate this longer trip has questions to answer now and represents scant value at his current odds. I do like the look of the William Knight trained, Harry Redknapp owned Moktasaab who won at Newbury and here over course and distance (from Caradoc who re-opposes on 7lb better terms for 1 1/4L and should run well though is hard to win with) earlier in the season before not handling Epsom and then failing to see out the 1m 4F trip at Ascot. He looks each way value and I’ll be backing him each way as well as Brilliant Light who I just favour over Just Fine. MOKTASAAB 1 point each way @ 12/1 Coral 12/1 1/5th 12345 BRILLIANT LIGHT 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Goodwood 2.25 A field of nine assemble for the group 2 Vintage Stakes with the warm favourite Karl Burke’s Holloway Boy who made a winning racecourse debut in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Not many horses have made a winning racecourse debut in the juvenile races there over the years and he’s a worthy favourite. The only issue I have is that the form hasn’t really worked out. Six horses have run from that race since all have been turned over. Maybe he just won a bad renewal of the Chesham? At around 2/1 I don’t want to pay to find out and I’m happy enough to take him on. I have respect for Charlie Hills’ Galeron who’s course win last time out was boosted by the runner up winning well at Newbury last week. Charlie and Mark Johnstone’s Dear My Friend is stepping up in grade following victories at Carlisle and Beverley and with the stable winning this with Dark Vision in 2018 is another interesting runner. I’m going to stick with the boys in blue though with the Charlie Appleby trained Mysterious Night who followed up his Newbury win in June with a high,y credible 3 1/4L 3rd in the group 2 July Stakes behind smart sorts Persian Force and Show Respect. That form may be good enough for him to take this. MYSTERIOUS KNIGHT 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill Goodwood 3.00 The 7F Lennox Stakes is up next with a decent enough field of eleven heading to post. The favourite is the William Haggas trained filly Sacred who will take plenty of beating. She ran a stormer in the group one 6F Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot to finish a length 5th behind Naval Crown having not had the clearest of passages close home. She’s two from two over this trip and should be hard to beat on her favoured fast terrain. I can’t have last year’s winner Kinross as he prefers to get his toe into the ground whilst Pogo, who comes here chasing a hat trick, is nought from three here in the past. Lusail brings some good classic form to the table for the Richard Hannon stable and should be thereabouts but I can’t resist a tiny each way saver on outsider Sir Dancealot. When trained by David Elsworth he won this very contest in 2018 and 2019 and although he’s now in the care of the more than capable John Butler at Newmarket showed last time out in a handicap off of a mark of 103 that he retains plenty of ability. This really though is Sacred’s to lose with Tom Marquand doing the steering. SACRED 3 points win 2/1 William Hill SIR DANCEALOT 1/2 point each way @ 50/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Goodwood 3.35 A quality turnout of nine stayers assemble for this year’s renewal of the Goodwood Cup run over two miles. Last year’s winner Trueshan has been declared but surely won’t run unless there’s rain. If the heavens did open he would be a strong fancy and a clear favourite but that’s highly unlikely and it’s odds on that he’s pulled out on the morning of the race unfortunately. The story of the race (meeting?) is the John and Thady Gosden trained Stradivarius who’s won four Goodwood Cups (he was pulled out last year due to the wet ground). This will be his final run and it would be great to see him go out on a winning note with or without Frankie Dettori who’s been jocked off the grand eight year old by his owner Bjorn Neilsen following a couple of poor rides in the last two Ascot Gold Cups. He does have a major chance today but just may struggle to beat the four year younger Aiden O’Brien trained Kyprios who is a progressive lightly raced stayer who looks all set to win plenty more staying races. He won the Ascot Gold Cup last time and the drop back half a mile shouldn’t worry him too much as he does have plenty of speed as well as stamina. The others all have plenty to find with the big three (two if Trueshan comes out) although Coltrane seems to be rapidly improving for some reason at five years of age and shouldn’t be totally dismissed. KYPRIOS 3 points win @ 13/8 William Hill Goodwood 4.10 Fifteen speedsters go to post for this class 2 5F handicap. Celsius has won at this specialist track and although up 5lb for a recent win at Newmarket (Dusky Lord 1 1/2L back in 4th and now 5lb better off and Night On Earth a further place and 3/4L back and now 7lb better off) can run well here as I thought he did it quite cosily that day and conditions will be ideal. He should run well (as should the pair that were just behind him that day) but I’ve a fancy for John Quinn’s seven year old Lord Riddiford who’s the each way bet here. He was a comfortable winner of this race last year on soft ground, coming home two lengths to the good from stable mate El Astronaute off of a pound higher mark. He lost his way a bit since but showed some promise last time at Doncaster to suggest his time is near. I am a bit concerned by the fast terrain as it was soft last year but he does have winning form on good to firm and at a double figure price he’s worth a go. LORD RIDDIFORD point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Goodwood 4.45 ITV surprisingly include this fifteen runner two year old maiden in their coverage. Charlie Appleby has a decent bunch of juveniles including another smart looking pair winning at Ascot and Newmarket last weekend and saddles Mischief Magic here. He has course experience having run over course and distance on his debut in May when third beaten 6 1/4L to the smart Royal Scotsman who’s run third in the Coventry since. The runner up that day has also won since as has the 4th Show Respect who’s also run a fine second in the group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket. Even the 5th Galeron and 7th Alif Power have won making the form of that race very strong. With William Buick on board he looks the one they all have to beat. There are dangers mind you with the William Knight runner Chartwell House just touched off at Windsor last time the pick of them. With the Appleby two years old in such fine form though and his form working out so well it’s hard to look past their runner here. MISCHIEF MAGIC 2 points win @ 10/3 bet365

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for GLORIOUS GOODWOOD, Tuesday 26th July to Saturday 30th July. Rules: 1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £60 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £25 and the third place wins £15, all prizes via your PayPal account In addition there will be a £10 prize each day for the highest profit for that day No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers. Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Not compulsory to enter everyday or every race (so if you miss the first day or two you can still take part) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for any prizes All welcome, good luck.

Results update from system selections above - top two rated in handicaps Ayr 1.48 - Ayr Poet 132 (WON 5/2) City of Life 127 Ayr 2.18 - Water of Leith 140 (WON Evs) Earn Your Stripes 116 Ayr 2.48 - Glasses Up 147, White Willow 142, Whats The Story 142 (WON 11/8) Ayr 3.18 - One Last Hug 134 (2nd), Milliemix 131 Rip 2.25 - Dream Deal 129, Bonita B 127 (WON 3/1) Rip 2.55 - Storm Chaser 145, Lord Caprio 133 (WON 16/1) Rip 3.25 - Joint top - Dakota Gold 165 (2nd), Chairmanoftheboard 165 (3rd) Rip 3.55 - Gainsbourg 158, Cosmos Raj 132 (WON 8/1) Rip 5.00 - Bit of a Quirke 135, Spantik 133 (2nd) Have to say that is a pretty good day !

Knowing how we love to come up with ratings systems I've thought of a new one using the Racing Post It's very simple ...... you add together 2 figures from the race card ....... the RPR and the Trainers RTF RPR is the Post's form figure for the horse ...... RTF is the trainer form figure, ie to what extent are his horses currently running up to their form So the rating is trying to answer the question ...... how good is the horse and how likely is it that he'll run up to his level Of course it takes no account of trip, going, track suitability but if you're concerned about all that you might as well just do your hours of form study ...... the idea here is that it's quick and simple, based on horses class and trainer form and introduces an element of randomness and whatever the opposite of subjectivity is. So hopefully it'll throw up some of those random looking winners that you probably wouldn't pick if you were studying form Trial Run at Chester ..... number of selections based on field size and EW places 1.50 - Pink Stripes 177, Kiss N Cuddle 142 2.20 - Endeared 158, Utilis 157, Zephina 147 2.55 - Princess Shabnam 192, Ventura Diamond166 3.30 - Yanifer 199, Paws for Thought 156, Sweeping 155 4.00 - Rogue Spirit 177, Rock of England 172 4.30 - Mythical 166, Midraar 157, Wynter Wildes 142 5.00 - Cormier 153, Wots The Wifi Code 135, Golden Melody 133 I'll update results later

Well let's have a final good blast win or lose ....rather than rate 3 races I'll just go big on 1 Stewards cup Pop master 9.0 11/1 8 places Regional 8.9 14/1 7places Gulliver 8.7 16/1 8places Great ambassador 8.3 Chil chil 8.3 Inver Park 8.1 Above 8.0 Seems my top 2 are same as brigadier picks and usually when that happens they run really well .....I'll try 10pt ew top 3 and try finish with a bang

There have been a number of comments about never backing odds on horses. I am going to start a trial on these horses. The basic premise is that these selections should have an edge because :- 1. The favourite-longshot bias. This is an observed phenomenon where bettors tens to overvalue longshots and undervalue favourites. 2. There is a tendency for some bettors to specifically not bet on odds on selections. If a horse is 11/10 they will have a bet but at 10/11 they will not. The bookmakers will be aware of this and therefore they will lengthen the odds on selections and shorten the odds against. I will pick 1 horse a day where it is forecast odds on and the first show on BET365 at 5pm is odds on. If there is more than 1 selection I will take the one with the lowest forecast odds. I will post the selection as my nap in the naps competition to avoid having too many threads in At The Races. I will also keep a record of the price movements to attempt to identify the best time to back these selections. I will update this thread once a week. The 1st selections is Bresson in the 2.10 at Yarmouth tomorrow. Forecast odds are 2/11. Opening price at 5.01 on BET365 was 4/9. Interestingly this has already shortened to 2/9.

Course / Time Selection Odds / Bet Type Result Ascot 13:00 Amanzoe 2.50 win 13:35 Stone Soldier 12.50 EW (4 places) 14:10 Hurricane Ivor 12.00 EW (4 places 14:45 Super Superjack 3.25 win 15:20 Pride of Priory 4.50 win 15:55 Redarna 14.00 EW (5 places) 16:30 Hamaki 4.50 win 17:05 Sterling Knight 12.00 EW (4 places) Good luck!

National League This season sees the shortest price favourites that I can remember for the National League in the shape of Wrexham and they clearly deserve to be at the head of the market as they have the best team in the division and one that wouldn't look out of place in League 1. They haven't been as busy in the transfer market as I thought they would be, but it wouldn't surprise me if more players did arrive before the end of August. At the time I thought they paid enough money for Ollie Palmer from AFC Wimbledon, but he managed to score 15 goals after he joined which was a staggering return from just 22 games. Alongside Mullin they had a great front two and if both stay fit you have to think they will be looking at the possibility of scoring 50 goals between them. I have little doubt they have the best squad in the division, but what they don't have in my view is the best manager. Phil Parkinson was found wanting last season for me and I do think if they win the title it will be despite his abilities as a manager. The hope for Wrexham fans is that either that happens or that Parkinson has learnt from his first season in charge. Early in the season they struggled at home and were superb away, but that switched towards the end of the season and they put in some poor performances on their travels which cost them the title. If they can iron those issues out then they probably walk away with the title, but things are rarely that easy in the National League. Ultimately though I do think they are the most likely team to win the title, but I just can't back them at 6/4 as I would ideally want 5/2 at least. What I wouldn't mind happening is them having a poorer than hoped for start to the season and then he gets the sack and they get someone better in as happened at Stockport last season. Then would be the time to back them, but really it's hard to see them ever getting to decent price. They are one for any multi's you are going to do, but as I a single I just think they are too short. Notts County are next in the betting as they look to get out of the league at the third time of asking after losing in the play-offs the last couple of seasons. I was a bit surprised to see Ian Burchnall leave to go to Forest Green Rovers because I didn't think he did a great job at County. They were never really in title contention at any stage although at the end they were only 6 points behind Wrexham. I think they have taken a bit of a risk going with Luke Williams as manager (or head coach as they like to describe the role). As I say every season you need a manager who knows the league to win the league and Williams has no experience at all of Non-League football. It was suggested that County tried to get the Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson in, but he turned them down. I'm sure it will a manager with no Non-League experience will win the league at some point, but I certainly don't think it is factored into their odds. Signings wise it has been an interesting summer as they have started to look at Step 2 having snapped up two Gateshead strikers and a couple from Kidderminster. The scouting website Wyscout covered Step 2 for the first-time last season and it wouldn't surprise me if that information coming available has led to them looking downwards for players. If Macauley Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott can replicate the success they had at Gateshead last season then that will put County right in the mix, but whilst Gateshead were a step above their rivals last year, it was a weak division, and they will face much stronger defences this time around. They should be good for the play-offs again, but I think they will fall short of the title again with Williams being a big risk for me. I better be careful what I say about what James Rowe did to get himself sacked from Chesterfield, but if that hadn't happened and Tshimanga doesn't get injured then I think they would have won the league last season because they were so far clear of Stockport and Wrexham. However Rowe left and not long after than Tshimanga had a season ending injury against Weymouth. Paul Cook proved to be a shocking choice of manager and as much as injuries didn't help his cause he looked clueless as manager. In the end they were lucky to even reach the play-offs and whilst he is manager of Chesterfield I couldn't possibly back them for the league. There has been a big turnover in playing staff and to be fair they have got a decent squad again. The key thing for them though is how well Tshimanga has recovered from his major injury and he hasn't featured in pre-season which suggests he won't be ready for the start of the season. He was looking good for 40 goals last season which would have been a staggering effort and clearly any team who have a striker scoring that many is going to go close. If he struggles though or if he leaves then I don't think they will get close to winning the title and it wouldn't surprise me if Cook isn't manager come the end of the season. What I will say though is there is no excuses now for Cook as he has the team he wants now and maybe he will prove me wrong. The next team in the betting are Solihull who had a stunning season to finish 3rd under Neil Ardley. I wasn't sure he was the right man for the job when they hired him, but he did a better job than he had done with Notts County the previous season. At the time I thought they should choose Mark Yates who did very well as a temporary manager the season before, but Yates went back to Stourbridge and had a disastrous time of things and got sacked! Amazing how football works sometimes. I was really impressed with them last season and it should be remembered that they finished just 1 point behind Wrexham in the end. Now losing play-off finalists don't have a great record the following season and their can be a hangover for sure. I don't think that will happen here though and I think Solihull have done great business over the summer. First, keeping Joe Sbarra was a very pleasant surprise for them and then they picked Josh Kelly last week from Maidenhead which was a good move (he chose them over Southend). They might just be capable of over turning the losing play-off finalists stat. Halifax overachieved again last season under Pete Wild and to get them to the play-offs was a superb effort. He's gone now though as has quite a few key players from that side and I just can't have them at all. They can't keep overachieving and I reckon they might even end up in a relegation battle. Dagenham & Redbridge had a great start to the season, but then flattered to deceive a bit and I'm just not sure McMahon is the man to kick them onto the next step and get them in the play-offs. It would surprise me if they finished just outside them again. Torquay could be interesting. Gary Johnson is one of the best managers in the league and they were hampered massively by the fact the play-off final was so close to the start of the season. They've lost some key players, but Johnson knows what it takes to build a good team at this level and whilst they look no more than fairly priced, they could well end up in the play-offs if Johnson has got it right again. I don't fancy either of the relegated sides at this stage. Oldham look like they will be taken over which will help them, but Sheridan didn't exactly do much as Chesterfield manager so his experience at this level isn't great. They look under priced to me. Scunthorpe look in a right mess and if there was relegation betting available, I would be putting them up as a bet. Another team who I think would be final to go down is Yeovil. If your manager is leaving to go to Woking, then that doesn't say a great deal about the sort of budget that is available. I'm not sure about Chris Hargreaves as manager. He didn't do that well when he managed before and wen I listen to him on BT Sport's coverage of the league he doesn't strike me as someone who would make a great manager. I don't think they have done great business and I think they will struggle. Boreham Wood suffered badly from injuries around the time they played Everton in the FA Cup and that hindered them badly in the final months of the season. They managed to go from title contenders to missing out on the play-offs. Luke Garrard is one of the best managers in the league and whilst he stays, I can see them always being in the mix for the play-offs. I think Southend could be in for a very good season. I like the set-up behind the scenes and having John Still and Darren Currie involved is a big plus for me. Their involvement helped turn things around for them massively after the disaster that was Phil Brown. Still knows this level like the back of his hand and I think he's recruited well. You have to think that if the current set-up had been in place a year ago then they would have been play-off contenders so there should be improvement to come and with the new signings they look a much stronger side as well. Those teams make up the top half of the betting and whilst Wrexham might well end up winning it like I say they are for multi bets only. For me, the value is with Solihull Moors. I would make them 2nd favourites based on the squad they have, and I just really liked the way they went about things last season. Given how strongly they finished the campaign you would hope that despite losing the play-off final they can kick on this season and at the very least finish in the top 3 again. I am also going to back Southend. I have a small doubt if they can make the step up to title contenders, but they have a strong squad and they are over priced for me. There are two more teams I want to add from the bottom half of the betting. First of all I really don't get the price of Woking. Like I mention above they were able to get Darren Sarll from Yeovil last season and that more me said a lot about their ambition. I put them up last season as I thought they were way overpriced, and they got some huge victories early on. It sort of went wrong after that though and it cost Alan Dowson his job. I think Sarll was a good choice of manager and I think they have done some very good business over the summer. I just can't make them 50/1 shots and I would love a match bet with them at Yeovil at the very least! The other team I like at a big price is York. Now clearly going from National League North Play-Off winners to National League champions is going to be some feat, but they have been taken over and they seem to have a bit of money to spend based on their summer signings. It was a big surprise that Chesterfield let Alex Whittle go and the fact York managed to sign him up was a big sign to their chances. What I also like is the fact they have a league winner as their manager in the shape of John Askey. How on earth he got Macclesfield to win the title I will never know, but it is probably the best managerial performance at this level since I started betting on it in the 07/08 season. I could see them surprising a few people and am happy to have a small bet on them. The top goalscorer market was especially painful last year given Tshimanga should have been a winning 40/1 bet. This season he is just 9/1 which probably isn't a bad price, but as I mention above it looks like he is missing the start of the season and it might take him a bit of time to get up to speed. He could be worth chancing at bigger odds once he returns to full strength. Last season's winner Paul Mullin heads the betting, but for me the value lies with his strike partner Ollie Palmer. As I point out above, he had an amazing scoring record after he moved to Wrexham from AFC Wimbledon and you have to think that if he had been there all season, he would have outscored Mullin. On that basis I am happy to have a small interest in Palmer e/w. Solihull Moors 1pt e/w @ 11/1 with Bet365 Southend 0.75pts e/w 22/1 with Skybet Woking 0.25pts e/w @ 61/1 with Skybet and 50/1 everywhere else (sadly the 80/1 with Paddy Power and Betfair is win only) York 0.25pts e/w @ 40/1 with everyone Ollie Palmer to be top goalscorer 0.5pts e/w @ 16/1 with Bet365

+50.00 .....we are back in business 😎

Following on from my RPR/RTF system yesterday I'm having another go with a couple of tweaks ...... First of all I'm sticking to handicaps today because the RPR is likely to be based on more evidence than for novice, maiden, two year old conditions races etc. I would probably include group & listed races for older horses but there aren't any today Secondly I'm only going to post the top and second top rated ...... no point really posting 3 horses in a race, I can't see any circumstance in which I'd ever back 3 horses in a race, but I would sometimes back two Here's this afternoon's handicaps (might check out the evening cards later) Ayr 1.48 - Ayr Poet 132, City of Life 127 Ayr 2.18 - Water of Leith 140, Earn Your Stripes 116 Ayr 2.48 - Glasses Up 147, White Willow 142, Whats The Story 142 Ayr 3.18 - One Last Hug 134, Milliemix 131 Rip 2.25 - Dream Deal 129, Bonita B 127 Rip 2.55 - Storm Chaser 145, Lord Caprio 133 Rip 3.25 - Joint top - Dakota Gold 165, Chairmanoftheboard 165 Rip 3.55 - Gainsbourg 158, Cosmos Raj 132 Rip 5.00 - Bit of a Quirke 135, Spantik 133

1.40 GW- I give rank outsider DARK SHOT 40/1 4places BOG a squeak in this has two way of running but has some good form and far from a no hope imo. 2.30 Galway I think STREETS OF DOYEN is overpriced at 33/1 and is worth a small e/w play 6 places bog. 3.20 GW Oh this is so wide open having a few stabs here Backed CHIL CHIL on Thursday night e/w at 14/1 bog 7places bet365 think it will go well but starting to go up the weights so it was a small play. My main fancy is the combi of trainer & jockey that did me a favour today 14/1 shot SUMMERGHAND 14/1 has won this before horses for courses on a nice mark have also had 2 small e/w bets on two big fat ones ABOVE 50/1 good run in decent handicap in April gets in here on a good mark & 33/1 shot ABLE KANE who ran 2nd to Mr Wagyu in the consolation race last year he is 8/1 fav here no thanks ill take my chances with the 33/1 shot ABLE KANE 33/1- DARK SHOT 40/1 -STREETS OF DOYEN 33/1- THEMAXWECAN 25/1. A very small e/w L15 bog bet365 Good Punting All

Another decent day. 3 winners from 5 races at 11/4, 11/1 and 11/8 for a healthy profit of 14.37 points. Thursday's selections were uploaded this morning.

Ascot 1.50 Nine turn up for the group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes for juvenile fillies and features to my eyes the best bet of the seven terrestrial television races. Ralph Beckett will no doubt have his mind on his superstar three year old Westover later today but his Zoustar filly Lezoo ridden today by Frankie Dettori will be very hard to beat. Impressive in a Newmarket listed race on the July course in June under Dettori she stepped up from that run when pushing the smart Mawj all the way to the line going down by half a length in the group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at the same track a fortnight later. If in the same form she can beat some promising maiden/novice stakes winners who will need to step up considerably. William Haggas’s Royal Charter may turn out to be her biggest threat following a Newmarket maiden victory. LEZOO 3 Points win @ 7/4 bet365 York 2.05 The jump jockey’s Nunthorpe handicap is as it states a 5F class 4 handicap for jump jockeys. A bit of a novelty contest that has only a minimal appeal as a betting medium to be honest. The race has a wide open look about it with last years neck winner Soul Seeker under Tom Scudamore back to defend his title this time from a 8lb lower mark and with Sean Bowen in the saddle. Scudamore has won two of the last four runnings of this unique race and is on board Mick Appleby’s Val De Travers here from stall 16. He’s won three of his five starts this season from the front and it will shortly be a case of point and shoot from Scuadmore here. He’s worth a speculative each way bet. VAL DE TRAVERS 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Ascot 2.25 A one mile group three contest for 3 year old and older fillies and mares is up next and once again a warm favourite in the Roger Varian trained Zanbaq. She was last seen here at the Royal meeting when chasing home the smart Heredia giving her a pound in the Sandringham Handicap run over the straight course (today’s race is run over the round course). That was a fine effort and although officially not the highest rated here will be tough to beat. Her stable mate Kind Gesture is improving and could easily give the Newmarket stable a 1-2. The top rated in the race is the German runner Novemba but her best form has been on soft ground and for me would only come into the equation we’re the heavens to open. Jumbly is the other one at the front end of the market with claims but for me this will go to the Varian stable and Zanbaq who will be ridden by Jim Crowley for his employers Shadwell Stud. ZANBAQ 3 points win @ 2/1 bet354 ZANBAQ & LEZOO 2 points each way double 7/4 & 2/1 bet365 1/5th 123 York 2.40 A 6F class 2 handicap which has attracted 15 runners is up next which again has an open feel about it. Silver Samurai came into the Wokingham at Royal Ascot looking a progressive sprinter but was a tad disappointing and maybe a mark of 98 is the ceiling of his ability. Top weight Mondammej has been keeping better company than this (and running well in it) but a mark of 104 seems high enough. Last years’s one two Venturous (2lb lower) and Music Society (6lb lower) are back and both have each way chances. The horse I like though is the progressive Michael Dodds trained mare Gale Force Mayo who’s kept her form well all season winning at Newmarket and over course and distance and certainly wasn’t disgraced when third to the smart Flotus in a group 3 over course and distance again a fortnight ago. She’s running off of her highest ever handicap mark but should run her race and this consistent six year old will do for me although it would of been nice to have seen Dodds’ horses in slightly better form ( 22 runs and 17 days since his last winner). GALE FORCE MAYO 1 point each way @ 7/1 Coral/Ladbrokes 1/5th 1234 Ascot 3.00 A widely competitive 7F class 2 handicap with a big field of twenty two is the days big handicap. Dark Shift won the Royal Hunt Cup at the Royal meeting bringing his track record to four wins from six starts and despite dropping a furlong here has a major chance even from a 6lb higher handicap mark and has to be on the short list. The front three from Newmarket’s Bunbury Cup re-oppose and I can’t really see why the 3rd that day Jumby is so much shorter than the two that beat him in Bless Him and Ropey Guest. Bless Him is a hold up horse who has the assistance once more of marmite pilot Jamie Spencer whilst Ropey Guest has run well in big handicaps all season and should be thereabouts. Fresh likes this track but may need easier ground to show his best whilst the best outsider, and officially 3lb well in today, is the Michael Dodds trained Northern Express ridden by Graham Lee. It’s a minefield of a race with the draw also a major factor with possibly high numbers preferred as the majority of the pace seems to be high although as always that’s not a certainty. I’ll take a couple against the field in Ropey Guest who looks over priced and Hunt Cup winner Dark Shift who loves the track. ROPEY GUEST 1 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 DARK SHIFT 1 point each way @ 6/1 Boylesports 1/5th 123456 York 3.15 Only five go to post for the Sky Bet York Stakes, a group 2 contest run over 1m 2F 56yds. I believe currently we have the wrong favourite here in the improving Jane Chapple- Hyam trained Claymore. He won the group three Hampton Court at Royal Ascot from the odds on and disappointing favourite of the Gosden’s Reach For The Moon and as progressive as he is is still officially rated 9lb behind William Haggas’s Dubai Honour who if straight enough surely goes off favourite here. Runner up in the Champion Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot last October he was last seen when 10th of 15 beaten 4 1/4L in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March. A genuine group one performer he’ll be hard to beat if forward enough. Sir Busker and Dark Moon Rising don’t look good enough whilst Saeed Bin Suroor’s Dubai Future is not without a chance either. DUBAI HONOUR 3 points win @ 2/1 Boylesports Ascot 3.35 The day’s feature race is the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes run over a mile and a half where the Classic generation meet their elders. The two three year olds are unlucky Derby 3rd and Irish Derby victor Westover from the Ralph Beckett camp and unlucky Oaks runner up Emily Upjohn from the John and Thady Gosden stable. Both have obvious claims and it would not be a shock if either won this. Personally I think they’ll need to step up here against the four older horses. The horse who’s overpriced surely is the Arc De Triomphe winner Torquator Tasso in double figure odds. He won that prestigious race on heavy ground though and if the ground remains fast couldn’t be put up as a bet. Broome ran 4th in this last year and looked good over course and distance in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting. It’s not often you can get 20/1 plus about a Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore runner in a group one that’s for sure. They may all have to go mind to beat the other John and Thady Gosden runner Mishriff. He went down by 1 3/4L in this last year to that year’s Derby winner Adayar and was an unlucky loser when not getting a clear run in the Eclipse at Sandown at the beginning of the month. David Egan has lost the ride (and job) on the horse since but the more than capable James Doyle takes over. In a race to saviour he may well be worth a small interest. MISHRIFF 1 point win @ 7/2 bet365

256 newb Rohaan 8.9 6/1 Minzaal 8.7 7.4 Chil chil 8.6 14/1 Close,at the top ....I'll try 3x 5pt wins

Can't even comment on racing at moment ....15 turn up for gt st wilfred ...and consolation race which woukd normally be full has not enough to run ....🤔🤔 Anyway it's been quiet lately so time to chase a big win and get the coffers filled ...🤣 Great st wilfred Blackrod 9.0 5.7 Emperor spirit 8.8 14.0 Intrinsic bond 8.5 16.0 Hyperfocus 8.1 Not many races of interest so I'll go 10pt wins top 3 with decent prices betfair ....hope a biggy wins 🏆 👏...

Let's have a bit of fun and have a bash at these competitive Doncaster races Barley 7.8 8/1 5places Copper and five 7.6 14/1 5 places Antagonise 7.2 Galiac 7.1 Mercurius power 7.1 These are very tricky races but with 5 places on offer at bet365 worth a try ....Barley found royal ascot way too hard but if forgiven that previously looked a horse with talent so this drop back to suitable level could see him resume winning ways Copperr and five also ew 3pts each top 2

Hi all this is my first post. Hope to get to know you all as time goes by I am surprised that 6/4 is currently available on the machine for HDB's Ballybough Native who I fully expected to be 4/6 at best My only bet today

Another fantastic day for @BBBC, finding the 25/1 winner of the Stewards Cup. He takes his 3rd daily prize and the overall prize with a very impressive 68 points. Also well done to @noviruswho matches @BBBC's 2 winners today and finishes 3rd overall. Well done to @Tedthewolfwho finishes 2nd. Could the prize winners please PM pay-pal details. Next stop York !

Galway Hurdle , 20 go to post Ratings Prediction 1 Santa Rossa 6/1 2 Anna Bunina 14/1 3 Tudor City 16/1 As always tough to call. Santa Rossa is 3/6 over hurdles and her form is pretty rock solid looking back over the last few races. Top weight will make it difficult here, but may have a few pounds in hand and is classy. The one I like most is Anna Buninda who I think is way overpriced. Scottish champion hurdle winner with a 5Ibs claimer on board. Very dangerous. Tudor City is approaching the veteran stage but may still have the legs for this , especially as he runs off a lower mark he won this race on in 2019. He placed in 2020 and 2021 off higher marks. He’s in decent form so far this summer and will be aided by a 7Ibs claimer which could be a bonus. Long time back since a 10 year old won this though. Looking back at recent winners, it seems horses carrying big weights are doing well which may indicate the classier horse may win this but we’ll see . 5 points win on Santa and Anna . I may play Tudor City ew but not sure yet. Anyway long night for me, my bitch dog has gave birth to 4 puppies early this evening so I’m sleeping downstairs to do hourly checks 😏 p.s Embittered is possibly thrown in if he takes to hurdles again after going chasing . High on ratings , but not in my top 3. At 33/1 I wouldn’t put anyone off him .

In the two big handicaps on itv from Goodwood tomorrow i don't fancy any of the big priced horses enough to back which is very unusual for me i have gone for 2 short one for me but gotta go with the flow. I have gone for a e/w double and backed the later e/w single aswell. 1.50 GW-BRILLIANT LIGHT 7/1(now 6/1) be365 6 places bog- Been running well this season the Godolphin runner my eck out a little bit more should be in the mix here with 6 places up for grabs 4.10 GW-STONE OF DESTINY 10/1 bet365 4 places bog- Should go very close off this mark if given luck in running. Trainers runners are in great form. GOOD LUCK ALL

1710 Galway #1 As Tears Go By won over 2m 1f at Sligo last time on hurdle debut should be there for the Elliott / Kennedy combo #2 HMS Seahorse won over 1m 4f at Curragh last month and has been credible over hurdles for example 4th in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham at the festival probably is the one to beat #3 Sawbuck won at 300/1 back in May at Punchestown but has since pulled up at Wexford over 2m, looking elsewhere as 300/1 seems a fluke run #4 Celtic Scraks pulled up on debut at Cork on the 8th July, hood reached for #5 Elzvale well beaten 10th at Kilbeggan on hurdle debut #6 Mr Sundancer last seen finishing 8th at Cartmel over 2m 6f significantly down in trip did win on NHF debut at Wincanton over 1m 7f back in December #7 Razdan has only had 1 hurdle start back in September 2021 finishing 3rd at Ballinrobe one to possibly like #8 Whip Whitaker 5th on debut over 2m 3f at Kilbeggan on the 15th July and is down in trip here #9 Gaoth Chuil won last time at Tipperary in a NHF contest other 3 NHF races finished 2nd every time be interesting to see how it jumps a hurdle #10 Royal Eagle well beaten on 2 previous hurdle starts finished 2nd at Dundalk over 1m 4f a fortnight ago Verdict: HMS Seahorse should win this comfortably, As Tears Go By also has to be respected but im slightly interested in #6 Mr Sundancer having won over 1m 7f (and a little bit) at Wincanton on rules debut and placed at Hereford and Perth over 2m before a 2m 6f hurdle debut and at a price for a 2m Hurdle might be just tempting for 3rd place definitely not a napping horse but is interesting 50/1 E/W Bet365 13/2 Bet365 to Place

Two "NOTEBOOK" horses running at Goodwood tomorrow. 335 Enemy 50/1 I'm a bit surprised this has turned up here to be honest because it has an entry in the EBOR (25/1) This is 16f which i thought may have been the reason it had been beaten previously (although they wouldnt have wanted any more weight if the Ebor was the plan) so im not sure what to make of it running here in a 2mile G1 against solid performers instead of the Ebor H'cap at 1m6f which in my opinion is far more suitable maybe the trainer Ian Williams who is pretty impressive when it comes to staying races thinks it worth a go in both who knows? Be assured if it wins here it will be fav for the Ebor. So just an EW is advised for the half a stout drinkers. 445 Master of Chant is The other runner at about 6/1, not much to go on form wise in this race but i think Marcus Tregoning's horse is worth a bet, it will probably be a decent animal that can beat Master of Chant, Its debut at a big price was very encouraging it ran green as grass all over the place and still managed to look good failing by 1/2L with a reasonable time figure to beat a previous winner with a few far more experienced animals behind. For the Bitter drinkers - Worth a farthing or two on the double at 350/1+ ish.

In the great words of meatloaf ...2 outta 3 ain't bad 🤣...+35.00 on the day

Its Beer o'clock boys👍

2.50 Ripon Summerghand ran a stinker llto and is much better than that and looks weighted to win very soon however @ around 11/2 for this not a backable bet for me today Last years winner and another one of the older brigade Justanotherbottle will be popular but much to high in the weights for me. However i see last years 4th INTRINSIC BOND 12/1 to have a top e/w shout coming of a win at 5f lto but yet still 6lb lower than in this last year has not won o 6f yet but that does not put me off & should go very well here again. Have had a few shillings e/w on one that is 10lb out of the handicap but has a 7lb claimer on top has some could form and a very big price MARKS CHOICE 25/1. GOOD LUCK ALL

335 newb Pogo 9.1 4/1 Double or bubble 8.8 15/2 Happy romance 8.4 Dubai poet 8.3 10pt wins top 2 ....

Persian Force 4:15 Curragh (5/1 SBK). Cracking race. Bradsell the right fav after 2 great wins, but at the prices I've got to go for Hannon's horse. I thought Hollie Doyle kicked at just the right moment at Ascot and put the race to bed for Bradsell. I can see the super straight forward Persian Force at least closing that gap and the price looks too big. fav had on off day but winner was in another league, highly impressive!

610 donc Fresh hope 8.1 11/4 Lord rapscallion 7.7 22/1 Princess raj 7.6 16/1 8pts win fresh ...2pts win other 2

Goodwood 1.05 The days ITV races kick off with a nine runner 7F maiden for two year old’s. People have been moaning this week that we should be seeing the more competitive handicap races on terrestrial television but personally I think it’s quite refreshing that they show the occasional maiden as they are the future. Richard Hannon’s Classic ran a race full of promise on his debut when 4th of 14 in a Newbury novice stakes having been tardy at the start and not knocked about towards the finish. The Foxes represents the Andrew Balding/King Power connections and this expensive yearling was thrown into the deep end on his second start when 9th in the Chesham at Royal Ascot. He can chase Classic home who is a strong fancy to step forward for his promising debut under Pat Dobbs for Richard Hannon. CLASSIC 3 points win @ 6/4 bet365 Goodwood 1.40 A disappointing turnout of only a dozen go to post for this 6F Stewards Cup consolation handicap. Saying that there is a stand out bet here in favourite Lethal Levi who is officially 9lb well in following two victories in decent three year old 6F handicaps at Newmarket earlier this month. Karl Burke’s gelding will be ridden , as he was last time, by 3lb claimer Pierre-Louis Jamin and will be hard to beat. The majority of his opposition are fully exposed with some respect given to 2020 winner Treacherous who’s two from four at the track and a big price here. It’s all about Lethal Levi though for me. LETHAL LEVI 4 points win @ 7/4 bet365 Newmarket 1.55 A 6F nursery now with just eight runners. Likely favourite is the Ralph Beckett trained Fox Degree who won at Ffos Las on his nursery debut 19 days ago by a comfortable two lengths and with the form already boosted by the third winning since looks sure to run well stepping back up to 6f with Frankie Dettori in the saddle. He’s been well found in the market however and I’ll play the Tom Dascombe trained handicap debutant Queen Of Uplands in the hope that all eight run. Dascombe had his first winner from his new base at Lambourn last week and in this Kessaar filly he may have a well handicapped sort. She improved for front running tactics last time at Newbury when running the progressive Candle Of Hope to two and a quarter lengths at levels. That horse has won again since easily and is now officially rated 89. A mark of 73 may underestimate Dascombe’s filly and she’s the each way bet. QUEEN OF UPLANDS 1 point each way @ 11/2 William Hill 1/5th 123 Goodwood 2.10 Fourteen assemble for the 1m 6F Summer handicap for three year olds and older. It has an open look about it with Charlie and Mark Johnstone’s Soapy Stevens chasing a hat trick of victories following wins at Chester and Newmarket. He’s up 3lb for his latest win and should be competitive . If you like him though you must give Ralph Beckett’s Sam Cooke a chance as he was only 3/4L behind him at Newmarket last time and is 2lb better off today. Andrew Balding’s Melrose winner Valley Forge is another with claims and should be thereabouts with the Ebor his main Autumn target. I’m backing the George Baker trained Cemhaan though. A Salisbury and Newmarket winner in the spring he wasn’t disgraced when finishing 7th of 18 in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot won by Candleford. He didn’t get the clearest of runs close home that day and his effort can be marked up. An extra two furlongs here will suit and he has the services of Hollie Doyle today who’s one from one on the five year old gelding. CEMHAAN 1 1/2 points each way @ 8/1 BetVictor 1/5th 1234 Newmarket 2.25 Seven three year old and older fillies and mares assemble here for the listed Chalice Stakes run over 1m 4F. A good favourite is the Charlie and Mark Johnstone trained Rose Of Kildare who will be very hard to beat on her best form. That includes a 3/4L second to the improving Godolphin three year old Eternal Pearl over course and distance a fortnight ago. If she was in this race she would be an odds on chance and the 7/4 around about the selection looks value to my eyes. The closest on official ratings to Rose Of Kildare is Freddie and Martyn Meade’s Technique but she was 8 1/2L behind the selection a fortnight ago and unless the first time blinkers improve her she’s held. The three three year olds all have a bit to find on what they have so far achieved although Ralph Beckett’s Star Fortess is still improving and can chase the selection home who is a strong fancy. ROSE OF KILDARE 3 points win @ 2/1 BetVictor Goodwood 2.45 Next up is the group 2 Lillie Langtry Stakes for 3yo+ fillies and mares. Eight go to post and the market is headed by William Haggas’ Sea La Rosa who is the top rated on official ratings. Tom Marquand’s mount beat the re-opposing Viola a length and a quarter at Haydock on her re-appearance and followed that up when runner up to the smart Free Wind on soft ground at the same track. She’s the one to beat here but with hopefully all eight going to post and at the prices I’m happy to take her on with something each way. Emily Dickinson is second in but she hardly excites me at the current odds of 5/2 for team O’Brien and Moore. Yesyes was interesting but she has an absence to overcome and maybe more pertinent is the fact she needs softer ground. Maybe Hughie Morrison can take it with his seven year old Urban Artist who is only rated 6lb inferior to the favourite and has form figures here of 12. She was actually runner up on this day last year over course and distance in the Summer Handicap to Prince Alex. She has an excuse for her latest run as that was the best part of a mile further than she’s raced before on the flat and to small stakes she’s the each way selection. URBAN ARTIST 1 point each way @ 10/1 BetVictor 1/5th 123 Goodwood 3.20 The feature handicap of the day and week is the Stewards’ Cup Handicap run over 6F. As always it has a very open look about it and looking back over the years and this week the draw may not play as much of an advantage as one would think although Inwould prefer to be very high or very low ideally. I have a short list of six, five of which are around the front of the market and an outsider. Great Ambassador ran well in this race last year when third on ground that didn’t suit and back on fast ground and following a fair effort last time in a group 3 at Newbury should be competitive for Ed Walker and Saffie Osborne who gets the leg over on him for the first time. This is Mr Wagyu’s time of the year and he comes here having won a competitive handicap at The Curragh a fortnight ago. He won the consolation race for this last year on soft ground but appears to go on anything. Ed Walker not only has Great Ambassador with claims but his Popmaster ran a stormer last time in the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot when runner up to the smart Rohaan (Mr Wagyu 1 1/2L back in 4th and now 2lb worse off). Summerghand won this race a couple of years ago and is falling down the handicap but has shown signs recently that he’s ready to win again. He was 3 3/4L behind Popmaster at Ascot and is 4lb better off here. Ryan Moore has been booked for Edward Bethell’s Regional who could be well berthed in stall 27 with plenty of pace around him. He ran on well at Doncaster over 5F last time and will appreciate todays furlong longer contest. All five of those should be competitive with Popmaster just favoured from stall 3 under Tom Marquand. My best outsider is the Freddie and Martyn Meade trained Method who runs in a handicap for the first time. He finished last of 13 at Newbury last time (3 1/4L behind Great Ambassador and 6lb better off) but is better than that and can also make his presence pay. A tough race but it’s Popmaster each way for me from stall 3 with a saver on Regional on the other side in stall 27. POPMASTER 1 point each way @ 12/1 Boylesports 1/5th 1234567 REGIONAL 1 point each way @ 16/1 Coral/Ladbrokes 1/5th 123456 Goodwood 3.55 The weeks feast of terrestrial television concludes with a 7F class 2 three year old’s only handicap. The key piece of form is the Haydock handicap won by Richard Hughes’ Zero Carbon from the William Haggas trained Spirit Of Nguru. There was only a head between them at the line and there shouldn’t be much between them today. That run though came on soft ground and I’ll take the pair of them on here with combined odds of around 15/8. The horse I like is the George Boughey trained Koy Koy who ran a remarkable race on his first start for Newmarket based Boughey (previously with Andrew Balding)when despite getting loose and running around for some time settled down in the race and won by a short head in a mile handicap at Newmarket. The handicapper only put him up a couple of pounds and with Ryan Moore booked he looks a worthy selection today for Boughey who’s runners this week at Goodwood have all run well including Oscula who won. KOY KOY 2 points each way 8/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 123

3.20 Goodwood Comanche Falls. 2pt EW. loves this track. Looking very relaxed and has the right stuff. ## well that turned out alright ##

Putting this up early in case the price goes. Smallish e/w on THEMAXWECAN 2.10 GW 25/1 4places bog Dropping down in trip should suit very wide open race so place more likely than the win but worth backing e/w at the price has dropped to a nice weight trainer does well here but he does have 3 in the race!

ORBAAN anywhere in your ratings mate ? I think it can go well from good draw decent 6th last year when frank was slow away on it and kept it out the back much better Jockey on board today and off a much lower weight 25's look a really big price to me and great e/w value bog 6 places bet 365 .

It's been a while since I had an ass kicking but they just aren't turning up for whatever reason ...it was due I guess ....few close 2nds and bit ew money 445 good Swayze 8.6 13/2 Sir Henry Cotton 8.5 9/1 5pt ew both

Good 150 Secret state 8.5 9/4 Teumessias fox 8.3 18/1 Soulcombe 8.3 5/1 I'll try ew on 2nd and 3rd rated 5pts ew both 4 places

Grear stuff from our leading correspodents. Ill look at the TV races later. In my eye / computer head system there is just one horse today, in the Newmarket 1.35. The magnificent looking Bailey's Showtime....50-1. It ran a dreadful tace st Windsor. Legs everywhere at the wrong time in the wrong place. Did I catch a glimpse of the colt getting it right in the last 100 yards,? An awesome set of high profile yards against the 'clown horse' but go on at 50-1 ew not much down side.

2.05 york-SOUL SEEKER 14/1 2.40 york MUSIC SOCIETY 16/1 3.00 Ascot ROPEY GUEST 16/1 5.20 Ascot HURRICANE IVOR 12/1 All 4 e/w singles and a e/w L15 bog 3.00 Ascot RHOSCOLYN 25/1 e/w bog 6places

240 york Gale force maya 8.6 7/1 Hyperfocus 8.2 19.5 Aberama gold 8.2 10/1 These 3 are a little clear of rest so at decent prices I'll try 3x 10pt wins top 3

Curragh 4.20 FINAL ENDEAVOUR 40-1 Ran remarkably well in the face of an impossible task LTO,, worth a stab at the price. Fingers crossed.

330 newb Maria Branwell 9.2 9/4 Miami girl 8.8 10.0 Rogue spirit 8.6 4/1 Maria branwell will be hard to beat but the 2nd and 3rd rated are no pushovers...I'll try 8pt win top rated ...2 pt win miami

205 Curragh - On The Money @ 14/1 e-w bet365 Eye catching run at Galway on debut, was green, didn't handle the downhill section but did stay on at the uphill finish. Likely to improve now on 2nd run, trainer has had couple of recent 2yo winners. It's and open race with plenty of uknowns/improvers but at the price is worth an e-w bet