The Brigadier

Doyen Quest has been raised 10lb so will be 5lb 'well in' for Saturdays race

I’m chasing a weekend ante-post hat trick following the advices of King Turgeon (advised 25/1) in the Grand Sefton and Burdett Road (advised 5/1) in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle and have had a good look at this weekend's big handicap hurdle at Haydock the Betfair Stayers Handicap Hurdle run over three miles and 58 yards. The ground is currently good there but with an unsettled forecast of rain, sleet and snow can see the ground riding more on the soft side. Dan Skelton has left in three runners with the current favourite Doyen Spirit having to carry a 5lb penalty for his cosy enough victory at Cheltenham last weekend. The handicapper is likely to raise him more than the 5lb (we will know on Tuesday) and if he lines up has to be part of the staking plan as he’s totally unexposed at this trip. The Skeltons mentioned this race after he won at the weekend and he looks the one to beat. Much better value however is the James Owen trained One Big Bang. He has shown much improved form since joining Owen from Paul Tobin in Ireland winning over course and distance in the mud on his stable debut back in March. The six-year-old followed up in a three runner novice hurdle at Uttoxeter a week later before not being seen till the end of October when runner up to Hymac at Newton Abbot. Owen has spoken positively about the horse in a stable tour last month and although his future lies over fences he may creep in to the bottom of the handicap here and should be backed each way for a yard that did us a big favour at the weekend. He’s currently number 21 in a race where only 17 can run so it may be touch and go whether he gets in to the race but it’ll be money back if he is balloted out. Back him each way and Doyen Quest win only. ONE BIG BANG 1 point each way 20/1 (general) 1/4 1234 DOYEN QUEST 1 point win @ 7/2 BetMGM

This Sunday’s Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham is always a race worth following and this year’s renewal, run over 2M 1/2F of the old course has attracted twenty at the six day declaration stage this lunchtime and is no exception. One horse who has been on my radar for the race for a while is James Owen’s Burdett Road who looks worth a decent each way bet. This will be his handicap debut over hurdles following two victories at Huntingdon and over course and distance at this meeting a year ago with a ten length second to the top class Sir Gino last January another top effort on his third and final start asa three-year-old hurdler. He has some excellent flat form when in the care of Michael Bell which including winning the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot on fast ground in June of 2023. The four-year-old appears to have taken his form to another level since joining Owen making all to win the listed 1M 4F Al Basti Equiworld , Dubai Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket in the mud by 8 1/2L from the progressive Military Academy who’s won a handicap since. His only outing since has come in the Group 2 Qipco Long Distnace Cup at Ascot on Champions Day when he was slowly away and could never get to the front trailing in sixth of the 9 runners beaten only 7 3/4L by champion stayer Kyprios. Despite the race not falling right for him that was a fair effort and he has an official handicap mark of 109 which in comparison to his rating over hurdles means he could be very well treated back over hurdles. I would love to see him get out in front in the manner he did at Newmarket when so impressive and with the drying ground unlikely to worry him looks excellent each way value. Current favourite Dysart Enos is unbeaten under rules in six races and looks the biggest danger although a close eye should be kept on the Emmet Mullins duo of Jacovec Cavern (last seen running ninth when favourite in the Cesarewitch) and Toll Stone. Mullins won this race in 2020 with The Shunter. Burdett Road has a lenient looking initial handicap mark and he looks worth a good each way bet. BURDETT ROAD 2 points each way @ 5/1 (general, 1/4 1234)

It’s the first time over the Grand National fences this season this weekend with the feature race being the 2M 5F Grand Sefton Handicap Chase and with the five day entries out tomorrow lunchtime I think there’s a bit of value to be had with the David Pipe trained King Turgeon. He’s currently 13lb out of the handicap but with a 7lb penalty for his very easy victory at Chepstow last week will be only 6lb wrong at present. That may also change if some of the top weights defect over the next two declaration stages. The six-year-old jumped superbly when winning last week over 3M 2F under Harry Cobden, coasting home to the tune of ten lengths. That was his first run since a wind operation and creeping in off of bottom weight can run a big race. He likes to front run and hopefully his slick jumping will be suited to this shorter trip on hopefully decent ground. I do know that he has schooled well over the purpose built National fences at Pipe’s base in Somerset and although this is a big step up from his last win he looks great each way value at 25/1 with MGM Bet. He’s beginning to ‘blue’ up today so I recommend an each way bet before tomorrow’s declaration stage. KING TURGEON 1 point each way @ 25/1 BetMGM 1/4 1234

Aintree 1.50 The first of seven races covered by ITV today is this five runner 2M 4F Virgin Bet Old Roan Handicap Chase. Paul Nicholls has been a bit slow off the mark this autumn but has had three winners in the past fortnight and can take this with his eight-year-old Stage Star who runs very well fresh so a 227 day absence shouldn’t be a hinderance. He took the Paddy Power Gold Cup first time up last season when a well backed favourite and although 8lb higher here has had a wind operation since last seen. He may have most to fear from Ahoy Senor who has a good record of two wins from five starts here. STAGE STAR 1 point win @ 13/8 bet365 Galway 2.05 A rare excursion to Ireland for the ITV cameras as they take in the 2M 6 1/2F handicap chase in which the track specialist Neveradullmoment looks the likeliest winner. Trained by J P Dempsey for owner J P McManus he has a record here of three wins from four starts including last time out over course and distance when running out a clear 9 1/2L winner. A 12lb rise in the weights will make things more difficult but a big run is expected under the owners retained jockey Mark Walsh. NEVERADULLMOMENT 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Aintree 2.25 A 3M 1F veterans handicap chase is up next with a field of seven going to post. Joe Tizzard’s Copperhead is the one to beat having won a similar contest at Chepstow last time out but now 5lb higher in the weights. He should go close but I’ll take him on with the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Torn And Frayed who ran well from a 5lb higher mark at Cheltenham’s April meeting when we last saw him and is 5lb below his last winning mark which came in a much better race than this at Cheltenham in January 2022. His trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies is in fine form and that has to be a positive. TORN AND FRAYED 1 point win 7/2 bet365 Wincanton 2.42 Just the six line up for this 2M 4F veterans handicap chase with Anthony Honeyball’s Glynn chasing a four timer and looking the one they all have to beat. He should go close but is up 16lb in total for beating just twelve rivals so is opposable with Joe Tizzard’s Le Ligerian who has had his wind tinkered with since we last saw him 188 days ago. 6lb lower now than when winning a four runner handicap at Kempton a year ago he looks a value bet for his very much in form stable. LE LIGERIEN 1 point win @ 5/1 Paddy Power Aintree 3.00 A seven runner maiden hurdle is a strange race to be televising in the middle of the card but that’s what we have here in this 2M 4F contest. The best of the four that have raced before looks to be the Dan Skelton trained Sunray Shadow but it’s easy to pick holes in his form and the pick is the hurdling debutant Takt De Touques trained in County Antrim by Gerald Stephen Quinn. He’s won a maiden Pont-to-point and three bumpers, two at Perth and one at Hexham and wouldn’t need to be much above average to score here under Mr N McParlan. TAKT DE TOUQUES 1 point win @ 13/8 bet365 Wincanton 3.15 A 3M 2 1/2F handicap chase which features eight runners has an open look about it. Credo won this last year first time out by a cosy 6 1/2L and can repeat the feat here from a 5lb higher handicap mark under Sam Twiston-Davies. The Tizzard runner No Hubs No Hobbs is chasing a a four timer and looks the biggest threat. CREDO 1 point each way 2 5/1 BetVictor Aintree 3.35 Nine line up for this 2M 4F class 2 handicap hurdle where it may pay to chance the Henry Daly trained Bowenspark who’s won first time out for the last two seasons. Harry Cobden is a positive jockey booking and although he does carry his head rather high it seems first time out is the best time to be with him. He looks a value each way play in a tricky looking contest. BOWENSPARK 1 point each way @ 17/2 William Hill 1/5 123

Just the ten races on terrestrial TV today and here's my thoughts - Cheltenham 1.10 The first of five races from the ITV team at Cheltenham today is the 2M 4F novices’ handicap chase in which we have a field of thirteen going to post. The Irish (surprise, surprise!) have a good record at this meeting and it’s one of their five in Marv Michael who appeals most. Henry De Bromhead’s six-year-old made a winning fencing debut at Kilbeggan in September when making all, jumping well to come home 7L to the good. An initial mark of 128 looks workable. Keep an eye on the two chasing debutants Lord Of Thunder from the Tizzard stable and Doughmore Bay from the in form Emma Lavelle stable. MARV MICHAEL 1 point each way @ 6-1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 1.30 Doncaster The opener at Doncaster is a listed race for two-year-olds to be run over 6F and eight will run on soft ground. There’s plenty of soft ground form on offer and a case can be made for most but the one that catches my eye is the Clive Cox trained Fast Track Harry who made a winning racecourse debut at Newbury in the mud 36 days ago. Nibbled at in the market going off at 9/1 he got the better of the William Haggas newcomer Almeraq by just under a length and that form has been franked since by that one running out a easy winner at Yarmouth when very well backed since. The chestnut son of Harry Angel will need to step up again but has plenty of scope for improvement and looks a good each way bet. FAST TRACK HARRY 1 point each way @ 13/2 bet365 1/5th 123 Cheltenham 1.45 Just five have declared for this class 2 novice hurdle run over 3M with Irish trainers having four of the field. John C McConnell’s five-year-old Intense Approach ran a fine second to Flying Fortune in the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow earlier this month and this consistent five-year-old look the one they all have to beat under Harry Cobden. Gavin Cromwell’s Millforce is a lightly raced improver who may chase him home for a one-two for the Irish. INTENSE APPROACH 1 point win @ 5/2 BetVictor Doncaster 2.05 A big field of seventeen sprinters have declared for this class 2 5F handicap. There’s plenty of soft ground form on offer and the best value may well lie with last year’s winner Aberama Gold who is 11lb lower than when winning 12 months ago. It can’t be soft enough for the seven-year-old who’s shown more than enough in his recent efforts to suggest that his turn may well soon. ABERAMA GOLD 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Cheltenham 2.20 A decent sized field of fourteen go to post for this 3M 1F class 2 handicap chase. Nigel Twiston-Davies has his string in great shape at present and it’s his runner Broadway Boy that catches the eye. We haven’t seen him since disappointing at Aintree but his form figures here read 1112 and he won first time out last season. He appears to have plenty in his favour and this second season chaser can take this en route to bigger targets later in the season under Sam Twiston-Davies. Top weight Doses He Know represents the very much in form Kim Bailey stable and has had his wind done since we last saw him. He’s worth a close look in the market. BROADWAY BOY 1 point win @ 7/2 William Hill Doncaster 2.40 The feature race of the day is the final Group one two-year-old race in the UK for the season in the one mile William Hill Futurity Trophy. The Godolphin runner Anno Domini and the Gosden’s Detain are both promising sorts who have looked smart in winning a brace each but both have yet to encounter soft ground (in the case of the latter he’s only raced on the all-weather). The confident pick has to be the James Owen trained Wimbledon Hawkeye who is proven on soft and has the best form in the race. He followed up an excellent second in the Acomb Stakes at York to current Derby favourite Lion In Winter with a win from the re-opposing Royal Playright in the Royal Lodge on soft ground. I do believe if he was trained by a ‘sexier’ trainer he would be considerably shorter than his current quote of 7/2. WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE 2 points win @ 7/2 bet365 Cheltenham 2.55 The 3M Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdler Qualifier has attracted thirteen staying hurdlers and has a wide open look about it. It may pay to take a chance on the Gary and Josh Moore trained top weight Botox Has who has a touch of class about him and although not seen for 182 days has a very good record fresh which reads 11F21 with the 2 coming in this very race two years ago. Caoilin Quinn’s 3lb claim will help in reducing his weight and he can run well each way. Irish raider The Wallpark is on a four timer for Gordon Elliott and looks the biggest threat. BOTOX HAS 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Newbury 3.10 The ground is likely to be very testing for the latest renewal of the 7F BetVictor Horris Hill Stakes for two-year-olds with the going stick reading as low as I’ve known at 3.0 earlier in the week. William Haggas’s Yaroogh will have no problems with conditions as he ran out a comfortable 3 1/2L winner on heavy ground at Chantilly last time out in heavy ground. The other horse at the head of the market Benevento has only raced on good ground so is overlooked for that reason. I feel we may get both of the front ones beaten here and the selection is Hugo Palmer’s Make You Smile. He impressed on his racecourse debut when running out a 2 3/4L winner of a novice stakes contest over course and distance 35 days ago on heavy ground and that form has already been boosted by the third winning by 6 1/2L since. He looks good each way value under Harry Davies. MAKE YOU SMILE 1 point each way @ 13/2 William Hill 1/5th 123 Cheltenham 3.30 The 2M 87 yard (Old) Masterson Holdings Hurdle has attracted eight runners and looks set to go to Ireland with Gavin Cromwell’s Bottler’secret who despite having to shoulder a 8lb penalty can outclass these. A dual winner on the level he took well to hurdling last season when winning Grade 3 and Grade 2 events at Naas and Fairyhouse and finished the season with a good 1 1/2L second in the Grade 1 Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown from the top class filly Kargese who had finished runner up at Cheltenham and Aintree in the top four-year-old contests. Back in fifth (beaten 14 1/2L) at Punchestown was Harry Derham’s Givemefive and although 5lb better off looks held. Bottler’secret is a confident selection. BOTTLER’SECRET 1 point win @ Evens bet365 Newbury 3.45 Just six run in this 1M 4F Group 3 BetVictor St Simon Stakes. Al Aasy was given a strange ride last time out at Ascot with jockey Cieran Fallon letting his rivals get away from him before putting the seven-year-old into the race far too late with the stewards enquiring into his ride. He still finished ahead of two of his rivals today in Salt Bay and Gods Window and he can bounce back to winning ways at a track where his form figures are 114121. John & Thady Gosden’s three-year-old Danielle will relish the conditions and looks the one to chase him home although on official rating she does have 11lb to find. AL AASY 1 Pont win @ 5/4 bet365

Seven races from ITV today and here's my thoughts - Cheltenham 1.50 Just five line up for this class 2 2M novices’ chase, the first race of the new season at Cheltenham for the ITV cameras. Four of the five are carrying penalties with the one exception being Gavin Cromwell’s Path d’Oroux. He’s raced in and shown good form in decent handicap company but is nought from ten over fences hence he retains his novice status. On official ratings he’s 16lb and more superior to his four rivals and should be winning this all be it at skinny enough odds. PATH d’OROUX 1 point win @ 6/4 BetVictor Doncaster 2.08 An eight runner fillies maiden is one of three races covered at the Yorkshire track by the ITV crew and although we have two nicely bred newcomers in the shape of the Gosden’s Queen Of Thieves who is a full sister to Cracksman and the William Haggas trained Wonder Star who cost 200,000 guineas as a yearling you can’t beat experience, especially on the likely testing ground so the pick is the David Menuisier trained Janey Mackers who was strong in the market on her racecourse debut when a 1 1/2L third in a Yarmouth maiden won by a promising Gosden debutant. Sure to have improved for that this daughter of New Bay can put that experience to good use and go two better. JANEY MACKERS 1 point win @ 3/1 bet365 Cheltenham 2.25 A valuable class 2 two mile handicap chase features nine speedy chasers including last year’s one-two Dancing On My Own and Triple Trade who both have good claims especially the former who is actually 4lb better off with his old rival today and arrives on the back of a win at Ballinrobe 60 days ago. The fancy however is the in form Nigel Twiston-Davies runner Matata who has a 100% record fresh over the past three seasons so a 195 day absence shouldn’t be a problem for this likeable six-year-old who runs in the double green colours of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. MATATA 1 point win @ 11/4 bet365 Doncaster 2.43 Fourteen run in this class 3 1M handicap run on the straight corse on soft ground. Many here are proven in soft ground and the race has a wide open look about it. One of six three-year-olds in the race William Muir & Chris Grassick’s Ebt’s Guard was very well backed when winning a classified stakes race at Ascot last time out having previously finished a decent sixth in the Cambridgeshire and with his liking for soft ground can be competitive off of just a 2lb higher handicap mark. He can be backed each way with additional places. EBT’S GUARD 1 point each way @ 7/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Cheltenham 3.00 Just six go to post for the 2M Grade 2 Sky Bet Novices’ Hurdle. The stand out performer here is the Adrian Keatley winning machine Gale Mahler. She has won six of her seven career starts with her best performance coming when upped into listed company at Galway in July when running out a 10L winner. She is penalised 5lb for that run but the likeable five-year-old mare can win again with Paul Nicholls’s Brave Knight the one to chase her home with his latest victory already working out well. GALE MAHLER 1 point win @ 4/5 bet365 Doncaster 3.18 A nine runner class 2 6F handicap in which the stand out horse is without doubt the improving three-year-old of William Haggas’s Altmore. The gelding won without coming off of the bridle on his handicap debut at Pontefract earlier this month on soft ground and even though that was a class 5 contest he looked a horse way ahead of his mark and with Tom Marquand taking over from Danny Tudhope stands out as the best bet of the day with conditions to suit again even though he will have to cope with a rise of 11lb. Zoum Zoum is interesting making his handicap debut on ground that suits for Ralph Beckett and looks the danger. ALTMORE 2 points win @ 6/4 William Hill Cheltenham 3.35 A highly competitive handicap chase for amateur jockeys only is up next to be run over 3M 1F. Nineteen will line up and we’ll need some luck in running here for sure. Last year’s winner Mole Court is back to defend his title along with the third and fourth from that race Wick Green and Strictlyadancer. They all have claims but it’s the younger Atlanta Brave that catches my eye. Kerry Lee has her string in good form and saddles her six-year-old with the experienced Zac Baker on top. This will only be his fifth career start over the bigger obstacles so there may easily be some improvement to come if straight enough for his first run since March. ATLANTA BRAVE 1 point each way @ 8/1 Quinnbet 1/5th 12345

I believe that Gentleman Jim is owned by on course bookmakers James Lovell who also own DragonBet. Which is all a bit strange tbh. I was quickly closed down with Dragonbet (only backing horses) but was given a fair run (for nowadays anyway) by Gentleman Jim before the inevitable happened. A lot of these 'new' firms springing up use Star Sports 'skin' for their site and offer the same odds package that comes with that. Another firm under the same umbrella is NRG.bet who are well worth a try as they seem to lay a bet.

Ascot 1.20 The opener on Champions Day which will be run on testing ground is the 1M 7 1/2F Qipco Long Distance Cup in which we have the day’s shortest priced favourite in the shape of Aidan O’Brien’s Kyprios. He’s unbeaten in six starts this season including the Ascot and Goodwood Gold Cups along with the Irish St Leger and Prix du Cadran. He handles bad ground and should be winning this as long as this race doesn’t come too soon after his exertions in Paris only a fortnight ago. I would be against most of the favourites today but I do think that Kyprios is a class apart and can’t look beyond him. Those who are looking for some each way value I would look no further than his stablemate The Euphrates who is only rated 6lb behind him on official ratings following his improved effort when winning the Irish Cesarewitch when upped in trip last time out. He is too big a price in the market and is worth a small stakes each way saver. KYPRIOS 2 points win @ 4/5 Betfred THE EUPRATES 1/2 point each way @ 33/1 bet365 1/5 123 Ascot 1.55 The 6F Group 1 Qipco Sprint has attracted a maximum field of twenty and with a history of big priced winners it’s worth looking for some value. Karl Burke saddles three runners here and its his four-year-old Swingalong who is on my short list. A credible fourth last year he found himself isolated last time out at Haydock on the near side rail and I expect a big showing from him today. Kinross won this two years ago and was runner up last year but if you fancy him then surely its worth taking a chance on the French raider Beauvatier who was given far too much to do last time out in the Prix Forest over 7F coming home 3/4L behind Kinross and is a much bigger price. Only out of the frame once in his eleven race career when beating one home in the French 2000 Guineas he is the main value pick in an open looking sprint where a case can be made for many. BEAUVATIER 1 point each way @ 16/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 SWINGALONG 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Ascot 2.35 A maximum field of fourteen run in the Group 1 Qipco Fillies & Mares Stakes. I have to be against the favourite Kalpana here as she has yet to encounter ground conditions as wet as she will this afternoon and has to be taken on. Two mud larks who look good each way value are Jessie Harrington’s Village Voice and the German raider Quantanamera. The latter looks excellent each way value on ground she obviously relishes. She impressed when a 4L winner from the useful mudlark Arrest in a Group 2 at Deauville in August and has been trained for this race since. Only 3lb behind the top rated Content in the race I’m expecting a big run from her. QUANTANAMERA 1 point each way @ 11/1 BetVictor 1/5th 1234 Ascot 3.15 The Group 1 1M Queen Elizabeth II Stakes has attracted a classy field of thirteen with the favourite and most likely winner being this year’s best older miler trained at Newmarket by Roger Varian, Charyn. He will be hard one to beat but has been priced accordingly and I’ll be looking for some each way value against him. Facteur Cheval is one of two French trained runners in the field and having finished a credible runner up to the impressive Big Rock in this last year appeals on his favoured ground as the best value bet. Trained by J Reynier he’s not had his favoured soft ground since this race last year but has run well in defeat in top company winning the Dubai Turf at Meydan in March and possibly finding the fast ground against him since. FACTEUR CHEVAL 1 point each way @ 9/1 888sport 1/5th 123 Ascot 3.55 There’s £1,300,000 on the table for the finishing places in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes run over 1M 2F and features arguably two of the four best middle distance horses in Europe in the Irish Champion Stakes victor Economics and Juddmonte International Stakes at York runner up Calandagon. Preference is for the latter who we know will handle conditions well having won twice in the spring on heavy ground in France whilst Economics has yet to be tested on very soft ground. Calandagan went down by a length to City Of Troy last time out and is rated 2lb superior to Economics. The betting suggests it’s a two runner race with the third in being the Arc de Triomphe third Los Angeles who may not appreciate dropping back to 10F. A race to savour but it must be Calandagon for me. CALANDAGAN 1 point win @ 13/8 BetVictor Ascot 4.35 A maximum field of twenty spread across the starlight course run in the class 2 Balmoral Handicap which as usual looks wide open and with the last two winners being priced at 80/1 and 25/1 this looks a race to find a lively outsider. Step forward this year’s Lincoln winner Mr Professor who loves the mud and is now 5lb higher than that victory here. His two moderate runs since can be put down to the ground conditions as both of those efforts were run on fast ground. He’s left Dominic Ffrench-Davis and joined Raphael Freire and appeals at a big price each way with additional places. The other horse I like is at the head of the market in the shape of the Irish challenger State Actor who is already a winner on heavy ground in his six race career and went down by a head in the Irish Cambridgeshire last time out when well backed. Chris Hayes takes the ride and like the each way pick Mr Professor is drawn on the far side which seemed to be an advantage in the race last year on similarly soft ground. MR PROFESSOR 1 point each way @ 25/1bet365 1/5th 12345 STATE ACTOR 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 12345

Newmarket 1.15 The first of eight races covered by the ITV cameras today is this 1M 1F Group 3 Space Blues Darley Stakes which has attracted a field of nine. The best in at the weights today is the globe trotting Spirit Dancer but he hasn’t been seen for 196 days and one would think this is a stepping stone to his travels again this winter. John & Thady Gosden’s three-year-old Lead Artist is progressive and can run well although ideally wants fast ground and any cut in the ground would be against him. One horse who will have no problem on that score is Karl Burke’s four-year-old Liberty Lane who arrives on a career best effort when winning the Cambridgeshire Handicap over course and distance a fortnight ago. Clifford Lee rode him that day and retains the mount today. He should be thereabouts and is the pick. LIBERTY LANE 1 point win @ 7/2 bet365 York 1.30 The first of York’s three ITV races today is the 6F listed Rockingham Stakes for two-year-olds which will be run on pretty testing ground. There’s very little soft ground form amongst the nine strong field with the highest rated being the Ricard Fahey trained Shadow Army who has been gelded and wears blinkers since last seen 47 days ago. He also has yet to encounter soft ground and a better pick is the Ralph Beckett trained Bolo Neighs who showed vastly improved form when running away with the Goffs 500 at The Curragh a fortnight ago on ground on the slow side of good. The Coulsty gelding pulled 7L clear of his rivals and a reproduction of that run can put this Hector Crouch ridden gelding right in the mix here. BOLO NEIGHS 1 point win @ 3/1 bet365 Newmarket 1.50 The 10F Palace Pier Zetland Stakes is a Group 3 contest for two-year-olds and has attracted a field of seven including some promising staying types in the shape of the Gosden runner Dunamase and Ralph Beckett trained Starzintheireyes who both looked good winning their maidens and are stepping up in distance and class today. Aidan O’Brien saddles a a brace of runners with the Ballydoyle number one being the Curragh maiden winner Shackleton who steps up a further furlong with Ryan Moore seemingly picking this Camelot gelding ahead of stablemate County Mayo. He appears to be highly progressive and in a race in which the market will be prove informative is the selection. SHACKLETON 1 point win @ 9/4 Ladbrokes York 2.05 A good sized field of fifteen run in this valuable 1M 2 1/2F class 2 handicap. There’s plenty of soft ground form on offer including the Karl Burke trained top weight Bolster who should run well. William Knight’s Dual Identity has been in good form this season and his Cambridgeshire effort can be upgraded as he was drawn on the unfavoured near side. Paddy The Squire was also down the field in that race and likes to get his hooves in so appeals at a nice price to run well but I’ll take a chance with the confirmed mudlark Stessfree who’s form figures on ground deemed soft or worse reads 102212241. He was well backed earlier in the week when going down by a length to the progressive Galyx and off of the same mark David O’Meara’s four-year-old gelding looks good value each way with an additional place. STRESSFREE 1 point each way @ 11/1 bet365 1/5 1234 Newmarket 2.25 Six have declared for another interesting juvenile contest, the 1M Group 3 Emirates Autumn Stakes. Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby has an excellent record in the race having won the contest for the past four years and saddles the progressive Silver Peak. William Buick’s mount looked smart when beating the subsequent easy winner Sir Dindan by a couple of lengths at Haydock last month. This is a step up in class but he can take this with the Aidan O’Brien runner Delacroix who is without doubt the form pick following his 1/2L second in a Group 2 at Leopardstown last month his big danger. SILVER PEAK 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365 York 2.40 The most competitive race of the day, including the Cesarewitch, is this twenty two runner class 2 Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap. Several can be given chances but the one that catches my eye is Kevin Ryan’s top weight Room Service who is two from two on soft ground with his latest effort when 11th in the Ayr Gold Cup easily excused on account of the fast ground. He may still have improvement to come as this is only his ninth career start. Tom Eaves rides and with additional places from a draw in the middle of the field can run well. ROOM SERVICE 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Newmarket 3.00 The day’s big two-year-old race is the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes which has attracted a a small but select field of six. Aidan O’Brien has half of the field with presumably Rock Of Cashel here to make the pace for his two stable mates. Expanded only got going late to score in maiden company on his debut at The Curragh a week ago so surely this will come too quick. The Lion In Winter is the Ballydoyle number one under Ryan Moore having shot to the front of next year’s Derby betting when winning the Group 3 Acomb Stakes at York in August. The runner up that day Wimbledon Hawkeye has won the Group 2 Royal Lodge since to frank the form and he looks the bet here. His biggest threat may come from the boys in blue with Charlie Appleby’s brace of impressive Middle Park winner Shadow Of Light and Group 2 Superlative Stakes winner Ancient Truth. I prefer the latter of the pair despite William Buick choosing the former who looked a sprinter to me and doesn’t appeal stepping up in trip here but the one to be with is The Lion In Winter. THE LION IN WINTER 1 pint win @ EVS William Hill Newmarket 3.40 The feature handicap of the day is the fiercely competitive Club Godolphin Cesarewitch Handicap run over a stamina sapping 2M 2F with a field of twenty five spread across the course which starts in one county and ends in another! Irish horses have won this race five times in the last six and it looks like that sequence will continue with the market top heavy with runners from the Emerald Isle. Willie Mullins has won the race three times in the last 6 and saddles the totally unexposed runner Sea Of Sands who is a past Group 3 winner in Germany and bolted up in a maiden hurdle following a 776 day absence on his debut for Mullins in September. The only thing not to like about him is his price and the one I want to be with is the Gavin Cromwell trained Sixandahalf who won on the July course back in August prior to a good 3rd in the Irish Cesarewitch at The Curragh over 2M 1F last month. That was arguably a stronger race than this and he appeals each way under his 3lb apprentice Robert Whearty. SIXANDAHALF 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5th 123456

York 1.30 The first of ten races covered by the ITV cameras is a highly competitive sixteen runner class 2 1M handicap. With the ground currently riding soft (heavy in places) and with the odd shower still to come we need to be looking for a real mudlark. Step forward Tony Coyle & Kaine Wood’s five-year-old Thunder Roar who won two 7F handicaps on heavy ground at this time last year here and at Doncaster. He’s run well when conditions have been on the sloppy side this season finishing 1/2L runner up to the re-opposing Look Back Smiling at Doncaster’s Lincoln meeting for which he is now a pound better off. His latest run also was a good one at Ascot on soft ground against horses rated higher than him and the handicapper has raised him 4lb in future handicaps so he is effectively 4lb well in today. He’s the pick although as earlier stated if I like him I must have a small stakes each way saver on Gemma Tutty’s Look Back Smiling at a nice price as his soft ground form ties in with the selection. THUNDER ROAR 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 LOOK BACK SMILING 1/4 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Newmarket 1.47 The first of five races at the headquarters of racing covered by terrestrial television is the Group 3 Cornwallis Stakes run over 5F with a dozen juvenile sprinters declaring. Nothing really stands out to me with the likes of The Striking Viking, Treasure Isle, Coto De Caza and Grande Marques all found wanting already in this grade or higher. One horse who may be better than we’ve seen so far is the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Midnight Thunder who bar getting left ten lengths at the start on his debut would be chasing a four timer today. He’s looked good at Windsor and Yarmouth this autumn with all three of his runs coming over 6F. He’s shown plenty of pace mind and had his latest victory sewn up at the furlong pole so the drop to the minimum trip is not a worry. Oisin Murphy has a great record with the under used Godolphin trainer and he looks the value bet. MIDNIGHT THUNDER 1 point win @ 9/2 Bet365 York 2.05 A bumper field of fifteen two-year-olds have declared for this 7F EBF £100,000 Final. Although he has yet to race on anything like what he will encounter today the favourite, the Ralph Beckett trained Amiloc, will be hard to beat with his family all seemingly suited by soft ground. His sire Postponed was 2 from 2 on soft whilst his dam Colima won on her only start on soft ground. His half brother Chamade was also 2 from 2 on soft (including in listed company) and with his dam and half brother both trained by Beckett surely he will know whether he’ll go on the surface. He’s unbeaten in two starts on the all-weather at Kempton this season and this doesn’t look the strongest of races, with very little soft ground form to consider, so he is the selection. AMILOC 1 point win @ 7/2 bet365 Newmarket 2.25 Ten run in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes run over 7F for two-year-old fillies. Ralph Beckett’s Cathedral is an interesting runner having bolted up on her only run which came in a all-weather maiden at Lingfield (3rd won since) and can be competitive but I prefer the more solid form pick in Ollie Sangster’s Flight who is the highest rated filly in the race. She bumped into a couple of useful sorts on her first two outings prior to comfortably breaking her duck at Sandown in August. Raised in class she certainly wasn’t disgraced in finishing third in the Group 2 May Hill at Doncaster last time over a mile behind the useful Desert Flower and shouldn’t mind the drop back a furlong today. Oisin Murphy has been aboard her for the last two outings and retains the partnership here. FLIGHT 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 123 York 2.40 Seven have declared for this 1M 6F three-year-old handicap worth over £50,000 to the winner. Theres plenty of soft/heavy form on show with the likes of The Reverand (up 9lb for winning in the mud at Ascot), Who’s Glen (up 12lb for heavy ground win at Chepstow) and Forest Gate (up 7lb, though carrying just a 6lb penalty today for a heavy ground win at Epsom). They all have chances but it’s the top weight of David Menusier’s Master Builder that appeals the most. He followed a highly credible third in the Melrose Handicap at York by winning at Haydock over today’s trip of 1M 6F a fortnight later. The 3rd has won since from that race to boost the form and he showed he handles the mud when winning at Salisbury back in May beating the now 105 rated Subsequent off of levels by a head. despite top weight he may still be ahead of his mark which is currently 95 and he’s the selection under Danny Tudhope. MASTER BUILDER 1 point win @ 2/1 BetVictor Newmarket 3.00 Eleven run in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes run over 7F which has quite an open look about it this year. Current favourite is the Charlie Appleby trained Noble Dynasty who lost his chance when slowly away at Goodwood last time. Any ease in the ground however would seem to be against him (he was pulled out on officially good ground at Haydock in June) and you can also pick holes in his form when winning here on the July course in June. He’s a lay for me and the one I want to be with is the Paul & Oliver Cole trained Royal Scotsman. He hasn’t been seen since bolting up at Epsom’s Derby meeting in June, a 132 day absence which I must admit is a bit of a worry although he has run one of his career best races when third in last seasons 2000 Guineas following a 210 day break last year. Still entered in next weekend’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot he may just be too good for these if straight enough with Jamie Spencer on top. ROYAL SCOTSMAN 1 point each way @ 4/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Chepstow 3.15 The first signs that the National Hunt season proper are just around the corner is this Chepstow two day fixture with the feature race being the 2M 3 1/2F Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle which has attracted a field of seven. It’s a tough race with all bar Bullets Hill, the rank outsider in with a chance of sorts but it’s the highest officially rated runner Intense Approach who appeals the most. The only Irish runner in the race, John C McConnell’s five-year-old has already won a maiden and a novice hurdle at Downpatrick and Kelso this autumn so will certainly lose nothing in match fitness today. Harry Cobden is an eye catching booking taking over from 5lb conditional jockey Alex Harvey and is the pick. INTENSE APPROACH 1 point win @ 10/3 Hills Newmarket 3.35 The feature race of today’s racing is the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile which is contested by seven juveniles. The form pick and one they all have to beat is surely the Charlie Appleby trained Desert Flower who is unbeaten in three starts this season including last time out in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes over today’s trip at Doncaster in September. She did that well defeating the re-opposing January, who looks held, and is a confident selection. DESERT FLOWER 1 point win @ 6/4 Betfred Chepstow 3.50 The second national hunt race shown by the ITV team this afternoon is this 2M 7 1/2F veterans handicap chase in which a healthy field of eleven go to post. Fitness at this time of year is a major factor and one horse who has a terrific record fresh which reads 111121171 is the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Good Boy Bobby who was my selection in this race a year ago when coming from the clouds over the last to get up on the line beating Aye Right by a neck. He went on to follow up from a 3lb higher mark at Sandown a month later but failed to win in four previous starts. He’s now just a pound higher than last year’s victory but 2lb lower than his last win and with his stable in terrific form and his record fresh looks the one to be with. GOOD BOY BOBBY 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365 Newmarket 4.10 One of the most competitive handicaps of the day is the 1M 4F Old Rowley Cup Handicap featuring fifteen runners but the bet of the day runs here in the shape of the Andrew Balding improver Mount Atlas who will be ridden by Oisin Murphy. Only his fifth ever career start (he unseated 5F out on his debut) he showed on his handicap debut that he was progressing the right way when winning a class 2 1M 4F handicap at Ascot by half a length from Insanity. That form has worked out remarkably well with the runner up winning since along with the 3rd (Melrose Handicap), 5th (listed race by 8 1/2L) and the 6th ( by 7 1/2L). Even the 7th has run well in finishing 3rd in a class 2 York handicap (beaten 1 3/4L). The handicapper has shunted up the selection 7lb but that may be lenient and he has a major each way chance. Due To Henry is another who’s form has been boosted and could feature although he like a few here have stamina to prove. MOUNT ATLAS 2 points each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234

Newmarket 1.30 The first of eight races covered by the ITV cameras today is this class 2 1M 2F fillies handicap. The race has an open look about it with William Haggas’s unexposed Min Huna heading the market following a 2L victory at Sandown in August. She’s unproven on soft ground and is up 8lb so is worth opposing in my opinion. One filly that is very unexposed is the Ralph Beckett trained Treasure who was a heavy ground winner at Nottingham this time last year and was only fourth, beaten 1 3/4L in the Lingfield Oaks Trial won by the now 113 rated You Got Me prior to finishing down the field in the Epsom Oaks. She may have found the ground too fast in the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot and with a 105 day break could be well treated off of 92. A market move for her would obviously be interesting. TREASURE 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Ascot 1.50 Just six have declared for this listed 5F BetMGM Rous Stakes. William Haggas’s three-year-old Relief Rally ran a blinder following a 126 day break when finishing runner up, beaten 1 1/4L, to No Half Measures who is fancied to run well in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp on Sunday. With that run behind him and his ability to handle plenty of cut in the ground he can go one better under Cieran Fallon who replaces Tom Marquand whose services are needed at Longchamp this afternoon. RELIEF RALLY 1 point win @ 13/8 Betfred Newmarket 2.05 A maximum field of twenty run in this 6F Tattersalls October Auction Stakes for two-year-olds. The highest rated at the weights is the Archie Watson trained Tafreej but he’s here on the back of a 106 day absence and has yet to encounter soft ground. One horse who arrives in good form and is a winner already on good to soft is the Andrew Balding trained Brighton Boy who was last seen dropping back to this trip when winning a class 3 nursery at York last month. It’s a little bit disconcerting that he sports first time cheek pieces as he certainly didn’t do anything wrong at York. Oisin Murphy was on top last time and retains the ride and in an open enough sales race is the selection in a race in which there is very little soft ground form. BRIGHTON BOY 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365 Ascot 2.25 We have eight runners in the 1M 4F Group 3 BetMGM Cumberland Lodge Stakes with Newmarket trainer William Haggas holding a strong hand with his brace of Al Aasy and Hamish. Both have to carry 3lb penalties with preference for the latter who may have had his excuses on his last two starts and will relish any juice in the ground. Karl Burke’s Al Qareem won this race a year ago and comes here in fine form having won a listed race at Chester last time out. He’s 3lb better off for a neck beating by Hamish in the John Porter at Newbury back in the spring and maybe able to turn the tables on his old rival and go back to back in this race under Clifford Lee. AL QAREEM 1 point win @ 5/2 Ladbrokes Newmarket 2.40 Just six have declared for the feature race of the day at Headquarters in the Group 1 Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes for fillies and mares. John & Thady Gosden set a poser by running both last year’s easy winner Inspiral and Nashwa who hasn’t been seen for 189 days and is overlooked here. The latter has to be a major player although she wouldn’t want the ground too soft and has the tendency to fall out of the stalls as she did last time out on France. I do feel she’s the one to beat however. David Menusier is having his best ever season and saddles his Group 3 Atalanta Stakes winner Tamfana who appreciated dropping back to a mile that day and has to be a player here. If the ground was to get even softer (unlikely with the weather forecast) then the Karl Burke trained Darnation looks massively overpriced with her form figures on soft ground reading 1111. Betfred are the only firm paying three places on this seven runner contest and if privy to their odds then it’s without doubt worth a small stakes each way wager on a horse who is only rated 8lb behind Inspiral and 4lb behind Tamfana. The main bet though has to be Inspiral who has a bit of class about her and is unbeaten on the Rowley Mile track. INSPIRAL 1 point win @ 3/1 William Hill DARNATION 1/4 point each way @ 33/1 Betfred 1/5th 123 Ascot 3.00 The 6F Group 3 John Guest Racing Benbough Stakes has attracted a field of nine and with 5lb on official ratings covering the entire field has an open look a bout it. The most interesting runner is the Owen Burrows trained Jarraaf who’s scored back to back handicaps over course and distance this summer. This is a step up in class for the lightly raced three-year-old and he also has to prove his ability to cope with softish ground. Andrew Balding’s Purosangue is a horse who will appreciate the soft ground and having finished runner up to Quinault in a listed race at York last time should be thereabouts. Also in the mix should be Ed Walker’s English Oak who has had a few excuses for a few below par runs since winning here at the Royal meeting and is now dropped in trip. A tight call but I’ll take a chance that Jarraaf will cope with the ease in the ground and as the least exposed in the field can win again with Saffie Osborne in the saddle. JARRAAF 1 point win @ 4/1 BetVictor Redcar 3.20 Twenty go for this 6F listed contest, the William Hill Two Year Old Trophy for two-year-olds. The clear best in at the weights is the Eve Johnson Houghton trained Billboard Star who has been plying his trade on his last four starts in Group 2 company, handles soft ground and is the one they all have to beat. Johnson Houghton won with a similar type in Chipotle three years ago in this race. One horse who may be a bit of value against the favourite is the Michael Dods runner Northern Ticker who although having a whopping 22lb to find with Billboard Star at these weights on official ratings is highly thought of by his shrewd handler. Paul Mulrennan rode him last time when winning at Carlisle and stated afterwards that he “he’s one of the best horses I’ve ridden for a long time”. His trainer has also said some very encouraging things about him mentioning this race as his target back in a Racing Post stable tour in August calling him “pretty useful”. He looks solid each way value with an additional place. NORTHERN TICKER 1 point each way @ 8/1 1/5th 12345 Ascot 3.35 The big handicap of the day is the BetMGM Challenge Cup run over the straight 7F for which there is a maximum field of eighteen. Ralph Beckett has his string in excellent shape and his Qirat is one for the short list having won a class 2 handicap at Goodwood last time out from Witness Stand who’s since won a listed race by 3L. He looks sure to be thereabouts and is the main pick. James Fanshawe’s course specialist Fresh arrives in good form and is another who can run well along with the 2nd and 3rd from the 7F handicap at Haydock 20 days ago in Golden Mind and Germanic. The former finished 1/2L in front of his rival that day and looks value at double the odds to run well. I’ll add him to my staking plan for this open handicap. QIRAT 1 point each way @ 6/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 GOLDEN MIND 1/2 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 12345

Newmarket 1.15 The day’s terrestrial TV action starts with a 7F class 2 fillies nursery which has attracted eleven runners. It has an open enough look about it with recent winners Ghost Run, Naina, Harmonia, Geo and Magic Love all having claims. My pick is the latter who is trained by Harry Charlton and ridden by Trevor Whelan. The grey filly made a winning handicap debut at Thirsk on good to soft ground earlier this month when well backed. She ran on well to score by 1 1/4L and this step up to 7F looks likely to suit as there’s plenty of stamina on her dam’s side. She’s been raised 6lb for that victory but may have more to give now at this trip and can reward an each way bet. MAGIC LOVE 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Haydock 1.30 The first of two races covered by the ITV cameras to be raced on very soft ground. Ten go to post for this class 2 1M handicap in which the ability to handle conditions will be paramount. Wednesday’s Goodwood winner Rhoscolyn will be one of them but he does have a 5lb penalty and top weight of 10-5 which will make this tough. Irish raider Earls is another who will love conditions and can run well for Gavin Cromwell but the value pick may well be the George Boughey trained Amo Racing owned Raadobarg who sports a first time visor and has dropped 8lb for his last four starts which have come on unsuitably good fast ground. 8lb lower today than his excellent Irish Lincoln third at The Curragh in March he looks well handicapped and will relish the sloppy conditions. RAADOBARG 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Newmarket 1.50 The first of three Group races for two-year-olds at Newmarket today is this Group 2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes run over a mile. The form horse, and highest rated, is James Owen flag bearer Wimbledon Hawkeye who took his form to a new level last time out when runner up to current Derby favourite The Lion In Winter in the Acomb Stakes at York. He’s yet to encounter any cut in the ground however and with the ground looking likely to ride on the soft side preference is for Charlie Fellowes’s Luther who he has stated is the best he’s ever trained. A Salisbury maiden win preceded a 1/2L second to subsequent Grade 1 Canadian winner New Century which in hindsight was no disgrace before getting back to winning ways in a hot eight runner listed race at Haydock. He too has yet to encounter easy ground but his mother won on easy ground and he’s the pick. LUTHER 1 point win @ 9/4 William Hill Newmarket 2.25 A field of eight run in this Group 1 Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes for juvenile fillies. The two fillies at the top of the market are both unbeaten in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes winner Lake Victoria for Aidan O’Brien and the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner Babouche trained by Ger Lyons. Neither of the two Irish fillies have encountered easy ground although on breeding both could actually relish it. Preference of the duo is the latter who looks very smart. Owned by today’s sponsors she beat subsequent Group 1 winner Whistlejack by a length and a half at The Curragh and with her full sister Zarinsk a three time winner on soft ground can run well if coping with the sloppy conditions. Lowther winner Celandine (Leovanni held) may prefer it faster with her trainer Ed Walker stating that the “quicker the ground the better” for her. With the ground testing the two French fillies are maybe the value bets. P Cottier’s Daylight is already a winner on heavy ground and her third last time out behind Whistlejack and Rashabar in the Group 1 Prix Morny reads very well. Back against her own sex and with slight doubts on the ground against the front two Irish fillies she looks the bet although the F-H Graffard’s trained Rayevka who impressed in the mud last time out and is worth a small each way saver in a terrific contest. DAYLIGHT 1 point win @ 9/2 William Hill RAYEVKA 1/2 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Curragh 2.35 Just five assemble for the Group 2 Beresford Stakes for two-year-olds run over 1M. A strong fancy here is the Jessie Harrington trained Hotazhell who followed up a Group 3 victory at Leopardstown in July with a 1L second to the useful Henry Matisse in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes here over 7F with Scotty Champ a length back in third. The latter has gone on to beat Henry Matisse in the Group 1 National Stakes to frank the form and Hotazhell will be hard to beat. British raider Windlord who was impressive when winning at York and 12L Galway maiden winner Trinity College look the dangers but neither have achieved as much as the selection who will be ridden today by Shane Foley on what, hopefully, could be a big day for Harrington. HOTAZHELL 1 point win @ 5/2 William Hill Newmarket 3.00 The Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes run over 6F for two-year-old colts will have eight runners and a warm favourite in the shape of the Aidan O’Brien trained Whistlejacket who will be very hard to beat. Last seen winning the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville in August from Coventry Stakes winner Rashabar on good to soft ground he has 7lb and upwards ahead of his field on official ratings and can even run a bit below par and still win this. The two most likely to take advantage if he doesn’t run up to his form are stable companion Ides Of March who’s chasing a hat trick of victories following a maiden and Group 3 win at The Curragh in good style and the Charlie Appleby trained Shadow Of Light who was pulled out of the Mill Reef Stakes last weekend at Newbury due to the heavy ground. His Gimcrack form at York has worked out well and he can be the one to chase home Whistlejack. WHISTLEJACK 1 point win @ Evens William Hill Haydock 3.15 Ten run in this class 2 5F handicap in which I have a strong fancy. Top weight and current favourite Wiltshire comes here having been upped 6lb for a win on the all-weather at Newcastle in June. A winner on good to soft he has been soundly beaten on his two career starts on soft and makes the market here for my pick the seven-year-old Alberma Gold who adores the mud. His figures on heavy ground read 11194 with the ninth when not staying at 7F and the 4th when not disgraced in listed company. David O’Meara’s mudlark is 11lb lower than when winning at Doncaster 11 months ago on heavy ground and this will be the first time since that he has had his conditions. The only negative is the draw as he’s drawn in one on the wing but as long as that’s not an issue here he looks worth a decent bet with Mark Winn on top. ALBERAMA GOLD 1 point each way @ 15/2 bet365 1/5th 123 Newmarket 3.40 The day’s big handicap and feature race is the bet365 Cambridgeshire Handicap with thirty five horses spread actress the Rowley Mile racing over 9F. High numbers have had an advantage in recent years so with that in mind my short list comprises of last year’s third Bopedro who can race off of a 6lb lower mark today and teed up for this with his best run of the season when runner up to Johan at Doncaster, Norwalk Havoc who I can not understand why he is currently three times the price of the gambled on favourite This Songisforyou when he finished 1 1/2L ahead of him in a Curragh handicap at the Galway festival and is now 5lb better off. The softer the better for Jessie Harrington’s charge and he will be my number one pick. Also worth a mention and a small stakes ew saver is the Iain Jardine trained Paddy The Squire who looks massively overpriced on his Hamilton form with Theoryofeverything when going down by a short head on his first run for a year and is now 5lb better off. Again he is four times the price of Theoryofeverything and must surely be closer in the betting. John & Thady Gosden’s Roi De France has yet to encounter easy ground and lacks experience and with the last four winners priced at 40/1,40/1, 25/1 and 20/1 it seems its a race to look away from the front of the market. NORWALK HAVOC 1 point each way @ 18/1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 PADDY THE SQUIRE 1/2 point each way @ 66/1 bet365 1/5th 123456

Newmarket 1.50 Seven run in the opener of the three day Cambridgeshire meeting at Newmarket on the Rowley Mile course. There’s plenty of rain around and I fully expect the ground to be on the easy side for day one and the listed Rosemary Stakes for fillies and mares run over a mile. Best in at the weights here is Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Rolica who is 3lb better off with the penalised Spiritual on their Sandown form in July for 2L. There shouldn’t be much between them but preference is for the Ryan Moore ridden David Menuisier trained Sirona who has plenty of form with soft in the description and only went down by a short neck in a listed contest at Longchamp at the beginning of the month. A reproduction of that effort should put her right in the mix here and she’s the selection. SIRONA 1 point win @ 10/3 BetVictor Newmarket 2.25 A field of eight have declared for the 1M 4F Group 3 Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Stakes for fillies and mares. Best in at the weights is the Harry Charlton trained Time Lock who always runs well on the Rowley Mile course here with form figures of 112 with one of the wins coming in this very race a year ago when coasting home by 4 1/4L. That win was gained on fast ground by the Juddmonte owned five-year-old mare who has also got soft ground form and with Oisin Murphy booked looks the one to be with here with the easy ground likely to be against the likes of Divina Grace and Mistral Star who have both been pulled out twice in their careers when the ground was too soft. TIME LOCK 1 point win @ 9/4 bet365 Newmarket 3.00 The 7F Group 2 Rockfel Stakes is next up for two-year-old fillies and we have a very warm favourite in the shape of the Sir Michael Stoute trained Formal who’s looked smart on her two victories so far. Impressive on her debut on good to firm ground she showed she can handle easier conditions when again hosing up on officially soft ground at Leicester 47 days later, landing the odds laid on her by a comfortable 2 1/2L. With Ryan Moore required for Aidan O’Brien’s Ecstatic William Buick comes in for the ride. Best of the two O’Brien fillies may well be the aforementioned Ecstatic who lost any real chance she had when sitting down in the stalls as they opened in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster and finishing fifth (of 9) beaten 4 1/4l. She’s better than that. With Sir Michael retiring at the end of the season it would be great to see his smart filly Formal win this and I fully expect her to. FORMAL 1 point win @ 6/4 bet365 Newmarket 3.35 The Group 2 1M Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Joel Stakes has attracted just six runners and with just 4lb officially covering the sextet has an open look about it. Ease in the ground is not ideal for the John & Thady Gosden runner Lead Artist who was pulled out at Goodwood recently on account of the soft ground. The same owners Task Force has yet to encounter easy ground whilst it can’t be softer enough for recent Group 2 Goodwood winner Ice Max who had the re-opposing Poker Face 1L back in second place and now 5lb better off as the former has to shoulder a 3lb penalty today. The horse that I am attracted to however is the current outsider of the field in the Roger Teal trained Dancing Gemini. Easily his best run this year came on soft ground over a mile, the same conditions as today’s when going down by just half a length in second place to Metropolitan in the French 2000 Guineas back in May. He may not have stayed when 6th in the Epsom Derby and the Coral Eclipse over 1M 4F and 1M 2F respectively and possibly found the ground against him when fifth to Lead Artist at Goodwood in the Thoroughbred Stakes. Back on his favoured ground and trip and with Tom Marquand in the plate for the first time he looks a value bet. DANCING GEMINI 1 point win @ 7/1 bet365

Ayr 1.15 The first of nine races covered by ITV is this class 2 1M handicap which features a maximum field of fourteen runners. It looks a wide open affair with top weight Mirsky for the David O’Meara stable bringing a decent piece of form to the stable which a last time out runner up (beaten 1/2L) in the Clipper Handicap at York won by Thunder Run. He’s 2lb higher now and may struggle to confirm the form with Andrew Balding’s Aragon Castle who was 1 3/4L back in sixth and is now 2lb better off. One of only two three-year-olds in the race he may still have further improvement to come and with P J McDonald in the saddle can reward an each way wager. There are many others with claims however including last year’s winner Revich who’s now 7lb lower in the ratings. ARAGON CASTLE 1/2 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Newbury 1.30 The Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes is a Group 3 contest run over 5F which has attracted a field of eleven runners. The best in at the weights and a good 8lb and more ahead of his field is the Mick Appleby trained Annaf who was denied a clear run in the Haydock Sprint Cup last time out trailing in 15th of the 16 runners. I’m not entirely sure this Grade 2 7F winner wants a drop back to the minimum trip and is opposable. With a band of rain forecast the ground could easily ride on the slow side and that will be music to the ears of connections of the Rod Millman trained Adaay In Devon who’s been on the go since the first day of the season at Doncaster in March but appears to keep her form remarkably well. Her ideal conditions are 5F on soft ground and having run well on her last two starts on fast ground should appreciate stepping back on an easier terrain today. She looks good each way value under Silvestre De Sousa. ADAAY IN DEVON 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Ayr 1.50 The Doonside Cup is a listed contest run over 1M 2F and has attracted a field of nine this year. Joint best in here on official ratings is the Ricard Hannon trained three-year-old Persico who holds the Group 1 Champion Stakes entry at Ascot next month. He should run well but I’m not sure drying ground is his favoured ground conditions so pass him over in favour of the penalised Phantom Flight. George Scott’s five-year-old carries a 3lb penalty for winning a listed contest on his first run for the stable back in July and has run well twice since in Group 3 company. Runner up last time out to See The Fire in the Strensall Stakes at York when he had the re-opposing Roger Varian runner Enfjaar 2 1/2L behind in sixth. The latter is now 3lb better off and can get closer especially as he had a wide trip that day but may just struggle to make up all of the ground on the selection. PHANTOM FLIGHT 1 point win @ 11/4 Betfred Newbury 2.05 A valuable class 2 1M 5 1/2F handicap has attracted fifteen runners and a very worthy favourite in the David Menuisier trained Waxing Gibbous who certainly won’t mind if the rain hits the Berkshire track. The four-year-old filly stepped up his form when moving up to 1M 6F in the valuable handicap the Old Borough Cup Handicap at Haydock earlier this month when going down by just a neck to Epic Poet. This will only be her eighth career start and may have further improvement in her. Shes fairly berthed in stall 8 and should be highly competitive with the Andrew Balding runner Lieber Power looking a likely threat . WAXING GIBBOUS 1 point win @ 4/1 bet365 Ayr 2.25 The first of the two 6F cavalry charges today is the Virgin Bet Silver Cup Handicap which features 23 runners. One horse stands out here to me and that’s the six timer seeking Craig Lidster trained Alfa Kellenic. The three-year-old filly has been a revelation this season rising some 23lb since starting her run and her recent victory at York over 7F has been boosted since by the 2nd and 4th finishing 2nd and 3rd in a Group 3 since. That victory came off of a mark of 88 and taking today’s jockey William Pyle’s 3lb claim into account is now only 2lb higher and should appreciate stepping back to 6F. The ex Archie Watson runner Rhythm N Hooves is interesting having his first run for sprint specialist Robert Cowell but this is all about Alfa Kellenic who it would be no shock were he to be well backed exiting from stall 22. ALFA KELLENIC 1 point each way @ 11/2 Quinnbet 1/5th 12345 Newbury 2.40 Eleven run in this valuable class 2 1M 2F handicap. Any easing in the ground is maybe against the likes of Flying Frontier and Quietness who are close to the head of the market and there may well be some each way value to be found in the shape of the Harry Eustace trained Mustazeed who always seems to run well at the Berkshire track with form figures here which read 01148. The David Probert ridden six-year-old is due to run at the track on Friday so may not be a certain runner but if he does run he’s worth a saver bet for sure. The main bet though is the Simon &b Ed Crisford trained three-year-old Involvement who was two necks behind the re-opposing Flying Frontier at Sandown last time and can turn that form around on 2lb better terms. He also has form on soft ground so may not mind were things to get muddy. INVOLVEMENT 1 point ew @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234 MUSTAZEED 1/2 point each way @ 20/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Ayr 3.00 Thirteen have declared for the Group 3 Firth Of Clyde Stakes run over 6F for two-year-old fillies. Arguably the form horse is the George Boughey trained Englemere, a winner in listed company and 4th in a Group 3 last time but she has yet to try this distance and it may be worth chancing one of those stepping up in class. William Haggas saddles his Newbury maiden winner Sky Majesty (runner up won in the week) and should be thereabouts along with the Henry De Bromhead trained Town And Country who was last seen winning a maiden at Navan from the 90 rated Snapdragon. Of the pair I prefer the former who is owned by Tony Bloom and can take this step up in grade in her stride under Callum Rodriquez. SKY MAJESTY 1 point each way @ 9/2 Betfred 1/5th 1234 Newbury 3.15 A field of ten have declared for the Group 2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef Stakes run over 6F for two-year-olds. Richard Fahey’s Powerful Glory looked smart when landing a gamble on his debut at Pontefract winning by an easy 5 1/2L with his trainer saying all the right things about him afterwards and nominating this race as a target. That was on good to firm ground though with Fahey staying he is ‘a very fast horse’. I just wonder if rain softened ground will suit and prefer the more established form line of the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes from York in which Charlie Appleby’s Shadow Of Light had a head in front of Adrian Keatley’s subsequent winner Symbol Of Strength. There shouldn’t be much between them with slight preference for the former who will be ridden by William Buick. Closely related to heavy ground Group 1 winner Earthlight he may not be inconvenienced by the likely easier ground so is the pick. SHADOW OF LIGHT 1 point win @ 11/4 William Hill Ayr 3.35 The day’s feature handicap is the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Handicap run over 6F with a maximum field of 25. As you would expect there are many with chances including last weekend’s gambled on Portland Handicap winner American Affair who should appreciate stepping up half a furlong but does have to race off of a handicap mark 5lb higher. The one that takes my eye is the David Evans trained six-year-old Rohaan who was seventh in this last year from a modest draw only beaten 1 3/4L and returns off of a handicap mark 8lb lower. He bounced back to form with a credible third at Ascot last time out under today’s jockey Tom Queally and looks a very well handicapped at present as three of his handicap victories have come from a significantly higher handicap mark. Theres a lot to like and if drawn on the right side (he’s in stall 8 next to front runner Sergeant Wilko) can run a big race. ROHAAN 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 123456