Best Of Bets

Tag: horse racing

  • Four To Follow – An Autumn Celebration – Part One

    Four To Follow – An Autumn Celebration – Part One

    It’s the busiest Saturday in the Autumn as we have three massive meetings to cover. At Newmarket it’s the future champions’ weekend. One tip from York, where we have their finale meeting. And then head west to Wales to find the jumps season opener. Tips from all three meetings on a busy weekend.

     

    Newmarket

    A Magical Dance

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    3:35 – Fillies’ Mile (GROUP ONE) – Ballet Slippers @ 14/1 (General)

    Writing this, I am still racking my brains over why Ryan Moore has ditched Ballet Slippers in favour of January. Ballet Slippers has soft ground form, which could be useful at this time of year. She’s bred magnificently out of the champion Magical and by super sire Dubawi, and her pedigree is top notch. And the form from her Ascot maiden has been franked when the second went and won last week at Haydock. She has the perfect blueprint to win this race and is an unbelievable price.

     

    York

    Who Are Ya?

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    2:40 – William Hill Finale Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Who’s Glen @ 13/2 (General)

    This small field looks a bit competitive, and I think I’ve spotted some value. Who’s Glen ran a very long way clear of a similar distance at Chester last time out, and won by 14 lengths. The handicapper has given him a fair weight to carry. He’s also trained by York’s current top trainer, Andrew Balding, who is currently +30 to £1 this season. An incredible record and has the beating of the top two in the market.

     

    Chepstow

    Blast Off

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    3:15 – Unibet Persian War Novices’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Ryan’s Rocket @ 2/1 (General)

    At long last, the jumps are finally back! With a tricky little contest to get us underway. With no Paul Nicholls featuring, the winner could come from anywhere. But I think Ryan’s Rocket has every right to be favourite. He’s got plenty of form in the book, particularly from his maiden win at Taunton. He’s a half-brother to former Fergal O’Brien hurdler Greenlagh Girl, who is now a stayer of point-to-points. The only way is up for this exciting gelding.

     

    The Best Boy

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    3:50 – Unibet Veterans’ H’cap Chase – Good Boy Bobby @ 100/30 (William Hill)

    We love the old boys do their thing in these veterans’ chases. And one horse looks primed for this opening bout. Good Boy Bobby won this race off a pound lower mark last year, so is well-handicapped. His record fresh is seven from 12, and his record in October is four from six. To make that even more impressive, he’s unbeaten at the track in his three starts. Not just a good boy, but a good bet.

    Another Chepstow lover is Wayfinder. In 2022, he completed a hattrick at the track, and has since not been able to replicate that form. But he still boasts a four wins from nine starts record, which also includes two seconds. He has a decent record fresh and acts well early on in the season. Still a bit of value at 13/2 (William Hill).

     

    Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow – Arc de Triomphe Tips

    Four To Follow – Arc de Triomphe Tips

    It’s Europe’s premier race, full of legends and history. Who will write their name into the annals of the great Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. There’s also some great competitive Group One’s in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere, Prix de l’Opera and Prix la Foret.

     

    Redemption Masterpiece

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    1:30 – Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere (GROUP ONE) – Henri Matisse @ 3/1 (William Hill)

    It may have been a shock in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, but Henri Matisse had his excuses. He leaned to both the left and right and ran around, confirmed post-race. Now he has first time blinkers on, which is a big positive. He achieved Group Two success in the Futurity back in August and has always looked like one of the premier Aidan O’Brien colts. Ryan Moore has already achieved a treble at Longchamp, with O’Brien with four big wins, and Henri Matisse can continue the trend.

     

    Olympic Champion

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    3:20 – Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (GROUP ONE) – Los Angeles @ 5/1 (General)

    I’ve racked my brains over this Group One, and I’m still unsure at time of writing. However, I believe I’ve come down on three with big chances.

    One of them is Los Angeles. He’s been very consistent over a mile and a half, but wasn’t ready for the Irish Champion Stakes. This looks to have been in the list of targets after his win in the Irish Derby. He also has form with Illinois, who won yesterday at Longchamp, after he only lost by a neck in the Great Voltigeur. He can be very competitive for the in-form yard.

    Aventure has also been consistent back in France. She only finished a length down in the Prix de Diane back in June before achieving Group Two success in the Prix de Pomone. Finishing three-quarters of a length down last time out in the Prix Vermeille, she can bid to follow in the footsteps of the great mares who have won this race. 20/1 (William Hill, Boylesports).

    Continuous has been severely underestimated in my opinion. We saw an O’Brien second string win the feature yesterday, and Continuous won’t go in to be a pacemaker. The former St Leger winner hasn’t had the best of seasons, with his only victory coming over 10 furlongs. But he was a good fifth in last year’s renewal and will love both the ground and trip and has proven to outstay some in this field. 28/1 (William Hill).

     

    The Wrong Choice?

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    4:05 – Prix de l’Opera (GROUP ONE) – Content @ 11/2 (General)

    I think that Ryan Moore may have made the wrong choice in this race. Ylang Ylang hasn’t placed at all this season and best performances have come over a mile. Content is more proven at the middle distance after finishing second in the Irish Oaks, then winning the Yorkshire Oaks. The soft ground and step down in trip puts her over the edge of her favoured stablemate for me.

    At a price Hanalia looks attractive for Johnny Murtagh. She was outclassed in her only Group One start, the Irish Oaks, but was a good winner on Irish Champions Weekend in the Blandford Stakes. She can handle the trip, but ground could be a question. However she is unexposed in that department and has credentials to run a place. 14/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Un Pour France

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    4:40 – Prix La Foret (GROUP ONE) – Ramatuelle @ 3/1 (General)

    Ramatuelle has had a long layoff and a slight step down in trip today, may be the difference. She was narrowly beaten in the 1000 Guineas, which the form has been electric all season (and Tamfana finally got her win yesterday). In her native France she’ll be used to the quirks with the ground, and the French can walk away from Arc weekend with their heads held high.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow – A Trés French Weekend

    Four To Follow – A Trés French Weekend

    It’s a big weekend for Europe as all eyes train to France for a plethora of French Group One’s, culminating in tomorrow’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Today there’s not just two Group One’s in France, but one at Newmarket. Plus big handicap action at Ascot. Plenty of action on a busy Saturday.

     

    Longchamp

    King Of Europe

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    1:33 – Prix du Cadran (GROUP ONE) – Kyprios @ 4/11 (BetVictor)

    There’s only one horse to consider. It’s just a question of name the distance, given that Kyprios won the Cadran by 20 lengths when he won the race in 2022. William Hill will pay 3/1 for Kyprios to win over five lengths and that seems like a better bet than just an outright win for one of Europe’s top stayers.

    If you fancy the forecast, Trueshan makes a lot of sense. Despite only winning the Listed Coral-Marathon this year, Trueshan has won the Cadran twice in the last three years. He’s capable at the distance and soft ground suits him to a ‘T’.

     

    Vive La France

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    4:00 – Prix de Royallieu (GROUP ONE) – Caius Chorister @ 8/1 (William Hill)

    Despite training in West Sussex, David Menusier is as French as they come. Which is why he’s targeted his star filly to win in his native country. Caius Chorister came close to winning two Group Three’s at the start of the season and ran a good race at Chester last time out. She won over the same distance on similar ground last season at Saint-Cloud and has been targeted at this race by the trainer. It looks a weak Group One on paper and Caius Chorister possess a lot of talent.

     

    Newmarket

    French Fever

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    2:40 – Sun Chariot Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Tamfana @ 9/4 (General)

    Surface matters at this stage in the season, which, for me, rules out Inspiral and Nashwa who like firmer conditions. Tamfana could make it a big weekend for Mr Menusier. She dominantly won the Group Three Atalanta last time out, and the second, Doha, won yesterday so the form back up. She’s raced behind Sosie, who won next time out too and looks to be a Group One winner in the making.

     

    Ascot

    A Bit More European

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    3:35 – Challenge Cup (Heritage H’cap) – Germanic @ 6/1 (General)

    Three-year-olds do seem to perform better towards the end of the season in handicaps. Particularly if there a couple of pounds well-in on the handicap. Germanic is exactly that. He comes into this race two pounds well-in after finishing a close third to Telemark at Doncaster last time out. It’s clear he can handle soft ground which is another plus for him and can produce a similar run off an advantageous mark.

    Another horse off an advantageous mark is Golden Mind, who finished within a neck to Telemark in the same race. It’s clear he can handle both trip and distance and Northern trainers have a decent record in this race with David O’Meara and David Barron winning for the North in the last four renewals. Richard Fahey will be eager to add his name. 10/1 (General).

    One at a price to be considered is Popmaster. Despite a winless season, he’s only raced in one handicap this season. Clearly he isn’t a strong horse at Group level, but dropped from a Group Three could work out. Plus he finished a neck down in the same contest last year and is two pounds lower from that. He looks very overpriced at 20/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Best of Luck!

  • Cambridgeshire Meeting | Day Three – Four To Follow

    Cambridgeshire Meeting | Day Three – Four To Follow

    It’s a busy weekend full of competitive two-year-old action, all culminating in the big Cambridgeshire handicap. Today is the feature day, with two Group One’s for the two-year-olds and the big handicap of the week, the Cambridgeshire.

     

    Marionette Man

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    1:50 – Royal Lodge Stakes (Group Two) – Puppet Master @ 4/1 (General)

    There’s plenty to like about Puppet Master in the Royal Lodge. The first being is that Ryan Moore, unsurprisingly, rode out of his skin yesterday winning the first three races. Secondly, he dominated in his maiden win at Galway winning by four lengths on soft ground.

    Furthermore, the form from his debut at Killarney has backed up after the winner won at Deauville and has a great chance in the 3:45 at The Curragh today. He’s also closely related to True Cyan, a winner on this card in the Blandford maiden 12 months ago. Surprised he isn’t shorter for this contest.

    Law Of Design makes great appeal at an each-way price after winning over seven furlongs at Ascot last time out on testing ground. The form has worked out, with the second winning at Newcastle this week. He has a bit of black-type in his pedigree and is bred by an interesting sire in Arc winner Sottsass. Worth backing at 12/1 (William Hill).

     

    French Fancies

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    2:25 – Cheveley Park Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Daylight @ 100/30 (William Hill)

    I have doubts about the favourites. Babouche, whilst can handle the distance and a proven Group One winner has big question marks over the ground. Despite being a sister to the very talented, and soft-loving, Zarinsk, we haven’t yet seen the versatility of surface from her three runs so far.

    As for Lake Victoria, I have questions as to why she’s stepping down in trip. Aidan O’Brien has been quoted saying they’ve had this race in their minds before the Moyglare. But after winning that, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to drop her down before either the Prix Marcel Boussac or the Fillies’ Mile.

    But, if there’s one type of horse to have on your side, in these conditions, it’s a Frenchie. And today we just have that. Daylight rather dominated a Group Three at Deauville, going clear inside the final furlong to assert. She wasn’t disgraced into third behind Whistlejacket and Rashabar, and the Prix Morny can act as the form race to either the Cheveley or Middle Park Stakes. She’ll be used to the ground, unlike the two other favourites.

     

    Grab Your Coat

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    3:00 – Middle Park Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Whistlejacket @ 8/11 (General)

    A trend that still holds up in this race is the winner of the Prix Morny wins this. Perfect Power, Blackbeard and Vandeek were all victorious in the famous French Group One. And Whistlejacket can keep the trend running. He looks like a talented sprinter for Ballydoyle, which they’ve not had many in recent years. Soft ground won’t bother him either, given he broke his maiden on a similar surface.

     

    Causing Havoc

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    3:40 – Cambridgeshire (Heritage H’cap) – Norwalk Havoc @ 14/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Soft ground horses are the one to get behind here. Norwalk Havoc won on soft ground as a three-year-old and has proved to be ground versatile after his close second in the Colm Quinn Mile. He’s been raised a respectable three pounds for this run and goes in with a good chance. Those drawn in the 20s have had most of the luck in the last ten renewals. Norwalk Havoc is drawn 26.

    Bopedro is another with a good chance. He ran a cracking third in last year’s Cambridgeshire and is a huge nine pounds lower than last year. He just turned back to form when a near second in a class two handicap at Doncaster. If he can carry on this slight upward turn in form, he has another huge chance. 14/1 (General).

    Empirestateofmind looks to be targeted for this race. Although he hasn’t had the best of seasons. His two runs have not seen him at the front of the pack and his mark lingers at a respectable 90. However, he does like the ground soft underfoot and is drawn well. It is clear when you look back at his career, his best runs often come late on in the season. Not a write off at 50/1 (William Hill, Boylesports).

    Best of Luck!

  • Cambridgeshire Meeting | Rain Gives Sea of Roses Dubai Stakes Shot

    Cambridgeshire Meeting | Rain Gives Sea of Roses Dubai Stakes Shot

    As flat season winds down, interest is growing in Sea of Roses making a play in Friday’s Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Stakes.

    With the rain tumbling down on Day 1 of the Cambridgeshire Meeting at Newmarket, turf which has largely been good or good to firm since July, has taken a turn.

    Now officially soft, the Suffolk going has been shaken up, with Ryan Moore and Time Lock still the pick for Friday’s feature race.

    However, with the ground a good deal juicier now, could Oisin Murphy throw his hat in the ring?

     

    Sea of fortune?

    Despite a wetter than average summer for UK racegoers and punters, the last few months, have remained largely dry.

    However, the the first deluge of Autumn this week have not only seen a change of season but a dramatic switch in conditions.

    That could play handsomely in the direction of Sea of Roses.

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    For a Group 1 race, on soft ground there is little in the way of form to go by, but Andrew Balding’s 4yo is one of the few runners not lightly raced.

    Not only that, the daughter of Sea The Moon comes here with a win at Windsor last month on soft ground, taking down Deira Mile – who went on to finish fourth in the St Leger a fortnight ago.

    As Oisin Murphy jumps aboard for a sixth time, the Irishman and filly are yet to win together, but the rain will only serve them well.

     

    Ryan may not be Lock

    Of course, Time Lock goes in the Dubai Stakes as favourite and with good reason as defending champ after last year’s four-length romp.

    However, could the ground now make things a little bit interesting?

    The 9/2 winner 12 months ago – the 5yo’s last race win – the deck was a lot firmer and with half her career wins on faster turf, there is just a little question mark hanging over Ryan Moore.

    Trainer Harry Charlton has been met with frustration twice this term at Newmarket, and finishing flat last of a small field in the Coronation Cup, has critics to answer.

    Time Lock may be the class of the 8 runners here in terms of pedigree, but does she really want it enough? Quite literally, only time will tell.

     

    Challengers

    Aside from the two in the spotlight, Billy Loughnane and Divina Grace loiter to throw a spanner in the works.

    A two-time winner at HQ, the 4yo filly won at the Cambridgeshire Meet last term but is yet to race on any turf that could be described as softer ground.

    That is not to rule her chances out – far from it – after a campaign of six races, finishing at worst 5th.

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    At similarly longer prices, firstly, Francophone has a outside shot after winning on debut on good to soft, but as a 7f contest, this trip looks a step to far for the moment.

    Meanwhile, Hollie Doyle and Sinology – friendless in the markets at 33/1 with William Hill – have all but been dismissed on current form.

    Yet, as a winner over 1m2f on softish turf at Newbury back in April, has perhaps a better shot than the bookies think.

     

    The Princess Royal Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Stakes takes place on Friday at 2:25pm UK time.

  • Cambridgeshire Meeting | Day Two – Four To Follow

    Cambridgeshire Meeting | Day Two – Four To Follow

    It’s a busy weekend full of competitive two-year-old action, all culminating in the big Cambridgeshire handicap. Today is a slightly subdued, yet competitive day of action featuring the milers in the Joel Stakes. Plus two-year-old action in the Rockfel Stakes.

     

    The Spirit Is Strong

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    1:50 – Rosemary Stakes (Listed) – Spiritual @ 11/4 (William Hill)

    Quite possibly one of the most competitive Listed contests this year, as the fillies compete of the Rowley Mile. And as its autumn soft ground likers come to the fore. Which is why I’m on Spiritual. Her only victory this season came over a mile on soft ground, in a listed contest. She’s also one of three horses who perform on soft ground, and excuse her last couple of runs for ground complaints, and she’s a solid pick.

     

    Soft Day At Sea

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    2:25 – Princess Royal Stakes (Group Three) – Sea Of Roses @ 11/2 (General)

    Sea Of Roses managed to end her near miss sequence by winning at Windsor in the August Stakes last time out. She was tough in the end of her race that day and can now start to build on it. With the ground set to get softer, she can begin to relish in the fact that her record on the surface reads 2-2-1, two wins, two places and a loss. At the top of the market Time Lock and Mistral Star have neither performed on the surface, which will open it up for soft specialist Sea Of Roses.

     

    Smart Dress

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    3:00 – Rockfel Stakes (Group Two) – Formal @ 6/5 (William Hill)

    Two from two, and an eye-catching winner on soft ground, there’s no wonder that Formal is favourite. To make it even better it seems that Formal is ground versatile. He could provide Sir Michael Stoute with a stunning finish to his career. He’s well-bred by Cheveley Park out of Veracious, who won the Atalanta and Falmouth Stakes. He could  see his price shortened for the 2000 Guineas.

    At the prices, Duty First looks attractive having finished second to Ashnoda at Goodwood in the Prestige Stakes. Form from Goodwood is often useful in the Rockfel with three of the last four winners coming from Goodwood last time out. What’s more is that he showed he is capable of testing ground, which it will be on the Rowley Mile and is drawn towards the stand side which can be an advantage. Interesting at 8/1 (William Hill).

     

    Going Gaga

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    3:35 – Joel Stakes (Group Two) – Poker Face @ 4/1 (BetVictor)

    Two horses will go head to head again, and should be the top two finish again. Ice Max and Poker Face battled it out in the Celebration Mile on very testing ground at Goodwood last time out and will go close again. However, Poker Face could overturn the result. He produced a good performance when fourth to Diego Velazquez last time out, but there wasn’t enough rain to slow the leader down. This time there is plenty of rain around and is drawn more favourably than Ice Max.

     

  • Four To Follow – Gold Stars

    Four To Follow – Gold Stars

    It’s another busy Saturday of racing, with racing from both sides of the border. On the West Coast of Scotland, it’s the Ayr Gold Cup for the big sprinters. But down in Berkshire, it’s all about the two-year-olds in the Mill Reef. Three Group races plus the big handicap of the day feature in today’s four to follow.

    Ayr

    Mere Mortals

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    3:00 – Firth Of Clyde Stakes (Group Three) – Englemere @ 15/2 (William Hill)

    This year’s renewal of the Firth Of Clyde is very tricky. Looking at the trends of winners for the last ten runnings, you have to have some experience. Very rarely does a horse, who’s one from one, win. That’s led me to fall on Englemere. She has plenty of experience at such a young age, but she has had three victories, two coming on good ground. She was last seen behind Flying Childers winner Aesterius at Longchamp, and with the form backed up and the step up in trip looking to suit her, she will be in the finishing pack.

     

    He’s Electric Gold

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    3:35 – Ayr Gold Cup (Heritage H’cap) – Jordan Electrics @ 14/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Jordan Electrics has proved to be a revelation this season. He has risen through the ranks, and established himself as a top level sprinter at the ripe old age of eight-years-old. Most of his wins this season came at Hamilton, but produced a good finish when second to Jm Jungle at York last time out. Today, he’s drawn near pace Angle Lethal Levi in stall 17, which will prove crucial if he’s to end up towards the winning post at the end of six furlongs. Plus he’s upgraded from Bronze, which he was third in last year, to Gold this year.

    Other potential winners include Strike Red, who ran a creditable eighth at The Curragh having to navigate a wall of horses. Before that he was in a bunch finish in the Constantine Handicap in the Ebor Festival. Hold up horses have had success here, just ask Bielsa, so drawn over on the far side in the least pacy part of the draw might not necessarily be a bad thing for him. 16/1 (William Hill).

    Dare To Hope was the winner of the Great St Wilfrid at Ripon a month ago, and the handicap might just work out for him. He’s risen, on average, three pounds per run, which puts him low in the weights for his run here. Drawn next to Lethal Levi, he can easily latch on for pace and can more than improve on his seventh at the Ebor Festival. 28/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Newbury

    The World All Over

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    1:30 – World Trophy Stakes (Group Three) – Annaf @ 7/2 (General)

    Ignore his latest Group One blip, and focus on a more acceptable race and Annaf makes more sense. Yes he wasn’t good in the Sprint Cup, on his first run back since winning a Group Two in the Middle East. But he’s now dropped to an acceptable level, into a Group Three. Last season, at this time he won two races, including the Portland and the Bengough Stakes so Autumn is his time to shine in Britain. Just hope he doesn’t carry the same condition as he did at Haydock.

     

    Brian

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    3:15 – Mill Reef Stakes (Group Two) – Brian @ 6/1 (General)

    Brian.

    An incredible name for what seems to be an incredible horse. He’s racked up two wins already, including the £100,000 Somerville Auction Stakes at Newmarket. And was charging home late in the day behind Symbol Of Strength in the Sirenia at Kempton. He has a liking for soft ground, which is what the ground reads at Newbury this afternoon. Definitely one to upset the powerhouse of Godolphin.

    The very best of luck!

  • Irish Champion Weekend | Four To Follow – Sunday

    Irish Champion Weekend | Four To Follow – Sunday

    It’s Ireland’s richest weekend, with some of the biggest prizes on offer and chance to write themselves into the history books, alongside legends of the games. Today we’re at The Curragh for the two-year-old horses. The feature is the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, to crown the two-year-old champion of the year.

     

    Put To Sleep

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    3:00 – Moyglare Stud Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Bedtime Story @ 10/11 (General)

    If there’s any two-year-old that’s been impressive this season, it’s Bedtime Story. Four races and four wins, including an all dominant victory at Royal Ascot. However she was made to work by stablemate Exactly last time out over C&D, but is bred to go a bit further. She certainly has to be considered for each classic next season and can’t go opposed here.

     

    Repeat Performance

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    3:35 – Flying Five Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Bradsell @ 7/4 (Boylesports)

    Bradsell was extremely impressive last time out in the Nunthorpe Stake at York and seems to have become a new horse sine his mid-season injury. He finished seventh in this race last year, but call that a blip and look at the performances from this season. He is top rated too, and clearly the one to beat. Just be mindful of his form at the Curragh, where he hasn’t been placed.

    That could leave the door open for Believing, who is yet to win a Group One in her career. However, her best result of her career did come over C&D when beating Beautiful Diamond in the Group Two Sapphire Stakes. She’s then lost by three-quarters of a length each time since, when placed in the King George at Goodwood and the Nunthorpe at York. Despite being second favourite, she is the other to keep onside. Will be worth having the reverse forecast as well. 3/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Champion City

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    4:10 – Vincent O’Brien National Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Aomori City @ 9/2 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    It’s surprising that Henri Matisse is favourite. Yes he’s three from three, but hasn’t impressed in any of his three runs, winning at most by a length. Aomori City, on the other hand, has won by more than a length and has the form backed up well, with Cool Hoof Luke. With Charlie Appleby winning this race three times in the last six years, it might be another British champion, in a rather weak National Stakes.

     

    The Stayers Champion

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    4:45 – Irish St Leger (GROUP ONE) – Kyprios @ 8/11 (General)

    There’s only one horse to consider. Thanks to Sweet William winning the Doncaster Cup on Friday, Kyprios’ form has been boosted no end. Not that it needed to, since he is an incredible racehorse. Let’s not forget that this time last year we were fearing we might never see him on the track again. But now he is, and out for vengeance.

    And don’t forget Willie’s in the bumper. Vauban produced a career best on the flat to win at York last time out. And with the form boosted by Grosvenor Square in the Curragh Cup back in July too, Vauban can have a crack at his first flat Group One in his native isle. But it will be a struggle against the very best. 7/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports).

    The very best of luck!

  • Irish Champion Weekend | Four To Follow – Saturday

    Irish Champion Weekend | Four To Follow – Saturday

    It’s Ireland’s richest weekend, with some of the biggest prizes on offer and chance to write themselves into the history books, alongside legends of the games. Today we’re at Leopardstown for the older horses. The feature is the Irish Champion Stakes, with another competitive field going to post. Can Auguste Rodin defend his title? Find out below.

     

    Beware The Brits

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    2:15 – Solonaway Stakes (Group Two) – Maljoom @ 3/1 (BetVictor)

    The Brits have a fantastic record in this race, with seven out of the last ten winners coming from over the Irish Sea. And it looks like it could be the same story. Maljoom was last seen in the Juddmonte International, which looked like an unusual route to go down. He’s now back down to his favoured mile, and has plenty of form to try and back up. He finished second behind Notable Speech in the Sussex Stakes and third behind Charyn in the Queen Anne. Dropped in class and first time cheekpieces, makes him look attractive to beat Diego Velazquez.

    Watch out for Poker Face for Simon & Ed Crisford. He always performs to his best at the end of the season, with an unbeaten two-year-old season back in 2022, two out of three wins last season and looks primed after finishing second in the Celebration Mile. That came on ground he didn’t suit so well, but will be fine over here. Worth considering at 10/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Watching From Above

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    2:50 – Coolmore Matron Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Fallen Angel @ 7/2 (William Hill)

    She hasn’t been seen since winning the Irish Guineas, but Fallen Angel is ready to go again. And the form from both the Irish and British Guineas have worked wonders in her favour. And after seeing her in person just this week, she looked ready for the challenge. And when Wathnan Racing buy her the week before her big date, they know that something is up. She’s an extremely talented filly that should put Porta Fortuna in her place.

    Don’t forget about the tough Rogue Millennium either. Her last race was in the Prix de Rothschild, with the form backed up again by Mqse De Sevigne. She finished second in last year’s race, so does have a good performance in her. She won’t mind the ground and proves a stiff challenge for the three-year-olds. 16/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Star Spangled Champion

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    3:25 – Irish Champion Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Los Angeles @ 13/2 (BetVictor)

    Reading the quotes on Economics doesn’t look good. It seems that whilst he is a good horse, he is representing the sponsors of the race. Plus he hasn’t won a Group One either and the form from the Dante hasn’t worked out well, and the form from his latest run in France hasn’t been tested. Auguste Rodin is a difficult character and is hard to be with, especially when there’s only been two dual winners.

    So I’ve opted for the three-year-old Los Angeles. Derby third, Irish Derby winner and Great Volitguer winner, against the St Leger favourite. He’s been consistent and reliable throughout this season, and has the added bonus of C&D having won the Derby trial here back in April. To say he’s second string is a bit of an insult, and upsets aren’t uncommon in this race.

     

    Fast And Furious

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    4:35 – Pentingo Handicap (Premier Handicap) – Nurburgring @ 13/2 (General)

    After succeeding at the Galway Festival over hurdles, Nurburgring is looking for another big handicap prize, this time on the flat. Surprisingly he’s dropped a pound after not impressing over a mile and one furlong last time out, but this mile and five furlong handicap will be much more up his street. He hasn’t done well in the two flat handicaps in his career, but with a win under his belt this summer, he can go big prize hunting again.

    Another jumper trained by Joseph O’Brien is Comfort Zone. He finished second in this race last year off a mark of 86, and is only two pounds higher this season. He came near at Galway, finishing third over hurdles, which has been backed up by winner The Wallpark since. But with this the only flat handicap on his agenda, it’s worth siding with him. 11/1 (William Hill).

    Click here for St Leger Tips.

    The very best of luck!

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Three

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day Three

    It’s the final classic of the year, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster. This Festival allows us to not only crown the winner of the oldest classic, but also to watch out for the future with plenty two-year-old action too. Today on day three, it’s the big one. The St Leger might look a little subdued on paper with the lack of runners, but it’s still tricky to call.

     

    Beware The Wolf

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    1:50 – Betfred Champagne Stakes (Group Two) – Wolf Of Badenoch @ 7/2 (General)

    I’m trying to work out why Chancellor is favourite, and not Wolf Of Badenoch. He finished second in a Group Two at Goodwood, which is usually the form race, and has the form backed up by Cool Hoof Luke who he beat into fourth. Out of the two horses rated in the race, he’s miles clear at 106 and stands for a lot more. He’s also a C&D winner on similar ground too when he won on debut. Hard not to oppose.

     

    Love Story

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    2:25 – Betfred Portland (Heritage Handicap) – American Affair @ 10/1 (William Hill)

    Last week he was desperately close to winning in the Be Friendly Handicap, but American Affair could well go close again. Paul Mulrennan is back on top, who has won on him before. He keeps her mark of 92 as Shagraan now goes above 100, which gives American Affair a chance to overturn the result. He won’t mind the ground, having won at Musselburgh on a similar surface early on in the year. He’s also drawn on the rail on the far side, which can be an advantage.

    Vintage Clarets was eighth in a bunch finish at York last time out in the Symphony Group handicap, and has been lowered two pounds for the run. That puts him on a mark in between two winning marks. That should mean if conditions are to suit, he won’t be far away. He’s also drawn over on the far side, so a slight track advantage as well. 12/1 (General).

     

    Poetry In Motion

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    3:00 – Betfred Park Stakes (Group Two) – Poet Master @ 5/1 (Betfred, Boylesports)

    Poet Master might not be a name that has hit the heights this season, but he has been impressive. Especially in his last race at The Curragh when winning by almost four lengths. Mutasarref, third, went and won the Group Three Desmond Stakes and has a good chance in the Solonaway Stakes over at The Curragh today. With the form backed up, and a winner on this card last year, Poet Master is the one to stick with. Particularly with the price.

     

    Three Of A Kind

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    3:40 – Betfred St Leger (GROUP ONE) – Illinois @ 2/1 (General)

    Aidan O’Brien holds the all the cards in this race, once again. With three extremely talented colts, you could make a case for all of them. But Illinois has been bred for the race. A half-brother to Danedream and black type throughout his pedigree made him look like a Classic winner on paper. He won the big trial for this race, the Queen’s Vase, and was second in two other pointer races in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Great Voltiguer. Only beaten by a neck last time out shows that he will suit a mile and six furlongs down to the ground.

    A little forgotten about is Grosvenor Square. Many people will look at him as a pace angle, but don’t forget what he achieved this season. A 20 length win in the Irish St Leger Trial and second to Tower Of London, against older horses too, in the Curragh Cup. Whilst Jan Breughel has impressed the pundits, Grosvenor Square should not go unheard of. Worth a go at 11/2 (BetVictor).

    Click here for Irish Champions Weekend Tips.

    The very best of luck!