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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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gl …
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.
gl ....
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.
Zoustar Dreams was beaten under 2L at the finish having forced the pace, but that was only good enough for 4th place, and it would seem that the 5lb rise she got for winning at Nottingham has seen her reach the ceiling of her ability.
Scott Dixon did win the finale at Yarmouth but with the 'wrong' one as far as I was concerned. I was aware that Mikkel Mortensen and his 5lb claim had jumped ship to the selection's stablemate, and that proved key, as the positive ride the winner got suited given how the race panned out with the pace holding up, whereas the jockey on mine decided to take a lead but ended up having to switch towards the far side and was never able to get on terms, eventually getting done for 4th on the bob close home.
2026 Running P/L: +25.71 pts
Scott Dixon did win the finale at Yarmouth but with the 'wrong' one as far as I was concerned. I was aware that Mikkel Mortensen and his 5lb claim had jumped ship to the selection's stablemate, and that proved key, as the positive ride the winner got suited given how the race panned out with the pace holding up, whereas the jockey on mine decided to take a lead but ended up having to switch towards the far side and was never able to get on terms, eventually getting done for 4th on the bob close home.
2026 Running P/L: +25.71 pts
dattes #rum#lucjke there George, withe ur 2dayes picjkes... hardde whenne dey go close butte no #collecktte :( P&L lookin #ayokaye
wd on yer fredde:)
wd on yer fredde:)
Thank you vonclausewitz, and good luck with your picks too.
Master Garvey, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 4.00 Dundalk (4 PLACES)
Apercu, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 4.35 Dundalk (4 PLACES)
Apercu, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 4.35 Dundalk (4 PLACES)
Master Garvey
Master Garvey could only finish in midfield just nine days ago in a 17-runner handicap at Leopardstown (7f, good), but he has run well on occasions this year, including last month when headgear was applied, finishing 3rd of 13 at Gowran (9.5f, good), and before that 5th of 22, beaten less than 2L at Leopardstown (9f, good).
This C&D winner is of a little interest at the prices back at this venue, having run respectably twice here in January over the extended 10f trip, and in April over the mile trip when finishing third in a contest that produced subsequent winners.
Master Garvey could only finish in midfield just nine days ago in a 17-runner handicap at Leopardstown (7f, good), but he has run well on occasions this year, including last month when headgear was applied, finishing 3rd of 13 at Gowran (9.5f, good), and before that 5th of 22, beaten less than 2L at Leopardstown (9f, good).
This C&D winner is of a little interest at the prices back at this venue, having run respectably twice here in January over the extended 10f trip, and in April over the mile trip when finishing third in a contest that produced subsequent winners.
Apercu
Apercu reportedly stopped quickly when fading out of it at Leopardstown (9f, good) on her latest start, when the drop in trip on a sound surface wasn't sure to suit anyway, but prior to that she had posted a decent effort when finishing runner-up in the Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap, and although she was no match for the winner who clearly relished being back on softer ground, she stuck to her task in what had been a well-run contest.
Apercu's four starts over today's C&D include a maiden win and a respectable 5th of 13 in Listed company. She's landed the inside stall which may not be ideal if they come stands' side in the home straight, but granted a fair crack at things, then hopefully she can give a good account off the same mark she raced off at Down Royal.
Apercu reportedly stopped quickly when fading out of it at Leopardstown (9f, good) on her latest start, when the drop in trip on a sound surface wasn't sure to suit anyway, but prior to that she had posted a decent effort when finishing runner-up in the Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap, and although she was no match for the winner who clearly relished being back on softer ground, she stuck to her task in what had been a well-run contest.
Apercu's four starts over today's C&D include a maiden win and a respectable 5th of 13 in Listed company. She's landed the inside stall which may not be ideal if they come stands' side in the home straight, but granted a fair crack at things, then hopefully she can give a good account off the same mark she raced off at Down Royal.
didde ew dble on them two, George; plusse bacjkedde bothe for 3/4 places as welle as place doubles... cudde gette decentte returnne for smallishhe outlaye... ta for ye picjkes & #writeuppes, G.B..... gL evrybody :)
Sadly a couple of poor ones at Dundalk.
Judging by some of the times, the track might have been riding a bit slicker than it usually does, which I doubt would have suited either.
Master Garvey might ideally want the 10.5 trip round here nowadays, but he doesn't always help himself by taking a grip, whatever, he's only officially rated 40 and consistency isn't his strong point.
Apercu, who not for the first time had to be rousted away from the stalls, had proved weak in the betting, and this was a laboured effort.
2026 Running P/L: +21.71 pts
Judging by some of the times, the track might have been riding a bit slicker than it usually does, which I doubt would have suited either.
Master Garvey might ideally want the 10.5 trip round here nowadays, but he doesn't always help himself by taking a grip, whatever, he's only officially rated 40 and consistency isn't his strong point.
Apercu, who not for the first time had to be rousted away from the stalls, had proved weak in the betting, and this was a laboured effort.
2026 Running P/L: +21.71 pts
Killavia, 1pt EW @ 50-1, 4.45 Pontefract (4 PLACES)
April Mist, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 4.55 Curragh (4 PLACES)
April Mist, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 4.55 Curragh (4 PLACES)
Killavia
A couple of the main firms are offering four places on this fillies' Listed contest, and at big odds I'm going to have a speculative pick on Killavia. It was only a class 4 fillies' handicap that she won last time at Ascot and a 6lb rise for that tidy success only puts her on a mark of 87, but the third has won a competitive Hamilton handicap since against mainly male opposition, and hopefully there is more to come from the selection, now she has struck form.
A couple of the main firms are offering four places on this fillies' Listed contest, and at big odds I'm going to have a speculative pick on Killavia. It was only a class 4 fillies' handicap that she won last time at Ascot and a 6lb rise for that tidy success only puts her on a mark of 87, but the third has won a competitive Hamilton handicap since against mainly male opposition, and hopefully there is more to come from the selection, now she has struck form.
April Mist
April Mist was disappointing last time when tried at Listed level at Naas (5f, good), and although connections are having another go today, she's been very weak in the betting this morning. It could be that's as good as she is, but it's possible the draw played a part last time as she was drawn 9/9 in a contest where the three of the first four home came from the lowest three stalls, though admittedly the runner-up did finish off well once switched to the stands' side.
April Mist had started her career over that C&D with a promising second to Brazilian Diva (who subsequently went close in Listed company, before not being disgraced in the Moleomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, and also runs here), and confirmed a decent level of ability when readily seeing off a couple of colts owned by the Coolmore partners, who admittedly are proving to be lesser-lights for that operation, with initial ratings in the 80s.
The selection has a bit to find on official ratings, but a chance is taken at the odds, as she looks worth at least one chance to show that all might not have been right last time at Naas.
April Mist was disappointing last time when tried at Listed level at Naas (5f, good), and although connections are having another go today, she's been very weak in the betting this morning. It could be that's as good as she is, but it's possible the draw played a part last time as she was drawn 9/9 in a contest where the three of the first four home came from the lowest three stalls, though admittedly the runner-up did finish off well once switched to the stands' side.
April Mist had started her career over that C&D with a promising second to Brazilian Diva (who subsequently went close in Listed company, before not being disgraced in the Moleomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, and also runs here), and confirmed a decent level of ability when readily seeing off a couple of colts owned by the Coolmore partners, who admittedly are proving to be lesser-lights for that operation, with initial ratings in the 80s.
The selection has a bit to find on official ratings, but a chance is taken at the odds, as she looks worth at least one chance to show that all might not have been right last time at Naas.
A poor of run of form continues...
A couple of wild ones today with fillies rated in the 80s tilting at windmills in the hope of nicking some black type.
Killavia's tough task was made even harder when she was soon caught three wide and, not looking at ease on the track, found this all too much.
April Mist was taken to the nearside rail, perhaps looking to find a quicker strip of ground, but the with the action unfolding down the centre, it wasn't any help. A step up to 6f may help, but not up to this level on this evidence, as the market confidently predicted.
2026 Running P/L: +17.71 pts
A couple of wild ones today with fillies rated in the 80s tilting at windmills in the hope of nicking some black type.
Killavia's tough task was made even harder when she was soon caught three wide and, not looking at ease on the track, found this all too much.
April Mist was taken to the nearside rail, perhaps looking to find a quicker strip of ground, but the with the action unfolding down the centre, it wasn't any help. A step up to 6f may help, but not up to this level on this evidence, as the market confidently predicted.
2026 Running P/L: +17.71 pts
Regally Blonde
Regally Blonde is the big outsider of five here, but she's of a little interest being tried on all-weather again for just the fifth time. She only ran once at Dundalk back in the day when trained by Andy Oliver, and it was a respectable effort in a 10.5f maiden, finishing runner-up to Ceallach, who would subsequently prove himself to be a useful course performer, reaching an official rating of over 100.
Regally Blonde has only run three times on the all-weather for her current yard and each time she was either returning from a break or just wasn't in any form. She hasn't been running too badly on turf of late, and interesting to see how she gets on here, for all this might turn out to be a slowly-run, tactical affair.
Regally Blonde is the big outsider of five here, but she's of a little interest being tried on all-weather again for just the fifth time. She only ran once at Dundalk back in the day when trained by Andy Oliver, and it was a respectable effort in a 10.5f maiden, finishing runner-up to Ceallach, who would subsequently prove himself to be a useful course performer, reaching an official rating of over 100.
Regally Blonde has only run three times on the all-weather for her current yard and each time she was either returning from a break or just wasn't in any form. She hasn't been running too badly on turf of late, and interesting to see how she gets on here, for all this might turn out to be a slowly-run, tactical affair.
I’ve punted regally blonde a few times George,I’ll leave it out today,don’t want it to jinks your bet lol
wd gb....boom kerching, beers n takeawy for the night sorted
stellar call !! wd George!
wow
usse #plebbes is in #awe.. congrats :)
wow usse #plebbes is in #awe.. congrats :)
WD George.
Mind you,it had the 10 lb Aceform penalty removed today
Mind you,it had the 10 lb Aceform penalty removed today
Unlucky 'ace, what can I say other than...Tames lions this game.
Thanks all for the kind words, a much-needed boost following a confidence-draining barren spell.
Regally Blonde couldn't be given away in the betting, going off at a Betfair SP of 80.
2026 Running P/L: +58.96 pts
Thanks all for the kind words, a much-needed boost following a confidence-draining barren spell.
Regally Blonde couldn't be given away in the betting, going off at a Betfair SP of 80.
2026 Running P/L: +58.96 pts
cracking winner george well 2 winners really win and place very well done !
Thanks all, now for the tricky bit, trying to keep the P/L going in the right direction 
Almaqam, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 3.35 York
Avatar Jet, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.30 Carlisle
Avatar Jet, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.30 Carlisle
Almaqam
Almaqam would appear to be up against it here with him having over 7L to find with Ombudsman on their Royal Ascot form, however, there are reasons to think that Almaqam can get closer to his old rival today.
The selection, who has been described as a "big, heavy and immature" sort in the past, might just be a better horse this year as a 5YO now that he has matured, judging from his win in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh (10.5f, good), which looked a big performance to defeat the subsequent Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller by 2L, considering he had to do a lot of running early to get into a prominent position before going on to win in a time nearly four seconds inside the RP standard, and in the process seemingly dismissing the perception that he ideally needs an ease in the ground.
His Curragh win came off a seven-month break so not unreasonable to think that such a big effort might have left its mark and that Royal Ascot, for all he ran respectably there, came too soon just 24 days on, so hopefully a two-month break since has acted as the pause that refreshes.
Almaqam would appear to be up against it here with him having over 7L to find with Ombudsman on their Royal Ascot form, however, there are reasons to think that Almaqam can get closer to his old rival today.
The selection, who has been described as a "big, heavy and immature" sort in the past, might just be a better horse this year as a 5YO now that he has matured, judging from his win in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh (10.5f, good), which looked a big performance to defeat the subsequent Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller by 2L, considering he had to do a lot of running early to get into a prominent position before going on to win in a time nearly four seconds inside the RP standard, and in the process seemingly dismissing the perception that he ideally needs an ease in the ground.
His Curragh win came off a seven-month break so not unreasonable to think that such a big effort might have left its mark and that Royal Ascot, for all he ran respectably there, came too soon just 24 days on, so hopefully a two-month break since has acted as the pause that refreshes.
Avatar Jet
Avatar Jet, formerly trained in Ireland, was absent for 553 days, but has returned this year under the care of Declan Carroll to win at Southwell and make the frame twice, back at Southwell (1m) and then at Ripon (1m, good), from just five starts. It's the run at Ripon in June that makes him of interest here, as he didn't have the easiest of trips that day from a wide draw and in the circumstances seemed to do well to finish 4th, having been on a contested pace. The second and fifth have won since, while the third (Barley, who also runs in this) has continued to run well in defeat.
He was then absent for 50 days, during which time he missed an engagement due to quick ground, and it's possible the run was needed back at Southwell over 7f from a wide draw, when he didn't see his race out having gone forward.
Avatar Jet does have to prove himself on softer ground, for all he's by Belardo whose progeny generally handle cut in the ground. He's got a potentially good draw in two for one who can go forward in his races, and hopefully his jockey will be alert to avoiding the far rail in the home straight if it appears centre to nearside is where the better ground is.
Avatar Jet, formerly trained in Ireland, was absent for 553 days, but has returned this year under the care of Declan Carroll to win at Southwell and make the frame twice, back at Southwell (1m) and then at Ripon (1m, good), from just five starts. It's the run at Ripon in June that makes him of interest here, as he didn't have the easiest of trips that day from a wide draw and in the circumstances seemed to do well to finish 4th, having been on a contested pace. The second and fifth have won since, while the third (Barley, who also runs in this) has continued to run well in defeat.
He was then absent for 50 days, during which time he missed an engagement due to quick ground, and it's possible the run was needed back at Southwell over 7f from a wide draw, when he didn't see his race out having gone forward.
Avatar Jet does have to prove himself on softer ground, for all he's by Belardo whose progeny generally handle cut in the ground. He's got a potentially good draw in two for one who can go forward in his races, and hopefully his jockey will be alert to avoiding the far rail in the home straight if it appears centre to nearside is where the better ground is.
WD GB. Good thinking out of the box. Went very close to winning.
Cheers PHS. Fair to say that knocked the wind out of my sails!
But a great effort from him, and confirmed my impression of him at the Curragh, that he's probably a better horse this year.
But a great effort from him, and confirmed my impression of him at the Curragh, that he's probably a better horse this year.
Avatar Jet, who according to the RP form comment was sweating, went from the front again but didn't see his race out on the ground, so it does seem that he needs a better surface.
2026 Running P/L: +59.16 pts
2026 Running P/L: +59.16 pts
Just saw your post GB. G1's are not your usual MO but I'd like to see you tackle the better quality races more often. I backed Almaqam W&P too and to say it was tough result to take is very much an understatement!
Thanks for the comments.
I'm liking the idea of concentrating on Group 1s, WP, but for now it's a 30-runner handicap at de Curragh
I'm liking the idea of concentrating on Group 1s, WP, but for now it's a 30-runner handicap at de Curragh
Absoluteassignment, 1pt EW @ 125-1, 5.08 Curragh (6 PLACES)
Marajito, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 7.30 Redcar
Marajito, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 7.30 Redcar
Absoluteassignment
Absoluteassignment was a selection over the 5f trip here last time when I wrote:
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.
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That was an absolute shocker last time and it takes a leap of faith to pick him again, while it's also fresh in the memory how weak he was in the betting when returned to Fairyhouse on the back of a decent C&D effort there, so perhaps there will be a win in him at some point but it will be when the market vibes are positive, which they haven't been so far today. However, a chance is taken with the return to 6f looking a positive, also a hood may help with him having been keen in his races, and the tongue-tie which was missing last time is reapplied.
Another potential negative is his draw in nine in such a big field, but a chance is taken at big odds.
Absoluteassignment was a selection over the 5f trip here last time when I wrote:
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.
================================================================
That was an absolute shocker last time and it takes a leap of faith to pick him again, while it's also fresh in the memory how weak he was in the betting when returned to Fairyhouse on the back of a decent C&D effort there, so perhaps there will be a win in him at some point but it will be when the market vibes are positive, which they haven't been so far today. However, a chance is taken with the return to 6f looking a positive, also a hood may help with him having been keen in his races, and the tongue-tie which was missing last time is reapplied.
Another potential negative is his draw in nine in such a big field, but a chance is taken at big odds.
Marajito
Marajito did the thread a favour when winning at Ripon (5f, good) back in the spring. Her victory then didn't prove a springboard to an improved run of form but she's been running okay, including last time back at Ripon (5f, good) when bumping into one who'd been revitalised by a change of scenery, and although there were just the five runners, the third has since just been touched off at Yarmouth in a well-run contest.
I wondered two starts back at Nottingham (5f, g-f), when Marajito seemed to get tapped for a toe at a crucial stage, if she might be worth another try at 6f. Of her three previous attempts at the trip, two came when qualifying for a mark, and the other came at Nottingham last autumn on easy ground when never involved at odds of 80-1 in a class 2 Grassroots Series' Final.
The selection is eligible for weaker races than this one but is on a mark she can win off, jockey Oisin McSweeney has a record of a win and a second from two rides on her, and she's 1-1 at Redcar.
Marajito did the thread a favour when winning at Ripon (5f, good) back in the spring. Her victory then didn't prove a springboard to an improved run of form but she's been running okay, including last time back at Ripon (5f, good) when bumping into one who'd been revitalised by a change of scenery, and although there were just the five runners, the third has since just been touched off at Yarmouth in a well-run contest.
I wondered two starts back at Nottingham (5f, g-f), when Marajito seemed to get tapped for a toe at a crucial stage, if she might be worth another try at 6f. Of her three previous attempts at the trip, two came when qualifying for a mark, and the other came at Nottingham last autumn on easy ground when never involved at odds of 80-1 in a class 2 Grassroots Series' Final.
The selection is eligible for weaker races than this one but is on a mark she can win off, jockey Oisin McSweeney has a record of a win and a second from two rides on her, and she's 1-1 at Redcar.
A couple of poor ones unfortunately...
The Curragh race was on split screen so I'll have a proper look back at that one later on Replay, but I saw enough to see that Absoluteassignment was well beaten.
I made a note to keep an eye out for Marajito when she was tried over 6f again, but she wasn't winning at any trip this evening, having been too lit up on the front-end.
2026 Running P/L: +55.16 pts
The Curragh race was on split screen so I'll have a proper look back at that one later on Replay, but I saw enough to see that Absoluteassignment was well beaten.
I made a note to keep an eye out for Marajito when she was tried over 6f again, but she wasn't winning at any trip this evening, having been too lit up on the front-end.
2026 Running P/L: +55.16 pts
Cercis
Cercis has been initially rated just 58 after three starts, and so may find better opportunities in handicaps in due course, rather than taking on potentially better types as she does here from the Walker and Haggas yards. However, those two fillies that dominate the betting for this are returning from long absences, so I'm going to take a chance on Cercis, for whom the return to 6f may suit.
Not much went right for Cercis nine days ago at Doncaster (7f, g-f), having been awkward at the start and pulled hard, then having gone clear at one point, she was only headed around half-a-furlong out, ultimately proving no match for a long odds-on Shadwell-owned colt. It did seem on that Doncaster card that getting some cover was no bad thing, so all things considered the effort of Cercis can be marked up, for all it might have been a case of something had to finish second in that four-runner contest, with the second favourite having blew out badly.
The BHA's update page informs us that a strong breeze is forecast during racing, so it remains to be seen if certain tactics are favoured on the night.
Cercis has been initially rated just 58 after three starts, and so may find better opportunities in handicaps in due course, rather than taking on potentially better types as she does here from the Walker and Haggas yards. However, those two fillies that dominate the betting for this are returning from long absences, so I'm going to take a chance on Cercis, for whom the return to 6f may suit.
Not much went right for Cercis nine days ago at Doncaster (7f, g-f), having been awkward at the start and pulled hard, then having gone clear at one point, she was only headed around half-a-furlong out, ultimately proving no match for a long odds-on Shadwell-owned colt. It did seem on that Doncaster card that getting some cover was no bad thing, so all things considered the effort of Cercis can be marked up, for all it might have been a case of something had to finish second in that four-runner contest, with the second favourite having blew out badly.
The BHA's update page informs us that a strong breeze is forecast during racing, so it remains to be seen if certain tactics are favoured on the night.
I know how fond you are of those big field class 6 Classified races. So you might be out of your comfort zone to tackle group races on a regular basis? But it could be a idea to mix it up a bit.
But it could be a idea to mix it up a bit.
WP, I have plenty in the notebook that contest Group 1s, but the point is the market is well clued up about the horses and therefore the betting tends to be accurate about an individual's chance.
Maybe. But you can also get hype horses in these races and these invariably go off very short in the betting and thus other runners in the race can represent true value. I would suggest a joint thread whereby we choose selections from class 3 and above races but the first class 3 this week is Novice at Kempton and the Charlie Appleby short priced fav will be tough to beat. So we'd have to wait until Thirsk on Friday for a couple of Handicaps to get our teeth into. There's absolutely nothing wrong with British racing though! They did have one good idea about breaking up a week like this one up with some good competitive racing, but that was soon put in the bin 
WP, thanks, but I'm happy to concentrate on just this one for the remainder of this year.
Why don't you start a Group race slection thread?
Why don't you start a Group race slection thread?
GL George, with your picjke me ownne opinione; thinkke bothe favs is opposable in thisse.... Sunday Girl 10/11 guessingge wandttes furda.... laid ye Frankel beasdte for 2-pl atte ~4/9... hopingge ye other #Blondie one, Just Dreaming 22/1, can mekk boldde bidde fromme frondte like in her 4th & lto runne, at Salisbury oer ye sixxe... tried lead thenne, saddle slippedde, finiscjedde 2ndde atte a hundred in a stiffishhe affair and time were only moderate thatte daye... still, hopingge canne be in frondte forre longge wayes ere mightte gette #turnedde#ova at shawtte price in ye runne, Just Dreaming, ye hoss whatte represendtes lst yrs winningge jock/traina combo...
PS- never mindde themme Group races i sez
... largely too hardde - too many ones and twos in formme-figures; as well as everythingge else... some punters dinna give a crappe ahboute "quality" racesse : a 5to2 winna in Classified , Cl4 or Maiden is same as 5to2 shotte winningge in #Derby, etc... 
us 2 centtes.. gl todaye :)
me ownne opinione; thinkke bothe favs is opposable in thisse.... Sunday Girl 10/11 guessingge wandttes furda.... laid ye Frankel beasdte for 2-pl atte ~4/9... hopingge ye other #Blondie one, Just Dreaming 22/1, can mekk boldde bidde fromme frondte like in her 4th & lto runne, at Salisbury oer ye sixxe... tried lead thenne, saddle slippedde, finiscjedde 2ndde atte a hundred in a stiffishhe affair and time were only moderate thatte daye... still, hopingge canne be in frondte forre longge wayes ere mightte gette #turnedde#ova at shawtte price in ye runne, Just Dreaming, ye hoss whatte represendtes lst yrs winningge jock/traina combo... PS- never mindde themme Group races i sez
... largely too hardde - too many ones and twos in formme-figures; as well as everythingge else... some punters dinna give a crappe ahboute "quality" racesse : a 5to2 winna in Classified , Cl4 or Maiden is same as 5to2 shotte winningge in #Derby, etc... us 2 centtes.. gl todaye :)
Von on the wind up, surely? lol I thinkee mightte be zee beasdte Rico
A headwind at Windsor this evening, so I was pleased when Cercis got some cover behind Sunday Girl, but that one proved to be in a different league, and my pick wasn't any match for Encore either.
That'll teach me for taking on the big boys.
2026 Running P/L: +53.16 pts
That'll teach me for taking on the big boys.
2026 Running P/L: +53.16 pts
ya were right tae hae a go, George props to those who tekk on shorties
props to those who tekk on shorties
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