It’s a busy weekend up and down the country, in a tale of two halves. Up at Haydock, the forecast is dry for a terrific renewal of the Sprint Cup. But down South, it looks a typical Autumn day in Britain with rain covering both Ascot and Kempton. With that in mind, it makes an interesting four to follow.
Haydock
My Gift To You
1:15 – Superior Mile Stakes (Group Three) – Cicero’s Gift @ 100/30 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)
It looks a rather competitive Group Three on paper. But take ground into consideration and it’s more an open and shut case. With two runs under his belt, Cicero’s Gift is worth appeal at his price. He won on soft ground in the Coral Challenge by half a length and came out with a good excuse at Goodwood, saying he’d prefer slower ground. He’s got that today and is the only horse in the field with soft ground favourability. He’s a favourite who should deliver.
Captain Jack
3:35 – Sprint Cup Stakes (Group One) – Bucanero Fuerte @ 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)
For those who don’t know, Bucanero Fuerte roughly translates as Mighty Pirate into English. And this swashbuckling horse can certainly make an impact in this Group One sprint. He’s been off the track with an injury, but not before he achieved a Group Three victory at The Curragh. Read further into his form as a two-year-old and his win in the Phoenix Stakes speaks volumes, when beating Porta Fortuna by four lengths. Top rated and a force to be reckoned with.
Each-way value belongs to Jasour, a sprinter who’s gone quietly about his business this season. He started off with a win in the Commonwealth Cup trial, before finishing third in the race proper. Then a sixth against the older horses wasn’t too harmful to his performance. The extended break has given him time to freshen up and is on the right side of the draw. 12/1 (BetVictor).
Kempton
A Group Three Phenomenon
2:35 – Unibet September Stakes (Group Three) – Hamish @ 2/1 (William Hill)
In recent years this race has been used for a trail for the Arc in France. However, this year looks unlikely. But there’s one horse who’s won Group Three races at a canter. And that’s Hamish. In fact he won this exact race back in 2021. After the season he has had, it’s hard to abandon him after his blip at Newmarket, and Lion’s Pride doesn’t look a Group horse in any shape or form.
Ascot
Say A Little Prayer
2:10 – Chapel Down Heritage Handicap – The Reverend @ 4/1 (William Hill)
The Reverend has put in a good shout for his past three performances. Especially his heavy form debut, gives him an upper hand against the opposition. His dam has produced middle distance horses before, so trip shouldn’t be an issue. However with five pounds raised for nearest rival Goodwood Odyssey, the weights for The Reverend look very attractive.
The very best of luck!
