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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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Barretstown
Barretstown has the widest draw to deal with here on his return from a short break, and perhaps he's happier at Dundalk these days where four of his five career wins have come, but he's capable of going well on turf, and he's probably been in better form at Dundalk this year than his overall form figures might suggest, as having run well to finish third there in March, he didn't always have the easiest of draws / trips.
He has won or run well off a break so hopefully fitness won't be an issue and he can give a good account granted a reasonable trip.
Barretstown has the widest draw to deal with here on his return from a short break, and perhaps he's happier at Dundalk these days where four of his five career wins have come, but he's capable of going well on turf, and he's probably been in better form at Dundalk this year than his overall form figures might suggest, as having run well to finish third there in March, he didn't always have the easiest of draws / trips.
He has won or run well off a break so hopefully fitness won't be an issue and he can give a good account granted a reasonable trip.
It doesn't get much worse than today...
Nothing from Sunday Sovereign on his seasonal return under conditions probably quick enough for him these days.
The market vibes were terrible all day for Fanjove, eventually going off at over 30 on here, and the market had it spot on.
The less said about Barretstown the better.
2026 Running P/L: +20.63 pts
Nothing from Sunday Sovereign on his seasonal return under conditions probably quick enough for him these days.
The market vibes were terrible all day for Fanjove, eventually going off at over 30 on here, and the market had it spot on.
The less said about Barretstown the better.
2026 Running P/L: +20.63 pts
Bay Of Brilliance, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 4.00 Epsom (4 PLACES)
Kylian, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 5.55 Epsom (5 PLACES)
Kylian, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 5.55 Epsom (5 PLACES)
Bay Of Brilliance
An open enough looking Derby and the one who appeals at the prices is Bay Of Brilliance who has shown himself to be versatile regarding ground having won his maiden on soft going at Goodwood (10f) and then been particularly impressive under a penalty on good to soft at Redcar (9f) on his final juvenile start when running on strongly to win by a wide margin from one of the outsiders for this, Poker.
The selection made a pleasing reappearance on quick ground in the Lingfield Derby Trial when just being denied by Maltese Falcon, the pair pulling clear. Bay Of Brilliance is a half-brother to the Ebor / County Hurdle winner Absurde, so hopefully there is more to come as his stamina is tested further.
An open enough looking Derby and the one who appeals at the prices is Bay Of Brilliance who has shown himself to be versatile regarding ground having won his maiden on soft going at Goodwood (10f) and then been particularly impressive under a penalty on good to soft at Redcar (9f) on his final juvenile start when running on strongly to win by a wide margin from one of the outsiders for this, Poker.
The selection made a pleasing reappearance on quick ground in the Lingfield Derby Trial when just being denied by Maltese Falcon, the pair pulling clear. Bay Of Brilliance is a half-brother to the Ebor / County Hurdle winner Absurde, so hopefully there is more to come as his stamina is tested further.
Kylian
Kylian ran well on his third start for Robert Cowell at Leicester (6f, g-f) in April when finishing third behind one of the market leaders for this, Strike Red, with whom he has 7lb pull (when the loss of Warren Fentiman's 3lb claim is factored in) for a one length beating. The selection hasn't built on that effort in two starts since but it's easy enough to forgive a below par run in a big field at York, and last time at Windsor he didn't get any luck in the run against the rail.
This is will be his first visit to Epsom, he might not want the ground to soften too much, while his draw in two might not be an advantage with high numbers being slightly advantaged according to the RP's draw analysis, but a chance is taken at big odds with him having looked in form on two of his last three starts.
Kylian ran well on his third start for Robert Cowell at Leicester (6f, g-f) in April when finishing third behind one of the market leaders for this, Strike Red, with whom he has 7lb pull (when the loss of Warren Fentiman's 3lb claim is factored in) for a one length beating. The selection hasn't built on that effort in two starts since but it's easy enough to forgive a below par run in a big field at York, and last time at Windsor he didn't get any luck in the run against the rail.
This is will be his first visit to Epsom, he might not want the ground to soften too much, while his draw in two might not be an advantage with high numbers being slightly advantaged according to the RP's draw analysis, but a chance is taken at big odds with him having looked in form on two of his last three starts.
Both the pair from the Lingfield Derby Trial ran well with Maltese Cross readily confirming the form with Bay Of Brilliance as they finished second and fourth respectively. I was a bit disappointed the latter didn't see his race out better having got into a challenging position but perhaps he'd ideally prefer a better surface.
Kylian ran well in the Molecomb Stakes behind Big Evs back in the day on soft ground, but didn't seem to handle the going today, dropping away having been in a good position just behind the pace.
25p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +19.73 pts
Kylian ran well in the Molecomb Stakes behind Big Evs back in the day on soft ground, but didn't seem to handle the going today, dropping away having been in a good position just behind the pace.
25p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +19.73 pts
Lady Dora Mae can only be a speculative pick given she faces a tough task on official ratings on this step up in class to Listed level, and Billy Loughnane (assuming he had the choice) has opted to take an outside ride, with Jack Callan (who can't claim his 3lb allowance) retaining the mount.
She appears to be an improving filly, pulling away with one other when winning at Windsor (1m, g-f) two starts back, and although she didn't follow up last time at Nottingham (10f, good) off a 5lb higher mark, she kept on well to finish second to a filly who had previously gone down by a short-head at Newmarket to yesterday's Epsom winner Folk Pageant.
The ground is a query, but her dam was a winner at 10 / 12f including on soft (RPR 97), so hopefully she has further improvement to come at the trip with this being just her second start at 10f.
She appears to be an improving filly, pulling away with one other when winning at Windsor (1m, g-f) two starts back, and although she didn't follow up last time at Nottingham (10f, good) off a 5lb higher mark, she kept on well to finish second to a filly who had previously gone down by a short-head at Newmarket to yesterday's Epsom winner Folk Pageant.
The ground is a query, but her dam was a winner at 10 / 12f including on soft (RPR 97), so hopefully she has further improvement to come at the trip with this being just her second start at 10f.
Cheers Brian and PHS. A Billy Fury moment...Halfway to Paradise, so near yet so far away.
I had 6-1 noted down for the NR so 10p R4.
2026 Running P/L: +24.67 pts
I had 6-1 noted down for the NR so 10p R4.
2026 Running P/L: +24.67 pts
Baby Rover has only run once at Carlisle in a handicap and it produced a fair effort last September over the 6f trip on soft ground, when finishing runner-up and pulling clear with one who would go on to win again in the autumn. She hasn't troubled the judge in four starts since but is of a little interest back at this venue, being tried again at 7f having kept on over 6f last time at Thirsk (good) when finishing 5th of the 17 runners.
She has a lowish draw which is a concern given how the races panned out at the recent televised meeting here when racing towards the far side in the home straight looked a disadvantage, but it could be they'll be migrating centre to stands-side anyway. The yard also run Tarlac in the same colours who's just a bit shorter in the betting currently.
She has a lowish draw which is a concern given how the races panned out at the recent televised meeting here when racing towards the far side in the home straight looked a disadvantage, but it could be they'll be migrating centre to stands-side anyway. The yard also run Tarlac in the same colours who's just a bit shorter in the betting currently.
gl
Cheers Virgin.
Unfortunately nothing from Baby Rover on this occasion.
2026 Running P/L: +22.67 pts
Unfortunately nothing from Baby Rover on this occasion.
2026 Running P/L: +22.67 pts
Padua, 1pt EW @ 17-2, 4.50 Yarmouth (4 PLACES)
Shaw's Phoenix, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 5.20 Yarmouth
No Return, 1pt EW @ 17-2, 8.30 Hamilton (3 PLACES)
Shaw's Phoenix, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 5.20 Yarmouth
No Return, 1pt EW @ 17-2, 8.30 Hamilton (3 PLACES)
Padua
Padua appreciated the switch to turf over 7f at Haydock last summer on what was his fifth career start, when keen enough but finding plenty to repel challengers. He was only seen once more last year, at Sandown (7f, good) in August where he didn't see his race out having again been keen.
He appears to have physical scope so hopefully there's more to come as a 4YO, and for one who tended to race with the choke out a gelding operation might settle him down, which would help now back up in trip to a mile. He had been due to reappear in a stronger race than this at the recent Haydock meeting that had to be abandoned, when forecast to be a big price, so he hopefully he's not going to lack for fitness here having had a bit more time to be readied.
Padua appreciated the switch to turf over 7f at Haydock last summer on what was his fifth career start, when keen enough but finding plenty to repel challengers. He was only seen once more last year, at Sandown (7f, good) in August where he didn't see his race out having again been keen.
He appears to have physical scope so hopefully there's more to come as a 4YO, and for one who tended to race with the choke out a gelding operation might settle him down, which would help now back up in trip to a mile. He had been due to reappear in a stronger race than this at the recent Haydock meeting that had to be abandoned, when forecast to be a big price, so he hopefully he's not going to lack for fitness here having had a bit more time to be readied.
Shaw's Phoenix
Shaw's Phoenix, formerly trained by Alice Haynes, hasn't offered much for her new connections following wind surgery in a couple of starts on the all-weather this season but the runs will have at least served to advance her fitness ahead of this return to turf.
According to RPRs her best effort to date came on soft ground over 7f here in 2024, when she wore cheekpieces for the first time and went down by a neck to a George Boughey-trained handicap debutante, who would comfortably follow-up under a 6lb penalty three days later. Interestingly, Shaw's Phoenix missed an engagement last season due to easing ground at Doncaster, so perhaps former connections weren't convinced that she wants an ease, but the form book would seem to suggest that she handles softer ground fine.
The selection hasn't shown much for a while and is eligible for this 0-50 classified stakes having dropped in the ratings, so needs to show that some ability remains, but interesting to see how she goes returned to this venue with cheekpieces reapplied.
Shaw's Phoenix, formerly trained by Alice Haynes, hasn't offered much for her new connections following wind surgery in a couple of starts on the all-weather this season but the runs will have at least served to advance her fitness ahead of this return to turf.
According to RPRs her best effort to date came on soft ground over 7f here in 2024, when she wore cheekpieces for the first time and went down by a neck to a George Boughey-trained handicap debutante, who would comfortably follow-up under a 6lb penalty three days later. Interestingly, Shaw's Phoenix missed an engagement last season due to easing ground at Doncaster, so perhaps former connections weren't convinced that she wants an ease, but the form book would seem to suggest that she handles softer ground fine.
The selection hasn't shown much for a while and is eligible for this 0-50 classified stakes having dropped in the ratings, so needs to show that some ability remains, but interesting to see how she goes returned to this venue with cheekpieces reapplied.
No Return
No Return hasn't shaped too badly the last twice at Catterick (6f, good) and Lingfield (6f, good), finding himself a little outpaced before not getting the clearest of runs and then not knocked about once his chance had gone. A further drop in the weights allows him into this 0-70 and perhaps the stiffer finish here can help.
No Return hasn't shaped too badly the last twice at Catterick (6f, good) and Lingfield (6f, good), finding himself a little outpaced before not getting the clearest of runs and then not knocked about once his chance had gone. A further drop in the weights allows him into this 0-70 and perhaps the stiffer finish here can help.
Shaws Phoenix's peak RPR from 17 starts came on soft ground, but evidently her previous and now current connections not convinced by that piece of form as she was once again withdrawn because of ground with "soft" in the going description.
Padua has been gelded since he was last seen but the operation doesn't appear to have curbed his free-going tendencies as he once again took a grip and on this occasion stopped quickly around 2f out. He was weak in the betting so whether he'd been keen to post, not sure, and perhaps the ground was an issue too, but he could do with settling better in his races whatever the going.
I'm not sure the ground was ideal for No Return either, but he was only beaten under 2L by the winner despite only finishing fifth of the six runners, and didn't help his chance by wanting to hang right inside the final furlong.
2026 Running P/L: +18.67 pts
Padua has been gelded since he was last seen but the operation doesn't appear to have curbed his free-going tendencies as he once again took a grip and on this occasion stopped quickly around 2f out. He was weak in the betting so whether he'd been keen to post, not sure, and perhaps the ground was an issue too, but he could do with settling better in his races whatever the going.
I'm not sure the ground was ideal for No Return either, but he was only beaten under 2L by the winner despite only finishing fifth of the six runners, and didn't help his chance by wanting to hang right inside the final furlong.
2026 Running P/L: +18.67 pts
Mister S0x, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 1.50 York (5 PLACES)
Castle Stuart, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 4.10 York (5 PLACES)
Triple Force, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 5.18 York (5 PLACES)
Paradise Lost, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 7.20 Fairyhouse (5 PLACES)
Castle Stuart, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 4.10 York (5 PLACES)
Triple Force, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 5.18 York (5 PLACES)
Paradise Lost, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 7.20 Fairyhouse (5 PLACES)
Mister S0x
A couple of today's selections ran at the televised meeting at Carlisle last time, on a day when generally being on the pace and challenging up the centre were favourable tactics. Mister S0x probably ran better than his finishing position (7th of 14) would suggest considering he stuck more towards the inner up the home straight. He'd previously been running okay, finishing runner-up at Thirsk (6f, g-f) early last month, where he had a subsequent winner behind him in third place, and then at York over 6f when he wasn't disgraced from a high draw in finishing 8th of the 20 runners, beaten just over five lengths.
Most of his career wins have come at 6f, so 7f on ground that may ride a bit quicker than he ideally prefers is a potential negative, but although he's yet to place in six previous visits to York, he was only beaten just over 2L over C&D last summer off a 2lb higher mark when from a wide draw he finished 7th of 22 and not too far behind today's rivals Quest For Fun and Feel The Need, so a chance is taken each-way with five places on offer, being potentially better drawn on this occasion.
A couple of today's selections ran at the televised meeting at Carlisle last time, on a day when generally being on the pace and challenging up the centre were favourable tactics. Mister S0x probably ran better than his finishing position (7th of 14) would suggest considering he stuck more towards the inner up the home straight. He'd previously been running okay, finishing runner-up at Thirsk (6f, g-f) early last month, where he had a subsequent winner behind him in third place, and then at York over 6f when he wasn't disgraced from a high draw in finishing 8th of the 20 runners, beaten just over five lengths.
Most of his career wins have come at 6f, so 7f on ground that may ride a bit quicker than he ideally prefers is a potential negative, but although he's yet to place in six previous visits to York, he was only beaten just over 2L over C&D last summer off a 2lb higher mark when from a wide draw he finished 7th of 22 and not too far behind today's rivals Quest For Fun and Feel The Need, so a chance is taken each-way with five places on offer, being potentially better drawn on this occasion.
Castle Stuart
Castle Stuart was disappointing on that same Carlisle card, but he was drawn wide and took a keen hold, and then went more towards the inner up the home straight, so he probably had excuses. He had previously run okay to finish 6th of 15 over todays c&d under Barry McHugh (who's back aboard today), when he kept on steadily up the home straight; that form admittedly leaves him with work to do with Altareq, who came from an unpromising position to make the frame, and appeals as the sort Jim Goldie is going to do well with, but a chance is taken each-way at the prices with five places on offer, with a hood a potential help given he has been taking a grip in his races.
Castle Stuart was disappointing on that same Carlisle card, but he was drawn wide and took a keen hold, and then went more towards the inner up the home straight, so he probably had excuses. He had previously run okay to finish 6th of 15 over todays c&d under Barry McHugh (who's back aboard today), when he kept on steadily up the home straight; that form admittedly leaves him with work to do with Altareq, who came from an unpromising position to make the frame, and appeals as the sort Jim Goldie is going to do well with, but a chance is taken each-way at the prices with five places on offer, with a hood a potential help given he has been taking a grip in his races.
Triple Force
Triple Force faces a tough task to reverse recent Beverley form with Mao Shang Wong and Dawn Of Liberation, being only 5lb better off for 9.25L beating by the winner, and only being a pound better off with the latter for a 7L beating. However, if the selection can run his race more economically then not impossible he could give a good account at big odds. He appeared to do too much on the front-end last time in a contest where the principals were waited with, and then compromised his chance further by hanging across the track up the home straight, with Sam James quick to accept the situation once headed.
He's got a low draw to work from today and going left-handed may help based on that latest evidence, so hopefully if more amenable he won't be disgraced, with cheekpieces tried again (made the frame at Newcastle the only previous time he wore them).
Triple Force faces a tough task to reverse recent Beverley form with Mao Shang Wong and Dawn Of Liberation, being only 5lb better off for 9.25L beating by the winner, and only being a pound better off with the latter for a 7L beating. However, if the selection can run his race more economically then not impossible he could give a good account at big odds. He appeared to do too much on the front-end last time in a contest where the principals were waited with, and then compromised his chance further by hanging across the track up the home straight, with Sam James quick to accept the situation once headed.
He's got a low draw to work from today and going left-handed may help based on that latest evidence, so hopefully if more amenable he won't be disgraced, with cheekpieces tried again (made the frame at Newcastle the only previous time he wore them).
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost was a selection last time at Gowran when I wrote:
The market is cold on the chance of Paradise Lost but he hasn't been running too badly over hurdles this year, and he's not badly handicapped on some of his form from 2024, such as finishing runner-up over 12f here on soft-heavy to a filly who would follow up off a 10lb higher mark and go on to be Listed-placed.
The selection didn't offer much in just a couple of starts on the level last year but they came off a break so perhaps fitness was an issue. He's drawn wide here and probably wouldn't want the ground to dry out too much, but a chance is taken back on the level now that fitness shouldn't be an issue.
===========
Paradise Lost was obliged to race three-wide on that occasion and then was wider still round into the home straight on a day when being caught wide was no help whatsoever so seemed to do well in the circumstances to finish 5th, and he's given another chance in the hope of a kinder trip on this occasion.
Paradise Lost was a selection last time at Gowran when I wrote:
The market is cold on the chance of Paradise Lost but he hasn't been running too badly over hurdles this year, and he's not badly handicapped on some of his form from 2024, such as finishing runner-up over 12f here on soft-heavy to a filly who would follow up off a 10lb higher mark and go on to be Listed-placed.
The selection didn't offer much in just a couple of starts on the level last year but they came off a break so perhaps fitness was an issue. He's drawn wide here and probably wouldn't want the ground to dry out too much, but a chance is taken back on the level now that fitness shouldn't be an issue.
===========
Paradise Lost was obliged to race three-wide on that occasion and then was wider still round into the home straight on a day when being caught wide was no help whatsoever so seemed to do well in the circumstances to finish 5th, and he's given another chance in the hope of a kinder trip on this occasion.
Cheers all.
As for the one that let the side down...Mister S0x, who took his York record to 0-0-7 today, it turned out his draw in one was probably a negative with the principals being drawn high (first five drawn: 16,14,19,12 and 17) and challenging down the centre of the track.
2026 Running P/L: +28.47 pts
As for the one that let the side down...Mister S0x, who took his York record to 0-0-7 today, it turned out his draw in one was probably a negative with the principals being drawn high (first five drawn: 16,14,19,12 and 17) and challenging down the centre of the track.
2026 Running P/L: +28.47 pts
Given the topical "great bums" thread, I tempted to make a comment about a$$holes now that chavman has turned up, but I'm not going to.
Do Bronxs, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 2.10 Chester
Our Cody, 1pt EW @ 50-1, 2.42 Sandown
Marty Hopkirk, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.00 Chester
Grant Wood, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 5.25 York (5 PLACES)
Our Cody, 1pt EW @ 50-1, 2.42 Sandown
Marty Hopkirk, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.00 Chester
Grant Wood, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 5.25 York (5 PLACES)
Do Bronxs
Do Bronxs has to bounce back from a disappointing run last time at Leicester (when faster ground might not have suited), has his stamina for 7.5f to prove, and has a tricky draw to overcome, but he had shaped well on his reappearance here over 6f (good) when finishing his race off on the front foot to be only beaten 1.5L into fifth place having been dropped in from a wide draw. The form of that race has worked out with the first two having since returned here to again occupy the first two positions in a 6f handicap, the third has won subsequently, while the 4th made the frame next time in a competitive Sunday Series handicap at Hamilton.
The selection's dam won a 7f Group 3 and a one mile Royal Ascot handicap, and is a half-sister to an 8.5f winner, to give encouragement for longer trips for her son, and hopefully he can return to form here granted a reasonable trip.
Do Bronxs has to bounce back from a disappointing run last time at Leicester (when faster ground might not have suited), has his stamina for 7.5f to prove, and has a tricky draw to overcome, but he had shaped well on his reappearance here over 6f (good) when finishing his race off on the front foot to be only beaten 1.5L into fifth place having been dropped in from a wide draw. The form of that race has worked out with the first two having since returned here to again occupy the first two positions in a 6f handicap, the third has won subsequently, while the 4th made the frame next time in a competitive Sunday Series handicap at Hamilton.
The selection's dam won a 7f Group 3 and a one mile Royal Ascot handicap, and is a half-sister to an 8.5f winner, to give encouragement for longer trips for her son, and hopefully he can return to form here granted a reasonable trip.
Our Cody
Our Cody faces a tough task on official ratings back up in class to Listed company, particularly against mainly male opposition, but I'm going to have a speculative pick at big odds with her having run well in a handicap over C&D on her reappearance to finish third, given her effort can be marked up having not had much cover from her outside draw into a headwind. The runner-up has been a beaten favourite since but would have finished closer with a clearer run.
Tha selection has a lower draw this time, and did finish runner-up in 2YO Listed company at Ayr last autumn (though admittedly this looks a stronger heat), so hopefully won't be disgraced here if building on her encouraging return.
Our Cody faces a tough task on official ratings back up in class to Listed company, particularly against mainly male opposition, but I'm going to have a speculative pick at big odds with her having run well in a handicap over C&D on her reappearance to finish third, given her effort can be marked up having not had much cover from her outside draw into a headwind. The runner-up has been a beaten favourite since but would have finished closer with a clearer run.
Tha selection has a lower draw this time, and did finish runner-up in 2YO Listed company at Ayr last autumn (though admittedly this looks a stronger heat), so hopefully won't be disgraced here if building on her encouraging return.
Marty Hopkirk
I had a couple of selections yesterday which I thought had been disadvantaged by where they had raced on the track at the recent televised Carlisle meeting, and Marty Hopkirk is another. It has to be said that he ended up dropping right away having led until over 2f out, but he probably had an excuse as the inner part of the home straight that day did not look the place to be.
He had previously run okay to finish a keeping-on 4th at Windsor (5f, good )in a class 2 handicap, albeit beaten 3.5L, having reportedly lost a shoe, and the second has won subsequently. The selection has been dropped 3lb following his Carlisle run, which leaves him on a mark 7lb lower than he started the season on, so while there is a query regarding ground on the softer side of good for him, a chance is taken that he can show his Carlisle effort to be all wrong, with cheekpieces given a try.
I had a couple of selections yesterday which I thought had been disadvantaged by where they had raced on the track at the recent televised Carlisle meeting, and Marty Hopkirk is another. It has to be said that he ended up dropping right away having led until over 2f out, but he probably had an excuse as the inner part of the home straight that day did not look the place to be.
He had previously run okay to finish a keeping-on 4th at Windsor (5f, good )in a class 2 handicap, albeit beaten 3.5L, having reportedly lost a shoe, and the second has won subsequently. The selection has been dropped 3lb following his Carlisle run, which leaves him on a mark 7lb lower than he started the season on, so while there is a query regarding ground on the softer side of good for him, a chance is taken that he can show his Carlisle effort to be all wrong, with cheekpieces given a try.
Grant Wood
Grant Wood was actually a selection on that Carlisle card when I wrote:
Grant Wood doesn't face an easy task here being 2lb higher than his peak winning mark and up in class, but he looked in good nick last time at Ripon (6f, good), sticking to his task well having been on a contested pace, in a contest where he pulled clear with two who had been ridden more patiently. This is his first visit to Carlisle, but having won three times at Newcastle the stiffer track shouldn't hold any fears for him.
=======
He also finished well beaten having raced towards the inner, but it has to be said that as one who tends to be backed when he wins, the market vibes hadn't been great beforehand. He's a pound lower than for his Ripon effort, and David Nolan being back aboard looks a positive, so while his draw and ability to act at York (only previous try came at 7f) are queries, he's given another chance now back down in class.
Grant Wood was actually a selection on that Carlisle card when I wrote:
Grant Wood doesn't face an easy task here being 2lb higher than his peak winning mark and up in class, but he looked in good nick last time at Ripon (6f, good), sticking to his task well having been on a contested pace, in a contest where he pulled clear with two who had been ridden more patiently. This is his first visit to Carlisle, but having won three times at Newcastle the stiffer track shouldn't hold any fears for him.
=======
He also finished well beaten having raced towards the inner, but it has to be said that as one who tends to be backed when he wins, the market vibes hadn't been great beforehand. He's a pound lower than for his Ripon effort, and David Nolan being back aboard looks a positive, so while his draw and ability to act at York (only previous try came at 7f) are queries, he's given another chance now back down in class.
WD with DB GB
I'll take V's word for it that the others were no good.
I'll take V's word for it that the others were no good.
Cheers Virgin and PHS.
Unfortunately it all went downhill after a promising start.
Do Bronxs (33-1) appeared to get an easy lead, and although no match for the winner, held on for second place.
I might have been a tad unlucky for a place with Our Cody who didn't get the clearest of runs against the rail before not being beaten far into 4th place.
Marty Hopkirk got a nice tracking position but folded tamely, so unless he needs a sounder surface then he looks to be going the wrong way.
Grant Wood, who tends be backed when he's going to win, was soon in rear and fair to say wasn't given a hard time, imo.
2026 Running P/L: +28.07 pts
Unfortunately it all went downhill after a promising start.
Do Bronxs (33-1) appeared to get an easy lead, and although no match for the winner, held on for second place.
I might have been a tad unlucky for a place with Our Cody who didn't get the clearest of runs against the rail before not being beaten far into 4th place.
Marty Hopkirk got a nice tracking position but folded tamely, so unless he needs a sounder surface then he looks to be going the wrong way.
Grant Wood, who tends be backed when he's going to win, was soon in rear and fair to say wasn't given a hard time, imo.
2026 Running P/L: +28.07 pts
Molly's Valentine, 1pt EW @ 80-1, 5.15 Wolverhampton (4 PLACES)
Molly's Valentine
Molly's Valentine was a selection last time out when I wrote:
Molly Valentine was having her second run back off a break here last time over the 8.5f trip, on what was her stable debut, and although she faded to finish 7th of the 11 runners and beaten just over ten lengths behind the easy winner, she had a notably wide trip from the widest draw in that amateur riders' contest and in the circumstances wasn't disgraced.
She's a C&D winner so the step back up in trip shouldn't be an issue, and has a lower draw this time, with Jack Doughty taking over in the plate.
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She could never get involved from off the pace last time under a professional jockey, but is given another chance here in the hope that the amateur (who owns her and is back on board) has a kinder trip on this occasion, with the inside draw to help.
Molly's Valentine was a selection last time out when I wrote:
Molly Valentine was having her second run back off a break here last time over the 8.5f trip, on what was her stable debut, and although she faded to finish 7th of the 11 runners and beaten just over ten lengths behind the easy winner, she had a notably wide trip from the widest draw in that amateur riders' contest and in the circumstances wasn't disgraced.
She's a C&D winner so the step back up in trip shouldn't be an issue, and has a lower draw this time, with Jack Doughty taking over in the plate.
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She could never get involved from off the pace last time under a professional jockey, but is given another chance here in the hope that the amateur (who owns her and is back on board) has a kinder trip on this occasion, with the inside draw to help.
2026 Running P/L: +26.07 pts
Ravenspire, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 3.05 Ascot
Ravenspire, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 3.05 Ascot
Ravenspire
Ravenspire has a chunk to find on the figures here, and on the face of it his defeat of the 80-rated and Derby also-ran Poker in a Haydock (12f, g-f) novice requires him to take a leap forward now up in class, but I thought there was a lot to like about his win under a penalty last time in what was a well-run contest despite the small field, racing lazily behind the bridle at times and having to be bumped along some way out but finding plenty off the bridle to be well on top at the finish and being eased down close home, finishing well clear of a Godolphin odds-on shot back in third place.
The manner of his victory there would suggest that this well-bred sort could have improvement to come over 14f, and while it would be a concern if this were to become tactical given the shorter home straight and bearing in mind he took some winding up at Haydock, a chance is taken that this promising colt who has yet to have his limitations exposed can prove up to the task.
Ravenspire has a chunk to find on the figures here, and on the face of it his defeat of the 80-rated and Derby also-ran Poker in a Haydock (12f, g-f) novice requires him to take a leap forward now up in class, but I thought there was a lot to like about his win under a penalty last time in what was a well-run contest despite the small field, racing lazily behind the bridle at times and having to be bumped along some way out but finding plenty off the bridle to be well on top at the finish and being eased down close home, finishing well clear of a Godolphin odds-on shot back in third place.
The manner of his victory there would suggest that this well-bred sort could have improvement to come over 14f, and while it would be a concern if this were to become tactical given the shorter home straight and bearing in mind he took some winding up at Haydock, a chance is taken that this promising colt who has yet to have his limitations exposed can prove up to the task.
As it turned out, Ravenspire had no trouble being up on the pace, albeit what didn't appear to be strong fractions, so it's disappointing he only ended up finishing fifth, beaten just under two lengths, given he had looked the likeliest to reel in the leader from over a furlong out (traded around evens in the run), but not sure Clifford Lee was fully able to get after him in the closing stages as the leader hung into his path, otherwise he might least have hung on for a place.
2026 Running P/L: +24.07 pts
2026 Running P/L: +24.07 pts
In A Hurry, 1pt EW @ 9-1, 4.00 Catterick
Golden Prosperity, 1pt EW @ 8-1, 4.15 Musselburgh (4 PLACES)
Golden Prosperity, 1pt EW @ 8-1, 4.15 Musselburgh (4 PLACES)
In A Hurry
In A Hurry was a selection last time at Beverley when I wrote:
A speculative pick on In A Hurry, from a yard which has a much more obvious chance in this with Rajapour. The selection needs to bounce back from three disappointing runs, but it's possible easier ground wasn't ideal on her penultimate start of last year at Musselburgh, and perhaps her reappearance at Wetherby was needed, where she was prominent until over a furlong out and then wasn't persevered with once weakening having become bit short of room.
She's of interest on her second-place at Carlisle (7f, good) in September, when although no match for One Night Thunder, that rival had become well-handicapped and was well-backed, and duly followed up under a 5lb penalty.
In A Hurry needs to show that she hasn't just gone the wrong way, and as a free-going filly will need to get into a good rhythm from a tricky draw, but a chance is taken here at big odds, being 3lb below the mark she ran off for that good effort at Carlisle.
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In A Hurry faded out of it at Beverley but had endured a three-wide trip and had been in 4th position entering the final furlong. She still needs to show that she can be competitive at the business end of her races, but a tongue-tie may help, the hood is removed, she's down a further 3lb in the ratings, is potentially better drawn this time now back into fillies and mares' company, and ran well to make the frame over C&D last summer off a 6lb higher mark.
In A Hurry was a selection last time at Beverley when I wrote:
A speculative pick on In A Hurry, from a yard which has a much more obvious chance in this with Rajapour. The selection needs to bounce back from three disappointing runs, but it's possible easier ground wasn't ideal on her penultimate start of last year at Musselburgh, and perhaps her reappearance at Wetherby was needed, where she was prominent until over a furlong out and then wasn't persevered with once weakening having become bit short of room.
She's of interest on her second-place at Carlisle (7f, good) in September, when although no match for One Night Thunder, that rival had become well-handicapped and was well-backed, and duly followed up under a 5lb penalty.
In A Hurry needs to show that she hasn't just gone the wrong way, and as a free-going filly will need to get into a good rhythm from a tricky draw, but a chance is taken here at big odds, being 3lb below the mark she ran off for that good effort at Carlisle.
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In A Hurry faded out of it at Beverley but had endured a three-wide trip and had been in 4th position entering the final furlong. She still needs to show that she can be competitive at the business end of her races, but a tongue-tie may help, the hood is removed, she's down a further 3lb in the ratings, is potentially better drawn this time now back into fillies and mares' company, and ran well to make the frame over C&D last summer off a 6lb higher mark.
Golden Prosperity
Jake Dickson looked good value for his 7lb claim when squeezing through a gap against the far rail at York recently to go on and land a big-field handicap, and he's currently in good form having won on his last two mounts. He has just one ride today, Golden Prosperity, who he might have finished closer on last time at Wetherby (5.5f, g-f) had the gelding not reared and lost several lengths at the start, and then not enjoyed the clearest of passages.
Golden Prosperity wouldn't want to be doing that here over this sharp 5f, particularly with a potentially tricky draw to overcome, but two previous visits to this C&D have produced a win and a close second, albeit in classified company, so hopefully he can give another good account here, off a mark 2lb lower than he won off at Catterick (5f, good) in April.
Jake Dickson looked good value for his 7lb claim when squeezing through a gap against the far rail at York recently to go on and land a big-field handicap, and he's currently in good form having won on his last two mounts. He has just one ride today, Golden Prosperity, who he might have finished closer on last time at Wetherby (5.5f, g-f) had the gelding not reared and lost several lengths at the start, and then not enjoyed the clearest of passages.
Golden Prosperity wouldn't want to be doing that here over this sharp 5f, particularly with a potentially tricky draw to overcome, but two previous visits to this C&D have produced a win and a close second, albeit in classified company, so hopefully he can give another good account here, off a mark 2lb lower than he won off at Catterick (5f, good) in April.
gl ...
Cheers Virgin.
In A Hurry gave it a good shot from the front but unfortunately for her backers one had to emerge from the pack to run her down.
Golden Prosperity wasn't done any favours by being caught on the outer but kept on well to finish 4th. A couple of the main firms were offering four places and I thought the late withdrawal might have scuppered the extra place with one of them, but both firms did pay out on the fourth place.
2026 Running P/L: +25.92 pts
In A Hurry gave it a good shot from the front but unfortunately for her backers one had to emerge from the pack to run her down.
Golden Prosperity wasn't done any favours by being caught on the outer but kept on well to finish 4th. A couple of the main firms were offering four places and I thought the late withdrawal might have scuppered the extra place with one of them, but both firms did pay out on the fourth place.
2026 Running P/L: +25.92 pts
Degale, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 4.35 Carlisle (5 PLACES)
Caught U Sleeping, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 6.40 Naas
Caught U Sleeping, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 6.40 Naas
Degale
It looked a fair effort from Degale to finish third in a 0-87 contest at Nottingham three starts back, having made the running from the widest draw and kept on well once headed to finish a close third, and although there are mixed messages from that form, the winner finished a respectable fifth on 18 next time in a Class 2 Epsom handicap.
Degale hasn't built on that effort in two starts since but he patently did too much on the sharp-end at Ayr from another wide draw (one mile, g-f), and last time at Thirsk when dropped back in trip (7f, good) he was again keen in what appeared a well-run contest but didn't shape too badly in finishing fifth. It's a concern that he hung left last time but his only win to date came the only the time he's raced right-handed (at Ripon, one mile novice, good ) so hopefully it's not an issue going this way round.
He clearly could do with settling better, but if he does then the return to a mile looks a positive, and he does have form that ties him in with the current favourite Leadenhall, having finished a neck second to that rival at Haydock (one mile, g-f) last summer on similar terms, though Leadenhall today does have the benefit of having a 7lb claimer on board who has impressed of late.
William Pyle, who was aboard at Nottingham and Ayr, rides another for the yard in this, but no concern to have the in-form David Nolan taking over in the plate.
It looked a fair effort from Degale to finish third in a 0-87 contest at Nottingham three starts back, having made the running from the widest draw and kept on well once headed to finish a close third, and although there are mixed messages from that form, the winner finished a respectable fifth on 18 next time in a Class 2 Epsom handicap.
Degale hasn't built on that effort in two starts since but he patently did too much on the sharp-end at Ayr from another wide draw (one mile, g-f), and last time at Thirsk when dropped back in trip (7f, good) he was again keen in what appeared a well-run contest but didn't shape too badly in finishing fifth. It's a concern that he hung left last time but his only win to date came the only the time he's raced right-handed (at Ripon, one mile novice, good ) so hopefully it's not an issue going this way round.
He clearly could do with settling better, but if he does then the return to a mile looks a positive, and he does have form that ties him in with the current favourite Leadenhall, having finished a neck second to that rival at Haydock (one mile, g-f) last summer on similar terms, though Leadenhall today does have the benefit of having a 7lb claimer on board who has impressed of late.
William Pyle, who was aboard at Nottingham and Ayr, rides another for the yard in this, but no concern to have the in-form David Nolan taking over in the plate.
Caught U Sleeping
Caught U Sleeping has been weak in the betting today, being tried again at Group 3 level, but she looks open to further improvement having won a Listed contest over C&D last time from La Fogata when trying the trip for the first time and still looking on the green side, and that came just five days after running in a one mile Group 3 at the Curragh where she had kept on to be beaten just under 5L when finishing 8th of 12, when described as "still looking raw".
The market weakness is a concern given her revised official rating puts her second-best in here behind the favourite of those that have a rating, and perhaps there has been a reason why she hasn't been seen for nearly seven weeks, but granted fitness isn't an issue back from a short break then hopefully she can take another step forward this evening.
Caught U Sleeping has been weak in the betting today, being tried again at Group 3 level, but she looks open to further improvement having won a Listed contest over C&D last time from La Fogata when trying the trip for the first time and still looking on the green side, and that came just five days after running in a one mile Group 3 at the Curragh where she had kept on to be beaten just under 5L when finishing 8th of 12, when described as "still looking raw".
The market weakness is a concern given her revised official rating puts her second-best in here behind the favourite of those that have a rating, and perhaps there has been a reason why she hasn't been seen for nearly seven weeks, but granted fitness isn't an issue back from a short break then hopefully she can take another step forward this evening.
Degale never looked to be in a good rhythm whilst on a contested pace and gave way from over a furlong out.
Caught U Sleeping duelled with the eventual winner and briefly looked like she might come out on top (traded around 1.3) but it wasn't to be with the winner nicely on top at the finish. 10p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +25.12 pts
Caught U Sleeping duelled with the eventual winner and briefly looked like she might come out on top (traded around 1.3) but it wasn't to be with the winner nicely on top at the finish. 10p Rule 4.
2026 Running P/L: +25.12 pts
Al Shabab Storm, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 7.28 Newcastle (4 PLACES)
Al Shabab Storm
Al Shabab Storm's finishing effort at Thirsk last time was tame so has a bit to prove on the back off that, however, he had previously shaped better than his finishing suggested at Chester's May meeting (7.5f, good), on what was his debut for Mick Appleby, where he was drawn and raced wide whilst racing racing keenly but remained close up until inside the final furlong, the distance beaten exacerbated being short of room once headed. Brighton Boy, who ran a similar sort of race, won a competitive class 3 handicap at Thirsk on his next start.
The selection has only had four starts on the all-weather and some of his form last year in this sphere reads quite well having finished a close third in a 7f Listed contest at Wolverhampton, then last summer having finished a close third in a class two Racing league handicap back at that track off an 11lb higher mark, and in the autumn not been disgraced when finishing 3rd at Kempton (6f) in a conditions race behind useful all-weather performer Ten Pounds. His only disappointing run on Tapeta came at Newcastle over 7f, where he weakened quickly from over a furlong out, but had been noted to have been "going easily" over 2f out.
At the age of five and after 21 starts, this will be his first try at 5f, but he's an interesting runner having been dropped 7lb for his starts for his current yard, and with Conor Whiteley (who has just lost his 7lb claim) enlisted to ease his burden further.
Al Shabab Storm's finishing effort at Thirsk last time was tame so has a bit to prove on the back off that, however, he had previously shaped better than his finishing suggested at Chester's May meeting (7.5f, good), on what was his debut for Mick Appleby, where he was drawn and raced wide whilst racing racing keenly but remained close up until inside the final furlong, the distance beaten exacerbated being short of room once headed. Brighton Boy, who ran a similar sort of race, won a competitive class 3 handicap at Thirsk on his next start.
The selection has only had four starts on the all-weather and some of his form last year in this sphere reads quite well having finished a close third in a 7f Listed contest at Wolverhampton, then last summer having finished a close third in a class two Racing league handicap back at that track off an 11lb higher mark, and in the autumn not been disgraced when finishing 3rd at Kempton (6f) in a conditions race behind useful all-weather performer Ten Pounds. His only disappointing run on Tapeta came at Newcastle over 7f, where he weakened quickly from over a furlong out, but had been noted to have been "going easily" over 2f out.
At the age of five and after 21 starts, this will be his first try at 5f, but he's an interesting runner having been dropped 7lb for his starts for his current yard, and with Conor Whiteley (who has just lost his 7lb claim) enlisted to ease his burden further.
go back far enough and al shabab has run the likes of quinault and quirat to little more than a length . good luck george .
Cheers Foyles. I suppose it might be a question of whether or not there's any juice left in the orange after spells with Balding and B0tti, but I certainly thought there were positives to be taken from his stable debut, though he didn't build on it last time.
yo george nice one and i had a pop too thanks foir highlighting it .
VWD George !! 
Sherlock Holmes level picjkingge there ! #stellah !! :)
Sherlock Holmes level picjkingge there ! #stellah !! :)
Cheers all.
It was like a game of equine bingo the way they were all spread across the track inside the final furlong but thankfully on this occasion I was able to shout HOUSE!
2026 Running P/L: +51.52 pts
It was like a game of equine bingo the way they were all spread across the track inside the final furlong but thankfully on this occasion I was able to shout HOUSE!
2026 Running P/L: +51.52 pts
Well done George, I love your reasoning, beautiful mind.
all credit to george phs i would never have looked at the race but for reading georges write up ,it prompted me to look back and see the positives in the back form, yesterdays handicap mark and the jockey claim . what the forum should be about tbh.
Thanks all
Ferrous, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 2.10 Newcastle (4 PLACES)
Moon Over Miami, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 3.15 Newcastle (6 PLACES)
Ferrous, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 2.10 Newcastle (4 PLACES)
Moon Over Miami, 1pt EW @ 22-1, 3.15 Newcastle (6 PLACES)
Ferrous
Ferrous has run three times at Newcastle, winning a class 2 handicap, finishing third behind Diligent Harry in this race last year, and although he could only fifth of 14 here on AW Finals Day and behind the winner Wiltshire and the fourth Heathcliff, he had raced prominently into a headwind so can have his effort marked up.
A minor place may be his best hope given he has work to do to reverse the form with some of these, but he clearly goes well here and a three-month break is not a concern given he has a good record fresh.
Ferrous has run three times at Newcastle, winning a class 2 handicap, finishing third behind Diligent Harry in this race last year, and although he could only fifth of 14 here on AW Finals Day and behind the winner Wiltshire and the fourth Heathcliff, he had raced prominently into a headwind so can have his effort marked up.
A minor place may be his best hope given he has work to do to reverse the form with some of these, but he clearly goes well here and a three-month break is not a concern given he has a good record fresh.
Moon Over Miami
I suspect Moon Over Miami has been in better form than his form figures might suggest this season, having fared best of the prominent-racers on his reappearance in a valuable class 3 handicap at Musselburgh, and then he was sent off at just 17-2 (from an opening show of 12-1) for the Chester Cup on his next start but perhaps the course didn't suit as he reportedly hung right-handed throughout; and last time at Goodwood (6-1 into 18-5) perhaps could have done with being kept closer to the pace.
He admittedly has to prove his effectiveness on Tapeta, and the draw has not been kind, but he still makes some each-way appeal having drifted in the betting today.
I suspect Moon Over Miami has been in better form than his form figures might suggest this season, having fared best of the prominent-racers on his reappearance in a valuable class 3 handicap at Musselburgh, and then he was sent off at just 17-2 (from an opening show of 12-1) for the Chester Cup on his next start but perhaps the course didn't suit as he reportedly hung right-handed throughout; and last time at Goodwood (6-1 into 18-5) perhaps could have done with being kept closer to the pace.
He admittedly has to prove his effectiveness on Tapeta, and the draw has not been kind, but he still makes some each-way appeal having drifted in the betting today.
Back to normality with a couple of losers...
Ferrous has a decent record fresh but on this occasion looked a little rusty, only being able to make a little late headway into 6th place.
Moon Over Miami was likely to need an Overturn-style ride to win from stall 19, but it didn't pan out well, soon being obliged to race three-wide, and his goose was cooked with over 2f to run.
2026 Running P/L: +47.52 pts
Ferrous has a decent record fresh but on this occasion looked a little rusty, only being able to make a little late headway into 6th place.
Moon Over Miami was likely to need an Overturn-style ride to win from stall 19, but it didn't pan out well, soon being obliged to race three-wide, and his goose was cooked with over 2f to run.
2026 Running P/L: +47.52 pts
Thanks for the comments.
My feeble excuse for the poor effort from Moon Over Miami was a three-wide trip, but having since watched the card back I noticed that the consolation race winner Believitanducan also had 3-wide trip, so it evidently wasn't insurmountable.
My feeble excuse for the poor effort from Moon Over Miami was a three-wide trip, but having since watched the card back I noticed that the consolation race winner Believitanducan also had 3-wide trip, so it evidently wasn't insurmountable.
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.
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.
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