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Predominantly focused on the Flat, though there may be the odd jumps pick thrown in, particularly in juvenile hurdles where Flat horses are switching codes.
Prediction:
The thread will be a slow burner, with plenty of selections from left field or on the speculative side, with a low strike rate in terms of winners and long losing runs are a possibility.
The odds quoted will be what's on oddschecker with at least one of the main firms at the time of posting, usually late morning / early afternoon.
As I will need all the help I can get (and I'm not jesting after last year!), I am going to claim B.O.G where applicable but obviously will keep a close eye on that with some firms now withdrawing the offer.
DISCLAIMER: I'm just a guy putting up a couple or so selections most days at working men's prices with a bit of reasoning, so if the thread fails, well, what can I say other than it's a tough old game!
Prediction:
The thread will be a slow burner, with plenty of selections from left field or on the speculative side, with a low strike rate in terms of winners and long losing runs are a possibility.
The odds quoted will be what's on oddschecker with at least one of the main firms at the time of posting, usually late morning / early afternoon.
As I will need all the help I can get (and I'm not jesting after last year!), I am going to claim B.O.G where applicable but obviously will keep a close eye on that with some firms now withdrawing the offer.
DISCLAIMER: I'm just a guy putting up a couple or so selections most days at working men's prices with a bit of reasoning, so if the thread fails, well, what can I say other than it's a tough old game!
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Country Artiste was a selection last time when I wrote:
Country Artiste didn't progress for her previous yard after running well last summer, which included making the frame at Newbury and Newmarket in novice / maiden races, and following a 19,000 gns sale didn't offer much in a couple of starts on the all-weather in January back from a three-month break for her new yard, so a bit to be taken on trust here back from another absence. However, it wouldn't surprise if her current handler brought her back to form at some point, and she makes her first turf start for him off a mark 13lb lower than her initial rating, with the rail draw to help.
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It takes a leap of faith to support Country Artiste as she didn't offered little encouragement at Ripon in a race won by the current favourite for this Simba's Pride, however, the run might have been needed, she got a bit upset in the stalls, wasn't helped by being shuffled back early on in the contest, and it's possible she might not have handled the track. She's been dropped a further 3lb and today's forecast quicker ground may suit better, so she's given another chance at a big price.
Country Artiste didn't progress for her previous yard after running well last summer, which included making the frame at Newbury and Newmarket in novice / maiden races, and following a 19,000 gns sale didn't offer much in a couple of starts on the all-weather in January back from a three-month break for her new yard, so a bit to be taken on trust here back from another absence. However, it wouldn't surprise if her current handler brought her back to form at some point, and she makes her first turf start for him off a mark 13lb lower than her initial rating, with the rail draw to help.
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It takes a leap of faith to support Country Artiste as she didn't offered little encouragement at Ripon in a race won by the current favourite for this Simba's Pride, however, the run might have been needed, she got a bit upset in the stalls, wasn't helped by being shuffled back early on in the contest, and it's possible she might not have handled the track. She's been dropped a further 3lb and today's forecast quicker ground may suit better, so she's given another chance at a big price.
2026 Running P/L: +45.52 pts
Shaws Phoenix, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.50 Yarmouth (3 PLACES)
Mystic Rose, 1pt EW @ 11-1, 7.51 Bellewstown (4 PLACES)
Shaws Phoenix, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.50 Yarmouth (3 PLACES)
Mystic Rose, 1pt EW @ 11-1, 7.51 Bellewstown (4 PLACES)
Shaws Phoenix
Shaws Phoenix's mark has just about bottomed out and she has offered little for her current yard in a couple of starts on the all-weather since leaving the care of Alice Haynes, though the run might been needed at Southwell back from eight months off, and last time at Wolverhampton she dropped away after racing wide from a wide draw.
She was selected on the 10th June but to my surprise she was withdrawn on account of the soft ground, and that wasn't the first time she been pulled out on account of easy ground, this despite having recorded her best RPR on soft at Yarmouth over 7f. However, she did make the frame over this C&D on good to firm off a 10lb higher mark back in 2024, and she wasn't beaten far when finishing third of six here last summer off a 9lb higher mark.
The selection has to show that some ability remains and she's eligible for weaker races than this one, but interesting to see how she goes for her new connections back at a track where her better efforts have come.
Shaws Phoenix's mark has just about bottomed out and she has offered little for her current yard in a couple of starts on the all-weather since leaving the care of Alice Haynes, though the run might been needed at Southwell back from eight months off, and last time at Wolverhampton she dropped away after racing wide from a wide draw.
She was selected on the 10th June but to my surprise she was withdrawn on account of the soft ground, and that wasn't the first time she been pulled out on account of easy ground, this despite having recorded her best RPR on soft at Yarmouth over 7f. However, she did make the frame over this C&D on good to firm off a 10lb higher mark back in 2024, and she wasn't beaten far when finishing third of six here last summer off a 9lb higher mark.
The selection has to show that some ability remains and she's eligible for weaker races than this one, but interesting to see how she goes for her new connections back at a track where her better efforts have come.
Mystic Rose
Mystic Rose has work to do to reverse last-time-out form at Navan (13f, good) with Jurality, with whom she has over five lengths to make up and is 4lb better off here when apprentice claims are taken into account. The pair dominated that contest for much of the way but Mystic Rose possibly did a little too much on the front-end and didn't see it out, losing second place around 100 yards out and fading to finish 5th of the 14 runners.
She will need to run her race more evenly upped in trip to 14.5f, but if she can then she may get closer to Jurality on the revised terms, with a tongue-tie applied for the first time.
Mystic Rose has work to do to reverse last-time-out form at Navan (13f, good) with Jurality, with whom she has over five lengths to make up and is 4lb better off here when apprentice claims are taken into account. The pair dominated that contest for much of the way but Mystic Rose possibly did a little too much on the front-end and didn't see it out, losing second place around 100 yards out and fading to finish 5th of the 14 runners.
She will need to run her race more evenly upped in trip to 14.5f, but if she can then she may get closer to Jurality on the revised terms, with a tongue-tie applied for the first time.
Unlucky George gl ...
One of those days, Virgin
Shaws Phoenix was unruly beforehand and had to be loaded without the jockey on board, and then when the stalls opened it appeared she was reluctant to race, losing any chance she had at the start.
I thought Mystic Rose shaped like the second best horse on the day last time at Navan behind Jurality (who was done at 1.01 this evening), so thought she was worth chancing at the odds on the revised terms in the hope she could run her race more evenly this evening given there was a stamina query upped in trip again, however, she was rushed up round the outer three-wide having not been best away, and although she then managed to get a rail position, she was once again used up to go after the leader plenty soon enough. Unsurprisingly she didn't see her race out again, getting nutted for the extra place on the line.
2026 Running P/L: +41.52 pts
Shaws Phoenix was unruly beforehand and had to be loaded without the jockey on board, and then when the stalls opened it appeared she was reluctant to race, losing any chance she had at the start.
I thought Mystic Rose shaped like the second best horse on the day last time at Navan behind Jurality (who was done at 1.01 this evening), so thought she was worth chancing at the odds on the revised terms in the hope she could run her race more evenly this evening given there was a stamina query upped in trip again, however, she was rushed up round the outer three-wide having not been best away, and although she then managed to get a rail position, she was once again used up to go after the leader plenty soon enough. Unsurprisingly she didn't see her race out again, getting nutted for the extra place on the line.
2026 Running P/L: +41.52 pts
Kolkata Knight made a good start to his campaign when finishing a neck runner-up at Wolverhampton (5f) to a filly who followed up in a competitive Thirsk handicap and then went close in a York Listed contest. The selection has finished down the field in two starts since but he was drawn wide at Chester (5f, good), and last time at Sandown (5f, good) he helped force the pace into a headwind before fading. Our Cody, who also sat close to the pace before finishing third in that contest, finished a close fourth in Listed company back over that C&D on her next start.
Kolkata Knight is back on the mark he was second off at Wolverhampton, and his yard have sent out winners at odds of 33-1, 22-1 and 18-1 in the past fortnight from just 11 runners.
Kolkata Knight is back on the mark he was second off at Wolverhampton, and his yard have sent out winners at odds of 33-1, 22-1 and 18-1 in the past fortnight from just 11 runners.
Good luck for today George & I wish you luck with your words of wisdom & hopefully leave my own, one that I think is overpriced today Duskaura in the 19.00 Nottingham at around the 10/1 mark
George - watch the Who Really Runs The World episode of The Peter McCormack Show podcast on Youtube- its with a guy called Simon Dixon who breaks it down completely.
2026 Running P/L: +39.52 pts
Glasses Up, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 4.25 Ayr
Glasses Up, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 4.25 Ayr
Glasses Up
Rain had been forecast but the ground looks fairly decent at Ayr, so I'm going to take a chance on Glasses Up. This eleven-time course winner wasn't at his best last time over C&D but doubt a steady gallop on soft ground would have been ideal, but the last time he was ran here in early May he finished a close third off a 4lb higher mark on good to firm over the 9f trip which is probably sharp enough for him these days.
His two runs in the interim when he failed to get competitive came at Musselburgh over 9f and Hamilton over 13f, so perhaps easy enough to forgive given he has only won away from Ayr on one occasion.
Mike Smith also runs the more fancied Zebra Star in this with Danny Tudhope booked, but a chance is taken at the prices on Glasses Up, who is off a mark 13lb lower than he won off over C&D last year.
Rain had been forecast but the ground looks fairly decent at Ayr, so I'm going to take a chance on Glasses Up. This eleven-time course winner wasn't at his best last time over C&D but doubt a steady gallop on soft ground would have been ideal, but the last time he was ran here in early May he finished a close third off a 4lb higher mark on good to firm over the 9f trip which is probably sharp enough for him these days.
His two runs in the interim when he failed to get competitive came at Musselburgh over 9f and Hamilton over 13f, so perhaps easy enough to forgive given he has only won away from Ayr on one occasion.
Mike Smith also runs the more fancied Zebra Star in this with Danny Tudhope booked, but a chance is taken at the prices on Glasses Up, who is off a mark 13lb lower than he won off over C&D last year.
Glasses Up settled into a nice tracking position, but the veteran was unable to match the younger legs of the first four and finished in fifth place.
2026 Running P/L: +37.52 pts
2026 Running P/L: +37.52 pts
Poker, 1pt EW @ 15-2, 2.45 Doncaster
Harry Brown, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 7.50 Epsom
Harry Brown, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 7.50 Epsom
Harry Brown
Harry Brown had excuses last time at Windsor (5f, g-f) when finishing last of 13 (reared start and slowly away, saddle slipped). He's of interest here based on his previous run at Brighton (5.5f, g-f) where in a well-run contest he only went down by a short-head to a more patiently-ridden rival having battled on well.
It's easy to perceive him as an all-weather horse with five of his six wins having come on synthetics but he has yet to finish out of the first three from five outings on downhill turf tracks when the going has been good or quicker. The return to 6f shouldn't be an issue, and although he's markedly up in grade here, Ashley Lewis takes off a valuable 5lb, and the selection has been rated a lot higher in the past including when making the frame at Goodwood back in 2023 off a mark of 87.
Harry Brown had excuses last time at Windsor (5f, g-f) when finishing last of 13 (reared start and slowly away, saddle slipped). He's of interest here based on his previous run at Brighton (5.5f, g-f) where in a well-run contest he only went down by a short-head to a more patiently-ridden rival having battled on well.
It's easy to perceive him as an all-weather horse with five of his six wins having come on synthetics but he has yet to finish out of the first three from five outings on downhill turf tracks when the going has been good or quicker. The return to 6f shouldn't be an issue, and although he's markedly up in grade here, Ashley Lewis takes off a valuable 5lb, and the selection has been rated a lot higher in the past including when making the frame at Goodwood back in 2023 off a mark of 87.
I'm at a loss as to why the Poker reasoning post has been removed again, it appeared perfectly harmless 
A shocker from Poker, who folded quickly like a poor hand from 2f out, and perhaps like his stablemate Convergent who disappointed at HQ, evidently has gone the wrong way for running on soft ground at the Derby meeting.
Harry Brown wasn't able to make use of his inside draw in a race where the two leaders were able to dictate and stay there throughout, and then wasn't helped by not getting the clearest of runs down the home straight, before making some late headway into a never threatening fifth place.
2026 Running P/L: +33.52 pts
Harry Brown wasn't able to make use of his inside draw in a race where the two leaders were able to dictate and stay there throughout, and then wasn't helped by not getting the clearest of runs down the home straight, before making some late headway into a never threatening fifth place.
2026 Running P/L: +33.52 pts
A couple against the field in the Bunbury Cup
Dark Tornado, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 3.25 Newmarket (4 PLACES)
Nostrum, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 3.25 Newmarket (4 PLACES)
Dark Tornado, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 3.25 Newmarket (4 PLACES)
Nostrum, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 3.25 Newmarket (4 PLACES)
Dark Tornado faces a tough task to confirm recent C&D form with Aalto, given that rival's record in the Bunbury Cup and who is 4lb better off for just over a length defeat, however, Dark Tornado looked in top form that day, on what was just his fifth start for the in-form Michael Wigham, never too far away in a well-run contest and keeping on well once taking it up from over a furlong out to win in a comparatively good time on the day.
He has a record of three wins and two seconds from six starts at 7f on good to firm ground, and he's only had 13 career starts, so not impossible his current yard may be able to eke out a bit more under conditions that evidently suit.
He has a record of three wins and two seconds from six starts at 7f on good to firm ground, and he's only had 13 career starts, so not impossible his current yard may be able to eke out a bit more under conditions that evidently suit.
Nostrum also ran in that recent C&D contest, and it's not a surprise to see that he was the subject of a running and riding enquiry, given he was just held together and not knocked about once becoming a bit short of room around 2f out. He'd previously been running well for his current yard, not disgraced from a disadvantageous low draw in the Victoria Cup at Ascot, and then respectable efforts at Sandown and Newbury.
Connections put forward the quick ground as an excuse for being tenderly handled last time, so they may have some explaining to do should he run well today, and while it remains to be seen which way he goes for current connections given his overall profile having looked a potential top-notcher at one point when trained by Sir Micheal Stoute before going the wrong way, there have been encouraging signs since joining David O'Meara.
Connections put forward the quick ground as an excuse for being tenderly handled last time, so they may have some explaining to do should he run well today, and while it remains to be seen which way he goes for current connections given his overall profile having looked a potential top-notcher at one point when trained by Sir Micheal Stoute before going the wrong way, there have been encouraging signs since joining David O'Meara.
George, surely anyone who is showing a profit is vulnerable to having a thread removed by bookmaker pressure
GL today. The Bunbury Cup is one of the races I will probably swerve. Too difficult. If given a free bet it would be Great Acclaim. Eve J-H is in good form.
GL today. The Bunbury Cup is one of the races I will probably swerve. Too difficult. If given a free bet it would be Great Acclaim. Eve J-H is in good form.
In that case,Aceform's Final Fling is in no danger,sageform
sageform, after last summer's debacle, I'm surprised the bookies didn't get in touch to offer me sponsorship to keep the thread going 
Just to correct my little write-up on Nostrum, senility creeping in again, Nostrum is now trained by Michael Appleby, not David O'Meara (who trained him previously).
Just to correct my little write-up on Nostrum, senility creeping in again, Nostrum is now trained by Michael Appleby, not David O'Meara (who trained him previously).
Dark Tornado could 'only' finish 6th of the 13 runners in the Bunbury Cup, beaten 3L, but he was in the heat of the battle from the outset on a day when getting cover was no bad thing, and indeed the first two home came from well back.
Apparently there was just a "gentle breeze" at HQ on Saturday, but in other races Planet Seeker, St Anton and Al Hudaiba all noticeably got cover. Haffner won from the front but in a slow time. I suppose Commanche Brave was in front from some way out but had got some cover behind the Japanese raider up to a point.
As for my other pick Nostrum, he came nearside with just one other rival, again no cover, and ended up well beaten. Perhaps there will be other days when Mick Appleby will work his magic on this one.
2026 Running P/L: +29.52 pts
Apparently there was just a "gentle breeze" at HQ on Saturday, but in other races Planet Seeker, St Anton and Al Hudaiba all noticeably got cover. Haffner won from the front but in a slow time. I suppose Commanche Brave was in front from some way out but had got some cover behind the Japanese raider up to a point.
As for my other pick Nostrum, he came nearside with just one other rival, again no cover, and ended up well beaten. Perhaps there will be other days when Mick Appleby will work his magic on this one.
2026 Running P/L: +29.52 pts
Glasses Up was a selection the previous Sunday at Ayr over the 10f trip when I wrote:
Rain had been forecast but the ground looks fairly decent at Ayr, so I'm going to take a chance on Glasses Up. This eleven-time course winner wasn't at his best last time over C&D but doubt a steady gallop on soft ground would have been ideal, but the last time he was ran here in early May he finished a close third off a 4lb higher mark on good to firm over the 9f trip which is probably sharp enough for him these days.
His two runs in the interim when he failed to get competitive came at Musselburgh over 9f and Hamilton over 13f, so perhaps easy enough to forgive given he has only won away from Ayr on one occasion.
Mike Smith also runs the more fancied Zebra Star in this with Danny Tudhope booked, but a chance is taken at the prices on Glasses Up, who is off a mark 13lb lower than he won off over C&D last year.
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He didn't run too badly there, and perhaps today's trip of 13f, over which he has plenty of form, is a better fit for him these days, and did win over it last year off a 5lb higher mark. He is eligible for weaker races but so too is the current favourite Annandale.
Shay Farmer takes the ride in this apprentices' handicap and he's on a hat-trick of winners having ridden a double in Jersey on Friday.
Rain had been forecast but the ground looks fairly decent at Ayr, so I'm going to take a chance on Glasses Up. This eleven-time course winner wasn't at his best last time over C&D but doubt a steady gallop on soft ground would have been ideal, but the last time he was ran here in early May he finished a close third off a 4lb higher mark on good to firm over the 9f trip which is probably sharp enough for him these days.
His two runs in the interim when he failed to get competitive came at Musselburgh over 9f and Hamilton over 13f, so perhaps easy enough to forgive given he has only won away from Ayr on one occasion.
Mike Smith also runs the more fancied Zebra Star in this with Danny Tudhope booked, but a chance is taken at the prices on Glasses Up, who is off a mark 13lb lower than he won off over C&D last year.
===========
He didn't run too badly there, and perhaps today's trip of 13f, over which he has plenty of form, is a better fit for him these days, and did win over it last year off a 5lb higher mark. He is eligible for weaker races but so too is the current favourite Annandale.
Shay Farmer takes the ride in this apprentices' handicap and he's on a hat-trick of winners having ridden a double in Jersey on Friday.
vwd George !
! anutherre #stellar 1.... fair playe and WD :)
! anutherre #stellar 1.... fair playe and WD :)
Well done George. The scottish ayr made all the difference.
gl …
Cheers all, that was a close call.
Time to crack open a cold one...B0ttoms up!
2026 Running P/L: +47.02 pts
Time to crack open a cold one...B0ttoms up!
2026 Running P/L: +47.02 pts
Thanks YSM and PHS.
Dayman, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 7.25 Wolverhampton
Dayman, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 7.25 Wolverhampton
Dayman
Dayman missed 2025 but following a pipe-opener in January he then posted three decent efforts to make the frame at Lingfield (6f) and twice over C&D. He didn't hold his form in three starts after, two of which came away from Wolverhampton, though doubt easy ground last time at Chepstow would have been suitable.
Hopefully a short break has restored him back to the form that he was in, and if it has, he's looking fairly handicapped based on his neck second of 8 over C&D in March, a contest that produced four subsequent winners.
He doesn't always help his chance by racing keenly so could do with settling better than has sometimes been the case, but if Luke Morris can get some cover on breaking from the inside stall then his form from earlier this year should give him place prospects at least, granted he's ready to roll on his return from 54 days off.
Dayman missed 2025 but following a pipe-opener in January he then posted three decent efforts to make the frame at Lingfield (6f) and twice over C&D. He didn't hold his form in three starts after, two of which came away from Wolverhampton, though doubt easy ground last time at Chepstow would have been suitable.
Hopefully a short break has restored him back to the form that he was in, and if it has, he's looking fairly handicapped based on his neck second of 8 over C&D in March, a contest that produced four subsequent winners.
He doesn't always help his chance by racing keenly so could do with settling better than has sometimes been the case, but if Luke Morris can get some cover on breaking from the inside stall then his form from earlier this year should give him place prospects at least, granted he's ready to roll on his return from 54 days off.
2026 Running P/L: +45.02 pts
Symbol Of Hope, 1pt EW @ 7-1, 3.31 Bath
Zuffolo, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 4.40 Catterick
Symbol Of Hope, 1pt EW @ 7-1, 3.31 Bath
Zuffolo, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 4.40 Catterick
Symbol Of Hope
Symbol Of Hope is a seven-time course winner who hasn't won for nearly two years, but he hinted on occasions during the all-weather season when trained by Adrian Wintle that his turn might be nearing again, and he's run well back at this track in two of his three starts (lost a shoe on the other occasion) since rejoining Grace Harris. He ended up being beaten nearly five lengths in to 4th place last time over the 5.5f trip but his effort can probably be marked up having disputed the pace into a headwind in a contest where it paid to be held up.
His last three wins have come over that 5.5f trip but the drop back to the minimum trip shouldn't bother having won here three times over it. Ashley Lewis, who was on board for those two recent decent efforts here retains the ride, and the selection is a dual winner on ground described as firm.
Symbol Of Hope is a seven-time course winner who hasn't won for nearly two years, but he hinted on occasions during the all-weather season when trained by Adrian Wintle that his turn might be nearing again, and he's run well back at this track in two of his three starts (lost a shoe on the other occasion) since rejoining Grace Harris. He ended up being beaten nearly five lengths in to 4th place last time over the 5.5f trip but his effort can probably be marked up having disputed the pace into a headwind in a contest where it paid to be held up.
His last three wins have come over that 5.5f trip but the drop back to the minimum trip shouldn't bother having won here three times over it. Ashley Lewis, who was on board for those two recent decent efforts here retains the ride, and the selection is a dual winner on ground described as firm.
Zuffolo
Zuffolo hasn't looked in much form the last twice but it was only three starts back in April at Redcar (5f, 3lb) that he finished second off a 3lb higher mark, and although there are mixed messages from that form, the winner and fifth have won since. He gets a headgear switch back to blinkers, which he hasn't worn since last summer, and hopefully that might just shapen him up with the inside stall to help.
He is eligible for weaker races, but is 3lb below his last winning mark, and his only previous visit to this track last summer saw him finish third off a 5lb higher mark, when he finished less a length behind one of today's rivals Irish Dancer, whom he meets on 18lb better terms when apprentice claims are factored in.
Zuffolo hasn't looked in much form the last twice but it was only three starts back in April at Redcar (5f, 3lb) that he finished second off a 3lb higher mark, and although there are mixed messages from that form, the winner and fifth have won since. He gets a headgear switch back to blinkers, which he hasn't worn since last summer, and hopefully that might just shapen him up with the inside stall to help.
He is eligible for weaker races, but is 3lb below his last winning mark, and his only previous visit to this track last summer saw him finish third off a 5lb higher mark, when he finished less a length behind one of today's rivals Irish Dancer, whom he meets on 18lb better terms when apprentice claims are factored in.
gl ...
Cheers Virgin
Symbol Of Hope went odds-on in the run but couldn't hold on against two who delayed their challenge a bit longer.
Zuffolo went with more zest in the headgear change and was able to hang on for a place.
2026 Running P/L: +46.42 pts
Symbol Of Hope went odds-on in the run but couldn't hold on against two who delayed their challenge a bit longer.
Zuffolo went with more zest in the headgear change and was able to hang on for a place.
2026 Running P/L: +46.42 pts
Francophone, 1pt EW @ 12-1, 2.15 Curragh
Absoluteassignment, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 5.45 Curragh (5 PLACES)
Renewable Dream, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 7.15 Doncaster
Absoluteassignment, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 5.45 Curragh (5 PLACES)
Renewable Dream, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 7.15 Doncaster
Francophone
Francophone was never involved last time from a wide draw at Royal Ascot (1m, g-f) in the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes won by Blue Bolt, but she hadn't shaped too badly on her previous two starts in Group 2 contests this season, running okay on her reappearance at the Guineas meeting when finishing 4th (albeit beaten 10L) in the strongly-run Dahlia Stakes (9f, g-f), and then perhaps better than the bare result when finishing tenth of 12 at the Curragh (1m, good), beaten 3.75L, but only less than 2L behind the current short-priced favourite for this, One Look, when looking like she was starting to find her stride only to find her path blocked; that was a muddling contest with 4L covering the first 11 home, but it seemed to suggest that she retains her ability as a 5YO.
This is an ease in grade to Group 3 level, with the step up in trip not a concern with her being a 10f Listed winner as a 3YO, and Oisin Murphy rides her for the first time.
Francophone was never involved last time from a wide draw at Royal Ascot (1m, g-f) in the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes won by Blue Bolt, but she hadn't shaped too badly on her previous two starts in Group 2 contests this season, running okay on her reappearance at the Guineas meeting when finishing 4th (albeit beaten 10L) in the strongly-run Dahlia Stakes (9f, g-f), and then perhaps better than the bare result when finishing tenth of 12 at the Curragh (1m, good), beaten 3.75L, but only less than 2L behind the current short-priced favourite for this, One Look, when looking like she was starting to find her stride only to find her path blocked; that was a muddling contest with 4L covering the first 11 home, but it seemed to suggest that she retains her ability as a 5YO.
This is an ease in grade to Group 3 level, with the step up in trip not a concern with her being a 10f Listed winner as a 3YO, and Oisin Murphy rides her for the first time.
Absoluteassignment
Absoluteassignment is only rated 64 so doesn't face an easy task in a race of this nature at a top track for all he receives weight from most of his rivals, but he looks sure to be winning races at some point based on his handicap debut at Fairyhouse (6f, good, tongue-tied), where after racing keenly he ran on well to finish second to Stone Bear, who subsequently would be beaten a length by Midnight Dusk over the same C&D, and that 3yo colt would then run out a very impressive winner off a 6f Curragh handicap. The selection reopposed Stone Bear in that Fairyhouse handicap, when he was noticeably weak in the betting, and having been keen again he could only make some late-headway from off the pace.
Absoluteassignment could do with settling better, and it remains to be seen what effect the tongue-tie being left off has, but interesting to see how he fares on this first crack at 5f, with Wayne Lordan taking over in the plate.
Absoluteassignment is only rated 64 so doesn't face an easy task in a race of this nature at a top track for all he receives weight from most of his rivals, but he looks sure to be winning races at some point based on his handicap debut at Fairyhouse (6f, good, tongue-tied), where after racing keenly he ran on well to finish second to Stone Bear, who subsequently would be beaten a length by Midnight Dusk over the same C&D, and that 3yo colt would then run out a very impressive winner off a 6f Curragh handicap. The selection reopposed Stone Bear in that Fairyhouse handicap, when he was noticeably weak in the betting, and having been keen again he could only make some late-headway from off the pace.
Absoluteassignment could do with settling better, and it remains to be seen what effect the tongue-tie being left off has, but interesting to see how he fares on this first crack at 5f, with Wayne Lordan taking over in the plate.
Renewable Dream
It's disappointing that Renewable Dream is still have a maiden having run well to finish fifth on his third run for a mark in a Thirsk maiden in the spring of last year that worked out well, though he subsequently did run well to make the frame on a couple of occasions off higher marks than today's, including when a close third over the mile trip on the round course here on good to firm last summer.
Following a placed effort at Redcar (one mile, good) in September, he didn't go on for his previous yard, and now returns from six months off making his debut for John Wainwright, who has been the among the winners of late.
There's a bit to be taken on trust here, notably fitness, and he could do with settling better than has sometimes been the case, but if a change of scenery has worked than he looks on a mark he should be capable of winning off.
It's disappointing that Renewable Dream is still have a maiden having run well to finish fifth on his third run for a mark in a Thirsk maiden in the spring of last year that worked out well, though he subsequently did run well to make the frame on a couple of occasions off higher marks than today's, including when a close third over the mile trip on the round course here on good to firm last summer.
Following a placed effort at Redcar (one mile, good) in September, he didn't go on for his previous yard, and now returns from six months off making his debut for John Wainwright, who has been the among the winners of late.
There's a bit to be taken on trust here, notably fitness, and he could do with settling better than has sometimes been the case, but if a change of scenery has worked than he looks on a mark he should be capable of winning off.
A bad day at the office...
Francophone wasn't well positioned based on how this panned out but kept on well into fourth place, finishing a length behind the second.
I was anticipating a typically no-nonsense ride from Wayne Lordan, who was taking over on Absoluteassignment, given this one can be keen and was dropping in trip, but the reality was that the selection was soon behind, and although he did make some headway into midfield, wasn't given a hard time from that point and soon dropped away.
Renewable Dream, back from a break and starting out for a new yard, was stood in the stalls for a while, and doubt was suited by the tactical nature of this 7f contest given he appears to stay a mile, but ultimately, probably was in need of the run.
2026 Running P/L: +40.42 pts
Francophone wasn't well positioned based on how this panned out but kept on well into fourth place, finishing a length behind the second.
I was anticipating a typically no-nonsense ride from Wayne Lordan, who was taking over on Absoluteassignment, given this one can be keen and was dropping in trip, but the reality was that the selection was soon behind, and although he did make some headway into midfield, wasn't given a hard time from that point and soon dropped away.
Renewable Dream, back from a break and starting out for a new yard, was stood in the stalls for a while, and doubt was suited by the tactical nature of this 7f contest given he appears to stay a mile, but ultimately, probably was in need of the run.
2026 Running P/L: +40.42 pts
Vauntingly, 1pt EW @ 9-1, 3.22 Gowran Park
A Lady Forever, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.10 Newcastle
A Lady Forever, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.10 Newcastle
Vauntingly
Vauntingly doesn't face an easy task on official ratings upped in class to Listed level, and Dylan Browne McMonagle has opted to jump ship and ride a higher-rated stablemate, but there was a lot to like about the manner in which this scopey filly won a Killarney maiden 12 days ago, when encountering a sound surface for the first time and upped in trip to 11.5f, albeit she had the run of things on the front-end.
She's out of a Galileo mare so hopefully there's more to come at middle distances now upped slightly further in trip to 12f, and isn't badly drawn in three if the plan is to go forward again.
Vauntingly doesn't face an easy task on official ratings upped in class to Listed level, and Dylan Browne McMonagle has opted to jump ship and ride a higher-rated stablemate, but there was a lot to like about the manner in which this scopey filly won a Killarney maiden 12 days ago, when encountering a sound surface for the first time and upped in trip to 11.5f, albeit she had the run of things on the front-end.
She's out of a Galileo mare so hopefully there's more to come at middle distances now upped slightly further in trip to 12f, and isn't badly drawn in three if the plan is to go forward again.
A Lady Forever
A Lady Forever faded to finish last of seven just nine days ago at Hamilton on quick ground having been pestered for the lead, but perhaps she'll be more effective back at this track where she has a record of a win (6f) and three places from ten starts. It looked a fair effort over C&D two starts back when although no match for the conservatively-ridden winner who had a good 7lb claimer on board, she kept on okay to finish second having made the running into a slight headwind.
The visor she wore then is again left off, she's having to race from out of the handicap, and it remains to be seen how her low draw pans out, but she looks worth chancing at a double-figure price back at Newcastle.
A Lady Forever faded to finish last of seven just nine days ago at Hamilton on quick ground having been pestered for the lead, but perhaps she'll be more effective back at this track where she has a record of a win (6f) and three places from ten starts. It looked a fair effort over C&D two starts back when although no match for the conservatively-ridden winner who had a good 7lb claimer on board, she kept on okay to finish second having made the running into a slight headwind.
The visor she wore then is again left off, she's having to race from out of the handicap, and it remains to be seen how her low draw pans out, but she looks worth chancing at a double-figure price back at Newcastle.
Cheers Virgin.
It looked like Vauntingly just needed another stride or two and would have got there.
Unfortunately a losing day as my other selection A Lady Forever was a poor one, being the first beaten having gone from the front on a day at Newcastle when the surface was on the slow side and there was reportedly a stiff headwind.
5p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +39.56 pts
It looked like Vauntingly just needed another stride or two and would have got there.
Unfortunately a losing day as my other selection A Lady Forever was a poor one, being the first beaten having gone from the front on a day at Newcastle when the surface was on the slow side and there was reportedly a stiff headwind.
5p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +39.56 pts
Box Clever
Box Clever made an encouraging start to her season when finishing runner-up at Nottingham (8.5f, good) in April to one who would follow-up off a 3lb higher mark (admittedly with a good 7lb claimer on board), and perhaps Box Clever's effort can be marked up having been slow to stride from the widest draw and then used up some gas on the outer of the field to get into a prominent position.
Her two efforts since have been disappointing but I think excuses can be made for both, having been caught flat-footed and lost her position off a steady pace at Newbury (one mile, g-s), and last time at Kempton (where she dwelt at the start) the drop back to 7f didn't seem to suit and she could never get competitive when cheekpieces were tried for the first time.
The selection could do with being sharper from the gate particularly as she has the inside draw this evening, but having gone up a pound for her Nottingham effort she's now looking fairly handicapped off a 3lb lower mark, so hopefully can give a good account back on turf provided she doesn't blow it at the start.
Box Clever made an encouraging start to her season when finishing runner-up at Nottingham (8.5f, good) in April to one who would follow-up off a 3lb higher mark (admittedly with a good 7lb claimer on board), and perhaps Box Clever's effort can be marked up having been slow to stride from the widest draw and then used up some gas on the outer of the field to get into a prominent position.
Her two efforts since have been disappointing but I think excuses can be made for both, having been caught flat-footed and lost her position off a steady pace at Newbury (one mile, g-s), and last time at Kempton (where she dwelt at the start) the drop back to 7f didn't seem to suit and she could never get competitive when cheekpieces were tried for the first time.
The selection could do with being sharper from the gate particularly as she has the inside draw this evening, but having gone up a pound for her Nottingham effort she's now looking fairly handicapped off a 3lb lower mark, so hopefully can give a good account back on turf provided she doesn't blow it at the start.
I noticed that Box Clever was being backed in the early markets. Good luck with her.
Cheers Brian. If the markets are too sharp for Hugh Taylor nowadays, what chance have we mere mortals got?
Cheers Virgin, Box Clever took a while to pick up but was going on well at the finish into a closing third.
5p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +40.65 pts
5p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +40.65 pts
Highwind, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 1.50 Goodwood (5 PLACES)
It looked a decent effort from Highwind last time when finishing fourth at the Curragh over the stretch-two mile trip on his first encounter on officially good to firm ground, and although he was unable match the first three home inside the final furlong, he'd been keen on the front-end in what was the only race on the card to dip inside the RP standard time, on a day when the wind was described as "fresh, half against", and it paid to be held up in that contest with the first two home emerging from the rear. The winner has followed up over hurdles since, and the third won a 19-runner handicap at Galway on Wednesday, where he pulled clear with the runner-up.
The selection could do with settling better now trying this extended 20f trip for the first time, but has shaped as though worth a try it over with his previous form including a staying on 4th over 2m2.5f last September in the Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap at Down Royal.
The starting stalls will be in use for the first time in this contest so it remains to be seen how the draw pans out, but hopefully a draw in two will help him get an inside trip and some cover.
It looked a decent effort from Highwind last time when finishing fourth at the Curragh over the stretch-two mile trip on his first encounter on officially good to firm ground, and although he was unable match the first three home inside the final furlong, he'd been keen on the front-end in what was the only race on the card to dip inside the RP standard time, on a day when the wind was described as "fresh, half against", and it paid to be held up in that contest with the first two home emerging from the rear. The winner has followed up over hurdles since, and the third won a 19-runner handicap at Galway on Wednesday, where he pulled clear with the runner-up.
The selection could do with settling better now trying this extended 20f trip for the first time, but has shaped as though worth a try it over with his previous form including a staying on 4th over 2m2.5f last September in the Ulster Cesarewitch Handicap at Down Royal.
The starting stalls will be in use for the first time in this contest so it remains to be seen how the draw pans out, but hopefully a draw in two will help him get an inside trip and some cover.
gl ...
Cheers Virgin. A couple of the main firms have still paid 5 places so I am going to claim it.
Having proved easy enough to back (14-1 ISP), he was again keen through the early stages, but plugged on to press for a place, having lacked a gear change on the downhill run when it mattered.
He's yet to race beyond 2m1f over hurdles so may have some scope for improvement in that sphere when stepped up in trip given he appears to stay well on the Flat.
2026 Running P/L: +42.45 pts
Having proved easy enough to back (14-1 ISP), he was again keen through the early stages, but plugged on to press for a place, having lacked a gear change on the downhill run when it mattered.
He's yet to race beyond 2m1f over hurdles so may have some scope for improvement in that sphere when stepped up in trip given he appears to stay well on the Flat.
2026 Running P/L: +42.45 pts
Cairdeas
Cairdeas has posted a couple of decent efforts on turf this season, finishing runner-up at both Doncaster (6f, g-s) and Nottingham (6f, good), but the switch back to the all-weather ten days ago over this C&D backfired as he finished last of the 12 runners, beaten just over 6L, with Pickersgill (who also runs in this), finishing 6L ahead of him in second place. However, Cairdeas had taken quite a grip through the early stages and then didn't seem to get much of a run up the home straight, though admittedly he might not have found much anyway given the energy wastage.
His jockey might be keen to get him switched off at the back this time, which may not be ideal round here, particularly if the pace is controlled up front, but a chance is taken at the prices as he seemed to have excuses last time, and this represents a slight ease in grade.
Cairdeas has posted a couple of decent efforts on turf this season, finishing runner-up at both Doncaster (6f, g-s) and Nottingham (6f, good), but the switch back to the all-weather ten days ago over this C&D backfired as he finished last of the 12 runners, beaten just over 6L, with Pickersgill (who also runs in this), finishing 6L ahead of him in second place. However, Cairdeas had taken quite a grip through the early stages and then didn't seem to get much of a run up the home straight, though admittedly he might not have found much anyway given the energy wastage.
His jockey might be keen to get him switched off at the back this time, which may not be ideal round here, particularly if the pace is controlled up front, but a chance is taken at the prices as he seemed to have excuses last time, and this represents a slight ease in grade.
A three-wide trip for Cairdeas who seemed to do well in the circumstances to keep on for 4th place.
2026 Running P/L: +40.45 pts
2026 Running P/L: +40.45 pts
Draupnir
Draupnir hasn't exactly looked a winner waiting judging from his last two starts which both came at York over vastly different trips - never involved when upped markedly in trip to 14f, and last time over a mile when not seeing his race out having been ridden forward from a wide draw. However, he's now 2lb lower than for decent frame efforts earlier this season at both Thirsk (7f, good) and Hamilton (9f, good, Mr Lincoln in behind), and perhaps a drop in class combined with getting back on an easier surface can prove the catalyst for a return to form, provided he's effective over tonight's trip of 10f.
Draupnir hasn't exactly looked a winner waiting judging from his last two starts which both came at York over vastly different trips - never involved when upped markedly in trip to 14f, and last time over a mile when not seeing his race out having been ridden forward from a wide draw. However, he's now 2lb lower than for decent frame efforts earlier this season at both Thirsk (7f, good) and Hamilton (9f, good, Mr Lincoln in behind), and perhaps a drop in class combined with getting back on an easier surface can prove the catalyst for a return to form, provided he's effective over tonight's trip of 10f.
Draupnir went from the front and, whilst he kept on well, he wasn't able to hang on for a place, ultimately finishing fifth.
He has a pedigree to stay four miles, but can be effective over 7f, so who knows what his optimum trip is?
He has a pedigree to stay four miles, but can be effective over 7f, so who knows what his optimum trip is?
Tribeca, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 4.00 Curragh
Weston Court, 1pt @ 22-1, 4.26 Chepstow (4 PLACES)
Weston Court, 1pt @ 22-1, 4.26 Chepstow (4 PLACES)
Tribeca
Tribeca ultimately wasn't any match last time for Celeron in the Railway Stakes over C&D when they finished first and second, but I thought there was a lot to like about his effort given he'd sat closer to the trailblazing Carry The Flag, whilst racing alone towards the stands' rail, and this physically nice type by Blue Point, kept on well to hold on to the runner-up spot from the short-priced Ballydoyle favourite, Confucius, for whom the pacemaker had tried to set the race up for.
Tribeca is currently around ten times the price of Celeron, but not impossible he could get nearer to that rival if ridden with a tad more restraint this time.
Tribeca ultimately wasn't any match last time for Celeron in the Railway Stakes over C&D when they finished first and second, but I thought there was a lot to like about his effort given he'd sat closer to the trailblazing Carry The Flag, whilst racing alone towards the stands' rail, and this physically nice type by Blue Point, kept on well to hold on to the runner-up spot from the short-priced Ballydoyle favourite, Confucius, for whom the pacemaker had tried to set the race up for.
Tribeca is currently around ten times the price of Celeron, but not impossible he could get nearer to that rival if ridden with a tad more restraint this time.
Weston Court
Weston Court had been in the doldrums for quite a while but has been running better of late, and while it may be back at Bath, the scene of his two career wins, if he is to get his head back in front again, he has posted a couple of okay efforts here latterly in classified stakes company, and he's just a play at the prices now back into a handicap.
Weston Court had been in the doldrums for quite a while but has been running better of late, and while it may be back at Bath, the scene of his two career wins, if he is to get his head back in front again, he has posted a couple of okay efforts here latterly in classified stakes company, and he's just a play at the prices now back into a handicap.
A poor day...
I thought Tribeca looked a big price relative to Celeron, and he did reverse the Railway Stakes form, with the latter not running much of a race for whatever reason, but Tribeca couldn't even get past the Ballydoyle pacemaker on this occasion.
The less said about Weston Court the better.
2026 Running P/L: +34.45 pts
I thought Tribeca looked a big price relative to Celeron, and he did reverse the Railway Stakes form, with the latter not running much of a race for whatever reason, but Tribeca couldn't even get past the Ballydoyle pacemaker on this occasion.
The less said about Weston Court the better.
2026 Running P/L: +34.45 pts
Due Respect, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 2.15 Ayr
Kurious Lady, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 4.30 Kempton
Kurious Lady, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 4.30 Kempton
Due Respect
Due Respect has her stamina for one mile to prove and she hasn't looked in much form on quicker ground recently, but she's of a little interest here at the prices back on ground which might have some give in it following seven mm of rain over the past 24 hours.
Her sole win to date came on good to soft last summer at Redcar (7f) off a 6lb higher mark, and she's run okay this season on a couple of occasions over 6/7f when the ground has been described as good.
She's drawn widest but that might not be a bad thing if the track plays like it did here on Saturday evening when there appeared to be an advantage in coming stands' side, though admittedly that apparent bias may change following the recent rain, and Due Respect may be ridden forward to lead anyway.
Due Respect has her stamina for one mile to prove and she hasn't looked in much form on quicker ground recently, but she's of a little interest here at the prices back on ground which might have some give in it following seven mm of rain over the past 24 hours.
Her sole win to date came on good to soft last summer at Redcar (7f) off a 6lb higher mark, and she's run okay this season on a couple of occasions over 6/7f when the ground has been described as good.
She's drawn widest but that might not be a bad thing if the track plays like it did here on Saturday evening when there appeared to be an advantage in coming stands' side, though admittedly that apparent bias may change following the recent rain, and Due Respect may be ridden forward to lead anyway.
Kurious Lady
Kurious Lady is still lightly-raced but wasn't progressing for her previous yard, and her finishing effort was particularly disappointing when last seen at Doncaster (12f, g-f) in June, after which she was sold for just 6,000 gns. However, she's off interest back on the all-weather, as it was over today's C&D in March when she caught the eye finishing off well from a poor position to be beaten just over 2L into 6th, in what admittedly was a bunch finish. She had also made the frame twice at Southwell over a mile when qualifying for a mark.
It remains to be seen which way she goes for her new yard, but interesting to see how she goes back in this sphere, and she's off a mark 4lb lower than for that previous course effort.
Kurious Lady is still lightly-raced but wasn't progressing for her previous yard, and her finishing effort was particularly disappointing when last seen at Doncaster (12f, g-f) in June, after which she was sold for just 6,000 gns. However, she's off interest back on the all-weather, as it was over today's C&D in March when she caught the eye finishing off well from a poor position to be beaten just over 2L into 6th, in what admittedly was a bunch finish. She had also made the frame twice at Southwell over a mile when qualifying for a mark.
It remains to be seen which way she goes for her new yard, but interesting to see how she goes back in this sphere, and she's off a mark 4lb lower than for that previous course effort.
Cheers lead on & Virgin.
Due Respect gave it a good shot from the front, but unfortunately for her backers, one had to emerge from the pack to reel her in.
Kurious Lady, in contrast, was friendless in the betting. She appears to be a sizable but gawky filly, and there wasn't much encouragement to be gleaned from this stable debut. Perhaps some form of headgear may benefit.
2026 Running P/L: +35.45 pts
Due Respect gave it a good shot from the front, but unfortunately for her backers, one had to emerge from the pack to reel her in.
Kurious Lady, in contrast, was friendless in the betting. She appears to be a sizable but gawky filly, and there wasn't much encouragement to be gleaned from this stable debut. Perhaps some form of headgear may benefit.
2026 Running P/L: +35.45 pts
Cotai Starlight, 1pt EW @ 12-1, 5.30 Hamilton
Tommo's Ginjaninja, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 7.15 Nottingham
Tommo's Ginjaninja, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 7.15 Nottingham
Cotai Starlight
Cotai Starlight was the outsider of the field when scoring at 28-1 at Ayr (6f, g-f) last month, and showed that was no fluke by running respectably under a 6lb penalty a week later back over that C&D (g-f) to finish a 2L 4th of 9; the runner-up from the latter contest has won subsequently.
She's been weak in the betting this morning ahead of being tried at 5f and running at Hamilton for the first time, with easier ground forecast, but a chance is taken at a double-figure price in this hands-and-heels race, with her still being open to improvement after just six starts.
Cotai Starlight was the outsider of the field when scoring at 28-1 at Ayr (6f, g-f) last month, and showed that was no fluke by running respectably under a 6lb penalty a week later back over that C&D (g-f) to finish a 2L 4th of 9; the runner-up from the latter contest has won subsequently.
She's been weak in the betting this morning ahead of being tried at 5f and running at Hamilton for the first time, with easier ground forecast, but a chance is taken at a double-figure price in this hands-and-heels race, with her still being open to improvement after just six starts.
Tommo's Ginjaninja
Tommo's Ginjaninja was a selection back in May at York when I wrote:
Tommo's Ginjaninja doesn't face an easy task here to reverse Doncaster form with Cotton Bud whom he finished third and 4.5L behind at Doncaster (10f, g-f) last month, while this is a step up grade for them both, however, he does have a 6lb pull and perhaps his Doncaster effort can be marked up having sat closer to the pace than the first two and found himself in front over 2f out before giving way over a furlong out, but he did stick on which gives some encouragement for the step up in trip today to 12f. The selection was having his first start on turf last time having only made his debut in January so hopefully has more to offer on grass.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tommo's Ginjaninja put in a shocker at York, and last time at Wetherby when dropped back in class, the combination of the drop in trip to a mile and wide draw failed to see him get competitive; the visor tried then is quickly discarded.
He races off a mark 5lb lower than for his Doncaster effort, a contest from which the second has since won, and while fitness could be an issue back from two months off, a chance is taken at the odds now back at 10f.
Tommo's Ginjaninja was a selection back in May at York when I wrote:
Tommo's Ginjaninja doesn't face an easy task here to reverse Doncaster form with Cotton Bud whom he finished third and 4.5L behind at Doncaster (10f, g-f) last month, while this is a step up grade for them both, however, he does have a 6lb pull and perhaps his Doncaster effort can be marked up having sat closer to the pace than the first two and found himself in front over 2f out before giving way over a furlong out, but he did stick on which gives some encouragement for the step up in trip today to 12f. The selection was having his first start on turf last time having only made his debut in January so hopefully has more to offer on grass.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tommo's Ginjaninja put in a shocker at York, and last time at Wetherby when dropped back in class, the combination of the drop in trip to a mile and wide draw failed to see him get competitive; the visor tried then is quickly discarded.
He races off a mark 5lb lower than for his Doncaster effort, a contest from which the second has since won, and while fitness could be an issue back from two months off, a chance is taken at the odds now back at 10f.
Cotai Starlight was squeezed out at the start and that was pretty much game over for her chance, straight away on the backfoot and only able to make some late headway.
Tommo's Ginjaninja ran well on his return from a two-month break. He was produced to have a winning chance, but perhaps being just in need of the run, he was ultimately run out of a place late on.
2026 Running P/L: +31.45 pts
Tommo's Ginjaninja ran well on his return from a two-month break. He was produced to have a winning chance, but perhaps being just in need of the run, he was ultimately run out of a place late on.
2026 Running P/L: +31.45 pts
Rival, 1pt EW @ 5.10 Ffos Las
Chapel Island, 1pt EW @ 9-1, 5.52 Gowran (5 PLACES)
Chapel Island, 1pt EW @ 9-1, 5.52 Gowran (5 PLACES)
Rival
Rival hasn't won for nearly four years, but he ran well to make the frame on four occasions last season off slightly higher marks, and following a couple of runs back this season at Chepstow that might have been needed, he was in the process of running a better race last time at Bath, when he had to be eased off. I thought his saddle had slipped, but apparently the gelding lost his action, according to his jockey.
His yard also run the current favourite for this, Nammos, but Daniel Muscatt is a reasonably positive booking being 12/102 for the yard (including when John Flint was the sole trainer), +£17.25, and hopefully Rival can at least be a frame contender, with his fitness now more assured.
Rival hasn't won for nearly four years, but he ran well to make the frame on four occasions last season off slightly higher marks, and following a couple of runs back this season at Chepstow that might have been needed, he was in the process of running a better race last time at Bath, when he had to be eased off. I thought his saddle had slipped, but apparently the gelding lost his action, according to his jockey.
His yard also run the current favourite for this, Nammos, but Daniel Muscatt is a reasonably positive booking being 12/102 for the yard (including when John Flint was the sole trainer), +£17.25, and hopefully Rival can at least be a frame contender, with his fitness now more assured.
Chapel Island
It looked a mark-up effort from Chapel Island two starts back at Navan (good) when he was tried beyond 10f for just the second time, having had a tough trip from the widest draw in a field of sixteen, in a contest where the three who finished ahead of him had all been ridden more conservatively.
He finished well held last time, however, in a field of seven at Down Royal, when tried over 13f, so while it's possible the trip might have stretched him, the race might have come soon enough thirteen days on.
The concern today is the drop back in trip to 9.5f on what may be the quickest ground he has encountered, but that penultimate effort suggested he should be up to winning in this 0-60 grade when things pan out more favourably, so a chance is taken in the hope that this doesn't prove to be too sharp a test for him.
It looked a mark-up effort from Chapel Island two starts back at Navan (good) when he was tried beyond 10f for just the second time, having had a tough trip from the widest draw in a field of sixteen, in a contest where the three who finished ahead of him had all been ridden more conservatively.
He finished well held last time, however, in a field of seven at Down Royal, when tried over 13f, so while it's possible the trip might have stretched him, the race might have come soon enough thirteen days on.
The concern today is the drop back in trip to 9.5f on what may be the quickest ground he has encountered, but that penultimate effort suggested he should be up to winning in this 0-60 grade when things pan out more favourably, so a chance is taken in the hope that this doesn't prove to be too sharp a test for him.
Ta Virgin. Unfortunately there was a chunky 30p Rule 4.
Rival was very much the weaker of the Flint pair in the betting, and having forced the pace, he was beating a retreat from under 2f out, in a contest where there was a Barney-style punt landed, with the winner having dropped 46lb down the ratings for his current yard.
They tried to make it a test on Chapel Island, who was dropping in trip, but he was headed 2f out, and the way he kept going for third place would suggest imo that he probably does want more of a test.
2026 Running P/L: +29.71 pts
Rival was very much the weaker of the Flint pair in the betting, and having forced the pace, he was beating a retreat from under 2f out, in a contest where there was a Barney-style punt landed, with the winner having dropped 46lb down the ratings for his current yard.
They tried to make it a test on Chapel Island, who was dropping in trip, but he was headed 2f out, and the way he kept going for third place would suggest imo that he probably does want more of a test.
2026 Running P/L: +29.71 pts
Zoustar Dreams, 1pt EW @ 11-1, 4.25 Yarmouth
My Mate Beattie, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.00 Yarmouth
My Mate Beattie, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.00 Yarmouth
Zoustar Dreams
Zoustar Dreams was gaining her third success of the year when winning at Nottingham (5f, g-f) two starts back, and while it's possible it was the 5lb rise in the ratings that found her out at Ripon (5f, good, finished 0.75L behind Creative Queen) last time, it's also possible that the track might not have suited. She's generally been progressive since the cheekpieces went on and that was a career-best effort at Nottingham, so a chance is taken at the odds that she can resume her progress back on a less undulating track.
Zoustar Dreams was gaining her third success of the year when winning at Nottingham (5f, g-f) two starts back, and while it's possible it was the 5lb rise in the ratings that found her out at Ripon (5f, good, finished 0.75L behind Creative Queen) last time, it's also possible that the track might not have suited. She's generally been progressive since the cheekpieces went on and that was a career-best effort at Nottingham, so a chance is taken at the odds that she can resume her progress back on a less undulating track.
My Mate Beattie
My Mate Beattie is still a maiden after 26 starts, but only 9 of those have been on turf, and she showed enough last time at Ffos Las (6f, good), from out of the handicap, when finishing a close third, to suggest a basement-grade race can fall her way. The winner has since run well to make the frame in a slightly higher grade at Windsor.
It's a slight concern that the selection has generally been kept away from quick ground on turf, and she does appear to have a bit of a knee action, but I'm going to take a chance at the prices that she back that latest effort up, returned to 0-50 classified stakes company.
My Mate Beattie is still a maiden after 26 starts, but only 9 of those have been on turf, and she showed enough last time at Ffos Las (6f, good), from out of the handicap, when finishing a close third, to suggest a basement-grade race can fall her way. The winner has since run well to make the frame in a slightly higher grade at Windsor.
It's a slight concern that the selection has generally been kept away from quick ground on turf, and she does appear to have a bit of a knee action, but I'm going to take a chance at the prices that she back that latest effort up, returned to 0-50 classified stakes company.
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