19 minutes Check out my racing tips ahead of a blockbuster Saturday.
1:50 Newbury
BetVictor Steventon Stakes (Listed Race)
ENFJAAR - 5/2
In a race packed with intrigue, Enfjaar makes the most appeal. He shaped with real promise when a close fourth in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing strongly in a race that was run at a stop-start gallop, not ideal for a horse who tends to travel strongly. That performance proved he belongs at this level, and a repeat of that effort should put him right in the mix. He's a proven performer at the trip and is expected to be much sharper now for that run. Trainer Roger Varian has a solid record with similar types and this could finally be the race where Enfjaar converts potential into success. He’s tactically versatile, which will help in a field where several runners like to go forward and conditions should be ideal.
Okeechobee is respected but his lay-off and tendency to race keenly raise doubts, especially if this gets tactical. Ancient Wisdom, now gelded, has claims on peak two-year-old form but has looked off-colour twice this season and may prefer easier ground. The unknown in the line-up is Rashabar, who drops into Listed company for the first time in over a year. He’s run well in Group 1s at a mile, but this step up in trip is a leap of faith, especially against hardened older horses.
Verdict: ENFJAAR arrives on the back of a career-best and has the tactical tools and turn of foot to land this if things fall right. Rashabar could run a big race if staying, while Ancient Wisdom shouldn’t be written off just yet.
2:00 Curragh
Kwiff Supercharged Betting Scurry Handicap (Premier Handicap)
HEAVENLY POWER - 13/2
Heavenly Power is a three-time C&D winner who shaped well when fourth to Moltophino over this trip in May and showed clear improvement when reversing that form with a solid second behind Fort Vega over 7f at Cork. That run signalled he's returning to peak form and a return to this sharper 6½f trip looks ideal. Wayne Lordan retains the ride and from a workable mark in a race packed with exposed and out-of-form runners, he looks primed to strike.
Canon’s House arrives with strong British form, completing a hat-trick earlier this summer and now making his Irish debut. He’s gone up 27lbs for those wins, but with his versatility in trip and conditions, he looks a major player despite the rise in class. Moltophino got his head in front at the 16th attempt in May and has backed that up with another solid effort behind Fort Vega and while consistency isn’t his problem, winning might be. Still, he’s in the mix. Big Gossey landed this race last year and has posted a string of creditable runs in stronger company since, including a Listed fourth here last time out. He’s 12lbs higher than last year's win, but his Curragh record commands respect. Greek Flower, runner-up in this race 12 months ago, is now 7lbs lower in the weights. Although she's out of form, her rider’s 7lbs claim and her proven C&D ability make her an appealing each-way angle. Daamberdiplomat and Bodhi Bear have form tied to recent course events, while Fort Vega must prove he has the pace for a drop back in trip after his Cork success at 7f. British raider Gazelle d’Or is another with more to offer but races 5lbs out of the handicap.
Verdict: HEAVENLY POWER can capitalise on a return to his favoured trip at a track he excels at. Canon’s House and Moltophino are dangers in their current form, while Greek Flower appeals as a value each-way play if bouncing back.
2.10 RIPON
British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes (GBB/IRE Incentive Race)
BOSTON DAN - 9/4
Boston Dan has shown enough in two 6f outings to suggest he can win races, notably when a strong-finishing third at Newcastle last time after pulling hard early. That run came in a warm novice and the winner has since advertised the form. This sharper 5f could prove ideal given how keenly he travelled and the more professional Oisin Orr takes over in the saddle. Fahey does well with juveniles at this track and he looks primed to strike.
Go Lockers Go is a £200,000 breeze-up recruit representing a shrewd yard. With Kevin Stott booked and an appealing pedigree, the market could reveal plenty. If strong, he’s a major player despite the lack of experience. Stargazed improved on her debut when fourth at Beverley 15 days ago and has the inside draw, which is often a bonus over this track and trip. A sister to Starlust, she brings plenty of potential. Moretons was fancied on both starts in the spring and shaped as though ability was there despite hanging badly at Musselburgh. He's been gelded since and returns fresh, but may need to settle better to figure.
Verdict: BOSTON DAN has caught the eye on both starts and looks the type to improve again now dropped to the minimum trip. He should be sharper for those efforts and can make it third time lucky. Go Lockers Go could be a big danger if the market speaks in his favour, while Stargazed is respected from a good draw.
2.40 MARKET RASEN
Unibet Same Race Multi Summer Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)
D DAY ARVALENREEVA - 11/1
D Day Arvalenreeva has done nothing but improve since switching to handicaps, reeling off three wins from as many starts over hurdles, including a tidy success here over C&D. The latest of those came at Cartmel where he had plenty in hand and the runner-up has since franked the form. A 9lbs rise is softened by that boost and returning to a sound surface suits. This is a deeper field, but he’s still unexposed and improving; a major player at a double-figure price.
Sir Galahad is 4-4 over hurdles and still on the up, but he was all out to win at Worcester last time and this looks a tougher test under a 5lbs higher mark. He’ll need to take another step forward. Castel Gandolfo has a superb record in this race (runner-up in 2022, winner in 2023) and arrives on the back of a win over C&D. He’s ground-versatile and clearly thrives here, making him a big danger once more. Goblet Of Fire produced a career-best when third in the Swinton at Haydock in May and remains on a competitive mark. He handles all ground and is one for the shortlist. Moon Chime arrives in great heart and the wind surgery seems to have helped. He impressed at Hexham and won’t mind any ease underfoot if the rain arrives.
Verdict: D DAY ARVALENREEVA is still progressing rapidly and looks well worth his place in a stronger field after a smooth Cartmel win. He’s been underestimated by the market and gets the vote to land a competitive renewal. Castel Gandolfo and Sir Galahad rate the chief threats, while Goblet Of Fire is another to note.
2.50 CARTMEL
Burlington Female Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (Pro/Am Race)
BOBBY’S FORTUNE - 9/1
Bobby’s Fortune shaped like a different horse when dropped back to 2m at Ffos Las last month, travelling smoothly and quickening right away from the field to win with plenty in hand. He’s been raised 7lbs for that, but the manner of the win strongly suggests there’s more to come. The drying ground holds no fears and he’s partnered by one of the most capable riders in this pro/am lineup.
Miss Maverick is a big danger. She’s been in flying form this summer and gave it a bold shot from the front when second in a better race here last time. She’ll likely press on again and try to run them ragged, but faces more pressure for the lead this time. Bittalemon has a smart Flat profile and ran out a dominant C&D winner three weeks ago. This is tougher, but the manner of that success commands respect and she’s another who won’t mind if the ground stays on the soft side. Book Of Secrets was unfortunate not to win over C&D last time (jockey error late on) and continues to hold his form well. He’s a consistent performer at Cartmel and is likely to give his running again.
Verdict: BOBBY’S FORTUNE looked a transformed horse at Ffos Las and with the promise of more to come, he can follow up in a race that should set up nicely for his late run. Miss Maverick is a major threat if getting a soft lead, while Bittalemon and Book Of Secrets are viable each-way plays.
3:05 Curragh
Barberstown Castle Sapphire Stakes (Group 2)
MGHEERA - 6/4
Mgheera has been a revelation over the minimum trip this term, posting back-to-back Group wins at Longchamp and Haydock, the latter seeing her dispatch several of today’s rivals with ease. That Temple Stakes success came in commanding style and with Ryan Moore now taking over the reins, she sets the clear standard in terms of current form and race suitability. A strong gallop is near guaranteed here and that could play right into her stalking style.
Arizona Blaze has already proven himself on the big stage, just touched off in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last month and second in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint last year. He brings top-level three-year-old form into the mix and gets weight from the older runners. If the early fractions collapse late, his finishing kick will be dangerous. Rumstar landed the Group 3 Coral Charge at Sandown earlier this month, staying on strongly over the closing stages and suggesting this setup will suit. His form ties in with Mgheera, who beat him comfortably at Haydock, but he’s clearly thriving and still warrants respect with Rob Hornby aboard once again. Powerful Nation is a three-year-old going the right way, progressing with every run. He was a convincing winner of a Listed race at Cork last time, with Erosandpsyche and Songhai behind. This is a significant step up in grade, but he’s yet to run a bad race and could still have untapped potential. Outside chances include The Highway Rat, who’s been consistent in handicaps but looks outclassed at this level and Grande Marques, who returned to form in Listed company but is hard to fancy on ratings. Erosandpsyche and Songhai have ground to make up on Powerful Nation.
Verdict: MGHEERA brings standout Group form to the table and can make it three from three this season over the minimum trip. Arizona Blaze is a classy three-year-old with a serious turn of foot and looks the main threat, while Powerful Nation is improving fast and could hold his own now raised in grade.
3.12 MARKET RASEN
Unibet Summer Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race)
BHALOO - 10/1
Bhaloo looked a smart prospect when winning at Newbury in March and confirmed that promise with a solid second to Riskintheground at Cheltenham next time. His most recent run at Uttoxeter was underwhelming, but he jumped markedly to his right that day and returns now to a track that plays to that tendency, in fact, he won a bumper here back in 2021. The cheekpieces go on and any drying in the ground is a plus. Still lightly raced over fences and with more to come, he could easily out-run his price.
Sure Touch landed this race last year off a 1lb higher mark and has been trained with a repeat bid in mind. First-time cheekpieces go on to spark a revival and rain would help. He's a major player if bouncing back. Courtland ran a cracker here two years ago when second in this race and looked like he’d come on for his reappearance behind Charlie Uberalles. Well handicapped and represents a yard that excels in this. Ballysax Hank is a lightly raced Irish raider representing Gavin Cromwell with Harry Cobden booked. He shaped like 2m1f was inadequate at Bellewstown last time and this test is more suitable. Very much unexposed. Statuario won the Perth Gold Cup again last month and has twice placed in this race. He’s clearly well suited by summer ground and comes here in top form.
Verdict: BHALOO returns to a right-handed track on drying ground, which should see him in a far better light than at Uttoxeter. He’s unexposed, has strong handicap form earlier this spring and could take a big step forward now in cheekpieces. Sure Touch is feared on last year’s win, while Courtland and Ballysax Hank complete a shortlist full of proven summer specialists.
3.17 RIPON
Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap
EY UP ITS THE BOSS - 5/1
Ey Up Its The Boss boasts a cracking record at this venue and was impressive when making all over course and distance in May, relishing the front-end role and showing plenty of tenacity. That came on good to soft ground and he showed it was no fluke when a solid third at Doncaster last time; form which has already started to work out. Back at his favourite track and drawn perfectly in stall 1 to attack, he's well set to make a bold bid from the front once more.
Elsass flopped slightly last time out but had previously run a cracker when runner-up at Doncaster over this trip. As a three-year-old with potential for better, he demands respect, though this sharper track may not suit quite as well. Draupnir showed big improvement when second at Beverley last time and is unexposed going into handicap company. However, he takes a big step up in trip and needs to prove he handles softer conditions if the rain arrives. Tele Red hasn't won since October but has hit the frame in stronger races and has solid course form. With four places in the book already this season, he could again sneak into the minor honours.
Verdict: EY UP ITS THE BOSS is ideally drawn, has Ripon form in spades and should be allowed to dictate once again. He’s proven on various ground types and can outstay these if allowed his own way. Elsass is a danger if back to his Doncaster best, while Tele Red is a solid each-way option for the frame.
3.30 NEWBURY
Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes (GBB Race)
HAVANA HURRICANE - 5/4
Havana Hurricane sets the clear standard on form and arrives here with standout credentials after his decisive success in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot. That Group 2 form is head and shoulders above anything else on offer and he remains open to further improvement. Strong at the line that day and drawn in 9, he should get a nice tow into this. Barring traffic, he’ll take the beating.
Anthelia has done nothing but improve and ran with credit when fifth in a hot Listed race at Newmarket last month. She represents a yard that knows how to prime one for this; winners in 2019 and a runner-up in 2022 and she has the speed and toughness to be a real player. She’s the main danger. Our Cody was impressive when making all to win a Windsor maiden last time and has untapped potential. He receives weight from all bar one and comes from a stable that’s been flying recently, including a Group 1 win last week. Could easily be in the mix. Ali Shuffle might appeal to each-way players. She was no match for the winner when favourite in a French Listed event last time, but her previous Group 3 second at Chantilly reads well in this context. If she brings that form, she’s competitive. Cotai Belle arrives on a hat-trick and keeps finding more. This is tougher, but she’s gutsy and clearly progressing. She shouldn’t be underestimated.
Verdict: HAVANA HURRICANE has the strongest form and is open to further progress, he looks very hard to oppose. Anthelia has the right profile and yard for this race, while Our Cody and Ali Shuffle are the main dangers from a betting perspective.
5.15 DONCASTER
Go Racing In Yorkshire Festival Apprentice Handicap
MIDNIGHT LIR - 9/2
Midnight Lir returned to form with a strong second at Beverley in May, just missing out in a well-run 5f handicap. That effort looks even better now with the form working out nicely and the Michael Dods yard in significantly better form than at the time. A 2lbs rise is fair and he’s drawn to get a nice stalking trip. With Oisin McSweeney booked, he looks primed to make it third time lucky this season.
Stablemate King’s Crown is the obvious threat. A model of consistency in recent starts, he won at Thirsk and followed up with a solid second at Pontefract. He’s gone up the weights but remains in top form and will be popular again. Level Up has been admirably consistent this summer, scoring twice and placing in between. He’s likely to go forward under Phoebe Edwards and can run another big race, though the handicapper may just have caught him. One More Dream is also worth a mention. He has three wins to his name this year and was unlucky not to finish closer in recent outings. The drop to 5f could unlock extra pace, but he’ll need a clean run to get involved late.
Verdict: MIDNIGHT LIR shaped like a winner-in-waiting at Beverley and now returns after a short break with conditions in his favour. He can go one better today, with King’s Crown and Level Up the main dangers in what looks a competitive sprint.
5.20 NEWBURY
British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap
BELA SONATA - 9/1
Bela Sonata created a strong impression when winning a 7f maiden at Kempton in April and confirmed that promise with a solid third under a penalty at Wolverhampton. That form has worked out well, and she now switches to turf for her handicap debut from a mark of 77 that looks more than workable. William Buick is a significant jockey booking and with improvement highly likely, she makes plenty of appeal in a wide-open contest.
Maybe Not got off the mark at Ffos Las last month, showing a smart turn of foot to win comfortably. She’s been nudged up 4lbs and this is a deeper race, but she’s going the right way and looks a solid danger if handling the quicker ground. Santa Savana has been admirably consistent all season and gained a deserved win (awarded the race) at Leicester two weeks ago. She’s 3lbs higher now but remains open to improvement and looks likely to give her running again. Definitive hasn’t been seen since contesting two Group races last summer following her debut win. The layoff is a slight concern, but she remains unexposed and could easily figure if ready to roll. Rockymountainway will appreciate any ease underfoot and is another who could get involved if bouncing back from a quiet effort at Royal Ascot.
Verdict: BELA SONATA looks the one with the most upside in this field and can make a winning start in handicaps under William Buick. Maybe Not is the chief threat after her stylish Ffos Las success, while Santa Savana remains in top form and shouldn’t be far away.
6.00 NEWMARKET (JULY)
Woodland Group Summer "Confined" Handicap (For Horses With No More Than One Win)
ARUNDEL - 11/4
Arundel arrives on the back of a breakthrough success at Pontefract where he stayed on strongly over this trip to score with a bit in hand. That performance confirmed the promise he’d shown in earlier handicap efforts and the 4lbs rise for that win looks manageable, especially with Oisin Murphy now taking over in the saddle. He’s clearly on the up and looks primed to strike again.
Pay Attention is a danger. He landed a modest Nottingham handicap in June and backed that up with a solid second at Yarmouth over this trip. He’s going the right way and should be in the mix again if holding his form. Something Splendid has yet to get off the mark in eight tries but often runs with credit. His latest fourth at Newbury was a fair effort, though stamina for 1m2f remains a small query based on previous efforts. Radical Design shaped well when runner-up over 1m6f at Yarmouth, but now drops back in trip. While that effort was encouraging, he hasn’t shown much at this distance and may be vulnerable to sharper types.
Verdict: ARUNDEL is progressing nicely and this looks like another good opportunity to keep improving. He’s proven at the trip, still well treated and has one of the best riders in the race booked. Pay Attention is feared most, while Something Splendid is solid if staying the extra distance.
