Friday 30th June & Saturday 1st July 2023: Go With the Tiber Flow on Plate Day

It’s Northumberland Plate and Irish Derby weekend. The two races are now split up once again with the Curragh’s big race moved to Sunday, while at the same time there is British and Irish interest in the German Derby too.

We’re betting across Friday and Saturday, beginning at Yarmouth.

Friday 30th June 2023

3.30 Yarmouth (Handicap) – THEORYOFEVERYTHING

I really liked Tafreej last time and this isn’t a case of deserting him. He may go off favourite here but is likely to fine one too well handicapped for him in the shape of Gosden runner Theoryofeverything.

This is the horse I really fancied in last week’s Britannia Stakes but he was pulled out. A grey Frankel colt, Theoryofeverything won very well on debut at Doncaster and was put into a trial (Greenham Stakes) as the team thought he may be Group 1 class.

The ground was terrible at Newbury, as it was at Chester when he was beaten on his third start in a handicap. He was a strong favourite there and now, on better racing ground, he can show why.

6.00 Newcastle (Gosforth Park Cup – Handicap) – VINTAGE CLARETS

The Tapeta surface at Newcastle is a very fair one, which is why many top-class yards send juveniles here, but it is slow. With that, we aren’t obliged to look for those with strong course form but if they don’t have it then we will want to know that they can accelerate in deeper going.

The popular Mondammej may go well in this five-furlong event, while Fine Wine and Badri will also be popular. The one I like however is Richard Fahey’s Vintage Clarets.

Only a four-year-old, he is just about peaking now and it’s prevalent that he has shown the pace we’re looking for on soft ground. It’s also worth mentioning that he had an entry in the Rockingham over in Ireland on Sunday and he was only 10/1 for that. The excellent Paul Mulrennan rides.

6.35 Newcastle (Hoppings Fillies’ Stakes – Group 3) – AL HUSN

This is the first of Newcastle’s two Group 3’s over the weekend, in this case a 1¼-mile event.

There’s no doubt that if French Oaks winner Nashwa is at her best, she wins under Hollie Doyle. She was at her very best in the Nassau on fast ground however and she’s gone backwards ever since.

If she runs to an average of her form, she’ll be at around the 112-mark here which leaves her vulnerable to the improving Al Husn.

Roger Varian’s filly is up to 103 now and is improving sharply. More to the point, she may just be more capable of changing gears on this surface and at the prices we can afford to have a little dabble.

8.45 Newmarket (Handicap) – FIRST SIGHT 

The hat-trick chasing Peace Man is likely to be favourite in Newmarket’s finale, but Godolphin’s First Sight is liable to improve for going on turf at the July Course and gets the vote.

A hat-trick seeker himself, he’s been given a mark of 90 which I reckon he surpassed back in January and he should be significantly better than that now.

Saturday 1st July 2023

12.20 Newcastle (Festival Handicap) – RAATEA 

A strong six-furlong race, Newcastle’s opener is competitive with Animate, Aleezdancer, Batal Dubai and especially Coachello all capable.

Julie Camacho will now be remembered as Shaquille’s trainer of course, but she may also be responsible for the successful horse here in the shape of Raatea.

Though his win last time was on quick turf at Haydock, Raatea was an easy winner of this very race last year so loves the conditions. He’s 5lbs higher now but that was a simple victory and he’s in flying form.

12.55 Newcastle (Chipchase Stakes – Group 3) – TIBER FLOW

The six-furlong Chipchase wasn’t an easy race to handicap. Spycatcher (rated 106) went close here on All-Weather Championships Finals Day last year but more recently has done all his best work on the grass.

Brad The Brief reached a high level (114) in winning a Group 2, but is far from proven on this surface and has been off the track for 37 weeks.

Tiber Flow is the percentage call at a good price for William Haggas. On the same card as Spycatcher last April, this horse just lost out to El Caballo in the three-year-old race (now rated 111), before winning a Listed event.

More mature now, he should have improved from his fourth to Garrus at Newmarket and his second to Creative Force at Haydock. He has the form to win this, will get better yet and likes the surface.

1.50 Newmarket (Criterion Stakes – Group 3) – AUDIENCE

A number of horses are making comebacks at Newmarket on Saturday including Aldaary.

He is very classy and is a confirmed seven-furlong horse, but we have seen repeatedly that he’s not as good on quicker surfaces as he is on soft ground and he’s been off 14 months.

Berkshire Shadow has the Group 1 form but isn’t truly at that level, while Jumby is penalised and Pogo is an inexplicable price given how out of form he is.

The value shout is Audience for the Gosden team. He has some good form and reached a new level last time when winning easily. He was given 107 but in truth ran closer to 110 and he can now improve again.

2.05 Newcastle (Northumberland Plate – Heritage Handicap) – LAW OF THE SEA 

The £150,000 Northumberland Plate is always massively competitive.

Post Impressionist could prove to be well handicapped, Golden Rules has been well touted, Zoffee won the consolation race for this last year and was second in the Chester Cup, Nathaniel Greene has a good profile and Omniscient is an obvious type if he stays.

The suggestion however is Law Of The Sea. Since joining Ian Williams this horse has been unlucky. He was beaten under two lengths in the Chester Cup when not getting a run and should have won, while he found the ground too lively at Haydock but was beaten under a length.

At Royal Ascot he had to race extremely wide but was again beaten only two lengths and his consistency and class should mean another big run is coming here in the feature race.

Royal Ascot Day Five: Saturday 24th June 2023 - Al Our Pal in Group 1 Feature

It has been an incredibly hard week for punters at Royal Ascot. Unperturbed, we go again on the final day during which we see the last of the eight Group 1 races of the meeting.

We begin with a juvenile contest that has given us Maybe, Churchill, Pinatubo and Point Lonsdale.

2.30 Ascot (Chesham Stakes – Listed Race) – PEARLS AND RUBIES

By whatever metric I chose to look at, the only horse that kept coming near the top consistently was Pearls And Rubies and she is therefore the sensible play.

The fillies could dominate in this seven-furlong juvenile event, with Content definitely next best on my list which means Aidan O’Brien really does have a bit of a grip on the event. It should be noted that three of the outstanding winners of this race we mentioned above were trained by O’Brien too.

3.05 Ascot (Jersey Stakes – Group 3) – ENFJAAR 

I do love the Jersey Stakes and though I’m sure the stats back up why the race remains a Group 3, in truth it often takes a Group 1 performance to win it.

Part of the reason for that is that this is a race for three-year-olds. At this stage of their careers, they may still be finding themselves and perhaps haven’t learned to sprint yet or stay a mile. The seven furlongs of this event is ideal for some of them.

Mr O’Brien features again with The Antarctic who can go well, as can the filly Olivia Maralda though many are questioning the well-being of Roger Varian’s runners.

Covey is the one for money. There is a little of the ‘Frankie factor’ at play there, but he is on a four-timer. A big step forward is needed from that horse to leave behind his rating of 100 and an even bigger one is needed from Enfjaar. I think it’ll come.

Assuming the Varian runners are OK – he’s had a good winner and a couple of seconds this week – Enfjaar can remain unbeaten and show his class. He was imperious on his second start at Chelmsford and while the opposition wasn’t up to scratch, he was in a different league and could be heading to the top.

3.34 Ayr (Land O’Burns Fillies’ Stakes – Listed Race) – NYMPHADORA

We pop up to Ayr for one on Saturday where I like the chances of Nymphadora in the Listed race ahead of the hot pot Royal Aclaim.

Amazingly, the thrice-raced three-year-old filly was sent off favourite for the Nunthorpe last year but she’s now had six runs overall and she simply isn’t at that level.

She is rated 105 now and while she can still climb above that, Nymphadora has risen steadily to 101 and she has plenty of speed.

3.40 Ascot (Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes – Group 1) – AL SUHAIL

This is another good renewal of the Group 1 six-furlong sprint, renamed this year yet again.

Kinross will once again have his supporters and he is a classy horse, though it remains true that he has looked more impressive when the ground has been softer than it is out there.

Highfield Princess was only just denied in King’s Stand on Tuesday and goes again. She’ll most certainly go close if she shows no ill effects.

Sacred was beaten only a length in this race last year and made an excellent start to this season in her prep at Lingfield, winning a Group 3 easily. She may be the one, but there is that niggling thought that she prefers a seventh furlong to truly show us her best.

Overseas raiders Artorius and Wellington are both classy types. They each have doubts though and may well be over bet come the day.

This all leaves us with Al Suhail. Godolphin have not had a good week and there have been questions asked about the form of Charlie Appleby.

In truth he’s had recent winners, some wide-margin ones too, while the stats actually tell us that many of those defeated are barely running below expectations.

Al Suhail is now consistent hitting the 116-120 sort of mark and he’s only just learning to sprint. A classy seven-furlong horse previously, he is showing more speed at six and this is a trick Charlie Appleby has used before, most notably with last year’s 1-2 in this race Naval Crown and Creative Force.

4.20 Ascot (Hardwicke Stakes – Group 2) – PYLEDRIVER

We’ve arguably seen better and deeper Hardwicke’s, but there is still some serious quality in this race.

Changingoftheguard and Grand Alliance renew rivalries, while Deauville Legend is a classy four-year-old but he may be more of a stayer and could be starting slowly in advance of another Melbourne Cup campaign.

Hukum was the ante-post favourite but we all know he’s better on softer ground, with Free Wind now challenging him for favouritism. She’s improving well but she is also arguably a tad better with juice in the ground.

The one people may have forgotten is Pyledriver. William Muir & Chris Grassick’s star hasn’t been seen since winning the King George over this course and distance last season. He is pure class and will head back to the Group 1 next month.

5.00 Ascot (Wokingham Stakes – Heritage Handicap) – KHANJAR

We’ll see another swashbuckling Wokingham here with 28 of them bombing up the straight six furlongs.

Orazio is the genuine favourite, but while he can improve he could be vulnerable to a horse laid out for this race a little more which brings in Khanjar.

William Haggas’ four-year-old was climbing the ladder last year and was sent off a confident favourite in the Ayr Gold Cup. It didn’t work out for him there, but after a nice prep at Hamilton recently he should be spot-on now and may outclass them off 97.

5.35 Ascot (Golden Gates Stakes – Handicap) – ZIRYAB 

The 1¼-mile Golden Gates is very competitive, but really in terms of potential and therefore having weight in hand there are few in the field as exciting as Ziryab.

The Gosden runner was second to Mostabshir at York where he finished ahead of Kathab and New Business, who has won since and is now rated 87 and climbing.

Ziryab himself won very smoothly next time out to prepare for this and he may be hard to catch having just scraped into the race at the bottom.

6.10 Ascot (Queen Alexandra Stakes – Conditions Race) – TYPEWRITER

The closing marathon race brings together the young and the old and that is providing us with our betting angle.

Stratum is a lovely horse for sure, as is Chester Cup winner Falcon Eight. Typewriter however is a four-year-old who is creeping closer to the sort of form needed to beat them. As the younger horse, he could improve past them now while Dawn Rising may want the ground a little damper.

Royal Ascot Day Four: Friday 23rd June 2023 - Noble to Recover in Style

We quickly reach day four of what has been an exhilarating week at Royal Ascot, with two more Group 1 races to focus on.

Five of our seven races today concern only the three-year-olds, meaning form that is still settling down despite what some of them have achieved.

We begin with even younger horses as the two-year-old fillies battle it out in the Albany over six furlongs.

2.30 Ascot (Albany Stakes – Group 3) – JABAARA 

A nice way to start. This race is wide open according to the betting as we are looking sure to be going around 4/1 the field come post time.

Simon & Ed Crisford’s Carla’s Way would be a genuine favourite if she holds on to her overnight spot at the head of the market. Her debut run three weeks ago was very taking as she made light work of her maiden fillies field at Doncaster.

James Doyle is on board and it would be nice to see him winning on the big stage, though he may have his work cut out to hold off Roger Varian’s Jabaara.

I was really impressed with her winning debut 34 days ago at Newmarket. She was very well backed that day but got into trouble and looked like getting no sort of run. She got herself out, showed a tremendous turn of foot and got the job done. She might just be the classiest filly in this race. Soprano and Navassa Island are also interesting.

3.05 Ascot (Commonwealth Cup – Group 1) – NOBLE STYLE

The first of two Group 1’s, this time over six furlongs and the market is being dominated by Little Big Bear which is hardly a surprise.

He demolished a good field in Ireland last summer and was given an extraordinary rating for a juvenile of 124. He didn’t stay in the 2000 Guineas, much like the reopposing Sakheer and Noble Style, but won comfortably enough at Haydock last time.

Albeit we could say his Haydock win was just a prep, but he was filly fit from the Guineas and he did not run to last year’s level. One could argue that his big run which gave him 124 was a real one-off, yet he remains at that level while others have officially slipped which may give punters the wrong impression. He’s very good, but he’s too short and is worth taking on.

Noble Style achieved so much on debut and in the Gimcrack last year. He was electric at York. He didn’t stay in the Guineas and was disappointing behind Shaquille last time in a lesser race.

He was the only horse not to race up with the pace at Newbury however and stayed on to be beaten three lengths. He had ran what turns out to have been the right way, he’d have won that in my opinion and he would be threatening the favourite in the market. As it is, he’s around 12/1.

It’s interesting to know that Charlie Appleby could have sent him to the Jersey Stakes over seven furlongs on Saturday.

He has decided he belongs at Group 1 level over the stiff six, despite having the underestimated Grade 1 winner Mischief Magic here and he is worth chancing in his new headgear. William Buick rides Mischief Magic, but Noble Style carries the first Godolphin colours. 

Sakheer is a very classy horse indeed and can go well, while Lezoo can’t be taken for granted along with Shaquille.

3.40 Ascot (Duke of Edinburgh Stakes – Handicap) – AL NAFIR

This is always a tough 1½-mile handicap. Teumessias Fox won well last time but had been prepped for the race, while Aimeric can do better along with his returning stablemate Nagano.

The one to side with however could be Al Nafir. Charlie Appleby’s runner was improving nicely throughout last season. His season culminated with a fine win over some quality animals at Newmarket and he’ll have improved plenty in the 259 days since we last saw him.

4.20 Ascot (Coronation Stakes – Group 1) – MEDITATE 

Our second Group 1 is the mile race for the three-year-old fillies. With Mawj suffering a setback, her 1000 Guineas rival and Irish Guineas winner Tahiyra now dominates the market at odds on.

If she runs to her best – she is rated 118 – then she will of course be hard to beat. It’s strange though that she reached that level very quickly, running close to that on her second career start then remaining there for two more Group 1 runs.

There have been no major steps forward (yet) and something could get to her level as the season progresses. Given then that we should not be concerned with winning strike-rates but only overall profit, at these odds it’s worth taking her on.

Aidan O’Brien’s Mediate was behind Tahiyra in two Guineas’. But, on lightning-fast ground at Keeneland in the Breeders’ Cup she ran to a mark of 114. Now that she has proper fast conditions again, natural improvement would take her right up towards Tahiyra’s level and 8/13 versus 5/1 provides us with the opportunity we’re looking for.

5.00 Ascot (Sandringham Stakes – Handicap) – COPPICE

In the last two runnings of the Sandringham we’ve seen the classy, potential Pattern fillies come to the fore and that could be the case once again.

All the better horses are drawn high, which is also where the quicker ground is. Among them are Dream Of Love who has a big one in her, Jackie Oh and especially Coppice who looks very well treated indeed and could be heading to Group company.

5.35 Ascot (King Edward VII Stakes – Group 2) – KING OF STEEL

All we have to go on here is the most recent Derby form really, with King Of Steel being the obvious standout horse in the race after his Classic second behind Auguste Rodin.

Arrest most likely won’t like the ground and there may be nothing coming out of the pack.

6.10 Ascot (Palace of Holyrood House Stakes – Handicap) – FRANKNESS

We finish with a five-furlong sprint, one in which Andrew Balding’s Frankness could be overpriced to give the yard another Royal Ascot winner. Harry Davies takes the ride on the recent Goodwood winner.

Royal Ascot Day Three: Thursday 22nd June 2023 - Eldar Eldarov To Be the Ultimate Gold Cup Champion

It’s Ladies Day on Thursday at Royal Ascot, at least in a colloquial sense. More officially it’s Gold Cup Day on day three of the meeting and what a belter of an afternoon it promises to be.

We have selections in all seven races once again, beginning with the flying two-year-olds in the Norfolk.

2.30 Ascot (Norfolk Stakes – Group 2) – AMERICAN RASCAL

A potentially lightning quick Norfolk Stakes to start us off.

Elite Status was outstanding on his second run for Karl Burke four weeks ago at Sandown and he’s unbeaten in two. He is also my second choice here. It’s too hard to ignore the speed of American Rascal however who is the selection.

Wesley Ward may be controversial for some, but he has 12 Royal Ascot winners for a reason and he’s certainly due another one. This horse was blistering over 4½ furlongs at Keeneland in April and he may be just too hard to catch.

Noche Magnica is worth watching, while it’s competitive in behind between the likes of No Nay Mets, His Majesty, Devious and Mon Na Slieve.

3.05 Ascot (King George V Stakes – Heritage Handicap) – BURGLAR

It could be a very good day in the handicaps for John & Thady Gosden. They train both Inquiring Minds and Burglar for Anthony Oppenheimer, the latter being fancied off a mark of 92 having once been entered in the Derby.

Charlie Appleby’s Tagabawa could be well in if handling the turf, Perfuse is a real improver and Bertinelli won the London Gold Cup (see the 5.35).

3.40 Ascot (Ribblesdale Stakes – Group 2) – AL ASIFAH 

The selection here is a very short price but, in the hope that she either drifts or can be used in multiple bets, we still have to mention her.

At the risk of sounding like the archetypal armchair critic, though I very rarely castigate jockeys, no rider is more guilty of sitting still on a horse and looking like they’re pulling a cart, only to be beaten, than Jim Crowley.

On Battaash, Mohaafeth and of course Baaeed however he has been able to do that and win in style and he did it again on Al Asifah just eleven days ago when she won with such ease in a Listed race at Goodwood.

That was only her second in start, in decent company too, and it was barely a piece of work. She’s a star. Unless something goes wrong, she can take the race she was supplemented for ahead of the likes of Infinite Cosmos, Bluestocking and Village Voice who is overpriced for place punters.

4.20 Ascot (Gold Cup – Group 1) – ELDAR ELDAROV 

A peak, pre-injury 2021 Subjectivist, a Kyprios or a classic Stradivarius would have this race won.

As it stands, the top-level stayers’ division needs a new star this year and as such this race has an open look to it at first glance.

Echoes In Rain needs a big step forward, while Courage Mon Ami is one for the future but could find this a little too hot.

Yibir (Charlie Appleby) is very intriguing. Should he get back to his mile and a half peak then he may just win, but there naturally has to be a big doubt over whether or not he can over this 2½-mile trip.

Subjectivist is back now and will have been given every chance by Charlie Johnston. There is no writing him off, but it is genuinely doubtful as to whether he can get right back to his very best.

Aidan O’Brien’s pair are hard to split. Broome is rock solid and has form with Subjectivist, while Emily Dickinson could be a star but her profile suggests she’s happier on much softer ground.

Coltrane has improved so much even as a six-year-old for Andrew Balding and is right there with a chance after his Doncaster Cup win and his prep here in May. He is the biggest danger to the selection, but Eldar Eldarov is that choice and he could be the star we’re looking for.

The Queen’s Vase winner here last year, he relished an even bigger test of stamina when smoothly winning the St Leger at Doncaster in September. Giving away weight and not being 100% for his return, he ran a blinder when only narrowly beaten in the Yorkshire Cup and now we will surely see him at his very peak.

Trueshan also runs in what could be a classic.

5.00 Ascot (Britannia Stakes – Heritage Handicap) – THEORYOFEVERYTHING

The Britannia is a hugely tough race for punters, given that the width of the straight mile is covered with unexposed and improving three-year-olds.

Highbank and One Nation may outrun their odds, while Just An Hour is going the right way too. The one I like however is the Gosden horse Theoryofeverything.

Third to Isaac Shelby on his second start in the Greenham, both there and when a very strong favourite at Chester he hated the deep ground and wants a sounder surface. He’ll get that here and will get to Group level before long, making his mark of 94 look very lenient.

5.35 Ascot (Hampton Court Stakes – Group 3) – BOLD ACT 

This is the ten-furlong Group 3 race for the three-year-olds. It often throws up a mix of improving, lightly-raced types and those having come out of the Classics.

I get eight of these runners within 8lbs of each other on private ratings. We have some coming from handicaps, some from top conditions races, some comfortable at the trip and some dropping back from a mile and a half.

With all information available taken into account, Charlie Appleby’s Bold Act may just be the one. He represents the always reliable London Gold Cup form, a race in which he was only a neck second to an Aidan O’Brien horse giving him 4lbs.

Bold Act won a Kentucky Derby qualifier in the spring, but Charlie Appleby said then that he’d give his horse a trial which suggests there was an outside chance he could make a Derby over here.

Waipiro, Epictetus, Torito, Caernarfon, Canberra Legend, Exoplanet and Drumroll are all interesting for various reasons, too many in fact to fit on this page.

6.10 Ascot (Buckingham Palace Stakes – Handicap) – UNFORGOTTEN

We finish with the seven-furlong handicap in which one-time Lincoln hope Unforgotten can get the big win his talent deserves.

The Gosden horse was just learning the ropes back on turf last time and it is to be remembered that he was expected to be rated 100+ three months ago now, so his 97 underestimates where he’s at. Montassib is also dangerous.

Royal Ascot Day Two: Wednesday 21st June 2023 - Adayar the Prince in Day Two Feature

A tremendous renewal of the Prince of Wales’s Stakes is the highlight on day two of Royal Ascot, but we get going with a flying five-furlong race for the juvenile fillies.

2.30 Ascot (Queen Mary Stakes – Group 2) – RELIEF RALLY

This is all about furious pace. Naturally, it’s a close one too and it is so hard to compare the form and ability of once and twice-raced fillies going over the minimum distance.

Money will be around for Beautiful Diamond and Got To Love A Grey for Karl Burke, a stable which knows how to win this race.

Born To Rock (Jane Chapple-Hyam) made an excellent debut four weeks ago and must be seriously considered, but preference in the end is for Relief Rally.

William Haggas’ filly made a lovely debut as far back as April and will have improved plenty since, especially given that she was also an April foal. She backed up that win with another using up minimal effort last time out and she will use her experience well.

3.05 Ascot (Kensington Palace Fillies’ Handicap) – TARRABB

A very tasty looking one-mile race on the round course for the fillies, one in which much of the cash will be going the way of Joseph O’Brien’s Yerwanthere.

She was unlucky in running in a Listed race last time, but she wouldn’t have won it and will still need to improve in these handicap conditions.

The suggestion is the quick and talented Tarrabb. Rated 91, she got to that level a full ten months ago and there is no doubt that she will have improved a good amount since then.

She has had a pipe-opener but has had this as her target, she has won here before, seen out the mile before and has a better turn of foot than many. William Buick rides.

3.40 Ascot (Duke of Cambridge Stakes – Group 2) – PROSPEROUS VOYAGE 

I was really hope that Laurel would run in this race but alas, a number of classy fillies have come out at the final declaration stage leaving a half-dozen or so of them closely matched.

Grande Dame, Prosperous Voyage, Jumbly, Queen Aminatu, Honey Girl and, if she’s on a going day, Potapova, are all capable of landing this event.

The strongest one is Prosperous Voyage. Put simply; she is an unpenalised Group 1 winner who won last time out and she may just outclass this field.

4.20 Ascot (Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Group 1) – ADAYAR 

We don’t have a huge field here, as is often the case in such high-class events, but we really do have a ton of quality even without the presence of Desert Crown who was withdrawn.

Aidan O’Brien has started well and his Luxembourg is the likely favourite. He was good last time in beating Bay Bridge, who reopposes here, finally maturing after finishing 2021 as the Futurity Trophy winner though he did win the Irish Champion in between.

He isn’t the most consistent horse at Group 1 level and he may be vulnerable, while Bay Bridge gives the impression that he’s getting there after losing out in Ireland and France.

He just about beat 2021 Derby winner Adayar in the Champion Stakes last year, though Charlie Appleby’s horse was having only his second run in a year.

My Prospero is good but shouldn’t be winning this, while Mostahdaf hasn’t yet broken through at the top level but is a much better horse than his price would suggest.

Going back to Adayar; he may prove ultimately to be the classiest of this bunch. A good Derby and King George winner, he is being primed for a ten-furlong Group 1 win, he already has the form in the bag to go close and he will peak around now.

For good measure, he won his prep race comfortably from Anmaat who has won a Group 1 race since.

5.00 Ascot (Royal Hunt Cup – Heritage Handicap) – PEROTTO

A Royal Hunt Cup featuring the usual massive field means this will be difficult, but not impossible as one horse stands out at least on the numbers.

That horse is Perotto. Only a five-year-old and therefore not past his peak, Perotto reached a mark of 110 in 2021 and ran to around 106 last season.

Formerly with Marcus Tregoning, he has now been sent to Roger Varian for whom he made a decent start on soft ground in May. He comes into this race match fit and off a mark of 96, some 14lbs below his highest, and he could simply be very well handicapped under David Egan. Ghaly is best of the rest.

5.35 Ascot (Queen’s Vase – Group 2) – GREGORY 

The Queen’s Vase is always intriguing. Having produced Estimate, Stradivarius and Eldar Eldarov among others, it’s usually a top race.

This year’s renewal is not as deep as normal, but that’s great news for the Gosden team as their Gregory looks to be ahead of his opposition.

Two from 2 after an easy win at Goodwood, he looks the best horse in this race and seems sure to stay the extra couple of furlongs.

Chesspiece, who is now with Godolphin, Circle Of Fire and Peking Opera can all challenge for places.

6.10 Ascot (Windsor Castle Stakes – Listed Race) – BARNWELL BOY

The Windsor Castle is a tough way for punters to finish the card; another juvenile race run over the minimum distance of five furlongs.

If contenders haven’t shown immense speed as yet it’s hard to recommend them, while even if they have it could be that there is minimal improvement to come from them.

Johannes Brahms will of course be fancied for the O’Brien yard but his breeding doesn’t scream five furlongs, while Maximum Impact is good but has had one more chance than some other major contenders.

Barnwell Boy was blistering on debut for Charlie Johnston and, with some improvement likely, he gets the nod to round off the Ascot card in style.

Royal Ascot Day One: Tuesday 20th June 2023 - Princess to be Crowned at Royal Meeting

It’s back! The indulgent racing buffet that is Royal Ascot begins on Tuesday, featuring no fewer than three Group 1’s. We kick off immediately with the Queen Anne, a very high-class event indeed: 

2.30 Ascot (Queen Anne Stakes – Group 1) – MODERN GAMES

This really is an exceptional race. Front-runner Mutasaabeq is not one to be allowed an easy lead, while Chindit managed second in the Lockinge Stakes. The three that the opener should concern however are Native Trail, Inspiral and Modern Games.

Inspiral will be many people’s idea of the winner. The Frankie factor may destroy her price, but she is very classy indeed, won at this meeting on her seasonal debut last year and gets the handy 3lb sex allowance. She is awesome and will win Group 1’s, but she may be vulnerable against the very best after a such a long time off.

The Godolphin pair are her dangers. Native Trail was a 2000 Guineas runner-up, a good Irish Guineas winner and a rock-solid Eclipse third last season. He is ready to rock and roll now and would win many a renewal of this event.

Modern Games is seen as being slightly ahead of him in the pecking order and it could just be that, while others may get past him in Britain later on, his match fitness could play a crucial role and he may be very tough to get past.

3.05 Ascot (Coventry Stakes – Group 2) – ASADNA

Racing Twitter has become the cesspool that other parts of that platform often are this week, some comments concerning spectacular 12-length debut winner Asadna.

Many feel that you can’t go to Ripon and then win a Coventry, but that means some are willing to back a course or a reputation rather than use stats, facts, figures and logic.

George Boughey’s colt was genuinely awesome on debut and may just be too good for these racing down the stands side. On the other side, Aidan O’Brien’s River Tiber is a big danger of course while Brucanero Fuerte and American runner Fandom are also of interest.

3.40 Ascot (King’s Stand Stakes – Group 1) – HIGHFIELD PRINCESS

Another hugely fast and furious King’s Stand is on offer here. There may not be much between Twilight Gleaming, Coolnagatta, Marshman and Cannonball, while Manaccan has a strong place chance.

The two stand-outs for me where the fillies Dramatised and Highfield Princess.

Karl Burke’s Dramatised was outstanding at Haydock in the Temple Stakes and of course will improve. She’ll need to take a very big step forward to beat Highfield Princess however, assuming she is at her best.

The triple Group 1 winner was penalised in the Duke of York last time but ran a stormer in second. Fully ready now, she will be hard to catch under Jason Hart.

4.20 Ascot (St James’s Palace Stakes – Group 1) – MOSTABSHIR 

Chaldean and Royal Scotsman will be fancied by many given their Dewhurst and 2000 Guineas form. Paddington too was impressive in the Irish 2000 Guineas last time and seems to be improving. We may need to look elsewhere, however.

Maljoom was unlucky last year, while the likes of Palace Pier and Without Parole showed that you don’t need to be a Guineas horse to win this.

Not every three-year-old miler is ready for the Guineas and it’s true what they say about the Classic being like the final run of the two-year-old season; they need to be race-hardened to win.

That’s not the case so much at this time of year and others improve to get involved which is where Mostabshir comes in for the same trainer(s) responsible for Palace Pier and Without Parole.

After an excellent debut win, Mostabshir was given a trial which didn’t go well. After some rest, he turned out at York last time where he utterly demolished his opposition for John & Thady Gosden. The form of that race has also been backed up.

He looked every inch a Group 1 performer to me that day and he can improve enough to get past what for me, haven’t been the best three-year-olds so far.

5.00 Ascot (Ascot Stakes Handicap) – BRING ON THE NIGHT

I wouldn’t put you off a couple of bets in this highly competitive 2½-mile handicap. Willie Mullins’ Bring On The Night is the ultimate selection as it is genuinely hard to ignore his chances.

He was favourite for this race last year when he was narrowly beaten by Coltrane, very well fancied for the Gold Cup this week, and though we’ve not seen him since he remains well handicapped under Ryan Moore.

He is a short price though, so if you want a recent race-fit and solid stayer Law Of The Sea could be one to concentrate on. He was an unlucky loser in the Chester Cup and handled fast ground well last time.

5.35 Ascot (Wolferton Stakes – Listed Race) – KING OF CONQUEST

I went through various metrics looking at this field, some factual and some subjective including form, comparative form, ratings, rate of improvement etc.

After all of that I still got Highland Avenue top of my list, very narrowly from King Of Conquest. While James Doyle can get on the right one for Godolphin now and again, it’s interesting that Buick stays on King Of Conquest and it’s hard to know how fast he is improving after four wins in a row.

At the advertised prices, you could back both of Charlie Appleby’s runners and you may not go far wrong. Francesco Clemente, Poker Face, Cadillac, Royal Champion, Bolshoi Ballet, Saga and Buckaroo are all close in an intriguing race.

6.10 Ascot (Copper Horse Handicap) – RULING DYNASTY

For most of the media and punters heading into this week, this race has been all about Willie Mullins. He runs Vauban who could be very well handicapped, while he also jocks up Frankie Dettori on Absurde.

Both should go well, but the fast-improving and lightly raced Ruling Dynasty represents another major chance for Charlie Appleby to score and his price is tempting.

Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th June 2023 - Burke Aiming for French Classic Success

It’s another Classic weekend as the French Oaks, or Prix de Diane, takes place at Chantilly. At home, the action is plentiful but shorter on quality than normal as we head ever closer to Royal Ascot 2023 which begins on Tuesday.

We begin three days of betting action with bets at Sandown, York and Goodwood on Friday.

Friday 16th June 2023

2.40 Sandown (Maiden Stakes) – INNER CITY

A very interesting seven-furlong maiden for the juveniles and potentially a classy one too.

Rednblue Sovereign could put his experience to good use, while many will fancy then well-bred royal runner Crown Estate to improve plenty having had a bad start in his maiden, little luck in running and having to chase home Ancient Wisdom who could be a real star for Godolphin.

Ancient Wisdom of course is one of Charlie Appleby’s, as is Inner City. He made frankly a better debut than Crown Estate and will improve just as much as him for the run. The level they are capable of getting to might just be a bit much for newcomer Caviar Heights, though he’s worth watching in the market too.

3.00 York (Fillies’ Handicap) – DISTINGUISHED LADY

While International Girl, Crazy Luck and Pink Crystal have the ability to win this, the strongest form line here revolves around three-year-olds Distinguished Lady and Radio Goo Goo, the latter looking for a four-timer.

David Evans’ Radio Goo Goo broke well and had the run of the race at Chester it has to be said, while Distinguished Lady had to come from the back of the pack. She stayed on very well to get within half a length from four stalls wider and is now 1lb better off.

On a very different, straight track she can organise herself earlier and she’s improving hand over fist anyway. She looks well handicapped.

5.21 York (Handicap) – WOR WILLIE

The fact that five-year-old Wor Willie needed his seasonal reappearance and was short of room on his final 2022 start has meant his handicap mark has stayed reasonable.

Had he won at Ayr in September, which was eminently possible, he’d be lining up here off a mark of around 89. As it is, he’s been dropped to 85 and is an improver overall. He may yet improve even more and end up back here for the Ebor for the top-class Michael Dods but, first thing’s first, he can win this off a fair mark.

6.40 Goodwood (Handicap) – GET BACK GET BACK

It’ll be very interesting to see if there is money around for Harry Fry’s Get Back Get Back. Though not seen on turf on the Flat for some time now, it would be fair to say he’s simply a more mature and better horse than when seen running for Clive Cox and he could be very well handicapped too.

Saturday 17th June 2023

2.50 Sandown (Scurry Stakes – Listed Race) – TAJALLA

After two wins from two runs spread out over a year, we don’t yet know what level Tajalla can reach but he does look very promising and speedy.

It seems Lady Hamana may be able to break well and get near the rail, while Tajalla too won’t be too far away which on this track may count for plenty even if his stall isn’t perfect. I’d think Tajalla will be aimed at Group sprints as the season progresses, but will most likely have to win this first.

Great State is the form horse and may do best in behind.

3.05 York (Grand Cup Stakes – Listed Race) – ISRAR 

We go over the Ebor course and distance for this Listed event, one in which Roberto Escobarr’s penalty makes things very hard though he is still a solid place prospect.

Quickthorn remains more than capable after his heroics here last year and at this level generally, but these days he may find Israr too hot to handle and he is selected for the Gosden team, Shadwell and Jim Crowley.

3.20 Chester (Handicap) – TAFREEJ

This could be an ideal chance for the likely improver Tafreej to score for William Haggas. In a race in which any number of horses may want to lead, some of them having to cross over from wide draws, his own gate position in 8 won’t matter and he can settle in behind what is likely to be a strong pace.

With that pace likely to collapse, Tafreej looks the most likely horse to benefit up the straight ahead of Royal Dubai who is next best.

3.55 Chester (Handicap) – CAPONE

Both Malakhana and Grand Canal may want to be up there early, though the former especially may not like particularly fast ground if it turns out that’s what we get.

Franny Norton has been booked to try and nurse Oman round successfully but the recent form simply isn’t there, while Capone looks much better placed for Dominic Ffrench Davis and Ben Curtis to swoop late on and score so he is the selection.

4.00 Sandown (Maiden Stakes) – KATHAB

This could prove to be quite a hot maiden race. A Dublin Lad definitely has promise while Westerton, The Goat and Cracksking are all capable horses too.

Kathab made the best debut of this bunch in the Wood Ditton in April and was third at York last time. The winner Mostabshir is now 6/1 for the St James’s Palace Stakes, runner-up Ziryab and fourth-placed New Business have won since and it seems it is Kathab’s turn now.

Sunday 18th June 2023

3.05 Chantilly (Prix de Diane – Group 1) – NOVAKAI 

We’re used to British and Irish trainers sending horses to France for softer ground, but we’re taking a chance here that they’ve got it wrong this time.

The going heading into Friday for the French Oaks is good-to-soft with the weather set fair for the weekend, the highs being 30 degrees. Unlike Saint-Cloud and Longchamp, the Hippodrome de Chantilly doesn’t sit right on the river either so it’s a fair assumption that it may dry to at least what we’d call ‘good’.

With that in mind, Karl Burke’s Novakai is hugely overpriced. Taking into account what these horses had achieved at the same time in their respective careers on ground that isn’t deep, she stands out.

We can also add in that in her last two runs she has finished runner-up to Commissioning in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile, the clear winter 1000 Guineas favourite, and to Soul Sister in the Musidora who went on to win the Oaks.

Her form entitles her to much more respect, with conditions perhaps catching out Blue Rose Cen, Caroline Street, Never Ending Story, Jannah Rose and Running Lion who are the dangers.

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th June 2023: Back Mo to Go at Haydock

As we leave the Derby behind and creep closer to Royal Ascot, there are no domestic Group 1 races. There are however plenty of top-class events over the water in New York.

At home, the best action comes from Haydock Park which hosts John of Gaunt Stakes Day. Over at Belmont, there are three Grade One races on Friday, five more on Saturday including the final leg of the Triple Crown as well as a bunch of other Graded events. That’s where we start.

Friday 9th June 2023

9.41 Belmont Park (New York Stakes – Grade 1) – WITH THE MOONLIGHT

Charlie Appleby is sending a team to New York this weekend and he may get off to a flyer despite talk of the stable being out of form. With The Moonlight already has form figures in North America of 2122 but she should be hitting a new career high this time over 1m2f.

With The Moonlight is drawn widest, but this is only an eight-runner field and she is next door to her biggest market rival War Like Goddess. A bigger rival may be the overpriced Didia, but William Buick is taken to get the job done in the saddle.

10.14 Belmont Park (Acorn Stakes – Grade 1) – RANDOMIZED

One for the three-year-old fillies over an extended mile on the dirt. Godolphin’s Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous goes again, but her Oaks wasn’t that strong and she carries a big penalty now.

Accede can improve while the majority of the money will be for Munnys Gold after her Eight Belles Stakes second, but the overpriced improver is certainly Randomized.

Chad Brown’s filly won absolutely as she liked last time and, on a line through the horse she beat, she should already be rated higher than this field and will take another step forward on what is only her third career start.

10.47 Belmont Park (Belmont Gold Cup – Grade 2) – SISKANY

Charlie Appleby’s second dart at the Belmont board may also land. His Siskany, a Newmarket and Meydan winner, reached a new career high in March when only just touched off by Broome in the Dubai Gold Cup.

It seems this two-mile trip is ideal for him and, even at these weights, he should have too much for Strong Tide, Amazing Grace, Channel Maker and Cross Border. High Definition appears to be going backwards on the Flat.

Saturday 10th June 2023

1.15 Haydock (Achilles Stakes – Listed Race) – PRINCE OF PILLO

A good race for a Listed contest. Raasel, Korker and Regional are all capable while Equilateral will be popular with Frankie Dettori on board.

More interesting is Clarendon House who may prefer this to last week’s Epsom Dash, but the most fascinating runner is Keith Dalgleish’s Prince Of Pillo.

Improving all the time, he lost two places late on at Newmarket last time but on a flatter track he’d have won that, would be coming into this as a Group 3 scorer, would be rated around 108 and now has Ryan Moore on board.

3.00 Haydock (Lester Piggott Stakes – Group 3) – MODAARA

This is the race formerly known as the Pinnacle, a 1½-mile contest for the fillies.

Potential favourites Mimikyu and Time Lock may not be at their best. The former has a 5lb penalty to haul along, while the latter may not be at her very best on the ground. Sea Silk Road, Poptronic and Nachtrose may give those fillies plenty to do.

Modaara is the standout after her thrilling 13-length win at Kempton. She didn’t have much to beat that day, but she was exceptional to look at and the numbers backed it up. She may be a Group 1 filly.

3.35 Haydock (John of Gaunt Stakes – Group 3) – EL CABALLO

Australian sprinter The Astrologist is surely much better than his first outing in Britain, but at the weights he may still struggle to be at his best.

The Wizard Of Eye has strong form too, but El Caballo is a classy sort who represents a stable in flying form and he can take another step forward.

8.02 Belmont Park (Ogden Phipps Stakes – Grade 1) – SECRET OATH

Our old favourite and former Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath keeps putting in performances and, to a degree, is constantly underrated.

Once again, she is not set to go off favourite despite her profile and so she is backed to score at Grade 1 level once more. Clairiere, Played Hard, Pass The Champagne and Search Results are all capable.

10.54 Belmont Park (Manhattan Stakes – Grade 1) – WARREN POINT

Charlie Appleby runs two this time in the 1¼-mile Manhattan, with the apparent outsider of the pair fancied at the weights and certainly at the odds.

True, Ottoman Fleet won a Grade 2 at Belmont five weeks ago and is the mount of Will Buick, but after he won at the Craven meeting Appleby said there was no real target for him. He is simply a horse in form, but he hasn’t been specifically prepared for this.

Running to a very similar level has been teammate Warren Point. He looked a winner round here four weeks ago with 300 yards to go only to fade out, but he’ll be sharper now, has a furlong less to cover and gets 4lbs from his pal.

Soldier Rising, Red Knight and Up To The Mark are best of the rest.

12.02 Belmont Park (Belmont Stakes – Grade 1) – TAPIT TRICE

Forte is back after missing the Kentucky Derby. He is likely to go off favourite too. The other main players are Angel Of Empire, National Treasure and Tapit Trice with the latter having the perfect pedigree for this race.

Tapit has a great record in the Belmont, while his son Tapit Trice also showed near enough the best three-year-old form of the spring when winning the Bluegrass and he will thrive going a mile and a half around Big Sandy.

Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd June 2023: Military the Order of the Day in Derby

It’s a Classic weekend at Epsom as the Oaks and the Derby take place. We have info for those and plenty of other races besides.

Friday 2nd June 2023

2.00 Epsom (Woodcote Stakes – Conditions Race) – BALON D’OR

Hugo Palmer’s Balon D’Or made what I consider to be the best debut of this bunch. Considering that it was on softer going and way back in April there should also be more improvement to come from him.

He’s well drawn, which some of the principals in this race aren’t, and he has experience having gone to Chester for the Lily Agnes which was run on very bad ground. Haatem is most likely the main danger.

3.10 Epsom (Coronation Cup – Group 1) – HURRICANE LANE

There are just the five runners for this year’s Coronation Cup, but it remains a most fascinating and high-class contest.

I can’t understand Point Lonsdale challenging the big three in the market at all and Aidan O’Brien will have to work some magic on him, which of course he could, while there ground concerns for the German-trained Tunnes.

The 2021 and 2022 Derby form is represented, alongside last year’s Oaks form. Westover is very good and has strong course form but it could be argued that he has slightly plateaued. If that’s true, then he is behind Emily Upjohn and Hurricane Lane for me.

The former was unlucky in the Oaks and has been excellent since. If she’s ready for this, her 3lb allowance gives her serious claims.

As long as the ground doesn’t also jar Hurricane Lane up, then the multiple Group 1 winner, Arc and Derby third remains the class in this race and can be backed. He was right back to form last time and can even step up a gear.

3.45 Epsom (Handicap) – HONITON

A horse that for a long time has threatened big things won for us last time and he can go in again. Honiton has not stopped improving yet and he looks well treated for at least one more handicap win. Marhaba The Champ and Toshizou are next.

4.30 Epsom (The Oaks – Group 1) – SOUL SISTER & ETERNAL HOPE

Another fascinating Oaks, a race in which they really have to stay well.

While hot favourite Savethelastdance saw out 1m3½f on soft ground at Chester, it was perhaps the ground beating the others that made her 22-length win look so impressive. Here, she’ll need to see out this course and that is tough. Plenty of Cheshire Oaks winners have gone backwards on their next start too.

Soul Sister saw things out well in the Musidora and is by Frankel who has Oaks and St Leger winners to his name, so there are few worries about her and her form is outstanding.

Stablemate Running Lion doesn’t really have this trip in her pedigree and while she won well last time, she’s had a few more chances than many others and may not improve as much.

Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Eternal Hope remains of interest. Her breeding doesn’t scream Oaks either, but she saw out the full mile and a half at Lingfield and looks like she’ll relish this. There is lots of improvement to come from her, which she’ll need.

Soul Sister and Eternal Hope are about proven form and potential respectively. At the time of writing, their prices are 9/4 and 12/1. The suggestion is to dutch your stakes, meaning spending £20 in total would mean backing them to £16 and £4.

5.40 Doncaster (Novice Stakes) – EMBESTO

31 days ago, debut winner Embesto scored by six lengths at Yarmouth, running to a mark of approximately 100-105. That is some level for a debutant and it would be a big surprise if he were not to go in again on good ground at a fair track.

6.45 Doncaster (Handicap) – EDUCATOR

William Haggas’ Educator held some high-class form last spring and much has been expected since. While he hasn’t always delivered, this should be his year. He can come out fighting now ahead of Aimeric and Wor Willie.

Saturday 3rd June 2023

12.50 Epsom (Diomed Stakes – Group 3) – HIGHLAND AVENUE

Three-year-old Kolsai may just struggle, while Regal Reality and Escobar have been around the block. Highland Avenue has plenty of class however and still has his best days ahead.

1.30 Epsom (The Derby – Group 1) – MILITARY ORDER

This should prove to be quite a deep Derby and strong money will be around for several horses.

Arrest was impressive at Chester but didn’t improve a whole lot from his Group 1 second to Dubai Mile in France last autumn. Both horses are solid with the quicker ground a concern.

Auguste Rodin went off a hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas but flopped. It’s hard to come back from that, but he did win the Group 1 Futurity Trophy last year. The Coolmore team is desperate for a Deep Impact to win the Derby but this horse is not guaranteed to flourish here and is way too short.

Sprewell was impressive in his trial in Ireland, but he isn’t bred to stay this far in truth while he is also another soft ground winner that we can’t be sure about.

As ever, the Dante form should be looked at closely. Passenger was an unlucky loser in that, maybe, and he has been supplemented for this. He, White Birch and The Foxes are all solid but that wasn’t a brilliant Dante and it leaves them all vulnerable.

That brings in Military Order, the Lingfield Derby Trial winner. For a big and inexperienced horse, he showed nimble footing there to nip through a gap and put his race to bed. When runner-up Waipiro challenged, he pulled out more and will love Epsom.

Military Order is a full brother to 2021 winner Adayar and they are at a scarily similar level at this stage of their respective careers. On top of that, Charlie Appleby says he mentally and physically a little sharper than his brother too.

2.10 Epsom (Princess Elizabeth Stakes – Group 3) – POTAPOVA

Potapova was runner-up in this race last year and she went on to land a Group 3. She pulled up last time with an irregular heartbeat but assuming she’s fully back, she can be too good for Prosperous Voyage, Roman Mist and Shaara.

3.20 Epsom (Epsom Dash – Heritage Handicap) – CLARENDON HOUSE

Robert Cowell is excellent with sprinters. His Clarendon House is definitely classier than the 100 mark he gets into this race off, he’s fast enough to cope and he could be too hot. Look Out Louis could be the one to follow him home.

3.55 Epsom (Lester Piggott Handicap) – TORITO

John & Thady Gosden’s Torito, second in a classy novice last time, is improving nicely and comes into this very well handicapped. He can get home ahead of Balance Play and last-time-out winner Fox Journey.

Friday 26th & Saturday 27th May 2023: Garrus to Score on Irish Guineas Weekend

Irish Guineas weekend is the highlight this week, along with excellent meetings at Haydock, Goodwood and York among others.

Friday 26th May 2023

2.05 Haydock (Handicap) – MAGHLAAK

This looks like a good opportunity for Charlie Hills’ lightly-raced Shadwell colt Maghlaak to score. He has been improving nicely race by race and conditions look ideal for him now. Tamarama and Spirit Of The Bay look likely to give him most to do.

3.00 Goodwood (Height of Fashion – Listed Race) – VEIL OF SHADOWS

A busy-looking Listed race over 1¼ miles, though few of the 11 runners are proven at this sort of grade.

Blue Missile is the likely favourite and she could be well capable, but there’s not enough evidence for that yet. Inner Space too really needs to improve quickly, as does Understated.

Araminta and Heavenly Breath are two we can concentrate on. The former has a major chance if handling fast ground, but she has only run on very soft going so far and Gleneagles’ best progeny also favoured that.

Veil Of Shadows is close after two runs to the required level and looks more likely to get there in the conditions. A Frankel-Kingmambo cross, she is a half-sister to Impulsif who didn’t want it too soft in France.

Form-wise, she stayed on nicely over a mile behind Queen For You, now rated 100, and may have beaten her over this trip while she also conceded 9lbs that day.

3.15 Haydock (Cecil Frail Stakes – Listed Race) – GET AHEAD

Both Makarova and Kape Moss need to improve, though both might, while Gale Force Maya is the class in the race but is getting older and needs to give away weight.

The most interesting filly is Clive Cox’s Get Ahead. I really fancied her on her seasonal debut at Bath and she ran very well. She did suffer all sorts of bad luck however then perhaps didn’t like the ground last time.

She is ready to get up to around the 105 level now and that should be enough to win this race. Richard Kingscote takes the ride.

3.35 Goodwood (Handicap) – AUTUMN FESTIVAL

Though being drawn 9 of 9 is far from ideal, had it been 9 of 20 we wouldn’t care too much so Autumn Festival may not be too inconvenienced.

David O’Meara sends this four-year-old down to Goodwood and he looks the best handicapped horse in the race. Improving overall but having had a fairly quiet start to the season, he is coming to his peak now and has the right jockey on board in William Buick.

Nizaaka, Ropey Guest and Lyndon B may all challenge for places.

Saturday 27th May 2023

1.30 Goodwood (Festival Stakes – Listed Race) – KING OF CONQUEST

El Drama is solid enough in this mile-and-a-quarter contest, while most of the attention will go on Francesco Clemente.

The Gosden runner racked up three easy wins last year and looked to be heading to the top. He may yet get there and has an entry in a Royal Ascot Group 1, but much like the stable’s Without Parole and other runners in the past, he won’t be asked for too much in his prep after a long time off.

He can of course go well, but at the odds it’s worth taking a chance on King Of Conquest stepping out of handicap company. He is improving hand over fist for Charlie Appleby and may be tough for the favourite to beat.

1.50 Haydock (Hell Nook Handicap) – MOUNTAIN ROAD

Just the seven runners for this two-mile handicap, but there is plenty of competition.

Carzola could be a short price. He may well win this, but his price is based on an easy win last time on soft ground. He took a big step forward on that surface and such progress could be halted in these conditions.

Firstman cannot be dismissed lightly at all, while Law Of The Sea was really eye-catching in the Chester Cup and looks ready to win now.

The value however could be Mountain Road. He has been undervalued after his all-weather success, he is improving fast and he’ll love these quick conditions too.

2.05 Goodwood (Handicap) – TAFREEJ

While Dark Thirty, Yacowlef and Bresson are all perfectly solid, William Haggas’ Tafreej is most definitely better in. His season opener wasn’t the best, but he was favourite and it is accepted now that he’ll be significantly better on fast ground.

2.25 Haydock (Silver Bowl – Heritage Handicap) – COVEY

John & Thady Gosden’s Covey, a Juddmonte colt by Frankel, has won his last two races ever so easily and should head this market.

Last time out at Newcastle in fact, though admittedly the competition was sub-par, he won his race in an absolute hack canter. Based on the ratings of those in behind, he ran closer to a mark of 97 or 98 there rather than the 90 he’s been given. He could have achieved more that day and he’s improving, so he could be very well handicapped indeed now.

2.30 Curragh (Greenlands Stakes – Group 2) – GARRUS

Garrus is really maturing as a sprinter. He’s quick enough and could have stayed close to home to contest the Temple Stakes this weekend, but six furlongs at the Curragh is much more to his liking and he should go very well here.

If he runs to his best or, as is expected improves a little, he should prove to be better than Twilight Jet, Art Power, Coachello and Moss Tucker.

3.40 Curragh (Irish 2000 Guineas – Group 1) – ROYAL SCOTSMAN

There is rock-solid form running right through Royal Scotsman’s profile and connections of the 2000 Guineas third seem really bullish about him being a better animal than at Newmarket three weeks ago.

On all known evidence he is the best horse in this race, and he can take the Irish Classic ahead of Proud And Regal, Charyn, Hi Royal and Cairo.

4.20 Goodwood (Fillies’ Handicap) – SUNSET POINT

Though it wasn’t discussed in advance, it appears Sunset Point was in the Lingfield Oaks Trial to make the running for winning stablemate Eternal Hope. She lost three places at the death in that race and is worth a good 7lbs more than her official rating when allowed to do her own thing. Good Morals, Rikona and Crystal Estrella can all make their presence felt.

Friday 19th & Saturday 20th May 2023: Games Time at Newbury

It’s a busy one this week, cracking straight on with Newmarket and York.

Friday 19th May 2023

2.15 Newmarket (Maiden Stakes) – HIDDEN STORY

There are plenty of three-year-olds at this meeting and at Newbury with potential for the season, but the way Hidden Story ran on debut was pretty eye-catching and it would be a surprise if the Dubawi/Galileo cross didn’t go close. James Doyle rides.

2.25 York (Oaks Farm Stables Fillies’ Stakes – Listed Race) – SILVER LADY

There are a few fillies here with plenty of potential; Queen For You, Fakhama and Silver Lady being chief among them.

Arguably, Queen For You’s debut performance was a tad better than Silver Lady’s, but it was the manner in which she won that stands out and given how green she was that day you’d have to say there’s more improvement to come from her than the others.

2.50 Newmarket (Handicap) – HONITON

Gosden/Godolphin runner Honiton was disappointing on his return to action, but the ground was horrific and the turnout can be excused.

Based on his form from last season and his obvious potential, he may be particularly well handicapped now, more so certainly than Howth, Qaasid, Dual Identity and the rest. James Doyle is up top again.

3.35 York (Yorkshire Cup – Group 2) – SISKANY

After Stradivarius, this feels like a new era. The Cup division is a densely populated and competitive one this year, with this race offering the first real clues as to who the real players are.

St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov is classy and tough, but he carries a penalty here and his trainer has already stated that he will come on for the run and will be ripe for the Ascot Gold Cup.

Quickthorn is solid and goes very well here, while Broome improved for going up in trip in Dubai and got the better of Siskany there, only just.

He too now carries a penalty which Siskany does not, while going back down to 1¾ miles is also in the Godolphin runner’s favour. There is clearly some improvement to come, too. William Buick is on board.

4.10 York (Novice Stakes) – ZIRYAB

A most interesting novice race over a mile. New Business went off 5/4 for the Wood Ditton, though owner’s representative Bruce Raymond was very honest in saying it was guesswork and that he may simply have looked more forward than the others.

He was beaten home that day by Kathab who has potential and Jim Crowley has elected to ride him instead of Mostabshir. True, the Gosden runner carries a 6lb penalty, but his debut last year was better than Kathab’s and it wouldn’t surprise me if the second Shadwell colours got home first.

It may well be another Gosden runner who scores though. Ziryab was green and hung across the course when well fancied on debut but stayed on well to run fourth. He is a full brother to King Leonidas who had a similar profile and he looks more than capable of getting to the required level at a nice price.

Saturday 20th May 2020

3.00 Newbury (London Gold Cup – Handicap) – BOLD ACT

The form of the London Gold Cup, a 1¼-mile handicap, is always important. A future Group horse is often what’s required to win this race and, while it’s better to have such a horse further down the handicap, topweight Bold Act may be the one this time.

After a promising debut last July, Bold Act won four in a row. At Chelmsford he beat future Group 3 winner Brave Emperor and was then favourite for the race won by Canberra Legend. He has since been gelded and can reach a mark of around 110 now.

Desert Hero has been excellent on soft ground so may find this a little quick, while Exoplanet and Bertinelli are obvious dangers too.

3.15 Newmarket (Handicap) – CHANGING COLOURS

Charlie Appleby must feel like he has a pretty good handle on this race. His Striking Star is likely to go off favourite and his form is pretty good. Adam Kirby is the right man to have on board, too.

The first colours are in fact on Changing Colours and at a price, it’s the other Dubawi son I fancy most. He was a strong favourite for a race here last month but he lost his position then and, over six furlongs, didn’t have time to improve.

Now he’s fully ready, this seven-furlong trip can bring out the best in him and top apprentice Harry Davies takes off a valuable 3lbs. Chartwell House and Havana Blue are best of the rest.  

3.35 Newbury (Lockinge Stakes – Group 1) – MODERN GAMES

Mutasaabeq is finally reaching his potential, he’s overpriced and he may be pretty hard to peg back from the front.

On the downside for Charlie Hills’ runner, he has won weaker races from the front end and will no doubt be chased up a little in Group 1 company. If something is to catch him and sweep by, the most likely runner is Modern Games who has been there, seen and done it well.

A multiple Group 1 winner around the world, Modern Games was disappointing in the States last time but at least he’s had a run and he should be at his best on Saturday.

My Prospero is excellent but may be better at ten furlongs, Laurel is a lovely filly who will win at this level at some point while Jadoomi and Light Infantry are also capable.

4.10 Newbury (Handicap) – UNFORGOTTEN

Once a very serious Lincoln Handicap contender, Unforgotten is chanced to continue his overall improvement after a below-par run last time out.

I fancied Kingdom Come last time when he was a non-runner and if he takes to the turf he can go well, as can last-time-out winner Outbreak.

4.45 Newbury (Fillies’ Trial Stakes – Listed Race) – QUEEN OF FAIRIES

After Lingfield and York we still have one more chance for the fillies to stake their Oaks claim. Lmay and Inner Space have work to do, while Warm Heart and Crack Of Light also need to improve.

Bluestocking is well thought of and is a danger, but Queen Of Fairies is impressive and can put her soft ground disappointment at Newmarket well behind her under William Buick.

12.01 Pimlico (Preakness Stakes – Grade 1) – FIRST MISSION

Kentucky Derby winner Mage takes up his engagement here, a win putting him ever so close to being the next Triple Crown star.

He may be vulnerable to Godolphin’s First Mission though. He was striking in his Grade 3 Lexington Stakes win over a mile and who has been primed for this after not qualifying for Kentucky. Blazing Sevens and National Treasure were also considered.

Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th May 2023: Back Kingdom Come to the Death

After Chester comes the Derby and Oaks trials at Lingfield, as well as the Victoria Cup at Ascot. The Flat season moves fast, we’re at York for a biggie during next week, while we’ll be back here for the Lockinge next weekend. Ascot is our first port of call on Saturday.

Saturday 13th May 2023

2.05 Ascot (Fillies’ Handicap) – TIMELESS MELODY

Charlie Appleby’s Mountain Song did it nicely at Southwell last time, is improving and should appreciate this test being a Sea The Stars filly. There is just the chance that, as a three-year-old on this ground, she may struggle against the older fillies.

Step forward William Haggas’ Timeless Melody. There’s no doubt that she is well handicapped given the way she won last time at Leicester. She did that on heavy ground too so there are no worries about conditions, while if anything she should be better again over this mile and it’s hard to ignore her chances off a mark of 80.

2.25 Lingfield (Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes – Group 3) – SACRED

This important Lingfield card has been moved from the turf to the all-weather track due to waterlogging and that could be a real piece of luck for Sacred.

When conditions have been quick, she’s been seen to her best effect and, though it feels like she’s been around forever, her best is yet to come. She can scuttle clear here under the top-class, bang in form Ryan Moore who rides Lingfield perfectly.

Sandrine and Queen Aminatu are sure to be the best of the others.

2.40 Ascot (Victoria Cup – Heritage Handicap) – KINGDOM COME

This is a tough old betting race. Plenty of money will be going the way of Baradar in these conditions, and a special horse can win from the far side of the track but Baradar may well not be in that category quite.

Others handicapped to go well are Safe Voyage, Biggles, Vafortino and Totally Charming but the one to watch is Kingdom Come.

Clive Cox trains this four-year-old who is massively improving. He’s racked up a hat-trick on the all-weather with the form working out really well, while plenty of Kingman’s other progeny don’t go backwards for running on soft ground so I don’t mind that either. He’s drawn OK in 18 under Kieran Shoemark.

3.00 Lingfield (Oaks Trial – Listed Race) – ETERNAL HOPE

This is not a strong Oaks trial by any means, at least not on paper, which is why it may pay to take a chance on second-favourite Eternal Hope.

Aidan O’Brien’s Be Happy is the market leader, but she had to give her all in a Group 3 when last seen, putting in a performance rating her 99 and so she doesn’t set a big standard at all.

Bright Diamond will be dangerous if staying, but Charlie Appleby has no doubt left plenty for Eternal Hope to find after an easy win 77 days ago and we should see a different filly now.

3.10 Ascot (Novice Stakes) – OCEAN RUNNER

This five-furlong juvenile event is always one to watch. It was won by Aqabah (rated 105), Blown By Wind (102), Expressionist who went to the Norfolk Stakes, top-class Go Bears Go and most recently by Noble Style who is a Group 2 winner and ran in the Guineas last week.

He was trained by Charlie Appleby who could win it again with Ocean Runner. This horse is one of the Blue Point progeny. He loved Ascot and his horses are making lightning starts, which Harry Davies’ mount may too.

3.35 Lingfield (Derby Trial – Listed Race) – MILITARY ORDER

In the hope, just the hope, that he goes off at a backable price, Military Order is the confident selection in the Derby Trial.

He’s beautifully bred, in fact he’s a full brother to 2021 Derby winner Adayar no less, he ran by reckoning to a mark of around 110 last time and will improve again now. If he does, he creeps to three-year-old Group 1 class already and shouldn’t be beaten despite the potential of Circle Of Fire and Inquiring Minds.

Military Order is third-favourite for the Derby as we speak, but a convincing win may even see him lead the way come Saturday night.

3.45 Ascot (Handicap) – WESTERTON

I backed Westerton when he made his seasonal debut for Alan King at Doncaster. He was second there, but under par and it may just be that he needed the run.

He is well handicapped, of that there is no doubt at all, so with some doubts about one or two others truly getting home here he is more than worth another shot. Shahbaz and Maasai Mara are best of the rest.

3.50 Haydock (Spring Trophy – Listed Race) – AL MUBHIR

Angel Bleu was rated 115 at his peak, but that peak was a year and a half ago now. True, he’s only four, but there have been no real signs of his top form for a while including this year.

Our favourite Al Mubhir, who I thought would win the Lincoln but did win very well last time, can get beyond the 110 mark now and that should be enough to win this for William Haggas and Tom Marquand. Escobar and Mums Tipple are solid in behind.

8.07 Belmont Park (Man o’ War Stakes – Grade 1) – WARREN POINT

This is no Grade 1 gimme for the Charlie Appleby team, but he and Godolphin’s willingness to travel can pay off once again with their improving middle-distance runner Warren Point who is now ready for this.

Frankie Dettori has travelled across to New York to take the ride, though he got a couple wrong last summer so he’ll need to be at his best this time.

Sunday 14th May 2023

2.50 Longchamp (Poule d’Essai des Poulains – Group 1) – KNIGHT

Though he’s no certainty, Knight is a ridiculous price at the time of writing for the French 2000 Guineas.

Touching 20/1, Simon and Ed Crisford’s Horris Hill winner was ahead of all of his opposition on Sunday at the same career stage which shows his talent.

True, he ran no race in the Greenham, but that happens to the best of them, his team won’t send him to France if he’s useless and his odds now allow a small punt. James Doyle rides.

4.10 Longchamp (Prix Saint-Alary – Group 1) – BRIDESTONES

Another overpriced type is Bridestones, a filly I backed in the Fred Darling. She was nowhere near winning that, but was steadily staying on to get to within five lengths and, having won very smartly over a mile as a juvenile, it seems that the seven-furlong trip was against her.

The daughter of Teofilo is put straight up to ten furlongs here and looks excellent value for the Gosden team and jockey William Buick.

Friday 5th, Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th May 2023: Appleby in Pole Position Once Again

This weekend’s action is undoubtedly highlighted by three key races; the 1000 Guineas, 2000 Guineas and the Kentucky Derby. There is so much more going on too but we begin at HQ for Friday’s racing:

Friday 5th May 2023

1.15 Newmarket (Newmarket Stakes – Listed Race) – CASTLE WAY

This is usually an important race with the future in mind and Charlie Appleby may win it again with Castle Way. His Victory Dance also has a chance if staying, while Salt Bay has Group 1 form. Circle Of Fire can improve and will also be an interesting watch.

2.25 Newmarket (King Charles II Stakes – Listed Race) – MAJESTIC PRIDE

Iconic Moment may challenge even giving weight, while Arabian Storm was a let-down last time but will be better at seven furlongs.

The one that catches the eye is Majestic Pride. Although a winner at the Craven meeting, more was expected but the soft ground held him back. His form is good enough while conditions should bring about plenty of improvement.

9.04 Churchill Downs (La Troienne Stakes – Grade 1) – SECRET OATH

This is a $750,000 race features some top-class fillies and mares, not least the one who won the Kentucky Oaks for us last year, Secret Oath. She remains in top form, she loves it here, is well drawn and is more than capable of landing another Grade 1. 

D Wayne Lukas’ runner has competition with the likes of Played Hard and Search Results appearing to be overpriced.

10.51 Churchill Downs (Kentucky Oaks – Grade 1) – WET PAINT

Brad Cox has a strong hand here. His Botanical racked up some impressive figures when winning a Listed race at Turfway Park on the Tepeta, but this is a very different task.

Stablemate Wet Paint, owned by Godolphin, looked really good when landing the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn after breaking slowly. Flavien Prat was in no hurry then, understanding what he had underneath him and the pair should be sharper today.

Southlawn can also go well, while Pretty Mischievous is drawn wider than ideal.

Saturday 6th May 2023

2.15 Newmarket (Ellen Chaloner Stakes – Listed Race) – HEREDIA

Now freshened up and down in trip, Heredia looks interesting for Richard Hannon. After winning her two races as a juvenile, she did exceptionally well to keep that going at York last spring. She went in yet again at Royal Ascot and reached a mark of 106 by then.

Though she’s won over a mile, this sprint trip can reignite her and we should see a filly capable of beating Gale Force Maya, Azure Blue and Queen Olly.

3.05 Goodwood (Handicap) – HONITON

Honiton showed a ton of potential last year. In April he was third to My Prospero (Group 1 rated 121), and Britannia Stakes winner Thesis. In May he was second to Secret State (Group 2 second) before running third to Eldar Eldarov (St Leger winner, rated 116).

He then won as easily as he liked and should be rated comfortably above 100 now, so gets in here very lightly. Another improver Maghlaak is best of the rest.

4.00 Newmarket (Palace House Stakes – Group 3) – TWILIGHT CALLS

Assuming everything is OK on seasonal debut, and he has won first time out before, Twilight Calls should prove to be the best of this bunch. Though he hasn’t been seen since a big run in the King’s Stand, he remains of major interest and has the assistance of Ryan Moore.

4.40 Newmarket (2000 Guineas – Group 1) – SILVER KNOTT & NOBLE STYLE

The first Classic of the season is upon us.

Strong favourite Auguste Rodin (Aidan O’Brien) is highly thought of and may attempt the Triple Crown. He won the Futurity at Doncaster, stays the mile well and will go for the Derby. He’s excellent, but he’s not in superstar territory yet so we have to take him on at the odds.

Stablemate Little Big Bear is one of three for whom stamina is a worry. He was extraordinary at the Curragh last season, while Sakheer (Roger Varian) was a very good winner of the Mill Reef. Noble Style (Charlie Appleby) was an excellent winner of the Gimcrack too and all three sprinters have more to come.

The best backed British-trained horse is Chaldean (Andrew Balding). The Dewhurst winner, he is solid but many think he should have been beaten by Royal Scotsman (Paul & Oliver Cole) who is in opposition again – form we’ll come back to.

Charlie Appleby’s Silver Knott is a proper type. Like stablemate Coroebus (2000 Guineas winner) he won the Autumn Stakes here and has no ground, trip, course or class worries.

After jumping on the plane last minute, Silver Knott was too far back at the Breeders’ Cup but did very well indeed to almost win. He beat Epictetus last season, the same horse was second to Auguste Rodin.

Noble Style is the headscratcher. He has drifted from 10/1 to 20/1 this week. He didn’t work too well in public last month, while James Doyle mentioned that on a podcast with the bookmakers reacting. He might also be a dead-set sprinter.

On the slip side; he didn’t work well before his outstanding debut last May. He also covered well over six furlongs when running round and drifting before slamming Marshman at York (top form). There are few doubts he would have stayed seven after that, meaning the trip wouldn’t have been a debate.

Given the massive drift, confidence can’t be high on Noble Style. At the odds, the advice is to split the stakes on Charlie Appleby’s two runners, the man who landed the 1-2 last year.

5.04 Churchill Downs (Derby City Distaff – Grade 1) – MATAREYA

Breeders’ Cup winner Goodnight Olive is the odds-on but while Chad Brown’s mare is very good, she’s not a certainty and remains vulnerable to improving four-year-olds.

Hot And Sultry is one, but a better option is the peaking Wicked Halo. She beat Matareya last time and if you fancy her, you have to like the horse she narrowly beat who was making her comeback. Brad Cox’s filly possesses the past form and the likely progression to see this field off and she’s a nice price to do it.

11.57 Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby – Grade 1) – KINGSBARNS 

Another competitive Kentucky Derby features form lines from California, Kentucky, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida and New York.

Comparing that isn’t easy, while we also have to take into consideration improvement shown by some runners, the draw and breeding.

Favourite Forte has rock-sold Grade 1 form, but he doesn’t appear to be improving and he’s stuck in gate 15. Tapit Trice is now a Grade 1 winner, while Practical Move took the Santa Anita Derby but only just.

Japanese runner Derma Sotogake, Confidence Game, Mage and Skinner are all interesting too.

The improvers could be Angel Of Empire and Kingsbarns. The former, trained by Brad Cox, won the Grade 2 Risen Star before comfortably landing the Arkansas Derby (G1) but the form may not be great.

Kingsbarns, trained like Forte and Tapit Trice by Todd Pletcher, made a strong debut as recently as January. He followed that up well and posted a good time figure when winning at Tampa Bay before looking like an easy winner of the Louisiana Derby (G2).

That was back in late March which is clever from Pletcher. He could have raced again, but it was decided that three runs in 12 weeks put enough mileage in his legs. Now, he’s been allowed to freshen up, strengthen and improve at home.

For good measure, Kingsbarns is a second foal which is a good stat in the race, and is also by Derby winner Nyquist’s sire Uncle Mo.

Sunday 7th May 2023

3.40 Newmarket (1000 Guineas – Group 1) – DREAM OF LOVE

Strictly speaking, this one is more of an ante-post tip as at the time of writing the final declarations aren’t complete. The main contenders should run however and we are set for a fine renewal.

Dermot Weld’s Tahiyra is very good, this we already know, but it may be that we know the Group 1 winner’s level. Meditate was behind her last time and can perhaps push her even closer, at least Aidan O’Brien seems to think so.

Fairy Cross is a very solid each-way play at around 40/1. Her form is good and she was very unsuited by how things worked out at Newmarket last time.

There are stamina doubts about Lezoo and Mawj while Remarquee has to improve, but the intriguing one is Dream Of Love.

A big improver, she goes on any ground and will stay this mile no problem. She was shuffled way out the back and seemingly had absolutely no chance in Dubai against Mawj last time, only to finish with a rather stunning late rattle to only just lose out.

On that run and based on her rate of progression, she is good enough to win this and is a tempting price too.

Friday 28th & Saturday 29th April 2023: Flying to Take Trial Honours

On a mixed weekend of action at Sandown, the Flat takes precedence on Friday before the Jumps Finale is staged on Saturday.

In the Gordon Richards Stakes, Anmaat is a big threat to the returning Adayar and both may win Group 1’s this season. Anmaat has to give 5lbs away too, so his performance is of particular interest as he begins his season.

We begin with an improving handicapper in the Esher Cup.

Friday 28th April 2023

1.50 Sandown (Esher Cup Handicap) – LOCAL DYNASTY

Taking a very short price about Godolphin’s Local Dynasty may not seem the wisest move, but as long as Charlie Appleby’s runner in the Esher Cup is a backable price he’s worth it.

His form last season was progressive, impressive and was achieved on varying ground conditions including soft. He is Listed winner and would have been a more impressive one had he not had to see out a tough mile at Pontefract on his fourth start in two months. Fresh now, he can reach a new level.

Legend Of Leros is interesting, while Physique looked a decent animal when starting off last year and is higher up the shortlist than Saxon King who doesn’t look value.

3.00 Sandown (bet365 Mile – Group 2) – MUTASAABEQ

This is another good renewal of the Group 2 Sandown Mile. Potapova is somewhat of a mystery but she has real quality and gets 3lbs from the boys. Checkandchallenge, Imperial Fighter, Migration and Angel Bleu are all solid too.

Light Infantry is the one for money. He’s returned from a stint in Australia and is a Group 1 runner-up. He’ll be tough to beat, but even with a 3lb penalty Mutasaabeq looks good value.

He handles this ground and has looked classy from day one. He may yet land a Group 1 and let’s not forget that the Charlie Hills team said from the start this year that they would be targeting the Lockinge as they feel he is at the right level.

3.35 Sandown (Classic Trial – Group 3) – FLYING HONOURS 

The all-important Sandown Classic Trial can offer us some major Derby clues. This is the race Adayar was an eye-catching runner-up in two years ago in fact before scoring at Epsom.

The potential improvers are Circle Of Fire and Relentless Voyager and neither can be confidently discounted. Salt Bay was third in a French Group 1 on only his second start too which is obviously good form.

Arrest, of the Gosden yard, was also placed last season in a French Group 1 and is the likely favourite in the race. His profile is solid and there should be more improvement to come, but he has already had to show us what he’s worth while there is highly likely to be much more to come from Flying Honours.

Charlie Appleby’s runner has strong form already having followed to easy novice wins with a success in the Zetland over 1¼ miles. In between, he was odds-on to win the Royal Lodge (Group 2) too.

He’s a Sea The Stars who should cope better than most with conditions at Sandown and he’s also a shorter price for the Derby than Arrest which may tell a story.

4.00 Doncaster (Handicap) – WESTERTON

This is a one-and-a-quarter-mile handicap for the three-year-olds and as such, there are improvers in the field. The one with the most potential though is Alan King’s Westerton.

Although he hasn’t won in three, he’s shown a very good level of form for a horse rated 82 and he’s now been gelded. He looks capable of reaching a mark close to triple figures soon so should be very well in. David Probert rides.

4.10 Sandown (Fillies’ Novice Stakes) – QUEEN OF FAIRIES

This is the race Emily Upjohn won last year and it now offers automatic entry to the Oaks for the winner. We can guarantee that fact will make this a quality race featuring some exciting fillies.

The four key contenders Infinite Cosmos, Queen Of Fairies, Sumo Sam and Tarjamah have each run once so far.

Tarjamah (J&T Gosden) ran similarly to Emily Upjohn on debut. It’s also worth remembering before this “win and you’re in” affair that Gosden and Aidan O’Brien between them have won the last 9 Oaks at Epsom.

The one for money is Sir Michael Stoute’s Infinite Cosmos. She was promising on debut, will improve plenty and gets fully 6lbs from the others but she was ultimately beaten while Queen Of Fairies won with ease.

Their performances were so similar, other than we don’t know how much more Queen Of Fairies could have produced if needed and so she gets the vote at a nicer price than the favourite.

Saturday 29th April 2023 

2.15 Sandown (bet365 Gold Cup – Premier Handicap Chase) – REVELS HILL

Scottish Grand National winner Kitty’s Light makes a quick and interesting reappearance, while the Goffer’s Cheltenham form and that of Coolvalla are of interest. That said, Revels Hill is on the up, is on a nice weight and has the experience and stamina to be shown to best effect in this £160,000 race.

3.05 Leicester (King Richard III Cup Handicap) – AL MUBHIR

William Haggas’ one-time 2000 Guineas hope and Lincoln favourite Al Mubhir gets another chance to show what he can do.

He has shown flashes of very good talent and, though he didn’t quite get home as well as expected when fourth on heavy ground in the Lincoln, he can shape better here. Newcastle winner Notre Belle Bete is interesting back in a handicap too.

4.20 Haydock (Handicap) – CONSERVATIONIST

This is a Class 3 event, run over the mile. Back last autumn Clive Cox’s Conservationist was, quite rightly after her second run, sent off second-favourite for the Listed Montrose Stakes at Newmarket.

She just flattened out after attempting to make all that day in a race which includes hot 1000 Guineas prospect Dream Of Love.

She gets in here off just 84 and we know already that she’s way better than that. Rossa Ryan takes the ride.

Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd April 2023: Bridestones to Stack them Up in Fred Darling

After taking on board some valuable clues during the Craven Meeting at Newmarket this week, the Flat roadshow now moves on to Newbury and their important Greenham Stakes weekend.

It’s also Scottish Grand National Day at Ayr on Saturday and we have a pair of bets from the west of Scotland, but while we’re not taking on Chaldean in the big one, we begin in Berkshire on Friday:

Friday 21st April 2023

2.40 Newbury (Maiden Fillies’ Stakes) – SHINING JEWEL

This may be a maiden race, but it is chock full of quality. Several of these are engaged in the Oaks and one or more of them is bound to get to Epsom on Friday, June 2.

Hughie Morrison’s Mistral Star travelled powerfully when second on debut and she could be the surprise package in the race, while Value Added made a nice start to racing life on heavy ground.

The Gosdens run a few here with Frankie Dettori’s mount Shiva Shakti the best of them. The Siyouni filly has potential but she was beaten fair and square at Yarmouth, whereas Shining Jewel had her excuses a month earlier at Nottingham.

Sent off favourite, Charlie Appleby’s filly was slowly away and was hampered at a crucial time. Another Siyouni, she’d have found the ground quick enough on debut too and she will be a very different proposition here.

4.25 Newbury (Handicap) – TAFREEJ

This seven-furlong handicap is likely more competitive than the betting would have it look, though hopefully it’ll only be close in behind Tafreej who does look the best of these at the weights.

This is a Class 2 event and that’s probably where William Haggas sees his gelding, though he’s in here of only 84 so has plenty in hand.

Lord Uhtred is a live danger for Charlie Hills, while Caragio is also interesting at the top, but there could just be a little more zip about the Shadwell horse and he’s taken to score.

4.55 Newbury (Maiden Fillies’ Stakes) – FAKHAMA

This particular fillies’ maiden, run over seven furlongs, is for the newcomers only. While the betting will remain interesting and should be watched, it seems that the whispers are that the best three are Fakhama (William Haggas), Gentle Light (Sir Michael Stoute) and Mother Margaret (Roger & Harry Charlton).

The latter two trainers may be inclined to show more patience with such horses, while the Haggas filly is also a Kingman and his progeny often make lightning starts.

6.25 Bath (Lansdown Stakes – Listed Race) – GET AHEAD

The popular Lansdown Fillies’ Stakes is back, the five-furlong dash which has attracted yet another big field of 16.

Bath is notoriously difficult for punters, but not for the reasons many think. Though they’ll be on the turn almost all the way here, it’s gradual and doesn’t mean an outside draw is a big disadvantage as previous runnings of this race have shown.

What is more important is pace. Many get going too far out here. Though I could see White Lavender and Designer having big chances on bare form, they may be up there battling with the likes of Cuban Breeze early. 

The solid value selection, who may also be coming from the back when the pace collapses, is Clive Cox’s Get Ahead and it’s she and Hollie Doyle who are given the vote.

Saturday 22nd April 2023

1.30 Newbury (John Porter Stakes – Group 3) – ISRAR

Officially known as the Finest Surprise Stakes, this is still registered as the John Porter and it’s doing what it’s always done; providing a springboard for middle-distance horses and stayers to go on Group 1 journeys.

First thing’s first; I’d love to see Hurricane Lane get back on track and whatever happens today we are sure to see him win over a mile and a half at Group 1 level again. Charlie Appleby is working back from the Arc with him and this is only his first step on a long journey.

It could suit staying types more, but Mojo Star is bound to be rusty too. Step forward Israr who again will get better from today but he’s already the improver in the field.

The Gosdens have given him entries in the Chester Cup and the Yorkshire Cup meaning that a) they think he has stamina and b) they think he’s classy. I do too and he’s worth taking a chance on at the price.

2.05 Newbury (Fred Darling Stakes – Group 3) – BRIDESTONES

It’s good to see a field of 14 entered here for a key 1000 Guineas trial. Being picky, you’d say this is more about quantity than quality as regards Guineas contenders goes but there are a couple who could come out of this well.

Magical Sunset and Olivia Maralda have experience, while Soul Sister did it on soft on debut and it’s hard to know what she’ll achieve going forward.

Remarquee made an impressive debut but overall, perhaps it wasn’t as impressive as that of Bridestones for the Gosden team and she could yet prove to be very good.

3.00 Ayr (Future Champion Novices’ Chase – Grade 2) – BALCO COASTAL

Though it’s all about the fast and furious Flat action now, it would remiss of us not to take a look at Ayr on Scottish Grand National Day.

In the Future Champion Novices’ Chase it seems that Balco Coastal has reached a similar, probably better level than main rivals Thunder Rock, Datsalrightgino and Unexpected Party.

The fact that he has done it in fewer chases and represents not only a top yard in Nicky Henderson’s but also a bang in form one, makes him hard to oppose.

3.35 Ayr (Scottish Grand National – Premier Handicap Chase) – MONBEG GENIUS

Having won three races in a row over the winter before finishing third at Cheltenham, chasing him Grand National winner Corach Rambler, the form of Monbeg Genius is rock-solid.

Kitty’s Light is popular and may do enough to stop our horse from going off favourite, meaning a nice price to get stuck into as well.

Friday 14th & Saturday 15th April 2023: A Pair of National Treasures

It’s Grand National weekend. We are covering one race on day two, Friday, and a couple on the big day including of course the Grand National itself for which we have two selections.

On the Flat, it’s quiet domestically as we head towards the Craven meeting next week before the Greenham get together at the weekend.

It is a big weekend internationally however, as Sydney’s autumn carnival continues and Charlie Appleby sends a pair to contest Grade 1 races in the States.

Modern Games runs for Appleby in the Grade One Maker’s Mark Mile on Friday night, while he looks to double up with a filly I reckon should win at the same track on Saturday.

We begin over the jumps on Ladies Day at Aintree: 

Friday 14th April 2023

3.30 Aintree (Marsh Chase – Grade 1) – PIC D’ORHY

Joseph O’Brien’s Fakir D’Oudairies has won this race twice in a row and by my reckoning at least, still rates as a very solid chance and the one for any improvers to beat.

Pic D’Orhy is the obvious potential improver and he has a big chance to get past the dual winner now for trainer Paul Nicholls. Second to Shishkin in February with conditions not ideal, Pic D’Orhy was well ahead of Fakir D’Oudairies that day and should be all the better now.

Paul Nicholls’ other runner Hitman has a strong place chance as well.

Saturday 15th April 2023

3.00 Aintree (Mersey Novices’ Hurdle – Grade 1) – HERMES ALLEN

Before his defeat in a stamina-sapping Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, Hermes Allen was improving in lumps. He remains a horse going the right way overall and conditions here will be a little more to his liking.

Willie Mullins can never be discounted when sending a horse to a Grade One and his Dark Raven is next on the list, ahead of Letsbeclearaboutit and You Wear It Well.

3.35 Aintree (Liverpool Hurdle – Grade 1) – HOME BY THE LEE

There is lots over overlapping form in this stayers’ race. Experienced types Sire Du Berlais, Flooring Porter, Dashel Drasher and Champ as well all know have very strong form and can all beat each other given ideal conditions.

Mare Marie’s Rock is solid at the weights too, but the one to improve past them all may be Home By The Lee who was impressive in the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown. He couldn’t win the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but that doesn’t suit everyone and he ran well in fifth.

5.15 Aintree (GRAND NATIONAL – Premier Handicap Chase) – GAILLARD DU MESNIL & MINELLA TRUMP

It’s usually daft to pick only one horse in the Grand National as you will need a little bit of luck in the race. The usual 40-runner line-up means things are tricky, but of course we want to be involved.

The first, solid-looking selection is Willie Mullins’ Gaillard Du Mesnil. His weight and rating aren’t restrictive for a modern Grand National horse and he is a proven stayer in great form.

His Grade 2 win at Cheltenham was done in fine style and I don’t think he had a hard race there which is crucial. I also don’t think that was even his best performance so there’s certainly more to come and he may be well handicapped.

The bigger-priced pick is Donald McCain’s Minella Trump. The nine-year-old really picked up last April and May at Perth when he was allowed to stretch out over three miles for the first time.

No doubt meticulously prepared at home since then, he has had a spin over hurdles which is a well-trodden route for good National horses and he could be seriously overpriced.

6.00 Wolverhampton (Fillies’ Novice Stakes) – TRANQUIL ROSE

We’re playing in this race on the basis of our horse, Tranquil Rose, potentially being a reasonable price but we don’t know for certain until the market opens up.

Gold As Glass (at the weights), Maid In London, Amazing and Sail On Silverbird are all very similar but can improve at different rates.

Mischievous Madame is an interesting newcomer for a strong yard, but Tranquil Rose for he has already shown more than the others and was very green on debut, suggesting plenty of improvement to come on race two.

10.16 Keeneland (Lexington Stakes – Grade 3) – FIRST MISSION

A mile and half a furlong is the distance for these three-year-olds, all of which are Kentucky-bred.

With natural progression, this could be another good result for the Godolphin team, this time with one trained by Brad Cox.

First Mission, a Street Sense colt, was good on debut when runner-up but much, much better when winning easily last time.

The likely favourite is Disarm, who finished second to Kingsbarns in the Louisiana Derby who for what it’s worth is who I like for the Kentucky Derby, but perhaps a closer challenger to First Mission this time is Empirestrikesfast who won on debut, but did have to dig in.

10.48 Keeneland (Jenny Wiley Stakes – Grade 1) – WITH THE MOONLIGHT

Charlie Appleby’s second runner of the weekend is the filly With The Moonlight and this race has been the plan for her for some time.

The likely favourite is the consistently good In Italian who chase Tuesday home at the Breeders’ Cup. She is solid, but With The Moonlight reached a similar level in Dubai last time, doing it ever so easily, and she has good experience of the States having run very well in New York three times last summer.

Queen Goddess is next best, followed by Speak Of The Devil and Pizza Bianca.