Friday 24th & Saturday 25th September 2021: Admiral to Take Command in Cambridgeshire

It’s a Group 1 weekend at headquarters as the stars of the juvenile sprinting divisions strut their stuff in the Cheveley Park and Middle Park Stakes.

2000 Guineas runner-up Master Of The Seas also makes his long-anticipated return to the track in the Joel Stakes taking on Benbatl, but none of these races offer us a value bet.

Plenty of others do however, beginning on Friday on the Rowley Mile.

Friday 24th September 2021

1.50 Newmarket (Rosemary Stakes – Listed Race) – WEDDING DANCE

The two Sheikh Ahmed runners Fooraat and Maamora both have solid form chances here, the former perhaps even being sent off as favourite.

There’s little to separate a number of horses in this field in fact, so in a race in which arguably so many are much of a muchness broadly speaking, a chance can be taken on the returning Wedding Dance.

Charlie Appleby has his powerful string in simply superb form. Sent off 100/30 on debut, not too much was expected of Wedding Dance on her juvenile debut and she duly ran just OK in fourth. Much better was to come though.

She improved in lumps last season, securing an easy win second time out before just being denied in Group 3 company at Deauville. On a line through her French rivals and given the trajectory she was on; she is the only filly in the line-up capable of truly reaching a new level with Group 1’s not out of the question eventually.

2.25 Newmarket (Princess Royal Stakes – Group 3) – PENNYMOOR

In this competitive Group 3 event over a mile-and-a-half we can afford to keep stakes to a minimum and take a chance on one at a nice price. The horse in question is Pennymoor, another Godolphin runner this time trained by John and Thady Gosden.

Given her rate of improvement before her recent York disappointment, she’d be a shoo-in now off a mark of 95 in a handicap. It’s interesting therefore that her trainers send her into Group company instead and she’s definitely capable.

She was denied a clear run last time, but before that demolished her novice field at Kempton by more than nine lengths. Quicker turf than she’s run on before should bring the best out of her on breeding, so at double-figure prices he’s worth a dabble.

3.00 Newmarket (Rockfel Stakes – Group 2) – GIRL ON FILM

Strictly on form the once-raced Girl On Film has it all to do in this bona fide 1000 Guineas trial. For a Group 2 however, it’s not the strongest and some may not appreciate the conditions so with plenty expected of her by the Gunthers and trainer Ralph Beckett, Girl On Film is taken to score.

Majestic Glory, Oscula and Jumbly are all solid contenders too, but there was a lot to like about the daughter of Dabirsim’s debut and now with big race jockey Frankie Dettori on board she can fly.

3.45 Haydock (Handicap) – BANDINELLI

With Charlie Appleby’s first and second choice jockeys at Newmarket, it falls to none other than Derby winner Adam Kirby to ride Bandinelli and he could well be a nice priced winner.

Previously, many of us in the industry believed that Dubawi’s progeny got faster as they progressed, however we’ve learned now that they simply get better no matter what their speciality is and that can include staying as proven by the likes of Kemari and Yibir.

With that in mind, this step up to 1¾ miles looks ideal for recent mile-and-a-half winner Bandinelli. That success at Newmarket was achieved on his first run after a gelding operation, the three-year-old no doubt much better and fitter now. Moliwood is next best.

4.10 Newmarket (Godolphin Stakes – Listed Race) – STAR SAFARI

This is another very close and competitive event on paper, but it’s yet another the Appleby and Godolphin team will believe they can win.

Their Star Safari has plenty going for him. Despite being mature and tough as a five-year-old, he still has plenty more to offer having had only ten starts.

Of those 10 runs he’s won four, including at Group 3 level, but he escapes a penalty and should relish this 1½-mile trip on quick going. Alignak, Highland Chief, Fox Tal, Without A Fight and John Leeper can all battle for places.

Saturday 25th September 2021

1.50 Newmarket (Royal Lodge Stakes – Group 2) – COROEBUS

The top three in the market for this race all have Group 1 Vertem Futurity entries and all three are capable, as is Aidan O’Brien’s Howth who is also in the Doncaster showpiece.

Masekela may go off market leader, but mostly due to his form with Native Trail. He won a Listed race last time, but may not be of the class of Coroebus who may keep the Godolphin juggernaut going with a big juvenile win.

The Dubawi colt made a lovely winning debut from Saga over on the July Course and can now kick on up the levels.

2.40 Haydock (Handicap) – ROYAL CRUSADE

The usual types are in this five-furlong dash; Mondammej, Copper Knight and Jawwaal all remaining capable at this level along with Premier Power.

The interesting one however is Royal Crusade for the Boys in Blue. He’s been mostly disappointing for the past year, but is a proven Group horse. With 5lb claimer Adam Farragher now riding confidently, his claim is a genuine one which means Royal Crusade is running off an effective mark of just 98 despite being rated 110 previously.

Now he’s been gelded, he can get back to something like his old form and if he does then his price will look ridiculous.

3.40 Newmarket (Cambridgeshire Handicap) – IRISH ADMIRAL

The big betting race of the day, and one of the biggest of the season, is the Cambridgeshire.

Despite often being called a ‘nine-furlong sprint’ owing to the flat-out nature of the event, it’s so often won by a horse who stays a mile-and-a-quarter and/or is by a sire who saw out a mile as a three-year-old or stayed further when older.

The draw is a factor too, so if 15 isn’t too low then this could finally be Irish Admiral’s big day. A winner last time, he still hasn’t got to the levels Sheikh Ahmed and William Haggas thought he would but he’s now in top form and can kick on.

Anmaat is next on the list, ahead of Spirit Dancer and Chichester.

Friday 17th September, Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September 2021: Huge International Weekend

It’s a very, very busy betting weekend this week. Spread across three days and two continents, we have 13 tips on horses who are all value for what they have achieved and/or can achieve, so spread your stakes out accordingly.

Friday 17th September 2021 

2.10 Ayr (Harry Rosebery Stakes – Listed Race) – PROJECT DANTE

On the second day of Ayr’s fabulous Gold Cup meeting, this Listed juvenile sprint gives us our first betting opportunity in the shape of Bryan Smart’s Project Dante.

Well named, he was a good winner at York first time up where I backed him to score and he’s since run a very good third in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot.

He’s rock-solid, can improve further, and has the speed to see off Canonized, who’s also entered in a Group 3 on Saturday, as well as Geocentric and Peggy Sioux.

2.45 Ayr (Arran Scottish Sprint Fillies’ Stakes – Listed Race) – WHITE LAVENDER

Immediately after the juveniles it’s the turn of the sprinting fillies. There’s little to choose on my book between Operatic, Blackberry, Tweet Tweet and Keep Busy at the weights, but the Irish-trained White Lavender stands out.

A winner on debut, White Lavender showed great speed to run on for second in a 15-runner Listed race last time out and any further improvement in that department would see her burn this field off under Gary Carroll.

2.55 Newbury (Conditions Stakes) – KING OF CONQUEST

There’s been plenty of talk about Ralph Beckett’s Westover in the build-up to this conditions event, but even more impressive on debut was Godolphin’s King Of Conquest and the Vertem Futurity entry can take another step up the ladder here under the title-chasing William Buick.

Conditions should be ideal for the Lope De Vega/Teofilo cross and the mile trip should be perfect for him now. Westover is indeed next on the list, ahead of Bolthole and Zechariah.

3.30 Newbury (Dubai Duty Free Cup Stakes – Listed Race) – AL SUHAIL

This is a good quality seven-furlong race despite being at Listed level, and it’s one that Al Suhail can take down.

Charlie Appleby’s runner has always been held in very high regard, he still has Group 2 and Group 1 entries, had an excellent prep for this when winning at Haydock and previously chased home Tilsit in a Group 2 who very nearly went on to land a Group 1 of his own.

Silent Escape cannot be ignored at the weights, D’bai is solid, while Ace Aussie, Albasheer and Baradar may all get competitive at some stage.

Saturday 18th September 2021

2.15 Newbury (World Trophy Stakes – Group 3) – KHAADEM

Last weekend’s Portland Handicap winner Hurricane Ivor is in the field and he may be up to the job, but on paper the half-furlong drop back in trip as well as the prospect of faster ground aren’t in his favour.

King’s Lynn is another who may need just a tad further, while Tis Marvellous will challenge the selection for favouritism.

That selection however is Khaadem who is now showing signs of getting back to his best. When dropped to five furlongs last time he was in his element and an even better performance is in the offing here.

3.25 Newbury (Handicap) – KING LEONIDAS

Top horses no longer need a run after a long break to show their best, and no training yard is more adept at getting such types ready than that of the Gosdens.

Their King Leonidas has 2020 form with several horses that would lead me to believe he could be several pounds well in, and at the early prices quoted we can afford to take a chance on that being the case.

Aramaic is the main danger ahead of Mo’assess.

3.40 Ayr (Ayr Gold Cup – Heritage Handicap) – POPMASTER

In the big betting handicap of the weekend there is a strong hand held by Starman trainer Ed Walker. He trains likely market leader Great Ambassador, but even more appealing is his improving three-year-old Popmaster.

The way in which he won a decent race with the minimum of fuss at Ascot last time suggested he has plenty more to give, he’s officially 2lbs well in and will have the assistance of Hollie Doyle in the saddle. Big chance.

3.50 Newmarket (Fillies’ Handicap) – SAMMARR

Roger Varian’s filly Sammarr hasn’t been seen for over 200 days but that shouldn’t put anyone off. Having made a good winning debut at the end of 2019 there was plenty expected of her before she suffered a setback.

Given natural improvement she should be way better than her mark of 87 now, with another good pointer being that had she not been in the field, I’d have had Tarroob a few pounds clear of the rest and yet it’s Sammarr who carries the owner’s first colours.

4.00 Newbury (Mill Reef Stakes – Group 2) – DHABAB

I backed Dhabab for the Coventry Stakes and thought he was very unlucky in running that day. That gives him some top form, while it was the seven furlongs that got him beaten in the Superlative Stakes in July.

The winner that day was Native Trail, now the highest rated juvenile around, and this track and trip should be perfect for the Gosden horse. Gis A Sub, Gubbass and Fearby are all capable of places.

10.14 Belmont Park (Jockey Club Oaks – Invitational Stakes) – CREATIVE FLAIR

Charlie Appleby is sweeping all before him and he has at least five chances of big wins in North American over the weekend.

I’m staying away from the Canadian International, but in this $700,000 race Creative Flair is value. Now drawn alongside her old rival Higher Truth rather than out wide, she can gain revenge on her after the pair finished second and third in the Saratoga Oaks last month.

10.45 Belmont Park (Jockey Club Derby – Invitational Stakes) – YIBIR

Straight after comes the $1 million Jockey Club Derby and it’s one in which Yibir can make his presence felt.

Aidan O’Brien’s Bolshoi Ballet came into the season with a big reputation, but his form over here didn’t match up to it while his Grade 1 win at Belmont over the summer equally didn’t set hearts racing.

Yibir has achieved more in the Sandown Classic Trial and especially in winning the Great Voltigeur at York and gets the vote again.

Sunday 19th September 2021 

10.06 Woodbine (Natalma Stakes – Grade 1) – WILD BEAUTY

Charlie Appleby has won this before and now sends Sweet Solera runner-up Wild Beauty to represent the yard. This one will be tough, but she has the ability and crucially is good value against the home team.

10.39 Woodbine (Summer Stakes – Grade 1) – ALBAHR 

Albahr is already right up with the best of the home runners on speed figures, he’s thought of as a Group 1 horse and can take what is seen as a key trial for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in November in which we may see the son of Dubawi again. Frankie Dettori rides.

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th September 2021: On the Power Trail to Group 1 Wins

This truly is a huge weekend of action. There are Group 1’s in England, France and Ireland including the St Leger at Doncaster while the major trials for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe also take place in Paris.

Hurricane Lane should win the final classic of the season if he’s at his best over the trip although Mojo Star is a danger, while a small but select field take part in the Irish Champion Stakes in which it could be close in the conditions between Poetic Flare and St Mark’s Basilica with Tarnawa in there to add spice.

We go a different way for betting purposes though, beginning with top betting race the Portland Handicap on the St Leger card.

Saturday 11th September 2021 

1.45 Doncaster (Portland Handicap) – BOUNDLESS POWER

This brilliantly competitive 5½-furlong sprint handicap may suit a younger, improving type and there are two of that ilk to concentrate on.

Roger Teal, who won this two years ago with Oxted, fields Whenthedealisdone who fits the profile really well, but the race may yet go the way of Boundless Power for the Mick Appleby yard instead.

Since being gelded and switching from Ireland to England, Boundless Power has done really well but hasn’t been asked for his very best effort yet I would feel. He was blocked repeatedly in his run last time at Windsor when finishing a close fourth and can now produce a career best at juicy odds.

There are also a number of consistent and classy sprinters to look out for in this field, not least Jawwaal, Mondammej and last year’s winner Stone Of Destiny who may be creeping back to a workable handicap mark.

2.10 Leopardstown (Boomerang Mile – Group 2) – FEV ROVER

Another great value bet if nothing else is Richard Fahey’s Fev Rover in the Group 2 Boomerang Mile on Leopardstown’s Irish Champion Stakes card.

Thunder Moon is solid, Maker Of Kings too while the admirable and classy MacSwiney will of course be a danger once again.

The latter-named really does appear to be ground dependent however, while Fev Rover has the form in the book to do some real damage at a big price.

The filly was a Listed and Group 2 winner last year before going off favourite for a Group 1. To back that up, she was a close third in the 1000 Guineas this season before apparently hating the heavy ground in two subsequent runs.

To put her form into context; she was a genuine 1¼-length third to Mother Earth in the Guineas who is a short-priced favourite for a Group 1 on this same card, making her price look a little silly for this race.

3.00 Doncaster (Park Stakes – Group 2) – LANEQASH

The Park Stakes is yet another strong Group 2 over seven furlongs – isn’t it about time in Britain we had at least one Group 1 over this trip for those who are no longer juveniles?

In any event, the race itself should be a belter. Glorious Journey is rock-solid yet again and rates as the main danger to the selection, while the pick’s fellow Shadwell-owned Danyah can also make the frame.

Laneqash however should prove to be the class act. I always thought from his juvenile days he was a Group 1 winner in the making, and expected him before a setback to be either a classic contender or one for the Commonwealth Cup.

Instead, he’s here at an intermediate distance. Over the same trip, he was an excellent staying-on second to Sacred in the Hungerford Stakes after ten months off and assuming the race has sharpened him up rather than bounced him back, he should be too good on this occasion.

5.10 Doncaster (Handicap) – IRISH ADMIRAL

In an unusually strong one-mile handicap to finish a card there are a number of horses to keep an eye on not just for today, but for the near future too.

Cruyff Turn is one, Dance Fever is another, but the two that stand out for me are Godolphin’s Royal Fleet and Sheikh Ahmed’s Irish Admiral.

Three-year-old Royal Fleet heads the market overnight. Charlie Appleby’s runner won his first three races before being turned over last time and is clearly heading in the right direction.

Off a mark of 100 he’s still potentially well handicapped, but he may find it hard to fend off Irish Admiral now they appear to have found the key to the ex-Irish trained runner.

William Haggas sent this four-year-old to York at the start of the season following a successful stable debut, but despite travelling easily the best in the field a couple from home his run faded out late on over the mile-and-a-quarter.

Learning all the time how to ride him and over which trip, he failed a number of times but was very good at Redcar last time and so despite a small rise in the weights another win is very much on the cards soon and hopefully in this race.

Sunday 12th September 2021 

2.55 Curragh (Flying Five Stakes – Group 1) – WINTER POWER

By my reckoning the market may well have called this race right going into the weekend.

Dragon Symbol is a classy and tough young sprinter whose rating of 115 looks just about right, while ahead of him in the betting is last year’s winner and Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint champ Glass Slippers who can go well once again.

Topping the lot however is recent Nunthorpe Stakes heroine Winter Power and really there is no reason she should not be able to put her best foot forward one more time.

Having won three of her four races this season – or every time she’s run at York – some will say she is course dependent but that’s not true.

This flying filly has also won at Newmarket, Ayr and Redcar with the Curragh holding no fears for her. A repeat of her Nunthorpe and Westow Stakes performances in particular should see her home here for another Group 1 victory.

4.05 Curragh (National Stakes – Group 1) – NATIVE TRAIL

Point Lonsdale of Aidan O’Brien’s yard is not only a short-priced favourite for this race, but he also dominates the early markets for both the 2000 Guineas and the Derby next year and that’s not something to be taken lightly at all.

He’s very good, there’s little doubt about that, and if he wins again here that’s fair enough and he can be called a real juvenile star for sure.

That being said, this race looks sharper than ideal on paper for him and so the step forward many expect may not necessarily be forthcoming.

Native Trail on the other hand really needs this, with Charlie Appleby having done so well in this event with Quorto, Pinatubo and Master Of The Seas in the last three years.

The good looking Superlative Stakes winner is taken to improve enough to trouble the favourite here for Godolphin and true big-race jockey William Buick, with Ebro River no forlorn hope either for fellow raiders Hugo Palmer and James Doyle.

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th September 2021: Time to Get Creative in Sprint Cup

It’s Sprint Cup Day on Saturday, with top-notch July Cup winner Starman looking to confirm his Champion Sprinter title following his successes at York and Newmarket.

On Sunday the very classy Baaeed looks to land his first Group 1 over in France, while around Britain there is some excellent support action across both codes.

We’re off to Haydock first, backing a potentially very classy juvenile to do the business at Listed level.

Saturday 4th September 2021

1.15 Haydock (Ascendant Stakes - Listed Race) - HAFIT

Charlie Appleby, who if he hadn’t before has this season proved exactly why the now world-leading Godolphin operation retains him as their no.1 trainer, has another winning chance here.

So too does William Buick, the rider along with Oisin Murphy who probably have pulled clear from the rest as a duo, with Haafit the young colt set to have him in the winners’ enclosure again.

Haafit made an excellent winning debut on the July Course over seven furlongs last month. He saw the trip out very well up the hill that day, the runner-up has won since and it’s clear there is plenty more to come from him over this distance.

The 2.1 million-guinea purchase by Dubawi should be all the rage near race time in the ring too.

Power Of Beauty looks a strong enough rival, but he chased home the very good Albahr last time of Appleby and Godolphin’s, meaning the Boys in Blue have a very good line on the form and therefore of what’s expected from their runner.

2.20 Haydock (Handicap) - VALLEY FORGE

This is a smallish but high-quality 1m6f handicap for the three-year-olds, one in which likely market leader Valley Forge holds an outstanding winning chance.

Valley Forge, trained by the excellent Andrew Balding for George Strawbridge, is now on a hat-trick after a third, a second, a good win at Ffos Las and an excellent success in the Melrose Handicap over this trip at York.

He’s on a roll alright, remains lightly raced and clearly progressive with undoubtedly at least one more race of this nature in him before the end of the season.

Up against him the chief rivals appear to be Praiano, who is likely to be supported on the day, and Vino Victrix who has a solid form chance but it could be another good day for the reliable and talented David Probert in the saddle.

3.10 Ascot (Lavazza Stakes Handicap) - ALFAADHEL

The upper end of the betting market for this valuable and attractive 1m4f handicap is a very solid one indeed.

Wahraan has won two of his last three for Sir Michael Stoute, Chalk Stream is on a hat-trick for the Queen and William Haggas, and Alfaadhel is another dual winner in 2021 for Roger Varian and Shadwell.

Preference here is for the latter named of that trio. Alfaadhel took the eye when winning his novice race at Chester back in May, and he has gone on to do well since.

He was a good winner at Lingfield on the all-weather, while last time out he was a fine staying-on second at Glorious Goodwood.

The style of both his Chester victory and latest run over a mile and a quarter suggest this trip is fine for him, in fact more improvement could well be forthcoming from a young horse who has certainly not reached his ceiling yet.

Wahraan is naturally respected, while not only Chalk Stream but the solid Irish Legend can also mount major challenges up the straight.

3.30 Haydock (Sprint Cup - Group 1) - CREATIVE FORCE

The betting market for the huge Group 1, six-furlong sprint really revolves around Starman.

Ed Walker’s four-year-old was admittedly very, very good in winning the July Cup at Newmarket and wants the ground reasonably quick, but at these odds he can be taken on.

A touch unlucky in behind Starman at HQ was Creative Force for the all-star Godolphin, Appleby and Buick team. An improving sprinter-cum-seven-furlong type, Creative Force won the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot in June from a better-fancied stablemate despite the very soft ground and being held rather wide out on the wing.

Only a three-year-old with five wins from 8, the son of Dubawi is getting there all the time and is good value to put it up to the favourite.

Starman remains the main danger after his tough and classy wins in the Duke of York Stakes and July Cup, while Charlie Hills’ Garrus is no forlorn hope at a big price after a fine win recently in a French Group 3.

3.45 Ascot (Handicap) - BAASHIR

This is a high quality seven-furlong race, but it’s one in which the upper end of the market is made up by those in form, yet arguably handicapped just about up to their best.

What makes the selection interesting, Baashir, is that he’s a four-year-old, is lightly raced, is back over his favoured trip and ground and is clearly still improving overall.

I say overall as he has one of those ‘in and out’ sort of profiles. He tends to run to his best, then perform under-par, before running to his best once again next time out.

That’s not the reason for the selection of course, but I’d be more than happy for the pattern to continue now as I’m sure would Charlie Hills, Dane O’Neill and Shadwell.

Up against him Top Secret, Via Serendipity and Documenting are all interesting to varying degrees but will hopefully be playing for places.

Sunday 5th September 2021

4.50 York (Handicap) - DUTY OF CARE

I fancied only one horse on Sunday, and hopefully it’s worth the wait in this decent 1m2f handicap on the Knavesmire. 

Duty Of Care is the one, a rather nice three-year-old son of Kingman for Juddmonte and Sir Michael Stoute who has Richard Kingscote up top.

He won with more in hand than the bare result would suggest at Pontefract last time on the track, and looks sure to give a lot more now with the extra pace a better race and more runners so often brings.

As for rivals; Moktasaab and Pivoine demand obvious respect and are given as the main dangers.

Friday 27th & Saturday 28th August 2021: Mutasaabeq to Create a Celebration

We have another fantastic weekend of flat action coming up right across the racing world.

Goodwood hosts the March Stakes and the all-important Celebration Mile, Beverley stages its most important race of the year (the Bullet), there is Listed action at Newmarket and Windsor hosts the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes.

We have Group 1 action in Australia, while over in the States it’s Travers Day at Saratoga meaning we should get more clues for the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November.

We begin at HQ on Friday before looking forward to the evening meetings at Hamilton and Goodwood.

Friday 27th August 2021

2.55 Newmarket (Handicap) – ZAGATO

Cosmos Raj should prove to be popular here. Coming into the race on a hat-trick, the gelded son of Ifraaj is trained by Yorkshire-based David O’Meara and has James Doyle on board.

There are a number of punting ‘signposts’ then, however the truth is Doyler has been on board for both of those recent wins, which were narrow, and he doesn’t look particularly well in unless there is suddenly plenty more ability is unearthed.

Headingly remains of interest for Mark Johnston as does Marcus Tregoning’s Tasfeeq, but the most fascinating contender is Zagato.

John & Thady Gosden’s runner, still a colt and with plenty of improvement to come, showed when beaten narrowly behind Irish Legend and Siam Fox that a run into the 90’s is within his compass.

He took a novice race easily in June while his last run can be ignored, so off a mark of 85 he looks nicely handicapped.

6.40 Hamilton (Lanark Silver Bell Handicap) – MAHRAJAAN

There are five last time out winners in the Lanark Silver Bell, First Impression being the only horse not at least placed last time out in what looks at a glance to be a competitive field.

As well as John Quinn’s horse, who despite being the odd one out has a good place chance here, Dash Of Spice (Adrian Keatley) and Big Kitten (Mark Johnston) can go well but this looks like a great opportunity on handicap debut for William Haggas’ Mahrajaan.

The Shadwell gelding, by Kitten’s Joy, has done nothing wrong so far. Third on debut behind Wood Ditton winner Peter The Great, he won ever so easily next time over 1¼ miles at Leicester.

Upped to this mile-and-a-half trip at Ripon, he took care of Oscillates by a comfortable and yawning 9½ lengths, a horse who went on to win a handicap next time by well over three lengths.

Paul Hanagan jumps on here, who rode Oscillates in the aforementioned race, and this chap looks to be a minimum of 10lbs well in and potentially over a stone.

6.53 Goodwood (Fillies’ Handicap) – LOLA SHOWGIRL

A reasonable fillies’ handicap over the mile. Stunning Beauty is likely to be all the rage, the horse who was famously left behind when fancied at Royal Ascot before pulling up. Either side of that, she won at Doncaster and finished third at Newmarket so she’s obviously still in good form.

The filly that actually won the Royal Ascot race was Lola Showgirl, her second win in a row, and she can go in once more.

Improving nicely before meeting defeat last time out, she faced a particularly soggy Haydock Park and will appreciate Goodwood and the faster ground much more. Dalanijujo is best of the rest.

Saturday 28th August 2021

1.50 Goodwood (Prestige Stakes – Group 3) – TINDERBOX

The Gosden filly Tinderbox ran second on debut to Value Theory, a good yardstick and in opposition again here, before showing plenty of improvement in her 2½-length win at Kempton Park.

That was done in the style of a good filly and she’s up to this sort of level at a value price for Godolphin and Frankie Dettori.

Value Theory, Hello You, Daneh and Mise En Scene may all be of a similar ability.

2.25 Goodwood (Handicap) – PERSUASION

Charlie Hills’ Persuasion is the classic forgotten horse in many ways, but he clearly has plenty of ability.

He was excellent on debut at two at Goodwood, finished second to the likes of Wichita and Threat in Group company and won in style for this column at 8/1 back in April.

He loves this track and trip and is potentially still well ahead of the handicapper.

Aratus has only been beaten once and has gone up only 4lbs for his latest win, while Al Rufaa is returning after the best part of a year out and may just need the run.

2.45 Newmarket (Hopeful Stakes – Listed Race) – ROYAL CRUSADE

Tabdeed will be a short priced fancy here and he has strong form - fourth and third in Group 3’s, he is six now and not guaranteed to hold his form.

The value is in Royal Crusade. Godolphin have always kept the faith in him. He won on debut here and in a Deauville Group 3, beating Glen Shiel no less.

He’s been in and out this season, but he’s recently gelded and with his mind fully on the job in hand he can carry on moving upwards.

3.35 Goodwood (Celebration Mile – Group 2) – MUTASAABEQ 

Very surprisingly, Benbatl runs here instead of at Windsor as he makes an eagerly-awaited return to the track.

I’d have been all over him there, but my feeling is that he may need all of the mile-and-a-quarter trip the Winter Hill Stakes would have offered rather than this sharp mile.

The value then is in Mutasaabeq. His eye-catching performance in a Conditions race in April put him in line for the Guineas, but he didn’t stay in that race.

He was on the wrong side of the track on horrible ground in the Jersey Stakes, but came back with an easy Conditions Stakes win at Haydock last time and he’s ready for this. 

He could come of age in Group company, ahead of Benbatl, Perotto and Chindit.

Friday 20th & Saturday 21st August 2021: Marshall the Plan in Melrose

This weekend sees favourites Stradivarius, Trueshan, Spanish Mission, Zeyaadah and plenty more looking for success, while the admirable Malathaat looks to get back on track at Grade 1 level in the States.

For us, it’s all about York, Sandown and even California over Friday and Saturday with these little beauties: 

Friday 20th August 2021

3.00 York (Gimcrack Stakes – Group 2) – ORAZIO

The Gimcrack is always a high-quality juvenile race, though this time around it could be one of the outsiders which proves to be the best of the bunch.

The outsider in question is Orazio, trained by Charlie Hills and ridden by the excellent William Buick. His winning debut at Windsor in June was as good as anything else in this field managed first time up, while his defeat in third place at Newbury last time can be easily forgiven.

He was bumped at the start that day and was found to have a wound near his knee, with a fully fit son of Caravaggio now expected to reach the level we all know he’s capable of. Coventry winner Berkshire Shadow is next best ahead of Fearby and Lusail.

3.35 York (Nunthorpe Stakes – Group 1) – SUESA

There’s plenty of talk about Coolmore’s American-trained runner Golden Pal, and while he will have been wound up for this superb five-furlong contest his form so far does not back up his position at the head of the market.

Favourite really should be the French filly Suesa. I was as guilty as anyone in naively believing that she needed six furlongs and/or softer ground before she went to Goodwood. There, she destroyed her King George Stakes field over the minimum distance and looks as though she’ll relish this particular speed test even more.

She could be simply too hot for them on the day under that man Buick, with young filly Winter Power perhaps her biggest danger alongside fellow three-year-old Dragon Symbol.

The latter seems to be consistent in various conditions, while the former is two from two over the course and distance this year and will no doubt have had her best form held back for this very race by the wily Tim Easterby.

There’s quality in behind of course, with Chil Chil, Emaraaty Ana and Moss Gill not ruled out for places.

5.10 York (Handicap) – ROYAL FLEET

Completing our trio of Knavesmire bets on Friday is Godolphin’s Royal Fleet in this classy one-mile handicap.

As coincidence would have it, we’re relying on William Buick once again in the saddle, but this is really all about an improving three-year-old son of Dubawi.

Three from three in his career now, Royal Fleet took a Newmarket handicap last time producing some good sectionals despite having to race all on his own for large parts. He’ll appreciate being in behind a more competitive field around the bend here and can now reach a new level.

Wishaah and Dejame Paso are also getting better, while Rifleman should prove to be popular in the ring. Aldaary remains very capable, but doesn’t look the best handicapped horse in the line-up this time.

Saturday 21st August 2021

2.25 York (Melrose Handicap) – MARSHALL PLAN

This is a hugely competitive race over the Ebor course and distance. Dhushan remains on an upward curve and can go well yet again, while old rivals Valley Forge and Moshaawer have plenty more to give.

King Of The Castle is interesting at the top of the weights for Aidan O’Brien, but the overpriced one in the field is definitely Marshall Plan.

John & Thady Gosden’s young colt has close form with some smart types on the all-weather, not least Mandoob who could yet make the top level.

He’s only run once on the turf when finishing 4½ lengths back in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot having endured a bad trip, and now this step up in trip to 1¾ miles looks ideal.

2.40 Sandown (Atalanta Stakes – Group 3) – POTAPOVA

Potapova has been ready to go for some time but her chances have been limited because of the unseasonably soft ground.

Assuming there is no deluge at Sandown Park, Sir Michael Stoute’s classy three-year-old filly can finally take her chance again and can prove to be too good at this level.

An easy and impressive winner of a novice race at Redcar in May, she was thought of as a Group 1 filly and contested the Coronation Stakes at the royal meeting. It didn’t go well there, mainly because of the going, but she’s overpriced to gain compensation in a lower grade.

Indigo Girl is an obvious danger, while the likes of Saffron Beach, Maamora, Auria and Waliyak may also attract some support.

3.00 York (City of York Stakes – Group 2) – SPACE BLUES

The unusual schedule means that many trainers had to decide on whether to go for the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes last weekend over seven furlongs, or wait for this one at York.

This race was always Charlie Appleby’s plan for Space Blues and he should really prove to be simply too good in faster racing conditions.

Next on the list is stablemate Glorious Journey, while Safe Voyage and Primo Bacio may also contest the places.

2.30 Del Mar (Pacific Classic – Grade 1) – ROYAL SHIP

There is yet more fantastic Grade 1 action on both coasts in the States this weekend, but while I very much hope to see Malathaat get back to winning ways in the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga en route to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, she’s not a betting proposition.

The Pacific Classic however, a major mile-and-a-quarter event leading towards the Breeders’ Cup Classic, provides a little bit of betting value.

Express Train managed to beat Royal Ship last time they met, but it seems the shorter distance was very much in Express Train’s favour at Del Mar and so a turnaround is expected over this trip with Richard Mandella’s Royal Ship now favoured.

Two runs ago Royal Ship was beaten only a head in the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup over 1m2f giving away 2lbs, Express Train some 4¼ lengths behind on that occasion. Tripoli and Independence Hall are also worth considering.

Friday 13th & Saturday 14th August 2021: Hail Al in Hungerford Stakes

Sunday afternoon sees a potentially explosive Group 1 battle taking place in France, as a now fit Palace Pier takes on Poetic Flare and Alpine Star in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.

For us, it’s mostly about the domestic action however as we kick off a weekend featuring eight value bets beginning with a Newmarket handicap on Friday night.

Friday 13th August 2021

7.38 Newmarket (Handicap) – HYDROS 

An otherwise relatively underwhelming card at HQ finishes off on Friday with this fairly classy one-mile handicap on the July Course.

Sir Michael Stoute may hold the cards here, his Thibaan still looking potentially ahead of the handicapper and holding a chance here however it’s the more lightly-raced Hydros from his camp that gets the vote.

Richard Kingscote is on hand to take the ride on a four-year-old who made a fairly pleasing comeback over the course and distance recently following a long break during which he had wind surgery, the son of Frankel doubtless being very comfortable in these conditions and able to now show his very best.

Saturday 14th August 2021 

1.45 Newbury (Denford Stakes – Listed Race) – BAYSIDE BOY

After chasing home Native Trail in the Superlative Stakes last time out, it’s not surprising to see Andrew Balding’s Masakela at the top of the market.

That was a tough race for him, his third to date, and it may be that he doesn’t take the step forward right now that many would expect. Even if he does, he’s up against an impressive pair of first-time-out winners here who could reach a high level.

Seattle King is one of those for the Ralph Beckett yard, but easily the most intriguing horse in the line-up is Bayside Boy who is counted on here.

Roger Varian’s colt was 9/1 on debut, but cruised into his race over course and distance after a tardy start to win in very impressive fashion. Given his prep and the way in which he won, lots of improvement from race one to race two is expected and he already holds entries in Group 2 and Group 1 races later in the season.

2.00 Newmarket (Fillies’ Handicap) – QUENELLE D’OR

Goolwa, Midrarr and Eileendover will all be fancied for this, but frankly I was very surprised to see Hugo Palmer’s Quenelle D’Or open up at such a big price on Thursday.

The Golden Horn filly, with a record of two wins and three thirds in 8 races, has run by my reckoning to ratings of at least 90+ recently. She’s improving overall, hasn’t always had the rub of the green, and on a line through some of her past rivals can reach a mark closer to 100 now.

She gets in here off only 88 and so seems obviously well handicapped to me and too good to miss at the potential odds.

2.55 Newbury (Handicap) – ARATUS 

Ajyaall has the potential to improve further yet, while Sunset Bay comes into this race on a hat-trick and obviously cannot be dismissed lightly. The credentials of Aratus are just too impressive to ignore, however.

Clive Cox’s three-year-old, still a colt and having only his third ever run, opened up last season by being narrowly beaten by the now 103 rated Oo De Lally. He won very easily next time out before an enforced break and a breathing operation.

Upon returning to the track at Doncaster last month, Aratus destroyed his field by a very comfortable 7½ lengths which to my eye should have handed him a rating of around the 105 mark. He was given only 94 instead, so given that and the likelihood of further improvement coming in conditions we already know suit him, he really should make short work of this field at the weights.

3.25 Deauville (Prix Guillaume d’Ornano – Group 2) – DERAB

It’s all about Sunday and the Marois for most British raiders, however the Palace Pier combo of Frankie Dettori and the Gosdens may well strike as early as Saturday in this very valuable Group 2 race.

More than £200,000 is up for grabs to the winner of this event, and it’s Derab who has the best profile. A very taking winner at Newmarket back in May, the Derby was even talked about for this Sea The Stars colt but he was ultimately held back for the French version.

Things didn’t go his way that day, but he ran extremely well in defeat behind Real World last time, strong form indeed, and with more progression likely he looks a few pounds ahead of the likes of Millebosc, Pretty Tiger, Highland Avenue and the rest.

3.30 Newbury (Hungerford Stakes – Group 2) – AL SUHAIL

This is a very intriguing contest. Despite being worth around a quarter of a race run at the same level five minutes earlier in France, it is far more competitive which says a lot about British racing right now both on the positive and negative sides.

D’bai is no forlorn hope, Dreamloper has every chance, Sacred won the Nell Gwyn this season and now gets her trip and ground while the Shadwell team run Laneqash, Danyah and Motakhayyel who could all be very similar in terms of ability.

The one to be on however should be Godolphin’s first choice Al Suhail. Supplemented for last year’s 2000 Guineas, this chap has always been held in high regard and despite flopping in the classic came back to register a devasting Listed-class performance thereafter.

Having been gelded, he’s returned to Britain from Dubai and has already posted a very strong 1¾-length third behind Tilsit which is great form, with a new career peak now likely and the seven furlongs looking perfect for him. He’s still thought of as a potential Group 1 horse, something we shouldn’t forget.

3.40 Newmarket (Handicap) – BANDINELLI 

A small Class 4 handicap over a mile-and-a-half, this isn’t the sort of race in which we’d usually find a potentially classy runner who remains well handicapped by this point of the season.

Bandinelli however is just that type. Having already won at Wolverhampton in January, his very close form giving away 7lbs to Marshall Plan, now rated 92, and Golden Flame who is now rated 91 shows you where he most likely stands for real.

Here, he runs off a mark of only 85 and now that he’s been gelded, he can get right back on track.

4.00 Newbury (Handicap) – CAMELOT TALES

Tawaareq is getting better and Arctic Vega has a chance, but Camelot Tales is still climbing the ladder quickly himself and was only defeated last time because of running too freely. Buick knows him now and can guide him to his third win.