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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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Furhaan
Furhaan ran twice over C&D in July, making the frame on both occasions having been ridden prominently. He posted a lesser effort at Musselburgh (2m2f) last time when finishing fourth of the seven runners, beaten over 7L, but perhaps being ridden more patiently didn't suit. This is a slighter stronger race than those two previous course contests he ran in and he's 4lb out of the handicap on this occasion, but hopefully he can at least be a frame contender again if getting into a good rhythm on the front-end.
Furhaan ran twice over C&D in July, making the frame on both occasions having been ridden prominently. He posted a lesser effort at Musselburgh (2m2f) last time when finishing fourth of the seven runners, beaten over 7L, but perhaps being ridden more patiently didn't suit. This is a slighter stronger race than those two previous course contests he ran in and he's 4lb out of the handicap on this occasion, but hopefully he can at least be a frame contender again if getting into a good rhythm on the front-end.
2026 Running P/L: +52.24 pts
Cuban Lady, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 2.35 Epsom
Redredrobin, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 5.27 Epsom
Cuban Lady, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 2.35 Epsom
Redredrobin, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 5.27 Epsom
Cuban Lady
It looked a decent effort from Cuban Lady on her debut for Patrick Chammings at Brighton (g-f) recently when tried over 7f for the first time, leading inside the final furlong before being headed in the final strides and finishing runner-up, with one of today's rivals Dapper Guest behind her in third place. She's actually 2lb better off with that rival here, who carries a penalty for having won since over today's C&D, where he got the better of another of today's rivals, Silver Trumpet.
The ground is likely to be a bit easier today than it was at Brighton, but Cuban Lady has run well on good to soft, and hopefully can give another good account here if going the right way from that stable debut, which was her first start for two months.
It looked a decent effort from Cuban Lady on her debut for Patrick Chammings at Brighton (g-f) recently when tried over 7f for the first time, leading inside the final furlong before being headed in the final strides and finishing runner-up, with one of today's rivals Dapper Guest behind her in third place. She's actually 2lb better off with that rival here, who carries a penalty for having won since over today's C&D, where he got the better of another of today's rivals, Silver Trumpet.
The ground is likely to be a bit easier today than it was at Brighton, but Cuban Lady has run well on good to soft, and hopefully can give another good account here if going the right way from that stable debut, which was her first start for two months.
Redredrobin
Redredrobin was a selection last time at Chepstow when I wrote:
Redredrobin probably needed her first three runs back this year following a ten-month break, but ran a lot better at Brighton (7f, g-f) two starts back in first-time cheekpieces when pulling clear with one who came good for James Owen at the fifth attempt following a stable-switch. Redredrobin's effort can probably be marked up given she disputed the lead into a headwind in a contest where the other principals got cover. The fifth has won subsequently.
The selection didn't run well last time in a 0-70 at Wolverhampton but she endured a wide trip and the jockey reported that his saddle slipped.
The majority of her wins have come on a decent surface including three times over C&D, so a marked deterioration in conditions would be a concern, however, she did win a five-runner class 4 handicap at Epsom on soft ground back in 2023 when rated 15lb higher, so does handle an ease.
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Redredrobin disappointed at Chepstow, but the ground was probably too soft for her and not sure being taken to race towards the far side on her own was any help. The big concern today regarding her chance is the 8.5f trip, especially on ground that may have an ease in it, but perhaps if she is to get away with the trip then it will be round here. She seems best on a decent surface but has won on soft at this venue, so today's ground should be okay for her, and Harry Vigors takes off a handy 5lb.
Redredrobin was a selection last time at Chepstow when I wrote:
Redredrobin probably needed her first three runs back this year following a ten-month break, but ran a lot better at Brighton (7f, g-f) two starts back in first-time cheekpieces when pulling clear with one who came good for James Owen at the fifth attempt following a stable-switch. Redredrobin's effort can probably be marked up given she disputed the lead into a headwind in a contest where the other principals got cover. The fifth has won subsequently.
The selection didn't run well last time in a 0-70 at Wolverhampton but she endured a wide trip and the jockey reported that his saddle slipped.
The majority of her wins have come on a decent surface including three times over C&D, so a marked deterioration in conditions would be a concern, however, she did win a five-runner class 4 handicap at Epsom on soft ground back in 2023 when rated 15lb higher, so does handle an ease.
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Redredrobin disappointed at Chepstow, but the ground was probably too soft for her and not sure being taken to race towards the far side on her own was any help. The big concern today regarding her chance is the 8.5f trip, especially on ground that may have an ease in it, but perhaps if she is to get away with the trip then it will be round here. She seems best on a decent surface but has won on soft at this venue, so today's ground should be okay for her, and Harry Vigors takes off a handy 5lb.
gl ...
Cheers Virgin.
As for Cuban Lady, not much went right having missed the break, been keen and then tried to challenge up the centre as the action unfolded stands' side. She had been entitled at the weights to confirm previous Brighton form with Dapper Guest, but it's never straightforward in this game, and that one having drifted in the betting, won going away.
2026 Running P/L: +53.24 pts
As for Cuban Lady, not much went right having missed the break, been keen and then tried to challenge up the centre as the action unfolded stands' side. She had been entitled at the weights to confirm previous Brighton form with Dapper Guest, but it's never straightforward in this game, and that one having drifted in the betting, won going away.
2026 Running P/L: +53.24 pts
Maybee In Profit, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 3.20 Chester
Angel's Call, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.05 Bath (4 PLACES)
Angel's Call, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.05 Bath (4 PLACES)
Maybee In Profit
Maybee In Profit doesn't face an easy task here up in class against rivals that include ones she has finished behind previously, and being 5lb higher than for a narrow victory last time at Ripon (5f, soft). However, that win last time was her first run on ground officially described as soft, and having duelled with a gelding (who previously at Newcastle had only just failed against the current favourite for this, This Moment), she was on top at the finish.
The going is set to soften further at Chester if the forecast rain materialises, so hopefully the selection's proven ability to handle soft can see her at least press for a place.
Maybee In Profit doesn't face an easy task here up in class against rivals that include ones she has finished behind previously, and being 5lb higher than for a narrow victory last time at Ripon (5f, soft). However, that win last time was her first run on ground officially described as soft, and having duelled with a gelding (who previously at Newcastle had only just failed against the current favourite for this, This Moment), she was on top at the finish.
The going is set to soften further at Chester if the forecast rain materialises, so hopefully the selection's proven ability to handle soft can see her at least press for a place.
Angel's Call
Angel's Call could never get competitive last time at Chepstow (7f, g-s) in a contest won by one of today's rivals A Rose Adaay, but she's of a little interest based on her previous effort at Ffos Las (one mile, good), where she probably ran better than a 13L defeat into third place might suggest, as she had tried to match strides up the home straight with Oviedo, who at one time had been officially rated over 100, and off a mark of just 49, strode away in the final furlong to a land a gamble by 12L, and he duly followed up under a penalty.
Despite the distance beaten, the selection still had the well-backed favourite for that contest, Nammos, behind in her fourth place, and that rival also runs here.
Angel's Call is off a 2lb lower mark today, and Kieran O'Neill, who was last aboard when the partnership won at Ffos Las (7.5f, good) in June, takes over again in the plate, so hopefully she can give a good account if able to show her form at this track (only previous try here came over 5.5f).
Angel's Call could never get competitive last time at Chepstow (7f, g-s) in a contest won by one of today's rivals A Rose Adaay, but she's of a little interest based on her previous effort at Ffos Las (one mile, good), where she probably ran better than a 13L defeat into third place might suggest, as she had tried to match strides up the home straight with Oviedo, who at one time had been officially rated over 100, and off a mark of just 49, strode away in the final furlong to a land a gamble by 12L, and he duly followed up under a penalty.
Despite the distance beaten, the selection still had the well-backed favourite for that contest, Nammos, behind in her fourth place, and that rival also runs here.
Angel's Call is off a 2lb lower mark today, and Kieran O'Neill, who was last aboard when the partnership won at Ffos Las (7.5f, good) in June, takes over again in the plate, so hopefully she can give a good account if able to show her form at this track (only previous try here came over 5.5f).
Second place for Angel's Call, but my theory that Maybee In Profit may have some untapped potential on soft ground proved to be wide of the mark on this occasion.
2026 Running P/L: +53.04 pts
2026 Running P/L: +53.04 pts
Bobby Dassler, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 2.05 Bath (4 PLACES0
Wemighttakedlongway, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 5.10 Curragh
Wemighttakedlongway, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 5.10 Curragh
Bobby Dassler, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 2.05 Bath (4 PLACES)
Wemighttakedlongway, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 5.10 Curragh
Wemighttakedlongway, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 5.10 Curragh
Bobby Dassler
A speculative pick on Bobby Dassler, who seemingingly hasn't been in much form of late but might have had excuses on account of the ground being too quick, the trip too far or the grade of race too high.
He doesn't always help himself by taking a grip but that hasn't stopped him from winning or running well at this track on occasions. He's only 2lb higher than for his win at Chepstow (one mile, good) in June, and the bit rain they've had at Bath this morning may help his chance.
A speculative pick on Bobby Dassler, who seemingingly hasn't been in much form of late but might have had excuses on account of the ground being too quick, the trip too far or the grade of race too high.
He doesn't always help himself by taking a grip but that hasn't stopped him from winning or running well at this track on occasions. He's only 2lb higher than for his win at Chepstow (one mile, good) in June, and the bit rain they've had at Bath this morning may help his chance.
Wemighttakedlongway
Wemighttakedlongway doesn't face an easy task to reverse C&D form from the Pretty Polly Stakes in June with her stablemate Thundering On and Red Letter, however, there was reason to think the selection's effort could be marked up considering she helped to keep the pace honest and kept plugging away in dispute of a place before fading to finish fifth, not beaten far behind those two rivals who were more conservatively-ridden.
Of course a similar scenario may unfold today, with their yard probably keen to ensure a decent pace for their main hope, but provided Wemighttakedlongway isn't sacrificed by going off too hard then hopefully she can at least press for a place.
Wemighttakedlongway has since run in a Group 1 in Germany, where she could never get involved from off the pace, and admittedly is form that leaves her with work to do with the runner-up Timeforshowcasing, who might have been better positioned, though that form has to be viewed in a different view now given the first and third were Hotazhell and Wimbledon Hawkeye, who subsequently finished first and second in yesterday's Irish Champion Stakes.
Wemighttakedlongway doesn't face an easy task to reverse C&D form from the Pretty Polly Stakes in June with her stablemate Thundering On and Red Letter, however, there was reason to think the selection's effort could be marked up considering she helped to keep the pace honest and kept plugging away in dispute of a place before fading to finish fifth, not beaten far behind those two rivals who were more conservatively-ridden.
Of course a similar scenario may unfold today, with their yard probably keen to ensure a decent pace for their main hope, but provided Wemighttakedlongway isn't sacrificed by going off too hard then hopefully she can at least press for a place.
Wemighttakedlongway has since run in a Group 1 in Germany, where she could never get involved from off the pace, and admittedly is form that leaves her with work to do with the runner-up Timeforshowcasing, who might have been better positioned, though that form has to be viewed in a different view now given the first and third were Hotazhell and Wimbledon Hawkeye, who subsequently finished first and second in yesterday's Irish Champion Stakes.
Fair Dinkum
Fair Dinkum is 7lb higher than when winning this Stayers' Series Final last season on soft ground by over three lengths, but is only 1lb above his last winning mark, and although he doesn't come here in much form having finished some way behind (the current favourite for this) Boilermaker last time at Wolverhampton, it was also the case last season that he hadn't run well on the all-weather before being successful in this.
It's a concern that there doesn't appear to be much confidence behind him in the betting, but I'm going to take a chance now it looks like the rain might have got into the ground at Bath.
Fair Dinkum is 7lb higher than when winning this Stayers' Series Final last season on soft ground by over three lengths, but is only 1lb above his last winning mark, and although he doesn't come here in much form having finished some way behind (the current favourite for this) Boilermaker last time at Wolverhampton, it was also the case last season that he hadn't run well on the all-weather before being successful in this.
It's a concern that there doesn't appear to be much confidence behind him in the betting, but I'm going to take a chance now it looks like the rain might have got into the ground at Bath.
Sub Thirteen
Sub Thirteen is another Jeremy Scott-trained runner who won't mind being back on a softer surface. He's yet to win for his current yard but has generally been running well including last time at Wolverhampton when he finished a closing third having found the 5f there sharp enough. He did run below form on soft at Chepstow in June, but perhaps easy enough to forgive a below par run at that track, and he should be seen to better effect here being a dual C&D winner.
Sub Thirteen is another Jeremy Scott-trained runner who won't mind being back on a softer surface. He's yet to win for his current yard but has generally been running well including last time at Wolverhampton when he finished a closing third having found the 5f there sharp enough. He did run below form on soft at Chepstow in June, but perhaps easy enough to forgive a below par run at that track, and he should be seen to better effect here being a dual C&D winner.
Not one of my better days with potential going change angles not paying off.
With the ground drying out on the round course at the Curragh and potentially not being ideal for Thundering On, I took a chance EW on one of her stablemates, but managed to get that totally wrong.
It turned out to be pretty much a front-runner's day at Bath, which should have been good news for Bobby Dassler given he can be a keen-going sort on the pace, but he was never in it.
When Fair Dinkum won the Stayers' Series Final last season the field finished well strung out, but understandably due to the poor visibility they didn't go much pace this time around and the field of 12 was covered by just 8L at the finish. Fair Dinkum was beaten 2.5L at the finish, losing out on 4th place on the bob.
Sub Thirteen did manage to make the frame after putting in his best work late on.
2026 Running P/L: +47.84 pts
With the ground drying out on the round course at the Curragh and potentially not being ideal for Thundering On, I took a chance EW on one of her stablemates, but managed to get that totally wrong.
It turned out to be pretty much a front-runner's day at Bath, which should have been good news for Bobby Dassler given he can be a keen-going sort on the pace, but he was never in it.
When Fair Dinkum won the Stayers' Series Final last season the field finished well strung out, but understandably due to the poor visibility they didn't go much pace this time around and the field of 12 was covered by just 8L at the finish. Fair Dinkum was beaten 2.5L at the finish, losing out on 4th place on the bob.
Sub Thirteen did manage to make the frame after putting in his best work late on.
2026 Running P/L: +47.84 pts
Princess Honey Bee
Princess Honey Bee is a risky one because there is a stamina question to answer upped 3.5f in trip to 11.5f, however, she's of interest from a handicapping perspective now she contests her first handicap based on a run at Ripon (one mile, g-f) fillies' novice in July when she finished runner-up to a Karl Burke-trained odds-on debutante, who has since followed up under a penalty on the all-weather against a Crisford-trained colt, who himself has since won a maiden race, albeit at very short odds.
Back in third place at Ripon was a Haggas-trained filly rated 75, who finished nearly four lengths behind Princess Honey Bee, who at that point was rated 67, so the mark of the selection could have taken a hit, but she only went up 2lb, while the Haggas-trained filly was dropped 5lb, and she won a handicap on her next start off that revised mark.
The selection failed to justify odds-on favouritism at Windsor (one-mile, g-f) last month but not sure that race panned out well for her, and she has since shed her maiden tag in a fillies' novice contest at Lingfield (AW), following which her mark was nudged up to 70.
Regarding stamina, her dam, a half-sister to a 10f winner, won a 7.5f soft ground novice at Beverley as a juvenile, but was untried over further having not been raced as a older horse.
Princess Honey Bee is a risky one because there is a stamina question to answer upped 3.5f in trip to 11.5f, however, she's of interest from a handicapping perspective now she contests her first handicap based on a run at Ripon (one mile, g-f) fillies' novice in July when she finished runner-up to a Karl Burke-trained odds-on debutante, who has since followed up under a penalty on the all-weather against a Crisford-trained colt, who himself has since won a maiden race, albeit at very short odds.
Back in third place at Ripon was a Haggas-trained filly rated 75, who finished nearly four lengths behind Princess Honey Bee, who at that point was rated 67, so the mark of the selection could have taken a hit, but she only went up 2lb, while the Haggas-trained filly was dropped 5lb, and she won a handicap on her next start off that revised mark.
The selection failed to justify odds-on favouritism at Windsor (one-mile, g-f) last month but not sure that race panned out well for her, and she has since shed her maiden tag in a fillies' novice contest at Lingfield (AW), following which her mark was nudged up to 70.
Regarding stamina, her dam, a half-sister to a 10f winner, won a 7.5f soft ground novice at Beverley as a juvenile, but was untried over further having not been raced as a older horse.
2026 Running P/L: +45.84 pts
Justmyluck, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 2.00 Ayr (5 PLACES)
The Drambling Man, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 3.22 Naas (4 PLACES)
Justmyluck, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 2.00 Ayr (5 PLACES)
The Drambling Man, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 3.22 Naas (4 PLACES)
Justmyluck
Justmyluck was out of his depth last time at Hamilton (5f, g-s) in a 0-91 when sent off at 100-1 and racing from 5lb out of the handicap, but he didn't shape too badly up to a point having raced towards the far side in a race where the action unfolded more towards the nearside, weakening out if it inside the final furlong having not helped his chance by taking a grip.
There was a suggestion in a couple of the other sprints on that card that racing more nearside might have been an advantage on the night, but that theory appeared to be blown out of the water when Theory Nil (who also runs in this) went and won the finale up the far side at odds of 40-1.
Justmyluck is eligible for slightly weaker races than this one but this class 5 still looks a lot more realistic than the class 3 he ran in last time, so I'm going to roll the dice at big odds and hope his low draw in this big field doesn't turn out to have been a negative.
Justmyluck was out of his depth last time at Hamilton (5f, g-s) in a 0-91 when sent off at 100-1 and racing from 5lb out of the handicap, but he didn't shape too badly up to a point having raced towards the far side in a race where the action unfolded more towards the nearside, weakening out if it inside the final furlong having not helped his chance by taking a grip.
There was a suggestion in a couple of the other sprints on that card that racing more nearside might have been an advantage on the night, but that theory appeared to be blown out of the water when Theory Nil (who also runs in this) went and won the finale up the far side at odds of 40-1.
Justmyluck is eligible for slightly weaker races than this one but this class 5 still looks a lot more realistic than the class 3 he ran in last time, so I'm going to roll the dice at big odds and hope his low draw in this big field doesn't turn out to have been a negative.
The Drambling Man
The Drambling Man left the impression that he would have fared better in a maiden at Bellewstown (5f, good) in July (which was won by the useful Grayrobin, with one of the current favourites for this, Annie Batt, in second place), had he consented to run in a straight line but he just wanted to hang right, leaving his jockey unable to fully push him out. He had also refused to settle so might not be the easiest.
He hasn't progressed in two starts since but he was out of his depth next time in a Curragh maiden (5f, g-f, 200-1), and last time in a nursery at Sligo (6f, yiedling), he might have done too much on the front-end and was weakening when the distance beaten was exacerbated by him being badly hampered.
The return to 5f looks the way to go based on that latest evidence, while first-time cheekpieces may help focus his mind, and a good 7lb claimer is enlisted to ease his burden further having also been dropped 3lb in the ratings, so interesting to see how he gets on here provided he consents to run in a straight line and his low daw doesn't prove to be a hinderance.
The Drambling Man left the impression that he would have fared better in a maiden at Bellewstown (5f, good) in July (which was won by the useful Grayrobin, with one of the current favourites for this, Annie Batt, in second place), had he consented to run in a straight line but he just wanted to hang right, leaving his jockey unable to fully push him out. He had also refused to settle so might not be the easiest.
He hasn't progressed in two starts since but he was out of his depth next time in a Curragh maiden (5f, g-f, 200-1), and last time in a nursery at Sligo (6f, yiedling), he might have done too much on the front-end and was weakening when the distance beaten was exacerbated by him being badly hampered.
The return to 5f looks the way to go based on that latest evidence, while first-time cheekpieces may help focus his mind, and a good 7lb claimer is enlisted to ease his burden further having also been dropped 3lb in the ratings, so interesting to see how he gets on here provided he consents to run in a straight line and his low daw doesn't prove to be a hinderance.
nice place on The Drambling Man, George 
pity ahboute thatte one andde da coinne comingge early; were 40s earlierre in daye,,, stella P&L ya gottes! andde ya handicappingge yourselffe an alle, by puttingge uppe yer picjkes late in morningge - whenne lotsa tasty prices hae dwindledde !!.. deffe gettes #proppes fromme me 
wd againne! :)
pity ahboute thatte one andde da coinne comingge early; were 40s earlierre in daye,,, stella P&L ya gottes! andde ya handicappingge yourselffe an alle, by puttingge uppe yer picjkes late in morningge - whenne lotsa tasty prices hae dwindledde !!.. deffe gettes #proppes fromme me wd againne! :)
Cheers vonclausewitz and Virgin.
I thought Justmyluck was going to run on into a place but his effort just petered out in the closing stages having again not helped his chance by taking a grip.
Regarding early prices, it can go the other way too, as it did with Regally Blonde, and recent selection Princess Honey Bee also doubled in price during the morning, though admittedly in her case it was because she wasn't going to be good enough.
2026 Running P/L: +46.84 pts
I thought Justmyluck was going to run on into a place but his effort just petered out in the closing stages having again not helped his chance by taking a grip.
Regarding early prices, it can go the other way too, as it did with Regally Blonde, and recent selection Princess Honey Bee also doubled in price during the morning, though admittedly in her case it was because she wasn't going to be good enough.
2026 Running P/L: +46.84 pts
Mind Those Steps, 1pt EW @ 28-1, 1.55 Ayr (4 PLACES)
Furhaan, 1pt EW @ 11-1, 5.20 Ayr
Furhaan, 1pt EW @ 11-1, 5.20 Ayr
Mind Those Steps
Mind Those Steps had the benefit of a debut run when winning at Hamilton (6f, good) in May, just holding on from the debutant This Moment, who has improved gradually since and is now rated 98, the pair finishing clear of the favourite Location Location, another who has improved gradually since and is now rated 80.
In contrast, Mind The Steps doesn't appear to have improved since, having been absent for over two months after, he returned to action in a 6f novice at Newcastle in July under a penalty and wearing a first-time tongue-tie, where he could only finish 11th of 14 runners and beaten five lenghts, however, he didn't see much daylight up the stands' rail. His latest run came in the valuable sales race at the Ebor meeting (6f, g-s) won by Sun Goddess, where he was sent off at 150-1 and finished last of the 20 runners, beaten 36 lengths.
I'm not sure what to expect, but this looks more realistic and his mark of 79 looks a fair one judging from how the form of his Hamilton win has worked out, whilst acknowleging that the pair he beat have both improved since. He does have to prove himself on softer ground, but his pedigree is encouraging in that regard being a half-brother to a mare who was a Listed / Group 3 winner on heavy / yielding, and he's a son of the prolific Spinatrix, who handled soft ground well.
Mind Those Steps had the benefit of a debut run when winning at Hamilton (6f, good) in May, just holding on from the debutant This Moment, who has improved gradually since and is now rated 98, the pair finishing clear of the favourite Location Location, another who has improved gradually since and is now rated 80.
In contrast, Mind The Steps doesn't appear to have improved since, having been absent for over two months after, he returned to action in a 6f novice at Newcastle in July under a penalty and wearing a first-time tongue-tie, where he could only finish 11th of 14 runners and beaten five lenghts, however, he didn't see much daylight up the stands' rail. His latest run came in the valuable sales race at the Ebor meeting (6f, g-s) won by Sun Goddess, where he was sent off at 150-1 and finished last of the 20 runners, beaten 36 lengths.
I'm not sure what to expect, but this looks more realistic and his mark of 79 looks a fair one judging from how the form of his Hamilton win has worked out, whilst acknowleging that the pair he beat have both improved since. He does have to prove himself on softer ground, but his pedigree is encouraging in that regard being a half-brother to a mare who was a Listed / Group 3 winner on heavy / yielding, and he's a son of the prolific Spinatrix, who handled soft ground well.
Furhaan
Furhaan was a selection last time at York when I wrote:
Furhaan ran twice over C&D in July, making the frame on both occasions having been ridden prominently. He posted a lesser effort at Musselburgh (2m2f) last time when finishing fourth of the seven runners, beaten over 7L, but perhaps being ridden more patiently didn't suit. This is a slighter stronger race than those two previous course contests he ran in and he's 4lb out of the handicap on this occasion, but hopefully he can at least be a frame contender again if getting into a good rhythm on the front-end.
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Furhaan disappointed at York even allowing for facing a tough task at the weights so needs to get back to that earlier form, but if he can, he should have at least place prospects here now dropped into a class 5 contest for the first time this season.
Furhaan was a selection last time at York when I wrote:
Furhaan ran twice over C&D in July, making the frame on both occasions having been ridden prominently. He posted a lesser effort at Musselburgh (2m2f) last time when finishing fourth of the seven runners, beaten over 7L, but perhaps being ridden more patiently didn't suit. This is a slighter stronger race than those two previous course contests he ran in and he's 4lb out of the handicap on this occasion, but hopefully he can at least be a frame contender again if getting into a good rhythm on the front-end.
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Furhaan disappointed at York even allowing for facing a tough task at the weights so needs to get back to that earlier form, but if he can, he should have at least place prospects here now dropped into a class 5 contest for the first time this season.
Thanks all. I think the late Queen was still on the throne the last time I managed to get two placed on the same post 
2026 Running P/L: +52.84 pts
2026 Running P/L: +52.84 pts
Silesia, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 3.05 Ayr
Blue Force, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 6.30 Newcastle
Khabib, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 8.00 Newcastle
Blue Force, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 6.30 Newcastle
Khabib, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 8.00 Newcastle
Silesia
Silesia has up to 10lb to find on official ratings but she doesn't seem to mind some give in the ground, having pulled clear with one other on good to soft over 5f in a novice at Beverley in May, and although that rival didn't do much for the form in two subsequent starts, those runs came under quicker conditions.
The selection has failed to win in three subsequent starts but has been running well in defeat, including when finishing runner-up to one of the fancied runners for this, Ruby Moon, at Carlisle in June (6f, g-f); and it was at York (5f) last time when racing on good to soft again that she appeared to post her best effort to date when upped in class to Listed level, keeping on from off the pace to fifth of the 11 runners, beaten 3L, against mainly male opposition.
The 7lb rise in the ratings for that effort still leaves her with enough to find upped further in class to Group 3 level, but back against fillies, and interesting to see if the step back up to 6f combined with tackling deeper ground can eke out further improvement.
Silesia has up to 10lb to find on official ratings but she doesn't seem to mind some give in the ground, having pulled clear with one other on good to soft over 5f in a novice at Beverley in May, and although that rival didn't do much for the form in two subsequent starts, those runs came under quicker conditions.
The selection has failed to win in three subsequent starts but has been running well in defeat, including when finishing runner-up to one of the fancied runners for this, Ruby Moon, at Carlisle in June (6f, g-f); and it was at York (5f) last time when racing on good to soft again that she appeared to post her best effort to date when upped in class to Listed level, keeping on from off the pace to fifth of the 11 runners, beaten 3L, against mainly male opposition.
The 7lb rise in the ratings for that effort still leaves her with enough to find upped further in class to Group 3 level, but back against fillies, and interesting to see if the step back up to 6f combined with tackling deeper ground can eke out further improvement.
Blue Force
Blue Force is eligible for weaker races than this one, but I'm going to take a chance at the prices as he's looked in good nick at Wolverhampton in a couple of starts since returning from an 80-day break, winning over 6f at odds of 25-1 when beating Style King, who also runs here, and although he could only finish 4th of the 9 runners when favourite last time over 5f, not sure the race panned out ideally but he still shaped as though in form. He's a dual C&D winner, albeit off lower marks, so hopefully he's fine with the return to this track.
Blue Force is eligible for weaker races than this one, but I'm going to take a chance at the prices as he's looked in good nick at Wolverhampton in a couple of starts since returning from an 80-day break, winning over 6f at odds of 25-1 when beating Style King, who also runs here, and although he could only finish 4th of the 9 runners when favourite last time over 5f, not sure the race panned out ideally but he still shaped as though in form. He's a dual C&D winner, albeit off lower marks, so hopefully he's fine with the return to this track.
Khabib
Khabib has yet to threaten in four starts back this year following a 615-day break, which has seen his mark drop by a stone, however, three of those efforts came on turf and the return to this venue last time saw this dual C&D winner hint in a stronger race than this evening's that he may be finding some form, when not getting the clearest of runs against the stands-rail.
He drops into a 0-55 contest this evening, with Cian Horgan taking off 5lb, so hopefully he can give a good account with his fitness now more assured.
Khabib has yet to threaten in four starts back this year following a 615-day break, which has seen his mark drop by a stone, however, three of those efforts came on turf and the return to this venue last time saw this dual C&D winner hint in a stronger race than this evening's that he may be finding some form, when not getting the clearest of runs against the stands-rail.
He drops into a 0-55 contest this evening, with Cian Horgan taking off 5lb, so hopefully he can give a good account with his fitness now more assured.
Unlucky with Blue Force (went third inside final furlong, no extra inside final 110yds).
When/why did Ray Craggs (Khabib) start up again?
When/why did Ray Craggs (Khabib) start up again?
PHS, I think Craggs is in his 80s, so perhaps decided to have someone else train his horses for him for a while. Iirc from an article I read about on him, he's still an active businessman.
Kevin Ryan pulled both his fillies out of the 2YO Group 3 race at Ayr.
As for my 2 selections at Newcastle, both were produced with promising looking challenges but ultimately both had to settle for 4th place.
2026 Running P/L: +48.84 pts
Kevin Ryan pulled both his fillies out of the 2YO Group 3 race at Ayr.
As for my 2 selections at Newcastle, both were produced with promising looking challenges but ultimately both had to settle for 4th place.
2026 Running P/L: +48.84 pts
Lily Pearl
Lily Pearl was a selection last time when I wrote:
Lily Pearl is returning from three months off so fitness has to be taken on trust, particularly with her having been weak enough in the betting so far today. She's off interest now back on softer ground as she looked to one to keep on side when pulling away with two others on good to soft last autumn at Pontefract (6f, g-s), on what was her only encounter to date with ground with an ease in it; the third and fourth have both races this season.
The selection has only been seen twice so far this year, running okay to finish third at Carlisle (6f, good) on her reappearance in May, before finishing down the field on quick ground at Wetherby (7f) in June, where she reportedly hung badly left-handed.
The stalls are on the stands' side this evening so it remains to be seen how that pans out for her from the 8 of 10 draw, with the RP's draw analysis suggesting middle numbers may hold a slight advantage, but a chance is taken here with her being unexposed on softer ground.
====================================================
Lily Pearl was outpaced before making some progress once meeting the rising ground to finish fifth of 9 in a C&D contest in which a few of her rivals also ran last time. The concern is that a similar scenario will unfold again today, but she should be sharper for that first run in three months and does have a pull at the weights with the winner Annie Edson Taylor, so a chance is taken at the odds.
It's likely the selection does ideally want an ease in the ground but has to prove today's forecast heavy ground is suitable, and like last time she has been noticeably weak in the betting so far today.
Lily Pearl was a selection last time when I wrote:
Lily Pearl is returning from three months off so fitness has to be taken on trust, particularly with her having been weak enough in the betting so far today. She's off interest now back on softer ground as she looked to one to keep on side when pulling away with two others on good to soft last autumn at Pontefract (6f, g-s), on what was her only encounter to date with ground with an ease in it; the third and fourth have both races this season.
The selection has only been seen twice so far this year, running okay to finish third at Carlisle (6f, good) on her reappearance in May, before finishing down the field on quick ground at Wetherby (7f) in June, where she reportedly hung badly left-handed.
The stalls are on the stands' side this evening so it remains to be seen how that pans out for her from the 8 of 10 draw, with the RP's draw analysis suggesting middle numbers may hold a slight advantage, but a chance is taken here with her being unexposed on softer ground.
====================================================
Lily Pearl was outpaced before making some progress once meeting the rising ground to finish fifth of 9 in a C&D contest in which a few of her rivals also ran last time. The concern is that a similar scenario will unfold again today, but she should be sharper for that first run in three months and does have a pull at the weights with the winner Annie Edson Taylor, so a chance is taken at the odds.
It's likely the selection does ideally want an ease in the ground but has to prove today's forecast heavy ground is suitable, and like last time she has been noticeably weak in the betting so far today.
Another good call. Winner just around the corner, hopefully.
Cheers Brian. She was sharper for that recent comeback run but the winner is evidently thriving on the soft / heavy ground.
2026 Running P/L: +50.64 pts
2026 Running P/L: +50.64 pts
Thanks vonclausewitz & Virgin.
Vincent Rocks, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.30 Southwell
Bami, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 6.30 Southwell (4 PLACES)
Vincent Rocks, 1pt EW @ 14-1, 5.30 Southwell
Bami, 1pt EW @ 16-1, 6.30 Southwell (4 PLACES)
Vincent Rocks
Vincent Rocks hasn't shaped too badly in a couple of starts on the all-weather since joining Ruth Carr from Hugo Palmer, keeping on from off the pace at Newcastle in July to be beaten under three lengths into 5th of 14 (just over 2L behind On The River, with whom he has a 4lb pull); and perhaps more notably last time at Kempton in the London Mile Series Final Handicap, when in a reapplied visor (retained this evening) he did plenty of running from a wide draw to get into a prominent position, and having led around 3f out, he was headed over a furlong out before weakening out of it. The winner of the Newcastle handicap, Victory Ace, finished second in that Series final.
He doesn't have Warren Fentiman's 3lb claim this time but has been dropped a further 2lb, and hopefully this drop in class will see him more competitive at the busniess end. He did win a novice as a juvenile over C&D for his previous yard so is proven at this venue, and having had just the four starts on synthetics (and nine in total) he's not fully exposed.
Vincent Rocks hasn't shaped too badly in a couple of starts on the all-weather since joining Ruth Carr from Hugo Palmer, keeping on from off the pace at Newcastle in July to be beaten under three lengths into 5th of 14 (just over 2L behind On The River, with whom he has a 4lb pull); and perhaps more notably last time at Kempton in the London Mile Series Final Handicap, when in a reapplied visor (retained this evening) he did plenty of running from a wide draw to get into a prominent position, and having led around 3f out, he was headed over a furlong out before weakening out of it. The winner of the Newcastle handicap, Victory Ace, finished second in that Series final.
He doesn't have Warren Fentiman's 3lb claim this time but has been dropped a further 2lb, and hopefully this drop in class will see him more competitive at the busniess end. He did win a novice as a juvenile over C&D for his previous yard so is proven at this venue, and having had just the four starts on synthetics (and nine in total) he's not fully exposed.
Bami
Bami has been in good form in a just two starts this year, beating a subsequent winner when winning on her reappearance at Newbury (7f, g-f) in June, and then off a 5lb higher mark at Newmarket, finished runner-up to an Andrew Balding-trained filly who subsequently followed up off a 6lb higher mark.
Bami did win a 7f novice on the all-weather at Lingfield as a juvenile but her turf form this year would appear to be stronger, however, it may be that she has just improved for another winter on her back, so hopefully she can be competitive off her mark back in this sphere.
Bami has been in good form in a just two starts this year, beating a subsequent winner when winning on her reappearance at Newbury (7f, g-f) in June, and then off a 5lb higher mark at Newmarket, finished runner-up to an Andrew Balding-trained filly who subsequently followed up off a 6lb higher mark.
Bami did win a 7f novice on the all-weather at Lingfield as a juvenile but her turf form this year would appear to be stronger, however, it may be that she has just improved for another winter on her back, so hopefully she can be competitive off her mark back in this sphere.
A couple of poor ones...
As well as Vincent Rocks, I also considered selecting the Ruth Carr runner, Carron, in the other division, who was 3-4 on the all-weather for previous yards, and had caught the eye on his stable debut over the 7f trip here last time, when it looked as though he would have finished a lot closer with anything like a clear run, but passed on that one given his total dismissal by the market at the early odds.
Both the Carr runners ran shockers, virtually stopping to nothing up the home straight and beaten an aggregate of 69 lengths.
==============
I had to pay to find out that Bami is probably a better horse on turf than the all-weather, unless she's just best when fresh having won off a six-month break at Newbury, and then a further two months off before finishing second at Newmarket; back from a 'mere' 32 days off on this occasion, she didn't look in much form.
2026 Running P/L: +46.64 pts
As well as Vincent Rocks, I also considered selecting the Ruth Carr runner, Carron, in the other division, who was 3-4 on the all-weather for previous yards, and had caught the eye on his stable debut over the 7f trip here last time, when it looked as though he would have finished a lot closer with anything like a clear run, but passed on that one given his total dismissal by the market at the early odds.
Both the Carr runners ran shockers, virtually stopping to nothing up the home straight and beaten an aggregate of 69 lengths.
==============
I had to pay to find out that Bami is probably a better horse on turf than the all-weather, unless she's just best when fresh having won off a six-month break at Newbury, and then a further two months off before finishing second at Newmarket; back from a 'mere' 32 days off on this occasion, she didn't look in much form.
2026 Running P/L: +46.64 pts
Black Endeavour, 1pt EW @ 11-1, 6.30 Kempton (4 PLACES)
Black Endeavour
Both of Black Endeavour's wins have come over 65 when rated 65 and he's back on that mark following a 3lb drop having finishing last of 12 at Salisbury just twelve days ago, when it's likely the soft ground didn't suit.
Of his three other runs since his win at Doncaster in June, he still shaped as though in form when finishing 6th of 12, beaten 4L at Newbury in July (6f, g-f), finishing first of the four who had raced stands' side on a day when that part of the track didn't look favoured, and two of the other three who raced on the stands' side with him have won since, whilst the other finished a close second on her next two starts. His other two starts since came over 7f, which might not be his optimum trip, but it still looked a creditable effort at Southwell earlier this month where he kept on well to finish fourth having been caught on the outer and raced a bit keenly.
The Southwell run was just his second try on the all-weather and it gave encouragement that he can win races on an artificial surface. His other AW start was at Kempton (7f, 4lb higher mark) when he could only finish 6th of the 7 runners, beaten just under 5L, however, the run was likely needed back from over six months off, and it was probably decent form for the grade with the first three all winning subsequently.
Both of Black Endeavour's wins have come over 65 when rated 65 and he's back on that mark following a 3lb drop having finishing last of 12 at Salisbury just twelve days ago, when it's likely the soft ground didn't suit.
Of his three other runs since his win at Doncaster in June, he still shaped as though in form when finishing 6th of 12, beaten 4L at Newbury in July (6f, g-f), finishing first of the four who had raced stands' side on a day when that part of the track didn't look favoured, and two of the other three who raced on the stands' side with him have won since, whilst the other finished a close second on her next two starts. His other two starts since came over 7f, which might not be his optimum trip, but it still looked a creditable effort at Southwell earlier this month where he kept on well to finish fourth having been caught on the outer and raced a bit keenly.
The Southwell run was just his second try on the all-weather and it gave encouragement that he can win races on an artificial surface. His other AW start was at Kempton (7f, 4lb higher mark) when he could only finish 6th of the 7 runners, beaten just under 5L, however, the run was likely needed back from over six months off, and it was probably decent form for the grade with the first three all winning subsequently.
* Both of Black Endeavour's wins have come over 6f when rated 65...
A disappointing effort from Black Endeavour, even allowing for having been rushed up four wide into the first bend, and perhaps a third run in around three weeks with this one coming after dropping out on soft ground at Salisbury 12 days earlier, had left him in need of a longer break.
2026 Running P/L: +44.64 pts
2026 Running P/L: +44.64 pts
Frances Ethel, 1pt EW @ 33-1, 1.50 Newmarket
Chapel Island, 1pt EW @ 9-1, 8.30 Dundalk (4 PLACES)
Chapel Island, 1pt EW @ 9-1, 8.30 Dundalk (4 PLACES)
Frances Ethel
Frances Ethel would apppear to face a stiff task upped further in class to Group 3 level having finished 4th last time at Listed level over 14f (soft) at Longchamp in a contest won by one rated 9lb lower than herself, however, the ground then might not have been ideal, and this mare, who was formerly trained in South Africa, may still have some upside for her current yard based on her run last month in a Shergar Cup handicap (12f, g-f), when given how that race panned out she seemed to do well to hang in there for fourth place. The winner, Asgard's Captain, has since won a valuable Listed race in Sweden.
The Ascot run was only her second try over 12f, having won over the distance the one time she ran over it in her home country, and it's easy to see why based on that evidence connections thought she would be worth a go at 14f, but she's still of interest back at 12f as she may have more to come for the Haggas yard now she has had time to acclimatise.
Frances Ethel would apppear to face a stiff task upped further in class to Group 3 level having finished 4th last time at Listed level over 14f (soft) at Longchamp in a contest won by one rated 9lb lower than herself, however, the ground then might not have been ideal, and this mare, who was formerly trained in South Africa, may still have some upside for her current yard based on her run last month in a Shergar Cup handicap (12f, g-f), when given how that race panned out she seemed to do well to hang in there for fourth place. The winner, Asgard's Captain, has since won a valuable Listed race in Sweden.
The Ascot run was only her second try over 12f, having won over the distance the one time she ran over it in her home country, and it's easy to see why based on that evidence connections thought she would be worth a go at 14f, but she's still of interest back at 12f as she may have more to come for the Haggas yard now she has had time to acclimatise.
Chapel Island
Chapel Island has been a selection a couple of times on the thread previously on the back of what looked a mark-up effort at Naas in July when tried over 11f again. He's yet to get his head in front in three subsequent starts but ran well to make the frame at Gowran (9.5f, g-f) when the drop in trip on quicker ground wasn't sure to suit, and last time at Navan over 14f when held up, he was never a threat but did keep on and might have finished a bit closer than 8th of 18 but for not getting the clearest of runs inside the final furlong.
He tries 12f for the first time this evening, and there is encouragement in his pedigree for the all-weather, so hopefully he can give a better account this time, particularly if kept closer to the pace. His yard also run Connecteo, who's currently shorter in the betting.
Chapel Island has been a selection a couple of times on the thread previously on the back of what looked a mark-up effort at Naas in July when tried over 11f again. He's yet to get his head in front in three subsequent starts but ran well to make the frame at Gowran (9.5f, g-f) when the drop in trip on quicker ground wasn't sure to suit, and last time at Navan over 14f when held up, he was never a threat but did keep on and might have finished a bit closer than 8th of 18 but for not getting the clearest of runs inside the final furlong.
He tries 12f for the first time this evening, and there is encouragement in his pedigree for the all-weather, so hopefully he can give a better account this time, particularly if kept closer to the pace. His yard also run Connecteo, who's currently shorter in the betting.
Fair to say I'm back on the cold list...
Frances Ethel wasn't up to Group 3 level. The RP form comment did note she looked "unbalanced" over 2f out, so perhaps the Rowley Mile on quickish ground isn't for her, but whatever, she should find more realistic opportunities when dropped back in class.
It seemed over a furlong out that Chapel Island was about to deliver a potent challenge down the stands' side, usually a good place to be, but then the centre runners just pulled away from him, with the two he was with on his stands' side dropping away. I've not seen the other races on the card yet so can't comment on whether or not there was something going on with how the track was playing. He did keep on so perhaps he just needs a track with a stiffer finish.
2026 Running P/L: +40.64 pts
Frances Ethel wasn't up to Group 3 level. The RP form comment did note she looked "unbalanced" over 2f out, so perhaps the Rowley Mile on quickish ground isn't for her, but whatever, she should find more realistic opportunities when dropped back in class.
It seemed over a furlong out that Chapel Island was about to deliver a potent challenge down the stands' side, usually a good place to be, but then the centre runners just pulled away from him, with the two he was with on his stands' side dropping away. I've not seen the other races on the card yet so can't comment on whether or not there was something going on with how the track was playing. He did keep on so perhaps he just needs a track with a stiffer finish.
2026 Running P/L: +40.64 pts
Jel Pepper, 1pt EW @ 50-1, 2.10 Haydock
Nobelos, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.20 Curragh (4 PLACES)
Nobelos, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.20 Curragh (4 PLACES)
Jel Pepper
It's not easy to fancy Jel Pepper on what he's shown this year, particularly as this is his first attempt at 5f and his connections also run a leading contender, having seemingly not gone on for the Cole yard, and a couple of starts for Stuart Wlliams following a 65,000 gns sale haven't suggested he's a winner waiting to happen, however, I'm going to have a speculative pick on him back on more demanding ground.
He ran out an impressive winner of a Goodwood maiden on his debut, the only time he has raced on soft ground to date, and the other two occasions as a juvenile when he raced with officially a bit of ease in the ground, each time in valuable sales races, he fared best of the low drawn horses at Naas (6f, g-y) to finish 4th of 21, and then at Doncaster (6.5f, g-s) he didn't get the clearest of runs before finishing 7th of 21.
It has to be said he had some decent form on a sound surface as a juvenile, so it's not that he's obviously ground dependent, but as a half-brother to Ballymount Boy, who was second in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes on soft ground, before going on to be a Listed winner on heavy, interesting to see if today's ground can be the catalyst for a return to form.
It's not easy to fancy Jel Pepper on what he's shown this year, particularly as this is his first attempt at 5f and his connections also run a leading contender, having seemingly not gone on for the Cole yard, and a couple of starts for Stuart Wlliams following a 65,000 gns sale haven't suggested he's a winner waiting to happen, however, I'm going to have a speculative pick on him back on more demanding ground.
He ran out an impressive winner of a Goodwood maiden on his debut, the only time he has raced on soft ground to date, and the other two occasions as a juvenile when he raced with officially a bit of ease in the ground, each time in valuable sales races, he fared best of the low drawn horses at Naas (6f, g-y) to finish 4th of 21, and then at Doncaster (6.5f, g-s) he didn't get the clearest of runs before finishing 7th of 21.
It has to be said he had some decent form on a sound surface as a juvenile, so it's not that he's obviously ground dependent, but as a half-brother to Ballymount Boy, who was second in the Group 2 Richmond Stakes on soft ground, before going on to be a Listed winner on heavy, interesting to see if today's ground can be the catalyst for a return to form.
Nobelos
Nobelos is a selection based on potential rather than substance, as having shaped with promise on his Windsor (6f, g-f) debut where he finished his race off nicely into 4th, albeit some way behind the winner, it's easy enough to knock his win in an Ascot novice (6f, good, 33-1) given the odds-on favourite blew out badly and it came in a relatively slow time with just 1.5L covering the first five home, however, he showed a good attitude to get on top having raced prominently on a day when there a bit of a headwind, and he'd taken a grip after being bumped at the start. The third has since finished runner-up behind an impressive winner in a Newbury maiden.
This €110,000 purchase steps up in trip to 7f for this valuable sales race, which promises to suit, and although his official rating of 81 after just two starts leaves him with plenty to find, he looks open to further improvement.
Nobelos is a selection based on potential rather than substance, as having shaped with promise on his Windsor (6f, g-f) debut where he finished his race off nicely into 4th, albeit some way behind the winner, it's easy enough to knock his win in an Ascot novice (6f, good, 33-1) given the odds-on favourite blew out badly and it came in a relatively slow time with just 1.5L covering the first five home, however, he showed a good attitude to get on top having raced prominently on a day when there a bit of a headwind, and he'd taken a grip after being bumped at the start. The third has since finished runner-up behind an impressive winner in a Newbury maiden.
This €110,000 purchase steps up in trip to 7f for this valuable sales race, which promises to suit, and although his official rating of 81 after just two starts leaves him with plenty to find, he looks open to further improvement.
A particularly poor week is finished off with a couple of shockers.
I was keen to give Jez Pepper a chance on today's ground for the reasons given, but it was a risky one given he hasn't looked in much form this season, and he offered little again today. Perhaps he'll find his level again for his new connections when down the weights as a 4YO.
Nobelos was still an unknown quantity after just two starts which included an Ascot win, and looked an intriguing runner sent across the Irish Sea with big money up for grabs, but a triple-digit Betfair SP suggested not much was expected and his limitations were exposed.
2026 Running P/L: +36.64 pts
I was keen to give Jez Pepper a chance on today's ground for the reasons given, but it was a risky one given he hasn't looked in much form this season, and he offered little again today. Perhaps he'll find his level again for his new connections when down the weights as a 4YO.
Nobelos was still an unknown quantity after just two starts which included an Ascot win, and looked an intriguing runner sent across the Irish Sea with big money up for grabs, but a triple-digit Betfair SP suggested not much was expected and his limitations were exposed.
2026 Running P/L: +36.64 pts
East Hampton, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 2.35 Curragh
Two against the field in the Irish Cesarewitch
Tennessee Stud, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 4.20 Curragh (6 PLACES)
Granite Bay, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.20 Curragh (6 PLACES)
Two against the field in the Irish Cesarewitch
Tennessee Stud, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 4.20 Curragh (6 PLACES)
Granite Bay, 1pt EW @ 25-1, 4.20 Curragh (6 PLACES)
East Hampton
With the ground having turned heavy at the Curragh, East Hampton makes a little each-way appeal at the prices, even though 6f is probably a bit on the sharp side for him. His two runs when heavy has appeared in the going description, saw him win a 3YO 7f handicap off a mark of 89, finishing clear with one other, and this season on his reappearance over 7f at the Curragh, finishing second to one of today's rivals Big Gossey, when they had subsequent Royal Ascot Group 1 winner Ten Bob Tony in behind.
As well as the trip being a concern, his usual pilot and stable jockey Luke McAteer has seemingly opted to take an outside ride on a similarly priced longshot, which is hardly a vote of confidence assuming he had the choice, but a chance is taken in the hope that on this drop in trip he can be kept closer to the pace than he usually is.
With the ground having turned heavy at the Curragh, East Hampton makes a little each-way appeal at the prices, even though 6f is probably a bit on the sharp side for him. His two runs when heavy has appeared in the going description, saw him win a 3YO 7f handicap off a mark of 89, finishing clear with one other, and this season on his reappearance over 7f at the Curragh, finishing second to one of today's rivals Big Gossey, when they had subsequent Royal Ascot Group 1 winner Ten Bob Tony in behind.
As well as the trip being a concern, his usual pilot and stable jockey Luke McAteer has seemingly opted to take an outside ride on a similarly priced longshot, which is hardly a vote of confidence assuming he had the choice, but a chance is taken in the hope that on this drop in trip he can be kept closer to the pace than he usually is.
Tennessee Stud
Tennessee Stud has only managed four spaced out runs this season and it's not clear how much ability he retains given his third behind Carmers in a Listed race at Down Royal (2m, good) in May came in a steadily-run affair. However, this is a drop in class for him having finished well beaten in the Irish St Leger last time, and interesting to see what he makes of this test having shaped on occasions as though stamina is his forte, having won a French 10f Group 1 on heavy as a juvenile, albeit against just two rivals, and last season as a 3YO having stayed on well over 1m7f on "very soft" to win a Longchamp Group 2 from his stablemate Emit, who was in good form at the time.
He is drawn very wide so a good ride will be required from 5lb claimer Hugh Horgan, who rides him for the first time.
Tennessee Stud has only managed four spaced out runs this season and it's not clear how much ability he retains given his third behind Carmers in a Listed race at Down Royal (2m, good) in May came in a steadily-run affair. However, this is a drop in class for him having finished well beaten in the Irish St Leger last time, and interesting to see what he makes of this test having shaped on occasions as though stamina is his forte, having won a French 10f Group 1 on heavy as a juvenile, albeit against just two rivals, and last season as a 3YO having stayed on well over 1m7f on "very soft" to win a Longchamp Group 2 from his stablemate Emit, who was in good form at the time.
He is drawn very wide so a good ride will be required from 5lb claimer Hugh Horgan, who rides him for the first time.
Granite Bay
Granite Bay couldn't get the job done last time at Chester (2m, soft) in a class 2 heritage handicap having been well positioned in a steadily run race, having to give best to the rival he had set the pace with, however, he had raced in the two path on a day when the track was back at its innermost configuration and racing around the inner appeared a considerable advantage.
There is a stamina query having appeared not to stay 2m1f at the Galway festival when a beaten favourite in an amateur riders' contest, but otherwise he has shaped as though worth a try over this sort of test including when a rallying 3rd over 14f here in June on yielding.
He appears to handle heavy ground, the latest riding sensation Reece Holohan takes off a useful 7lb and cheekpieces are tried for the first time.
Granite Bay couldn't get the job done last time at Chester (2m, soft) in a class 2 heritage handicap having been well positioned in a steadily run race, having to give best to the rival he had set the pace with, however, he had raced in the two path on a day when the track was back at its innermost configuration and racing around the inner appeared a considerable advantage.
There is a stamina query having appeared not to stay 2m1f at the Galway festival when a beaten favourite in an amateur riders' contest, but otherwise he has shaped as though worth a try over this sort of test including when a rallying 3rd over 14f here in June on yielding.
He appears to handle heavy ground, the latest riding sensation Reece Holohan takes off a useful 7lb and cheekpieces are tried for the first time.
Stapleford Park, 1pt EW @ 50-1, 1.30 Brighton
Molly Valentine, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 4.22 Wolverhampton
Molly Valentine, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 4.22 Wolverhampton
Stapleford Park
Stapleford Park probably ran better than his finishing position of 6th of 8 suggested last time at Bath (5f, good) for two reasons, having perhaps not been on the best part of the track and not got the clearest of runs either. Call Time, who finished one place ahead of him having taken a similar route, has won twice since.
He does seem more effective with a bit of give in the ground so today's quicker ground is a concern, but he seemed to run okay over C&D on good to firm on his return from a break in August off a 5lb higher mark, when he had one of today's rivals Dreambird Dolly in behind. He's eligible for weaker races than this one and he could get caught on the outer from a tricky draw, but I'm going to take a chance at a big price as he shaped as though he was in form last time.
Stapleford Park probably ran better than his finishing position of 6th of 8 suggested last time at Bath (5f, good) for two reasons, having perhaps not been on the best part of the track and not got the clearest of runs either. Call Time, who finished one place ahead of him having taken a similar route, has won twice since.
He does seem more effective with a bit of give in the ground so today's quicker ground is a concern, but he seemed to run okay over C&D on good to firm on his return from a break in August off a 5lb higher mark, when he had one of today's rivals Dreambird Dolly in behind. He's eligible for weaker races than this one and he could get caught on the outer from a tricky draw, but I'm going to take a chance at a big price as he shaped as though he was in form last time.
Molly Valentine
Molly Valentine was a selection back in May 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.
The two course efforts since that wide trip run have seen her fail to get involved from off the pace, so perhaps she could do with being kept closer to the pace, if fitness isn't an issue back from over three months off. She does have a pull in the weights with the (admittedly easy) winner of that race in April, No Knee Never, and is 5lb lower than when winning over C&D in December 2024 for a different yard.
Molly Valentine was a selection back in May 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.
The two course efforts since that wide trip run have seen her fail to get involved from off the pace, so perhaps she could do with being kept closer to the pace, if fitness isn't an issue back from over three months off. She does have a pull in the weights with the (admittedly easy) winner of that race in April, No Knee Never, and is 5lb lower than when winning over C&D in December 2024 for a different yard.
2026 Running P/L: +26.64 pts
Mano Chicago, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 3.05 Ayr
Mano Chicago, 1pt EW @ 18-1, 3.05 Ayr
Mano Chicago
Mano Chicago ran poorly last time at Chester (10.5, soft, class 3) in a first-time visor, when his jockey reported that he never travelled, and the vet reported that the gelding had lost a shoe, however, prior to that it had looked a creditable effort on his stable debut over today's C&D last month on good to soft, following a 48,000 gns sale out of Johnny Murtagh's yard, when he fared best of the prominent racers to finish third (and one place behind Star Cast), with a couple of subsequent Ayr Western meeting winners in behind.
The blinkers that he'd been wearing are back on and he's back down in class, so while there's a query over how deep he'd want the ground (has run well on soft in Ireland), a chance is taken at the prices.
Mano Chicago ran poorly last time at Chester (10.5, soft, class 3) in a first-time visor, when his jockey reported that he never travelled, and the vet reported that the gelding had lost a shoe, however, prior to that it had looked a creditable effort on his stable debut over today's C&D last month on good to soft, following a 48,000 gns sale out of Johnny Murtagh's yard, when he fared best of the prominent racers to finish third (and one place behind Star Cast), with a couple of subsequent Ayr Western meeting winners in behind.
The blinkers that he'd been wearing are back on and he's back down in class, so while there's a query over how deep he'd want the ground (has run well on soft in Ireland), a chance is taken at the prices.
2026 Running P/L: +24.64 pts
Vince Lombardi, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 3.42 Catterick
Sea The Power, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 5.25 Catterick (3 PLACES)
Vince Lombardi, 1pt EW @ 40-1, 3.42 Catterick
Sea The Power, 1pt EW @ 20-1, 5.25 Catterick (3 PLACES)
Vince Lombardi
A speculative pick on Vince Lombardi, who might have been given a prolonged break with an all-weather campaign in mind, particularly with the Bonus Scheme on offer again this winter, however, he is back on his last winning mark (has won off higher on turf over 6f), and he didn't shape too badly at Carlisle (7f, g-s) in August on his return from six months off, where he travelled well into the contest and hit the front over a furlong out before perhaps fitness told and he faded to finish 7th of the ten runners.
He's had another six weeks off since and that latest form leaves him with 3 lengths to make up with current favourite Golden Strike, but if that return to action has brought him forward then not unreasonable to think he could get closer to that rival this time, if able to show his form at this course.
A speculative pick on Vince Lombardi, who might have been given a prolonged break with an all-weather campaign in mind, particularly with the Bonus Scheme on offer again this winter, however, he is back on his last winning mark (has won off higher on turf over 6f), and he didn't shape too badly at Carlisle (7f, g-s) in August on his return from six months off, where he travelled well into the contest and hit the front over a furlong out before perhaps fitness told and he faded to finish 7th of the ten runners.
He's had another six weeks off since and that latest form leaves him with 3 lengths to make up with current favourite Golden Strike, but if that return to action has brought him forward then not unreasonable to think he could get closer to that rival this time, if able to show his form at this course.
Sea The Power
Sea The Power is also trained by Seb Spencer. He's of a little interest being tried over 12f, both on pedigree (by Sea The Moon and out of Galileo mare) and how he shaped over 10f at Redcar (good) last time, when from the widest draw he raced prominently on a decent pace on a day when there was a bit of a headwind, and although he was outpaced from 2f out and lost places, he did keep on. He is eligible for weaker races but this is a slight ease in grade from last time, and a 4lb drop weights can help.
Sea The Power is also trained by Seb Spencer. He's of a little interest being tried over 12f, both on pedigree (by Sea The Moon and out of Galileo mare) and how he shaped over 10f at Redcar (good) last time, when from the widest draw he raced prominently on a decent pace on a day when there was a bit of a headwind, and although he was outpaced from 2f out and lost places, he did keep on. He is eligible for weaker races but this is a slight ease in grade from last time, and a 4lb drop weights can help.
Unfortunately, September has been a month to forget for the thread, the worse one for a while.
I won't say it can't get much worse in October, just in case it does.
2026 Running P/L: +20.64 pts
I won't say it can't get much worse in October, just in case it does.
2026 Running P/L: +20.64 pts
gus stuff george as we nah its a task to show a + over time..and apologies for my previous behaviour.
nah..my dogs injury brings things to reality.
Mighty leaf you trying to turn
You strong enuff
Give you till end of day
GL for mutt
You strong enuff
Give you till end of day
GL for mutt
Thanks for the comments.
No worries Rico, I've hardly been a saint myself at times on here. I'm reminded of the John Lennon / Tom Jones story, when Lennon spotted Jones in the seats during rehearsals and started mocking It's Not Unusual by singing "It's not a unicorn, it's an elephant", before turning to Jones and asking "How you doing, you Welsh p00f?"
Jones, apparently had to be restrained by his manager, who explained to Jones:
It's just his sense of humour...
No worries Rico, I've hardly been a saint myself at times on here. I'm reminded of the John Lennon / Tom Jones story, when Lennon spotted Jones in the seats during rehearsals and started mocking It's Not Unusual by singing "It's not a unicorn, it's an elephant", before turning to Jones and asking "How you doing, you Welsh p00f?"
Jones, apparently had to be restrained by his manager, who explained to Jones:
It's just his sense of humour...
Rousham, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 7.30 Newcastle
Whiskey Pete, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 8.30 Newcastle
Whiskey Pete, 1pt EW @ 10-1, 8.30 Newcastle
Rousham
Rousham has been hooded for all eight of his career starts and clearly isn't straightforward, but he did win at Redcar (7f, g-f) in May, and he would have gone closer to winning over this evening's C&D in June but for hanging badly left and then colliding with the far rail, eventually finishing 4th of 13, beaten 3L. He had travelled noticeably well into that contest before his antics cost him late on, suggesting that there are races to be won with him on this surface if his temperament allows.
He's disappointed the last twice on turf, the latest back from a 54-day break, when on each occasion he has been too keen or hung, but a chance is taken at a double-figure price back here with that previous course run still fresh in the memory.
Rousham has been hooded for all eight of his career starts and clearly isn't straightforward, but he did win at Redcar (7f, g-f) in May, and he would have gone closer to winning over this evening's C&D in June but for hanging badly left and then colliding with the far rail, eventually finishing 4th of 13, beaten 3L. He had travelled noticeably well into that contest before his antics cost him late on, suggesting that there are races to be won with him on this surface if his temperament allows.
He's disappointed the last twice on turf, the latest back from a 54-day break, when on each occasion he has been too keen or hung, but a chance is taken at a double-figure price back here with that previous course run still fresh in the memory.
Whiskey Pete
Whiskey Pete is another who hasn't been looking straightforward, in his case leaving the impression the last twice at this course (one mile then 10f) that he hasn't been putting it all in. He had a peak official rating of 89 when trained by Ralph Beckett, but it's been pretty much downhill all the way since joining his current yard to the point that his mark is now in danger of bottoming out, however, he showed when finishing runner-up at Doncaster (10f, g-f) in August that some ability still lingers, and interesting that he came in for solid market support last time when Rowan Scott was back in the plate, but perhaps he hit the front soon enough and, the like the time before, didn't find what seemed likely.
I'm getting the impression that he needs delivering late, and the application of a visor may help focus his mind on this return to the mile trip, so a chance is taken, with a further 4lb drop in the weights to aid his chance.
Whiskey Pete is another who hasn't been looking straightforward, in his case leaving the impression the last twice at this course (one mile then 10f) that he hasn't been putting it all in. He had a peak official rating of 89 when trained by Ralph Beckett, but it's been pretty much downhill all the way since joining his current yard to the point that his mark is now in danger of bottoming out, however, he showed when finishing runner-up at Doncaster (10f, g-f) in August that some ability still lingers, and interesting that he came in for solid market support last time when Rowan Scott was back in the plate, but perhaps he hit the front soon enough and, the like the time before, didn't find what seemed likely.
I'm getting the impression that he needs delivering late, and the application of a visor may help focus his mind on this return to the mile trip, so a chance is taken, with a further 4lb drop in the weights to aid his chance.
Wd George worth a little tipple to celebrate gl ....
No sober october GB
Drinks on you
Form temp
Class perm
Drinks on you
Form temp
Class perm
Well done.my only winner this week.cheers to you & Pete.
Cheers all. It's a relief to get off the cold list.
As for Rousham, he traded odds-on in the run but once again had taken a grip before hanging to the other rail on this occasion, ultimately having to settle for a place.
2026 Running P/L: +35.04 pts
As for Rousham, he traded odds-on in the run but once again had taken a grip before hanging to the other rail on this occasion, ultimately having to settle for a place.
2026 Running P/L: +35.04 pts
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