The Melbourne Cup has become one of the highlights of the international flat racing calendar, with many trainers and owners sending their best flat-staying talent. Willie Mullins, Aidan O’Brien, and Saeed Bin Suroor are all represented with the European challenge looking strong. Godolphin are mob-handed with five entrants in the mix,…
Author: Paul Davidson
1pt win Afjaan @9/1, 0.75pts each-way Remarkable @14/1, 16:25 Ascot, Saturday
The Balmoral Handicap finishes off one of the best cards for a Champions Day since it came to Ascot. The race could have been filled twice over with 45 declared, instead only 20 take part. GM Hopkins loves this track and has Ryan Moore booked, so you fancy him to…
1pt win Laws Of Spin @8/1, 1pt win Automated @12/1, 16:55 Curragh, Sunday
Following the well-treated horses in yesterdays British Cesarewitch Handicap paid dividends, and we are taking a similar approach to pick out the winner in the Irish version of the Cesarewitch at The Curragh today. Three-year-olds have a strong recent record in this race, in part down to the substantial weight-for-age-allowance…
0.75pts each-way Ancient History @16/1, 17:20 Newmarket, Saturday
Johannes Vermeer returns to action after a year off-the-track and is clearly the class act in this Group 3 contest, which brings a fantastic card to a close. It is completey unknown whether he will be fit and raring to go, but if he is up-to-speed then he will be…
0.5pt each-way Jimmy Two Times @14/1, 17:15 Chantilly, Sunday
The Prix De La Foret appears sewn-up by Limato, who looks unstoppable in claiming this prize at the second attempt. There are no challengers with the quality of the likes of Make Believe, or Mecca’s Angel to take him on this time, and unless the ground goes soft, he is the…
1pt win Mehmas @11/4, 16:15 Curragh, Sunday
The Group One Vincent O’Brien National Stakes has been won by some exceptional colts in the past, and the winner here could be a serious contender for the Classics next season. It’s difficult to look beyond the first two in the betting, with Aiden O’Brien’s Churchill (three from four), and…
1pt win New Caledonia @12/1, 0.75pt EW Dance The Dream @14/1, 15:10 Ascot, Saturday
The competitive landscape of this three-year-old race is full of a number of improving types boasting decent pedigree. DAL HARRAILD is locked for favouritism at 7/2 with STARGAZER – the mount of Ryan Moore – and they sit at the top of the handicap for recent efforts. At the prices,…
0.75pts EW Intisaab @9/1, 0.75pts EW Toofi @12/1, 15:55 Ripon, Saturday
The Great St Wilfrid Stakes is by far the most competitive race at Ripon in a calendar season and is one of the highlights of Saturday’s racing. Orion’s Bow is a worthy favourite for the handicap having finished second behind the fast-improving filly Dancing Star in the Stewards’ Cup. He…
0.75pt EW Ridge Ranger @16/1, 0.75pt EW Raucous @16/1, 0.5pt EW Dinkum Diamond @33/1, 15:45 Stewards' Cup, Goodwood
One of the highlights of the handicap sprinting season is the Stewards’ Cup. There’s been some excellent racing at Glorious Goodwood this week, but it’s a race I’ve always looked forward to the most at the festival. The races on the straight course have generally developed down the centre of…
1pt win Intisaab @15/2, 0.5pt EW Tatlisu @16/1, 16:10 York, Skybet Dash
The Skybet Dash at York looks as open as ever and with the quick ground returning we should start to see large swings in form-lines. Kimberella wouldn’t be winning out of turn here. But has been the victim of his own success having held his form very well this season…