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.

Friday 7th & Saturday 8th April 2023: Obelix the Pillar of Class at Newcastle

It’s All-Weather Finals Day at Newcastle on Friday. Between the six Championship races and the Burradon, over £1 million is on offer while Lingfield hosts the Vase races. There are Group/Grade 1 races of significant importance in Australia and the USA too.

We have a very busy weekend indeed, beginning in the Toon.

Friday 7th April 2023

1.15 Newcastle (Burradon Stakes – Listed Race) – OBELIX 

This is a very competitive Burradon. The race has produced Gronkowsi and Megallan among others, and we might just see a smart performance from a well-bred colt here.

John & Thady Gosden train Obelix for KHK Racing, owners of Eldar Eldarov, and the son of Sea The Stars has a ton of talent.

He has won over this course and distance ever so easily and looks the type to progress markedly now. He is also still entered in the 2000 Guineas and the Dante.

Arabian Storm has won similarly at Newcastle and also looks good, though in his case a look through the form from that race shows it was not at all impressive, even if his turf form from a strong novice race was. Others to watch include Galreon, Flight Plan and at a big price, Dark Thirty.

1.50 Newcastle (All-Weather 3yo Championships) – SHOULDBEBEENARING

Based on all known factors, I rather feel the early market got this one right.

Richard Hannon’s Shouldvebeenaring (Sean Levey) has the ability to win this and she has the form if you look closely enough and compare form lines.

The big danger is Julie Camacho’s Shaquille, a colt with a 3-4 record who has won over 6 on Tepeta in good style, while solid enough in behind the two are New Definition and Hello Queen.

2.05 Lingfield (All-Weather Vase Marathon) – MR ESCOBAR

Rare one for Willie Mullins. He sends his new recruit to Lingfield to be ridden by Ryan Moore. Mr Escobar has had some time now with Mullins, he is in hotter company, it’s only his fourth run and he is stepping up from 1¼ to two miles which is perfect.

2.25 Newcastle (All-Weather Marathon Championships) – FLEURMAN

Based partly on actual form but also on rates of progression in these conditions, Fleurman looks a fair bet in the two-mile race Olly Murphy’s five-year-old is rated 91 and is on the way up, giving the impression he’s worth a good bit more. 

David O’Meara’s Barenboim is a danger, as are solid types Berkshire Rocco and Rainbow Dreamer. This may be tough for last year’s winner Earlofthecotswolds and up-and-coming Nolton Cross.

2.40 Lingfield (All-Weather Vase Mile) – BREWING

William Haggas’ Brewing is unbeaten, with all three runs coming on the all-weather but it’s about more than that. The four-year-old gelding can reach a much higher level and at the weights, has an outstanding chance under Ryan Moore.

3.00 Newcastle (All-Weather Middle-Distance Championships) – FOREST OF DEAN

Also known as the Easter Classic, this is a £200,000 contest over the mile and a quarter.

John & Thady Gosden have a strong hand here with their solid, Group-performing seven-year-olds Forest Of Dean and Harrovian. Though the latter was once considered the better horse, Forest Of Dean is in terrific form just now, beat his pal on this course not so long ago and can do so again under James Doyle.

Base Note, Freescape and Notre Belle Bete will need to improve.

3.35 Newcastle (All-Weather Mile Championships) – SAN ANDREAS

Joseph O’Brien’s may be on bigger things (see Saturday’s information), but he has a big shout of another large pot here with his San Andreas.

Berkshire Shadow has the form to win this and is in form having won last time out on Tapeta, but is a very short price and could be vulnerable to an improver.

San Andreas has been running to marks over 100 consistently, but last time reached a new level with an easy win at Dundalk and there is even more to come from him. James Doyle rides.

4.10 Newcastle (All-Weather Fillies’ and Mares’ Championships) – MANAAFITH

This race really does come down to William Haggas’ Queen Aminatu and Roger Varian’s Manaafith. It’s a tight call and at the time of writing Manaafith is a short price, but she just about gets the vote.

She’s gone from odds-on at the start of the week to 6/5 on Thursday. In the hope that she drifts further, which I have no problem with, she can be a backable price in what is a two-horse race if they run to their merits.

4.25 Lingfield (All-Weather Vase Fillies’ Handicap) – SPRING PROMISE

While James Doyle is at Newcastle, William Buick is at Lingfield to ride this filly, Spring Promise. She is a three-year-old taking on the older fillies, but she is very well treated and the team know it well. 

4.45 Newcastle (All-Weather Sprint Championships) – VADREAM

The well-backed Annaf represents top all-weather trainer Michael Appleby and multiple Group 1-winning jockey James Doyle. He is on a four-timer on the all-weather and has been freshened up, so a big run could be on the cards.

Diligent Harry is another in with a big shout, but Vadream is class and gets a 5lbs fillies’ allowance.

The manner of her victory last Saturday at Doncaster showed her to be not only in great form, but still improving overall. According to Charlie Fellowes she thrives on her racing and would rather this than a break, while the level of her form is above most others in this race. Hollie Doyle gets the ride.

Saturday 8th April 2023 

6.15 (AM) Randwick (Sydney Cup – Group 1 Handicap) – CLEVELAND

Cleveland was a revelation for Aidan O’Brien last May when winning the Chester Cup. Since moving to Joseph O’Brien, he has kept improving quietly.

After taking in the Tancred Stakes over an inadequate trip he is as sharp as he can be right now and he’s getting better. We should remember that, as it stands, he is the best horse in this race at the weights and this is his big target so we should see the best of him.

King Frankel is improving and can go well, as can Arapaho, Nerve Not Verve, High Emocean and Surefire in a hugely competitive Group 1 handicap. Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip may continue to struggle at the weights.

Later on the card is the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the clash between Anamoe and Dubai Honour. We’ll see both horses back in England soon, but for what it’s worth I couldn’t take the prices offered when Cascadian and Montefelia have a strong chance too.

Saturday 1st April 2023 - Poker Face No Bluff at Doncaster

The Flat is truly back as we get straight into the Lincoln meeting at Doncaster.

We have a hugely busy Saturday with ten selections, while punters should also look out for the debut performance of Carlton on Town Moor.

6.35 (AM) Randwick (Doncaster Mile – Group 1) – CONVERGE

This $4 million event is one of the top races in Australia. It’s Day One of The Championships at Royal Randwick in Sydney, this being the feature race on a card that also includes the Australian Derby.

The Doncaster Mile is a handicap race and that can either muddy the waters, or give something in the field a big chance.

Two weeks ago, we gave you Dubai Honour who scored well for William Haggas, while last week Montefelia lost out by the shortest of margins.

Haggas runs Group 3 winner Protagonist here and at the weights, he should be competitive along with Zougotcha, Fangirl and last year’s winner Mr Brightside.

The one I reckon has a bit in hand owing to recent improvement and solid form with Anamoe however is Converge and he is taken to land this massive pot for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

7.15 (AM) Randwick (Australian Derby – Group 1) – PERICLES

Godolphin and trainer James Cummings have had some great success in Australia in recent years. They may carry that on this Saturday with victory here for their Pericles.

Though much of the talk has been about Sharp ‘N’ Smart, it may be that James McDonald’s mount is simply the best horse and his main rival is also drawn out wide. Mazoice, Andalus and Elliptical made up the shortlist.

1.30 Kempton (Novice Stakes) – BURGLAR

At the time of writing Burglar’s tissue price was 7/4. Assuming he remains at backable odds, he has to be taken in this even giving away weight as he was so impressive on his racecourse debut.

By Cracksman, this colt is still in the Derby and could end up there yet. Assuming he wins this as he should from the likes of Incremental, Order Of Malta and My Lion, he would likely go for a trial somewhere in the next month or so. William Buick is at Kempton to take the ride on Secret State and has an excellent bonus mount here.

2.05 Kempton (Magnolia Stakes – Listed Race) – SECRET STATE 

We don’t quite know what Fantom Flight can achieve just yet, especially after one particularly impressive handicap performance last season.

Belloccio is well fancied after a couple of course wins over longer distances, but based on everything we know for sure Secret State is the best horse in this race and should be winning it en route back into Group company this season.

3.00 Doncaster (Cammidge Trophy – Listed Race) – EL CABALLO

If he’s fully ready to go after a long break, four-year-old sprinter El Caballo can prove to be too good for this field.

As well as winning a Group 2 at Haydock, Karl Burke’s runner was a winner on soft ground and was excellent on the Tapeta at Newcastle so, all in all, these conditions should hold no worries.

He can take this before going back up into top Group company, ahead of Asjad, Fast Response and King’s Lynn.

3.15 Kempton (Queen’s Prize Handicap) – BANDINELLI 

There are only six runners entered for this race and only £12,000 is being handed out to the winner, but rest assured this is a good staying handicap.

At a glance, it’s very close between a few of these with Aztec Empire understandably inserted as favourite. A closer look however reveals that over this trip around Kempton, the more impressive sectional speed has come from Bandinelli.

The plan may be to get this horse to the Northumberland Plate or something similar, starting with a good performance here.

3.35 Doncaster (Lincoln Handicap) – AL MUBHIR

Although he has been backed to a price I’d rather not have taken, Al Mubhir is the best of this bunch at the weights and has an outstanding chance.

His price collapse is due in part to our winning selection last week, Lattam, giving Haggas a win in the Irish Lincolnshire too.

This horse was considered a potential Classic colt last spring, he loves this ground, is well ahead of his handicap mark and has an ideal profile for the Lincoln.

Drawn up the near side is Wanees who too could have an excellent season, while plenty of money has come for Awaal this week.

4.10 Doncaster (Doncaster Mile – Listed Race) – POKER FACE

In this one-mile Listed race, we have quite the mixed bag. Experience Tempus is still quality, but he’s getting no younger and may not be at his best on this ground.

Toimy Son and Tacarib Bay are solid, while Imperial Fighter was looking like a quality three-year-old last year and can hit the ground running this term.

The suggestion however is the unbeaten Poker Face. Unbeaten in three starts, the Crisford runner appears to be improving at a rate of knots and could prove to be much better than a Listed horse in time. James Doyle rides.

7.00 Chelmsford (Cardinal Conditions Stakes) – BOLD ACT

There’s £100,000 up for grabs here, a race on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Iconic Moment, Brave Emperor and Alzahir are all solid enough performers and would be competitive in a Listed race, but then potential big-time performer is definitely Bold Act for Charlie Appleby and Harry Davies.

If he wins, it’s unsure whether he could/would go to Kentucky but it would certainly be an interesting move.

10.15 Gulfstream Park (Gulfstream Park Oaks – Grade 2) – SACRED WISH

I have nothing for either of the two hugely important Grade 1’s on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Arkansas and Florida Derbies, but this race may provide some evening value.

We’ve gone successfully for the last two winners of the Kentucky Oaks in Malathaat and Secret Oath and I reckon Javier Castellano’s mount Sacred Oath may just be heading in a similar direction.

She has form after only two runs and a maiden win that matches up with the best of this field, in fact it’s better than most of them. She will undoubtedly improve and should shine now upped in class under her excellent jockey.

Miracle was next on the list.

Saturday 25th March 2023 - A Racing Weekend Without Borders

The Go North weekend is the big deal for the jumps this week. Musselburgh (Friday), Kelso (Saturday) and Carlisle (Sunday) host the action. It’s also the Jumps Season Finale meeting at Newbury.

The Flat starts in Ireland this weekend with the Irish Lincolnshire in which we have a bet, along with plenty more international action too.

5.40 (AM) Rosehill (Tancred Stakes – Group 1) – MONTEFELIA

We begin in Australia at 5.40am before moving to Dubai at midday and eventually to the USA later on Saturday night.

Though no match for Dubai Honour in the Ranvet last Saturday, five-year-old mare Montefelia may just prove too good for this field at the weights over the mile and a half.

Much like Dubai Honour, Cleveland has been woefully underestimated by the Australians (if only this were a handicap), while Melbourne Cup winners Gold Trip and Vow And Declare should also go well.

12.05 Meydan (Godolphin Mile – Group 2) – BATHRAT LEON 

Given the number of older horses in this race, there will not be much in the way of progression to attempt to judge.

Isolate, if staying the distance, Prince Eiji, Discovery Island and several others are all solid enough, but perhaps aren’t as taking as French-trained Egot.

Even with him, he needs to get to and beat his career peak though if he is to challenge Japanese runner Bathrat Leon.*

His best performance was last time out just four weeks ago, but he has also proven to be very effective on the dirt at Tokyo so he can achieve peak form in this which should be enough in the race he won last year.

12.40 Meydan (Dubai Gold Cup – Group 2) – SISKANY

A repeat of Quickthorn’s standout win at York would give him a major chance, while former winner Subjectivist is back and is obviously dangerous.

Broom could get back to his best now staying, but I prefer the chances of up-and-coming stayers Trawlerman and Siskany.

Trawlerman won the Ebor last year and ran very well on Champions Day behind Trueshan. Siskany could be at a different level however and warmed up nicely with a simple win Group 3 company here last time out.

1.15 Meydan (Al Quoz Sprint – Group 1) – AL SUHAIL

This is a good six-furlong sprint and a proper international one.

Cazadero (USA) and The Astrologist (Australia) probably need to pick up on what they’ve done in recent times. Ireland’s Ladies Church is capable of more, while Hong Kong pair Slight Success and Duke Wai are the main dangers to the selection, Al Suhail.

The six-year-old’s easy win last time is enough to make him competitive anyway, though he is clearly improving. Charlie Appleby has done very well in recent seasons teaching former mile and seven-furlong horses how to sprint, with this horse perhaps the best of the bunch. Al Dasim is well backed but might just be outgunned.

3.10 Meydan (Dubai Turf – Group 1) – NATIONS PRIDE

Whatever happens in this race, take in the form as this is truly a top-class Group 1 event over nine furlongs.

Real World is very good and spent last year chasing Baaeed around. Do Deuce is a major Japanese hope who needs to step down in trip, while Master Of The Seas should have won last time and can land a mile(ish) Group 1 before the end of the year.

Former winner Lord North is clearly in great form and will run very well again, while Sefiros won a high-class race in Japan last time.

The level of form shown last year on more than one occasion, allied with his continued improvement, shows Nations Pride to be a very, very good horse indeed and he will love this specific trip, though he is drawn wide.

3.25 Curragh (Irish Lincolnshire Handicap) – LATTAM

Ado McGuiness is certainly going for this with ten of the 27 final entries all his. Of that battalion, Celtic Crown and Comfort Line are best fancied from low draws.

The draw would usually put me off if it were too high here, but so many fancied horses are drawn in the 20’s and it is bound to level off more than normal.

The three I liked best were Totally Charming, Miss Mirabell and Lattam who are drawn 22, 25 and 24 respectively with the last-named, trained by William Haggas, seeming to have plenty in hand at the weights.

4.00 Meydan (Sheema Classic – Group 1) – REBEL’S ROMANCE 

Japan’s Equinox is favourite here and top-rated. He is joined by major Arc de Triomphe hope Shahryar, recent Group 1 winner Win Marylin, Derby third and Irish Derby winner Westover, three-time Group 1 and Breeders’ Cup winner Rebel’s Romance and Mostahdaf who routed a good field in Saudi Arabia last time.

This is then, once again, a truly excellent race.

There is no reason to doubt Equinox here really, though his price is very short while Westover is somewhat on the comeback trail and while very smart isn’t likely to ultimately prove to be the best of last year’s three-year-olds.

Both Mostahdaf and Rebel’s Romance have been a little underestimated, with the proven form and speed of the latter over this distance winning out at the odds.

10.42 Fair Grounds (Louisiana Derby – Grade 2) – KINGSBARNS

The highlight of a bumper 15-race card at Fair Grounds in New Orleans is the Louisiana Derby.

Race number 12 on the day, the Louisiana Derby offers 40 points to the winner on the Road to the Kentucky Derby making it a key prep race for the big one on May 6.

The choice is here is Kingsbarns. The excellent Todd Pletcher trains this colt by Uncle Mo, a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner who also sired Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist.

He didn’t make his racecourse debut until January when he beat his maiden special weight field by just under a length. He strengthened up and improved markedly to win again last month at Tampa Bay and he did it in the style of a tough, classy individual.

The level of form expected of him now could see him improve past likely favourite Instant Coffee, while his morning line odds of 6/1 are also more than a little tempting. Tapit’s Conquest, Cagliostro and Sun Thunder also came into consideration.

Saturday 18th March 2023: Surrey Not to Be Missed

After the four day long jumping jamboree that is the Cheltenham Festival, we’re a little all over the place this weekend.

There is more jumping to be done at Fontwell, Doncaster, Kempton, Uttoxeter and Newcastle and in fact we have information for the latter two venues.

We’re also on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, skipping across to France for some Flat pattern action on the turf and we even begin very early in the morning down in Australia where there is British interest among the Group 1 racing in Sydney.

4.15 (AM) Rosehill (Ranvet Stakes – Group 1) – DUBAI HONOUR 

The Ranvet is a $1 million race and a very important part of Sydney’s Autumn Racing Carnival. Rosehill hosts this time, the Ranvet being over 2000 metres or pretty much one and a quarter miles.

This is the race William Haggas won with Addeybb a couple of years ago and he has sent four more horses to Sydney this time around.

One of them is Dubai Honour and, reading the Aussie press, they are very keen to take him on which could be a mistake.

His form is solid and he handles varying ground. This is his perfect trip, while we’re not certain what is best for other leading contenders Montefelia, Mo’unga, Hinged and Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip.

He’s no banker, that’s for sure, but he is up there challenging with the very best of them in this race and it yet again makes some of us ache for a Charlie Appleby or a John Gosden to send one of “our” proper Group 1 types to Australia.

2.50 Newcastle (Handicap Hurdle) – WAR SOLDIER

This market should remain competitive for us as while Voix Du Reve is heading backwards now he is still a big name and will attract support, while Lebowski will also have supporters. Arguably, Albert’s Back has a better chance than both.

Ahead of those three, Nick Alexander’s Stainsby Girl is challenging for favouritism and is a last-time-out winner. She scored over the course and distance in fact and in simple fashion, though she was given a very easy lead that time and has been put up 5lbs. This is a better class of opposition.

Thereisnodoubt will by many people’s idea of the winner. Trained by Lucinda Russell, then ten-year-old has the form to win this but he’s been busy and has perhaps felt the effects of that on his last couple of runs at Kelso.

The one to be on may well be Sandy Thomson’s War Soldier. Given that he’s come through the novice route to this, winning at Newcastle and Haydock, he is likely better than his handicap mark. He was sent to Cheltenham for a Grade 2 and while that was above him, this race is not.

2.50 Saint-Cloud (Prix Exbury – Group 3) – SURREY MIST 

The Gerald Mosse-ridden Skaletti has won around Saint-Cloud twice before and is a very good yardstick.

He is capable of the level needed to win this and he may just do it, however his numbers are generally trending downwards which is to be expected of a now eight-year-old.

Five-year-old Kertez represents master trainer Andre Fabre and jockey Maxime Guyon so will attract plenty of support and the Intello gelding will also like these very soft conditions.

Once more he is generally at the right level, but the nod is given to British challenger Surrey Mist for Kevin Philippart De Foy.

After winning an ordinary handicap at Windsor in October, the up-and-coming four-year-old took in a Listed race at Deauville on bad ground before the season closed out and he won that ever so easily by four lengths. He can now take the next step under rider Ioritz Mendizabal.

3.00 Uttoxeter (Midlands Grand National – Class 1 Handicap) – GUETAPAN COLLONGES

Things are close here between the likes of The Galloping Bear, French Paradoxe, Bushypark and Guetapan Collonges.

Charlie Longsdon’s runner however, for owner JP McManus, has been well backed for a reason as his form is solid and he’s very much heading in the right direction. He is made for these marathon races and he should prove to be the best of this bunch.

3.25 Newcastle (Handicap Chase) – GERYVILLE

This Class 3 event is a qualifier for the Challenger Staying Chase Series.

The three most likely winners are Omar Maretti (Alex Hales), Small Present (Sue Smith) and Geryville (Micky Hammond) with the latter receiving my vote.

On very close inspection it seems the level of Geryville’s form is better than the others at the weights. He also has a little more time on his side and could improve quicker than his main rivals.

He has already finished ahead of Small Present by over two lengths (only 1lb worse off now) and has the assistance of top jockey Brian Hughes in the saddle.

3.25 Saint-Cloud (Prix la Camargo – Listed Race) – HEAVENLY BREATH

Another raid to Paris’s western suburbia is being organised by Lambourn’s Archie Watson who sends Heavenlyu Breath to this one-mile Listed race.

The grey filly, a daughter of Dark Angel, is no stranger to France having been sent to Longchamp last September for a Group 3 in which she was a fine second.

That was her third racecourse start and what is noticeable is how much she has improved between races. She is already the highest rated filly in this race, but if she does take another significant step forward she could put herself very comfortably clear of local challengers Angelaba, Autumn Starlight and Axdaliva.

Kieran Shoemark takes the ride.

7.00 Wolverhampton (Handicap) – WHIMSY 

In this rider-restricted race, it would be no surprise if the in-form Zealot were to go in again especially as young sensation Billy Loughnane can take 5lbs off. It may be that he needs to, however.

Others in with chances are Buxted Too for Ian Williams, Obsidian Knight for Terry Kent and Nolton Cross for Hugo Palmer but the one I think may be underestimated is Andrew Balding’s Whimsy.

The Tapeta as a slight unknown for this filly, but it suits plenty of horses and tends to be very fair.

On the Polytrack at Kempton last August she ran to a level that would have given her a strong chance at the weights for me, so bearing in mind that she is just a four-year-old we have to think she’s improved plenty since then.

Indeed, on good to soft turf at Newmarket last October, she ran very well to finish third behind Madame Ambassador and Swoon at Newmarket having led the way and she has a ideal draw here too in stall 1.