Breeders' Cup Saturday

5.20 (1.20 EST) $500,000 Marathon (Grade 2) 14f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners) (dirt)
Brigantin (A Fabre/JR Leparoux) 8/1ew or Harrison's Cave (AP O'Brien/Ryan Moore) 20/1ew
Longer races are not exactly a staple of the US racing calendar, as shown by the lack of races over 12 furlongs in the records of the US entrants. Last year's winner Eldaafer lines up again, but my money goes on French raider Brigantin who has impressed over longer distances this season, including in the Ascot Gold Cup. Aiden O'Brien's three-year-old Harrison Cave is also on the shortlist as he continues to improve.

6.02 (2.02 EST) $1,000,000 Juvenile Turf (Grade 1) 8f, 2-year-old colts & geldings (20 runners)
Caspar Netscher (Alan McCabe/Kieren Fallon) 7/1ew or Fantastic Song (Chad Brown/JJ Castellano) 25/1ew
A bit of a gamble is taken on dual Group 2 British raider Caspar Netscher, who makes the step up to a mile in his first race outside the UK. Fantastic Song finished third in the Pilgrim Stakes on softer ground at Belmont Park last month.

6.37 (2.37 EST) $1,500,000 Sprint (Grade 1) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners) (dirt)
Giant Ryan (Bisnath Parboo/C Velasquez) 6/1 or Force Freeze (Peter Walder/JR Velasquez) 14/1ew
Giant Ryan has won six races this season, with his form culminating in a Grade 1 success at Belmont Park in October. He beat Force Freeze in the Vosburgh Invitational, but the reverse outcome is definitely possible.


7.21 (3.21 EST) $1,000,000 Sprint Turf (Grade 2) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (14 runners)
Regally Ready (Steve Asmussen/C Nakatani) 5/1fav or Chamberlain Bridge (Bret Calhoun/HJ Theriot II) 12/1ew
Four wins in seven races this season puts Regally Ready at the top of shortlist for this encounter, especially following his lastest victory in the Grade 1 Nearctic Stakes at Woodbine. Last year's Sprint Turf winner Chamberlain Bridge could feature at a bigger price.


8.01 (4.01 EST) $1,000,000 Dirt Mile (Grade 1) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (16 runners) (dirt)
Shackleford (Dale Romans/JL Castanon) 7/1ew or Caleb's Posse (Donnie Von Hemel/R Maragh) 8/1ew
An average-looking Dirt Mile leaves me picking Preakness Stakes winner Shackleford, more on early season form than anything else. Caleb's Posse is another three-year-old who has a chance.


8.45 (4.45 EST) $3,000,000 Turf (Grade 1) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners)
Sea Moon (Sir Michael Stoute/Tom Queally) 9/2fav or Dean's Kitten (Michael Maker/RA Dominguez) 14/1ew
An excellent renewal of the Breeders' Cup Turf pits a number of European raiders against each other, including St Nicholas Abbey, Await The Dawn, Midday and Sarafina. My pick, however, is for Sir Michael Stoute's three-year-old Sea Moon, who surely has more to give at this distance following a hampered third-placed effort in September's St Leger. Of the US options, Dean's Kitten offers good value after almost ending Cape Blanco's unbeaten US record last time out in New York.


9.25 (5.25 EST) $2,000,000 Juvenile (Grade 1) 8f, 2-year-old colts & geldings (16 runners) (dirt)
Union Rags (Michael Matz/JJ Castellnao) 9/4fav or Dullahan (Dale Romans/K Desormeaux) 14/1ew
Michael Matz's runner offers the best form by far in this field having won on all three outings this season, including a five length success in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes a month ago. Dixiana Breeders' Futurity winner Dullahan looks a decent price to chase the favourite home.


10.07 (6.07 EST) $2,000,000 Turf Mile (Grade 1) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (13 runners)
Goldikova (F Head/Olivier Peslier) 7/4fav or Courageous Cat (William Mott/P Valenzuela) 12/1ew
French super-mare Goldikova looks for her fourth consecutive Breeders' Cup victory in the Turf Mile, and it is difficult to see her being beaten by her rivals in this field. Richard Hannon's Strong Suit is expected to try make all from the front, but Courageous Cat gets my vote to possibly spring an upset.


11.00 (7.00 EST) $5,000,000 Classic (Grade 1) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (15 runners) (dirt)
Stay Thirsty (Todd Pletcher/JJ Castellano) 16/1ew or Rattlesnake Bridge (Kiaran McLaughlin/CH Borel) 40/1ew
The main event of the two day meet pits a number of top class horse against each other for one of the richest prizes in racing. Phenom Uncle Mo is favourite, although it remains to be seen whether Todd Pletcher's three-year-old has properly recovered from an early season injury. Aiden O'Brien's So You Think takes to the dirt for the first time, looking to win a Grade 1 race in a fourth country. Despite this, I'm going with Travers Stakes winner, and Belmont Stakes runner-up Stay Thirsty, who should relish the sloppy conditions. Rattlesnake Bridge finished second in the Travers, and at the large price, is worth a look at each-way.

Breeders' Cup Friday

The final couple of days before Unwise Al goes into hibernation for the jumps season are dominated by the Breeders' Cup (or as the Americans call it, horse racing's World Championships) in Louisville, KY. But I'm not here to bash America's use of the word 'world' in a sporting context, I'm here for the racing. Day one is dominated by the girls, with five of the six races open to a combination of fillies and mares only. Europe's best chance of success rests with Roger Varian's unbeaten Nahrain in the Filly & Mare Turf and John Gosden impressive juvenile Elusive Kate in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.


8.10 (4.10 EST) $500,000 Juvenile Sprint (Conditions Stakes) 6f, 2-year-olds (9 runners) (dirt)
Vexor (John Kimmel/D Cohen) 8/1ew or Trinniberg (Bisnath Parboo/C Velasquez) 10/1ew
The sloppy conditions facing runners could help Nashua Stakes winner Vexor take a Grade 1 contest at the second time of asking after he struggled over seven furlongs in the Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes during September. Trinniberg finished second to Vexor in the Nashua and is a better price despite there seemingly being little between them. The favourite is Bob Baffert's Secret Circle who is unbeaten in two starts. Europe's hopes rest with Brian Meehan's filly Shumoos.

8.50 (4.50 EST) $1,000,000 Juvenile Fillies Turf (Grade 2) 8f, 2-year-olds (14 runners)
Elusive Kate (John Gosden/William Buick) 11/4fav or Dayatthespa (Chad Brown/RA Dominguez) 10/1ew
Prix Marcel Boussac winner Elusive Kate is rightly favourite for a contest that includes entries from the US, UK, Ireland, France and Canada. John Gosden's two-year-old has won four on the spin, including Listed, Group Three and Group One races in France over the last three months. Dayatthespa has raced just twice so far, a victory at Saratoga on debut followed by second in the Grade 3 Natalma Stakes at Woodbine, ON.

9.30 (5.30 EST) $1,000,000 Filly & Mare Sprint (Grade 1) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (13 runners) (dirt)
Turbulent Descent (Mike Puype/D Flores) 2/1fav or Great Hot (AC Avila/Chantal Sutherland) 16/1ew
Dual Grade 1 victor Turbulent Descent appears a good bet to take this after winning the Test Stakes at Saratoga in August. The three-year-old is taking on older horses for the first time, but receives two pounds in age weight allowance. Fellow three-year-old Great Hot won the Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland in October, and an extra weight allowance will do her chances no harm at all.  

10.10 (6.10 EST) $2,000,000 Juvenile Fillies (Grade 1) 8f, 2-year-olds (13 runners) (dirt)
Grace Hall (Anthony Dutrow/RA Dominguez) 4/1 or Weemissfrankie (Peter Eurton/R Bejarano) 8/1ew
Grace Hall is three-from-three in her short career, including victory in the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga two months ago. Weemissfrankie is also three-from-three, with two Grade 1 victories to her name and looks to be the value bet of the day at around 8/1.


10.50 (6.50 EST) $2,000,000 Filly & Mare Turf (Grade 1) 11f, 3-year-olds+ (12 runners)
Nahrain (Roger Varian/Frankie Dettori) 5/1 or Dubawi Heights (Simon Callaghan/J Rosario) 9/1ew
Undefeated Prix de L'Opera champion Nahrain goes for her fifth career win for Newmarket-based trainer Roger Varian, and looks to have an excellent chance with Frankie Dettori on board. Dubawi Heights has been beaten just once since moving from Britain to the US and should be one of the main challengers to Nahrain, alongside Irish 1000 Guineas winner Misty For Me and superstar French runner Stacelita.

11.30 (7.30 EST) $2,000,000 Ladies' Classic (Grade 1) 9f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Ultra Blend (Art Sherman/D Flores) 13/2ew or Pachattack (Gerard Butler/R Maragh) 16/1ew
Ultra Blend has been a model of consistency throughout her career, and on recent Grade 1 form, should give the more fancied entrants in this contest a good run for their money. Gerard Butler's Pachattack has been running Stateside since late May, and with two second placed finishes in Grade 1 events under her saddle recently, could also be there or thereabouts at a larger price.

Dick Turpin hangs up his hooves

Not a massive surprise this one, but four-year-old miler Dick Turpin was retired to stud last week following a fairly disappointing third racing year that included 'only' two Group 2 triumphs and one Group 1 success. The reason I use the word disappointing is more down to the colt being outclassed in his four big race outings (won by Canford Cliffs, Goldikova, Immortal Verse and Frankel).
Although not the best horse of his generation, Dick Turpin was incredibly successful, winning nine of his 20 outings across four countries and accumulating almost £1,000,000 in prize money. His best spell came during the first four months of last season when he beat Candford Cliffs in the Greenham Stakes, finished second in the English and French 2000 Guineas and the St James's Palace Stakes, before winning the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly.
I first came across the Richard Hannon-trained runner at Newbury last April. Having failed in an attempt to get to Jersey for a wedding (ash cloud from hell) four of us hit the road for Greenham Stakes day.
It was only the second race meeting I'd ever been to, and my knowledge of the sport back then was limited to understanding that the first horse past the winning post was usually declared the winner.
With limited funds at my disposal, I sat out a number of races, including the Greenham, but I picked Dick Turpin out before hand (as a sort of pin-drops-here type choice). An 8/1 victor that day, my allegiance to the colt had begun. But it wasn't until Newmarket two weeks later that I began following in earnest.
It was my stag do, and there was Dick Turpin lining up as a 25/1 shot in the 2000 Guineas. Ludicrous, I thought.
Advising all around me to back him each-way at the price, I was delighted when he put in another strong performance to finish just behind Makfi in second, and once again ahead of stablemate Canford Cliffs (a horse, despite his performances since, I've never taken to).
That was the last time I saw Dick Turpin in the flesh, but after two more good performances, myself and two mates backed him to great success in the Prix Jean Prat, a run that cemented his place as my favourite horse to date.
Following that French success, a move up to 10 furlongs at York for the Juddmonte didn't work out, neither did a crack at Goldikova in the Prix De La Foret, which finished off his three-year-old campaign.
Thrown back into the fray this April for the Sandown Mile, he made short work of his Group 2 opponents, setting up another clash with Canford Cliffs in the Lockinge at Newbury. Bumped when he was about to make a challenge, Dick Turpin finished an unlucky fourth (although he wouldn't haven't beaten Canford Cliffs anyway). A heavy defeat over a longer trip in France soon after led to my second best bet of the year, at Ascot in July. Entered in another Group 2 contest (the Summer Mile), the four-year-old was second favourite behind Side Glance. Not for the first time, I used the word ludicrous to anybody that would listen. Dick Turpin was 9/4, and once again he duly obliged, beating an out-of-his-depth Side Glance by three lengths.
Another crack at competing in France ended in failure, before the final victory of his career was chalked up in the Group 1 Premio Vittorio Di Capua in Italy. His season finished with British Champions Day, which unfortunately, was one too far again, thus signalling an end to a racing career that brought with it a number of memorable displays. None more so than me and my friends celebrating, either at the track, in the pub, or via text message.

British Champions' Day on the penultimate weekend of the flat season

A star-studded climax to the British Champions Series brings together some of the best horses of the season for the richest day in British racing. Frankel is probably the biggest name taking to the track, with Sir Henry Cecil's three-year-old looking to continue his unbeaten career record in the QEII Stakes. Fame And Glory takes on Opinion Poll in the Long Distance Cup, So You Think is favourite for the Champions Stakes and Society Rock bids for a second Group 1 victory of the year in the Sprint Stakes.

British Champions Day
Ascot (Good)

1.50 Long Distance Cup (Group 3) 16f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Opinion Poll (Mahmood Al Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 9/4fav or Colour Vision (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 20/1ew
Following Fame And Glory's (AP O'Brien/Jamie Spencer, 11/4) win in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot it looked like Aiden O'Brien's charge would sweep all before him. Two unconvincing runs later and this contest doesn't look quite so straight forward. Opinion Poll, second in the Gold Cup, has been as consistent as ever this season, winning the Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup since, and is my pick to take his third big race of the year. Colour Vision was third in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last week, has two wins over 16 furlongs already this year, and receives 11 pounds in weight because of his age. Up in grade, but each way claims.

2.25 Sprint Stakes (Group 2) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (16 runners)
Society Rock (James Fanshawe/Pat Cosgrave) 6/1ew or Libranno (Richard Hannon/Kieren Fallon) 33/1ew
Indications are the ground will suit Ascot specialist Society Rock on Saturday, with the four-year-old reserving his best runs for the track. Winner of this year's Golden Jubilee Stakes, the colt has an excellent chance of heading off the challenge of stablemate Deacon Blues (James Fanshawe/Johnny Murtagh, 9/4fav). Libranno is possibly suited by further, but the three-year-old did finish fourth in the Group 1 July Cup over this distance at Newmarket. The price is excellent if managing to get four places each way.

3.00 Fillies' & Mares' Stakes (Group 2) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Banimpire (J Bolger/ ) 10/1ew or Gertrude Bell (John Gosden/William Buick) 14/1ew
Irish raider Banimpire has performed admirably in Ireland, France and Britain this season, with her best run coming in the Irish Oaks where she was just touched off by Blue Bunting. The weight advantage given to three-year-olds could give her the edge over lightly-raced favourite Ferdoos (Roger Varian/Neil Callan, 7/2). Gertrude Bell is my pick of the older runners. John Gosden's four-year-old is undefeated in two races this season.

3.35 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 4/11fav or Dick Turpin (Richard Hannon/Christophe Soumillon) 25/1ew
Possibly the easiest race of the card to call. The undefeated Frankel takes to the track for a ninth career outing, looking to add a fourth Group 1 victory of the year to his record. Fellow three-year-olds Excelebration (Marco Botti/Jamie Spencer, 6/1) and Immortal Verse (Robert Collet/Gerald Mosse, 6/1) are strong challengers, but Frankel should have more than enough ability to prevail. Four-year-old Dick Turpin, off the back of a Group 1 triumph in Italy last month, is an excellent each way price, and the pick of the older horses.

4.10 Champions Stakes (Group 1) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (12 runners)
Twice Over (Sir Henry Cecil/Ian Mongan) 9/1ew or Wigmore Hall (Michael Bell/Jamie Spencer) 33/1ew
The best race in terms of quality depth appears to be at the mercy of New Zealand star So You Think (AP O'Brien/Ryan Moore, 9/4fav), but the five-year-old's defeat to the late Rewilding at Royal Ascot shows he is far from unbeatable. This is why my pick is Twice Over, who has put poor early performances this season behind him and looks primed for another big run. French runner Cirrus Des Aigles (Mme C Barande Barbe/Christophe Soumillon, 8/1) is also a contender, along with female stars Midday (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally, 7/1) and Snow Fairy (Ed Dunlop/Olivier Peslier, 8/1). Best each way value could be the globetrotting Wigmore Hall, however, who won the Group 1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes in Canada last month.


4.45 Future Stars Apprentice Handicap (Class 2) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (29 runners)
The Confessor (Henry Candy/Martin Harley) 11/1ew fav or Valencha (Hughie Morrison/Harry Bentley) 14/1ew
Rounding the card off is a large handicap for apprentice jockeys. Martin Harley and Harry Bentley are two of the more accomplished young pilots in Britain at the moment, and both appear to have been given a good chance of victory. The Confessor hasn't won since last August but is a consistently good performer over seven furlongs. Valencha is another consistent type who has finished fourth or better in all 16 career outings.

Newmarket's two-year-old finale

Saturday marks the final time for many two-year-olds to shine in their juvenile year, with Newmarket hosting four excellent contests that include young stars Caspar Netscher, Power and Family One. There is also plenty of action for the older horses too, with Strong Suit looking for a third season victory over seven furlongs, and 34 runners lining up for the Cesarewitch Heritage Handicap.

Newmarket (Good To Firm)

2.05 Challenge Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Strong Suit (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 11/8fav
Strong Suit bids for a third win of the season over this distance and is rightly favourite in an exposed field. Chachamaidee (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) is the form filly in this equally split lineup, and should push Richard Hannon's runner all the way. I'm struggling to make a case for the rest.

2.35 Middle Park Stakes (Group 1) 6f, 2-year-old colts (16 runners)
Lilbourne Lad (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 12/1ew or Tough As Nails (Michael Mulvany/GF Carroll) 20/1ew
On the face of it, Lilbourne Lad has struggled to match his early season form recently. But in his last three starts Richard Hannon's runner has given weight away each time. This will not be the case on Saturday. He has so far taken to all ground types and looks a real danger to the more fancied pair of Caspar Netscher (Alan McCabe/Robert Winston) and Family One (Y Barberot/Olivier Peslier). Tough As Nails makes his first journey across the Irish Sea, and could enjoy the drop back in trip.

3.10 Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) 7f, 2-year-olds (9 runners)
Power (AP O'Brien/Ryan Moore) 7/2fav or Red Duke (John Quinn/Tom Eaves) 16/1ew
Already a Group One winner in Ireland (National Stakes), Aidan O'Brien's Power looks an exciting prospect. With Ryan Moore back on board following the pair's triumph at Royal Ascot in June, they could take some catching. Unbeaten duo Bronterre (Hannon/Hughes) and Ektihaam (Roger Varian/Richard Hills) should progress, as could long-shot Factory Time, back up in trip. Red Duke is level in weights for the first time in three runs, making him attractive at each-way prices.

3.50 Cesarewitch (Heritage Handicap) 18f, 3-year-olds+ (34 runners)
Cosimo De Medici (Hughie Morrison/Robert Havlin) 16/1ew or Ermyn Lodge (Pat Phelan/Ian Mongan) 25/1ew
The biggest race of the day in terms of size, and the only handicap on the card, also makes the Cesarewitch the toughest call of the afternoon. A number of the runners have a chance, with favourite Tuscan Gold currently trading at 11/1. My preference is for Cosimo De Medici following his victory over course and distance last time up. I also expect the lightly-raced Ermyn Lodge to run well now reunited with Ian Mongan.

4.25 Rockfel Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 2-year-old fillies (9 runners)
Sunday Times (Peter Chapple-Hyam/William Buick) 4/1fav
Sunday Times moves up to seven furlongs for the first time, but with ground conditions in her favour, and an excellent performance in the Cheveley Park Stakes last time out, she should be capable of better still.

5.00 Autumn Stakes (Group 3) 8f, 2-year-olds (8 runners)
Astrology (AP O'Brien/Joseph O'Brien) 7/4fav
This race marks Astrology's third career start, and first in the UK. Having won a maiden over the distance at  Leopardstown, a drop to seven furlongs brought a third-placed finish in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at Curragh. Probably the best bit of form on offer. Perennial will no doubt be open to plenty of improvement following his maiden win at Doncaster last month.

5.35 Darley Stakes (Group 3) 9f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Dux Scholar (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore) 4/1
The only issue with Dux Scholar will be the ground. Having not finished outside the top four in any of his nine career starts, Sir Michael Stoute's three-year-old should continue his consistent form. The weight allowance is also a help. Retrieve is an interesting newcomer for Godolphin, after moving over from Australia following a fourth placed effort in the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in April.

York (Good To Firm)

3.25 Rockingham Stakes (Listed) 6f, 2-year-olds (7 runners)
Bannock (Mark Johnston/Silvester De Sousa) 10/3
Although Bannock's run in the Two-year-old Trophy at Redcar last week is a slight concern (the draw could be an excuse), he's been decent enough through his debut campaign and should be thereabouts again here. Firth Of Clyde Stakes winner Roger Sez is an obvious danger, as is Miss Lahar.

Cape Blanco retires

I've been trying to think of reasons why the retirement of Cape Blanco on Monday made me a bit sad. I haven't been interested racing for that long (about 18 months) so it's not as if I've followed the four-year-old's career in entirety. I saw him race in the flesh once, in the 2010 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, but at that stage of my racing education, I wasn't really aware of what was going on. It's not a nationalistic thing, as the colt is Irish and only raced in Britain three times. He isn't even my favourite horse. That honour goes to another four-year-old in Dick Turpin.

The first time I paid proper attention to the AP O'Brien-trained runner was while watching his victory in the Irish Champion Stakes last September, when he destroyed a field that included Rip Van Winkle. But again, I bypassed him through the early part of this year, until to my surprise, he turned up on the card for the Man O'War Stakes at Belmont Park, NY.
After spending a lot of this year trying, and mainly failing, to get acquainted with US racing, the presence of Cape Blanco on Long Island suddenly got my attention. As did the booking of Jamie Spencer as pilot. The fact that horse and jockey won comfortably only sought to heighten my interest.
When the pair teamed up again for the Arlington Million in August I decided to back the horse for the first and only time, at a ridiculously large price of 7/2. Suffice to say, victory came without too much difficulty.
The final act of what amounted to a nine-win, 14-race career saw the son of Galileo pushed all the way by Dean's Kitten back at Belmont Park. The American hat-trick was complete.

Maybe it's because he won me some money. That, I have found, always plays a part in following a horse's career. But more than that, I feel it's down to his sustained success in America, and the thoughts of what might have been at the Breeders' Cup in November. Unlike a couple of last year's European successes in the US, Debussy and Dangerous Midge, Cape Blanco wasn't a flash-in-the-pan. Lets hope his new career is as successful as his old one.

Ayr Gold Cup Day (plus Newbury & Newmarket)

A cracking day of racing this Saturday with the Ayr Gold Cup taking centre stage. A field of 27 will lineup for the six furlong contest, with many seemingly having a chance to emulate last year's winner Redford. Elsewhere there is plenty of group company and handicapping action, including the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, where Caspar Netscher bids to claim another Group 2 prize.

Ayr (Good To Soft)

2.45 Firth of Clyde Stakes (Group 3) 6f, 2-year-old fillies (12 runners)
Miss Work Of Art (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan) 4/1fav or Kohala (David Barron/Phillip Makin) 5/1
Richard Fahey's Miss Work Of Art started her career with three wins on the spin before struggling up in grade and trip during two July outings. Showed she could handled six furlongs when second to Bogart at York last month in softer conditions though, and could play a leading role. Kohala has performed with credit in group company so far, but the step up to six furlongs might be to her disadvantage.

3.20 Ayr Gold Cup (Heritage Handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (27 runners)
Son Of The Cat (Brian Gubby/Silvester De Sousa) 25/1ew or Below Zero (Mark Johnston/FM Berry) 28/1ew
A large number of this 27 runner field have good chances, including the inform Eton Rifles, but I've gone for two larger priced horses that will appreciate the distance and softer conditions. Son Of The Cat has split his time this season between listed and handicap events, winning the Stewards' Sprint Stakes at Glorious Goodwood in July. He appears to be on a good mark following two decent listed runs since. His low draw is a bonus. Below Zero has won two handicaps over six furlongs this season, one on soft ground, and has generally been consistent in larger handicap fields. Croisultan is another horse of interest following a good performance in an Irish Group 3 race last weekend.

4.30 Doonside Cup Stakes (Listed) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (5 runners)
Hot Prospect (Roger Varian/Eddie Ahern) 9/4jf
Roger Varian's runner has been consistent enough this year, racing three times over 10 furlongs. Doesn't mind the softer ground and appears to be the horse with the best form.

Newbury (Good To Soft)

2.00 Arc Trial (Group 3) 11f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Dangerous Midge (Brian Meehan/Martin Dwyer) 11/2 or Sea Of Heartbreak (Roger Charlton/Richard Hughes) 12/1ew
Last year's winner Dangerous Midge ran well first time out in 2010, and finished that campaign with victory in the $3,000,000 Breeders' Cup Turf contest at Churchill Downs, Kentucky. Conditions may not suit this time, but he's a strong candidate nonetheless. Sea Of Heartbreak has put in four strong performances this season, winning last time out in the listed Chalice Stakes at this course. Others possibly stronger, but worth considering each-way.

2.30 Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2) 6f, 2-year-olds (9 runners)
Caspar Netscher (Alan McCabe/Kieren Fallon) 2/1fav or Factory Time (Mick Channon/Chris Catlin) 20/1ew
Despite carrying a penalty for his victory in the Gimcrack at York last time out, Caspar Netscher is very much the one to beat with form, distance and conditions on his side. Factory Time put in a great performance to finish second at Doncaster in the valuable Weatherby's Insurance Stakes last week and looks sure to run well again at a big price.

3.05 Handicap (Class 2) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Labarinto (Sir Michael Stoute/Richard Hughes) 4/1fav or Kirthill (Luca Cumani/Kieren Fallon) 7/1ew
Siding with three-year-olds at this time of the season can prove a good strategy and Labarinto could continue his handicap improvement by winning for a second successive time. Kirthill and Oceanway are two other three-year-olds worth looking at at.

3.40 World Trophy (Group 3) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners)
Dinkum Diamond (Henry Candy/William Buick) 8/1ew or Katla (JF Grogan/Kieren Fallon) 12/1ew
Another race where three-year-olds could prosper from the weight allowance, none more so than Dinkum Diamond, whose consistency this year makes him a great each-way shout if the price remains around 8/1. Katla is another of the classic generation who could feature at a larger price following good runs in Irish listed events recently.

Newmarket (Good To Firm)

2.20 Median Auction Stakes (Class 2) 6f, 2-year-old fillies (14 runners)
Roedean (Richard Hannon/Richard Mullen) 5/1 or Lemon Rock (Noel Quinlan/BA Curtis) 8/1ew
Not the greatest of auction races, but Richard Hannon's record in contests of this type marks Roedean out as one to consider. She is at the bottom of the weights and is a consistent performer. Lemon Rock runs best when the ground is firm.

2.50 Median Auction Trophy (Class 2) 7f, 2-year-olds (16 runners)
Coupe De Ville (Richard Hannon/Pat Dobbs) 7/2fav or Alkazim (David Wachman/WM Lordan) 10/1ew
Coupe De Ville has the best form of this field, and is weighted appropriately, but should go close for Richard Hannon. Alkazim comes over from Ireland, and despite finishing second in all three starts so far, will surely go close.

3.30 Cesarewitch Trial (Class 2 Handicap) 18f, 3-year-olds+ (18 runners)
Montparnasse (Mark Johnston/Luke Morris) 16/1ew or Eshtyaaq (David Evans/Cathy Gannon) 14/1ew
Mark Johnston's four-year-old finished fifth in this race last year and is now 10 pounds lower in the weights. Likes the ground to be firm and ran well last time out, albeit over 12 furlongs. Eshtyaaq has moved up the weights in the last couple of months following three second placed finishes in a row. Upped in trip again for this.

The rest of Saturday's action

Goodwood (Good To Soft)

1.45 Stardom Stakes (Listed) 7f, 2-year-olds (6 runners)
Justineo (William Haggas/Michael Hills) 11/8fav or Nayarra (Mick Channon/Ted Durcan) 9/1ew
Favourite Justineo finished fourth, on similar ground, behind standout performer Caspar Netscher in the Gimcrack last month, and looks certain to enjoy an increase in trip. Nayarra was fourth to Regal Realm at Goodwood last time out.

2.20 Select Stakes (Group 3) 9f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
French Navy (Mahmood Al Zarooni/Ahmed Ajtebi) 7/4fav or Opera Gal (Andrew Balding/David Probert) 8/1ew
French Navy returned from injury last month to grab a deserved victory at Newmarket and looks a good bet to win his fifth race in six career starts. Opera Gal has performed consistently well in listed company since June.

2.50 Starlit Stakes (Listed) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Markab (Henry Candy/Dane O'Neill) 3/1fav or Desert Poppy (Walter Swinburn/Jim Crowley) 8/1ew
Usually found in better company than this, Markab hasn't been at his best this year, but this is a lot easier. Desert Poppy has performed well in this grade already during the summer.

Chester (Good)

3.30 Stand Cup (Listed) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (6 runners)
Kiama Bay (John Quinn/Tom Eaves) 9/2
John Quinn's inform five-year-old makes the step up to listed company following a superb season improving in handicaps. Just touched off in an excellent handicap last time out at York.

Doncaster's St Leger Festival - Day 4 (Saturday)

The final day of the festival brings with it the final classic of the season, the St Leger. Sea Moon is overwhelming favourite following his performance in the Great Voltigeur last month, but Blue Bunting, Census and the rest should make sure he doesn't have it all his own way.

Doncaster (Good)

2.00 Champagne Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 2-year-old colts & geldings (5 runners)
Entifaadha (William Haggas/Richard Hills) 11/10fav
Acomb Stakes winner Entifaadha is unbeaten in two starts over seven furlongs and could easily win this, with only Red Duke and Daddy Long Legs looking likely challengers.

2.30 Portland Handicap (Class 2) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (22 runners)
Swiss Dream (David Elsworth/Olivier Peslier) 12/1ew or Rain Delayed (Michael Dods/Tom Queally) 33/1ew
A tough handicap to call, but I'll side with three-year-old Swiss Dream who won a listed race at Newmarket last time around. The filly has also won a class two handicap this year in her age group. Rain Delayed hasn't run well since April when he finished second in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes. The gelding's rating has dropped significantly since though, and he could have a chance of a place at large odds.

3.05 St Leger (Group 1) 14f, 3-year-olds (9 runners)
Sea Moon (Sir Michael Stoute/Olivier Peslier) 13/8fav or Masked Marvel (John Gosden/William Buick) 7/1ew
The final classic of the year gives the lightly raced Sea Moon a chance to make it four wins on the spin after he destroyed all before him in the Great Voltigeur last month. A number of well regarded rivals will be hot on his heals, including Godolphin filly Blue Bunting, winner of the 1000 Guineas and Irish Oaks. Masked Marvel is a slight outsider according to the market, but he did win the Bahrain Trophy on his last outing. Behind him that day was Richard Hannon's runner Census, who has since won the Geoffrey Freer Stakes. Michael Owen's runner Brown Panther has a bit to find on his rivals.

3.45 Handicap (Class 2) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (13 runners)
Sooraah (William Haggas/Kieren Fallon) 13/2ew or Vainglory (David Simcock/Laura Pike) 20/1ew
William Haggas' extremely consistent filly Sooraah won the Valiant Stakes at Ascot in July before finishing a superb fourth at Glorious Goodwood in the Totesport Mile. She should go well again. Vainglory has been well held in his last three starts, but the ground is likely to suit this time.

4.10 Park Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (5 runners)
The Cheka (Eve Johnson Houghton/Tom Queally) 9/4fav
In what, to me at least, is a very low quality renewal of this Group 2 contest, The Cheka has the best form of the five this season, having at least competed well at the level.

4.45 Nursery (Class 2) 8f, 2-year-olds (10 runners)
Anjaz (Saeed Bin Suroor/Franke Dettori) 9/4fav or Pride And Joy (Jamie Osborne/Fergus Sweeney) 7/1ew
Godolphin runner Anjaz looks on a fair mark as he begins handicapping and the fact that he has already stayed eight furlongs is a bonus. Pride And Joy is on a hat trick, but is probably more likely to secure a place.

5.25 Handicap (Class 2) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Swift Alhaarth (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 6/1ew or Prompter (Michael Bell/Joseph O'Brien) 9/2
An interesting final race of the festival should see Swift Alhaarth go close again after finishing third in each of his last three outings. Prompter is top weight but ran well in his last race.

Requinto (7/2) and Ektihaam 10/11) obliged on day three, with Burwaaz (6/1) and Lutine Bell (12/1) offering decent money for placed efforts. Opinion Poll was a close second in the big race of the day.

Doncaster's St Leger Festival - Day 3 (Friday)

Opinion Poll could be the star performer on day three as he bids to complete a hat-trick in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup. Regal Realm and Requinto are two of a number of excellent two-year-old prospects on show.

Doncaster (Good)

1.25 Flying Childers Stakes (Group 2) 5f, 2-year-olds (10 runners)
Requinto (David Wachman/WM Lorden) 7/2fav or Burwaaz (Ed Dunlop/Richard Hills) 5/1
David Wachman's Molecomb Stakes winner drops back into two-year-old company after coming up short in the Nunthorpe last time out. The Irish colt looks a leading contender for this. Burwaaz finished second behind Requinto in the Molecomb and ran well last time out at York over six furlongs.

1.55 Mallard Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 14f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners)
Eternal Heart (Mark Johnston/William Buick) 11/2 or Hawk Mountain (John Quinn/Jimmy Fortune) 7/1ew
Last seen finishing second in the March Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, three-year-old Eternal Heart looks set to go one better this time. Weight is very much on the colt's side as he drops back into handicapping. Hawk Mountain could be his closest challenger after running well in a number of 16 furlong handicaps already this year.

2.25 Doncaster Cup (Group 2) 18f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Opinion Poll (Mahmood Al Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 7/4fav or Bergo (Gary Moore/George Baker) 12ew
Godolphin runner Opinion Poll bids to complete a hat trick after winning both the Goodwood Cup and Lonsdale Cup in his last two outings. This trip is two furlongs longer, but his second place in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot proves he has stamina to burn. Bergo is a good price for a place after running well behind Opinion Poll last time out at York.

3.00 May Hill Stakes (Group 2) 8f, 2-year-old fillies (8 runners)
Regal Realm (Jeremy Noseda/Jimmy Fortune) 9/4fav or Switcher (Tom Dascombe/Richard Kingscote) 12/1ew
Regal Realm offers the best form amongst these lightly raced fillies having won the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood on her last appearance in August. Switcher has place claims after finishing third in a Group 3 race at Deauville last month.

3.35 Conditions Stakes (Class 2) 7f, 2-year-olds (6 runners)
Ektihaam (Roger Varian/Richard Hills) 10/11fav
Ektihaam's only race so far yielded a victory and he holds entries in three of the big end of season two-year-old races.

4.10 Handicap (Class 2) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (15 runners)
Grissom (Tim Easterby/David Allan) 6/1ew or Lutine Bell (Mike Murphy/Richard Hughes) 14/1ew
A three-time winner this year already, moving up the handicap ratings in the process, Grissom looks set for a bold attempt to complete a hat-trick. Lutine Bell could grab a place if reproducing his early July form.

4.40 Classified Stakes (Class 3) 10f, 3-year-olds (17 runners)
Kenyan Cat (Ed McMahon/Neil Farley) 10/1ew or Viva Vettori (David Elsworth/Jamie Spencer) 9/1ew
Ed McMahon's Kenyan Cat has improved significantly this year, finishing third or higher in all of his five starts. Viva Vettori ran well last time out in handicap company.

A decent enough day on Thursday, with Alanza (3/1) and Club Oceanic (7/2) securing last-ditch wins in their respective races. Alternative selection Factory Time (33/1) ran a blinder to claim second in the big two-year-old contest

Doncaster's St Leger Festival - Day 2 (Thursday)

A couple of good looking group contests add to day two's quality, but the big race in terms of prize money is the Weatherby's Insurance Stakes for two-year-olds.

Doncaster (Good)

1.25 Nursery (Class 2 handicap) 6f, 2-year-old fillies (14 runners)
Roger Sez (Tim Easterby/David Allan) 7/1ew or Toffee Tart (JW Hills/Eddie Ahern) 8/1ew
After competing at a higher level in her last two starts, Roger Sez drops back down into handicap company. Tim Easterby's runner last won in this grade, and following a decent listed contest effort last time, should be there or thereabouts. Toffee Tart won a handicap last time, and can't be ruled out despite going up in weight and grade.

1.55 Sceptre Stakes (Group 3) 7f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (11 runners)
Alanza (John Oxx/Johnny Murtagh) 3/1fav or Jacqueline Quest (Ian Williams/Richard Hughes) 10/1ew
Irish raider Alanza makes the step up to group company after winning listed events at Tipperary and Cork inhe last two months. The three-year-old also has weight on her side. Jacqueline Quest, the disqualified winner of last year's 1000 Guineas, has struggled since that run, but following a move to Ian Williams has run better. Her Supreme Stakes third at the end of August puts the four-year-old in the frame.

2.25 Weatherby's Insurance Stakes (Class 2) 6f, 2-year-olds (22 runners)
North Star Boy (Richard Hannon/Kieren Fallon) 20/1ew or Factory Time (Mick Channon/Chris Catlin) 22/1ew
One of three Richard Hannon runners in the field, North Star Boy produced respectful performances in listed and group company after winning an Ascot maiden in May. Factory Time has also competed at a higher level, but with less success.

3.00 Park Hill Stakes (Group 2) 14f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (7 runners)
Sense Of Purpose (DK Weld/PJ Smullen)
Dermot Weld's runner has been in excellent form in Ireland this year, winning twice over 14 furlongs. She is prefered to favourite Set To Music, due to the three-year-old's lack of form over the distance.

3.35 Maiden Stakes (Class 3) 8f, 2-year-olds (39 runners)
A race that can mostly be judged on pedigree alone. Godolphin runner Encke appears to have a good chance, along with Charles Hills' runner Perenial. Of those to have run before, Mark Johnston's Hyperlink looks the best pick.

4.10 Handicap (Class 3) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (22 runners)
Azzurra Du Caprio (Ben Haslam/PJ McDonald) or Advanced (Kevin Ryan/Jamie Spencer)
A consistent enough year has seen Azzurra Du Caprio claim two victories from five starts. The filly appears to run fine on most surfaces and finished fourth last time out in the class above. Advanced has dropped down the weights slightly, and is again, consistent enough.

4.40 Handicap (Class 2) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Club Oceanic (Jeremy Noseda/Jamie Spencer) 3/1fav or Jutland (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 7/1ew
One Newmarket result aside, Club Oceanic has been in excellent form this year. The colt gains weight for being a three-year-old and should make a decent bid. Jutland has a chance to place again following his last two runs.

A decent start to the festival on Wednesday saw my tips claim two winners, Eureka (9/2) and Lightning Cloud (8/1). Two placings made the day complete in Dinkum Diamond (6/1) and Lujeanie (14/1).

Doncaster's St Leger Festival - Day 1 (Wednesday)

A decent start to the 2011 St Leger Festival includes old time jockeys going head to head in the Leger Legends race, which is preceded by the feature race of the day, the listed Scarbrough Stakes.

Doncaster (Good To Firm)

2.00 Nursery (Class 2 handicap) 7f, 2-year-olds (12 runners)
West Leake Hare (Charles Hills/Michael Hills) 7/1ew or Magic City (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 8/1ew
Charlie Hills' runner West Leake Hare was touched off by a short head in a similar race at Glorious Goodwood and is likely to enjoy a return to firmer ground after bombing out on a soft York track last time. The Hannon and Hughes pairing is always respected, and Magic City is also likely to enjoy a move back to firmer conditions. It's his first try at seven furlongs though.

2.35 Conditions Stakes (Class 2) 6f, 2-year-olds (5 runners)
Eureka (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 9/2
It's fair to say Eureka is the most exposed of this two-year-old field. However, the colt has performed at the highest level compared to those who oppose him, with his last outing being sixth behind phenom Habour Watch at Glorious Goodwood. Richard Hannon's charge is weighted accordingly, but still has an excellent chance.

3.10 Scarbrough Stakes (Listed) 5f, 2-year-olds+ (12 runners)
Dinkum Diamond (Henry Candy/Dane O'Neill) 6/1ew or Captain Dunne (Tim Easterby/David Allan) 11/2
Irish three-year-old Dinkum Diamond has finished third or higher in all five of his runs this season (four listed contests), winning a conditions stakes race at Newmarket in July before finishing just behind Tangerine Trees and Duchess Dora (who opposes again in this) in the Beverley Bullet last time out. Henry Candy's colt is in great form and should go close again. The six-year-old Captain Dunne has had a decent season also, with his sole victory coming in the Epsom Dash handicap in June.

3.45 Leger Legends Classified Stakes (Class 5) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (19 runners)
Talent Scout (Tim Walford/Tom O'Ryan) 6/1ew
An old-timer jockey race, including Ray Cochrane and Jamie Osborne. My pick of the horses is the improving Talent Scout who has won his last two handicap outings, both over eight furlongs.

4.20 Conditions Stakes (Class 2) 10f, 3-5-year-olds (9 runners)
Elusive Pimpernel (John Dunlop/Eddie Ahern) 9/2
Following an impressive juvenile campaign, Elusive Pimpernel was seen twice at three, before returning as a four-year-old this year, only to largely disappoint. The step up to 10 furlongs hasn't gone particularly well thus far, but he did finish second in the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock a month ago. That form could see him triumph in this grade.

4.50 Champions Handicap (Class 2) 7f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Lightning Cloud (Kevin Ryan/Phillip Makin) 8/1ew or Shesastar (David Barron/Jamie Spencer) 6/1ew
Lightning Cloud has run almost exclusively at seven furlongs, and has secured four victories from six starts this campaign, moving up the handicapping divisions with relative ease. This is his stiffest test so far, but there is no reason to believe he won't handle it. Shesastar is another improver that has won at Class 2 level this season. Jamie Spencer tends to get the best from her.

5.20 Handicap (Class 4) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (22 runners)
Lujeanie (Dean Ivory/Frankie Dettori) or Picabo (Lucy Wadham/Dane O'Neill)
Frankie Dettori is an interesting booking for Dean Ivory's Lujeanie, who appeared to enjoy the drop back to five furlongs this summer, finishing second and third in comparable races. Having struggled at six furlongs earlier in the campaign, his latest run (over six at Newmarket in July) is best forgotten. Filly Picabo is another horse seemingly enjoying a drop back to five furlongs, finishing first and second in her last two encounters.

Saturday's racing tips

Haydock is the place to be this weekend for top quality racing, before attention shifts to Ireland's big meeting at Leopardstown.

Ascot (Good)
3.45 Heritage Handicap (Class 2) 12f, 3-year-olds (16 runners)
Parlour Games (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Mickael Barzalona) 7/1ew or Ithoughtitwasover (Mark Johnston/Michael Hills) 16/1ew

Haydock (Good)
2.00 Superior Mile (Listed) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
First City (David Simcock/Jamie Spencer) 4/1 or Navajo Chief (Alan Jarvis/Harry Bentley) 8/1ew

3.35 Sprint Cup (Group 1) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (16 runners)
Hoof It (Michael Easterby/Graham Gibbons) 5/1fav or Genki (Roger Charlton/George Baker) 20/1ew

4.40 Ascendant Stakes (Listed) 8f, 2-year-olds (8 runners)
Crius (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 6/1ew

Kempton Park (Standard)
2.15 September Stakes (Group 3) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Harris Tweed (William Haggas/Liam Jones) 5/2fav or Bronze Cannon (Gary Moore/Tom Queally) 25/1ew

Leopardstown (Good To Firm)
5.40 Matron Stakes (Group 1) 8f, 3-year-old+ fillies & mares (13 runners)
Misty For Me (AP O'Brien/Seamie Heffernan) 6/5fav or Barefoot Lady (Richard Fahey/Tony Hamilton) 16/1ew

6.45 Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (6 runners)
So You Think (AP O'Brien/Seamie Heffernan) 1/3fav or Famous Name (DK Weld/PJ Smullen) 12/1ew

Saturday's UK racing

A number of good races on the cards across England tomorrow, including the Celebration Mile at Goodwood and the big races of the summer at Beverley and Windsor.

Goodwood (Good To Soft)
2.15 Windflower March Stakes (Listed) 14f, 3-year-old+ (6 runners)
Drunken Sailor (Luca Cumani/Kieren Fallon) 5/4fav
Despite carrying top weight, the in-form Drunken Sailor can claim this race for the second year running, after winning the Group 3 Glorious Stakes at this track last month. Motrice (Sir Mark Prescott/Seb Sanders, 7/4) should come closest to beating the favourite.

2.50 Prestige Stakes (Group 3) 7f, 2-year-old fillies (7 runners)
Regal Realm (Jeremy Noseda/Jimmy Fortune) 9/4fav
The favourite finished second in the Princess Margaret Stakes on her last appearance, that was on softer ground and the step up in trip should bring out further improvement. Questing and Lily's Angel will offer the most resistance.

3.20 Celebration Mile (Group 2) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Poet's Voice (Saeed Bin Suroor/Frankie Dettori) 11/8fav
Making his belated UK season debut, last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner looks the class act in this field as he drops down a grade. The Godolphin four-year-old also won this last year and should edge out 2000 Guineas runner-up Dubawi Gold (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes, 4/1) and the in-form Beacon Lodge (Clive Cox/Adam Kirby, 5/1).

3.50 Heritage Handicap (Class 2) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Eton Rifles (David Elsworth/Kieren Fallon) 9/1ew or Docofthebay (David Nicholls/Adrian Nicholls) 12/1ew
Only his third run of the season, but Eton Rifles comes into this race on the back of a decent fourth placed finish in the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle. He doesn't mind a bit of cut in the ground and has a decent jockey on board. Docofthebay has been running consistently well in class 2 handicaps all year, and once again, runs well on a softer surface.

Newmarket (Soft)
3.30 Memorial Hopeful Stakes (Listed) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Monsieur Chevalier (Richard Hannon/Pat Dobbs) 5/2fav
The favourite acted superbly on soft ground at Royal Ascot to grab second in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes. Anything close to that form here will see him record an easy victory.

Beverley (Good To Firm)
3.35 Beverley Bullet Stakes (Listed) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (15 runners)
Duchess Dora (John Quinn/PB Beggy) 7/2fav or Tangerine Trees (Bryan Smart/Tom Eaves) 16/1ew
A race that depends a lot on the draw. Duchess Dora is the favourite due to her making massive strides this season. The four-year-old filly is drawn low in stall four and is given a massive weight allowance. Tangerine Trees is capable of performing in better company, and runs well at Beverley, but was last seen struggling in Group 1 company at Royal Ascot. Captain Dunne (Tim Easterby/David Allen, 5/1) would probably be favourite if it wasn't for his high draw.

Windsor (Good To Soft)
6.10 August Stakes (Listed) 11f135yrds, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Elusive Pimpernel (John Dunlop/Eddie Ahern) 7/4fav or Opera Gal (Andrew Balding/Jimmy Fortune) 7/1ew
John Dunlop's runner hasn't progressed as expected following a superb two-year-old campaign, but he should act on slower ground and is the class horse in the field. Opera Gal looks a decent price for each-way money following decent performances in listed contests this year.

York's Ebor Festival - Day 2

York (Good To Soft)
2.00 DBS Premier Yearling Stakes (Class 2), 6f, 2-year-olds (20 runners)
Crown Dependency (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 5/2fav or Roger Sez (Tim Easterby/David Allen) 16/1ew

2.30 Lowther Stakes (Group 2), 6f, 2-year-old fillies (11 runners)
Fire Lily (David Wachman/WM Lorden) 13/2ew or Best Terms (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 8/1ew

3.05 Addleshaw Goddard Stakes (Class 2 Handicap), 8f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Pintura (David Simcock/Jamie Spencer) 17/2ew or Dubai Dynamo (Ruth Carr/Hayley Turner) 25/1ew

3.40 Yorkshire Oaks (Group 1), 12f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (9 runners)
Blue Bunting (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 11/4fav or Banimpire (JS Bolger/KJ Manning) 6/1ew

4.15 EBF Selkirk Galtres Stakes (Listed), 12f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (9 runners)
Field Of Miracles (John Gosden/William Buick) 4/1 or Mirror Lake (Amanda Perrett/Pat Dobbs) 9/1ew

4.50 Class 3 Handicap Stakes, 16f, 4-year-olds+ (17 runners)
Hawk Mountain (John Quinn/Jamie Spencer) 9/1ew or Deauville Flyer (Tim Easterby/Kieren Fallon) 7/1fav

Cape Blanco tackles America: Part Two

Four excellent Grade 1 races are set for Saturday afternoon, with the Arlington Million taking centre stage.
AP O'Brien sends Cape Blanco raiding across the Atlantic for a second time this season, but the four-year-old has company this time in the guise of Epsom Derby runner-up Treasure Beach. Cape Blanco tackles the Million, while Treasure Beach features in the Secretariat Stakes at the same track.

Arlington Park (Arlington Heights, Il) (Good)
3.52CT (9.52BST) $400,000 Secretariat Stakes (Grade 1) 10f, 3-year-olds (10 runners)
Willcox Inn (Michael Stidham/R Albarado) 5/1 or Banned (Thomas F Proctor/GK Gomez) 9/2
Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach is the 6/4 favourite and takes a drop back in trip from a mile and a half. I'm going to oppose the 3-year-old, however, with American Derby winner Willcox Inn. Virginia Derby runner-up Banned is another to consider.

4.33 (10.33) $750,000 Beverly D. Stakes (Grade 1) 9f110yrds, 3-year-old+ fillies & mares (11 runners)
Dubawi Heights (Simon Callaghan/J Rosario) 12/1ew or River Jetez (MF De Kock/Christophe Soumillon) 4/1fav
Former British runner Dubawi Heights has made a seamless transition to American racing with three victories this year, including the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes at Hollywood Park. Globetrotting 8-year-old South African River Jetez sets a good standard following her runs in the UAE, Britain and the Far East.

5.15 (11.15) $1,000,000 Arlington Million (Grade 1) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Cape Blanco (AP O'Brien/Jamie Spencer) 2/1fav or Rahystrada (Byron G Hughes/Sheldon Russell) 14/1ew
Cape Blanco's American debut couldn't have gone any better in the Man O'War Stakes at Belmont Park in June and the four-year-old looks primed to make it a second victory of the season this side of the Atlantic. Rahystrada won the Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs and looks an interesting each-way price. Also, a note for British female jockey Hayley Turner who rides second favourite Wigmore Hall for Michael Bell.

Saratoga (Saratoga Springs, NY) (Good)
5.50ET (10.50BST) $500,000 Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (Grade 1) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Drosselmeyer (William Mott/Jose Lezcano) 8/1ew or Boisterous (Claude R McGaughey III/JR Velazquez) 4/1
Last year's Belmont Stakes winner has had a tough time so far this year, but I'll take a chance that he retains some of the ability that saw him take the showcase race. Boisterous ran well behind Cape Blanco in the Man O'War Stakes and makes the step up in trip.

Back to Saratoga

An excellent evening for my picks this side of the Atlantic as Turbulent Descent and Tizway blazed clear of their respective opposition to win with lengths to spare. Today it's the turn of the sprinters at Saratoga in the Vanderbilt Handicap.

Saratoga (Fast)
5.45 (10.45BST) $250,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (Grade 1) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Noble's Promise (KG McPeek/Andy Garcia) 10/1ew or Apriority (David Fawkes/Ramon Dominguez) 4/1
Noble's Promise took the Grade 3 Aristides Stakes at Churchill Downs in June before finishing third in a Grade 2 handicap last time out while carrying top weight. Apriority has finished second in all three of his big race runs this year, including in the Grade 2 Churchill Downs Stakes in May.

Saturday at Saratoga

Saratoga (Fast)
5.12 (10.12BST) $250,000 Test Stakes (Grade 1) 7f, 3-year-old fillies (9 runners)
Turbulent Descent (Mike Puype/D Flores) 10/11fav

5.45 (10.45 BST) $750,000 Whitney Handicap (Grade 1) 9f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners)
Tizway (HJ Bond/R Maragh) 6/1 or Mission Impazible (Todd Pletcher/JJ Castellano) 11/2

Saturday's tips for the Shergar Cup, Rose Of Lancaster Stakes and Sweet Solera Stakes

England, Ireland, Europe and the Rest of the World compete for the Shergar Cup at Ascot today, with a number of competitive handicaps making up the competition.
The Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes is the feature race on Haydock's card and the big two-year-old race of the afternoon in the Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket.

Ascot - Shergar Cup (Good To Soft)
12.50 Shergar Cup Mile Handicap (Class 2) 8f, 4-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Snow Bay (David Nicholls/Jim Crowley) 13/2ew or Autumn Blades (Alan Bailey/Hayley Turner) 14/1ew

1.25 Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap (Class 2) 16f, 4-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Ermyn Lodge (Pat Phelan/Hayley Turner) 7/2fav or Dayia (Lydia Pearce/Jim Crowley) 12/1ew

2.00 Shergar Cup Dash Handicap (Class 2) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Duchess Dora (John Quinn/F. Berry) 9/2 or Dungannon (Andrew Balding/Hugh Bowman) 6/1ew

2.30 Shergar Cup Classic (Class 3 handicap) 12f, 3-year-olds (10 runners)
Halifax (Mark Johnston/Olivier Peslier) 10/1ew or Ithoughtitwasover (Mark Johnston/Richard Hughes) 10/3fav

3.00 Shergar Cup Challenge (Class 3 handicap) 12f, 4-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Averroes (Clive Cox/Mirco Demuro) 11/2 or Chock A Block (Saeed Bin Suroor/Richard Hughes) 9/1ew

3.35 Shergar Cup Sprint (Class 2 handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds (10 runners)
Firebeam (William Haggas/Paul Hanagan) 13/8fav or Morache Music (Peter Makin/FM Berry) 14/1ew

Haydock (Good To Soft)
2.45 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes (Group 3) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Sajjhaa (Saeed Bin Suroor/Ted Durcan) 7/2fav

3.15 Dick Hearn Fillies' Stakes (Listed) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (12 runners)
Heavenly Dawn (Sir Michael Stoute/William Buick) 15/8fav or Sylvestris (Ralph Beckett/Stevie Donohoe) 12/1ew

Newmarket (Good)
3.15 Sweet Solera Stakes (Group 3) 7f, 2-year-old fillies (11 runners)
Discourse (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 2/1fav or Lily's Angel (Richard Fahey/Tony Hamilton) 12/1ew

Weekend racing in the US

The networks up the ante with their coverage of racing this weekend as Saratoga and Monmouth Park take centre stage for three excellent renewals.
First up on Saturday is the Grade 1 Diana Stakes where a number of foreign bred horses, including Britain's Aviate and French mount Zagora, take on a number of interesting US rivals. The Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes follows half an hour later, with both races live on Versus.
The main event on Sunday is the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, New Jersey. Billed as the fourth biggest three-year-old race of the year after the Triple Crown contests, ABC dedicate an hour of scheduling to the $1,000,000 feature, which should be long enough to bore people to death.

Saturday
Saratoga, NY (Firm/Fast)
5.12 (10.12BST) $500,000 Diana Stakes (Grade 1) 9f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners) turf
Aruna (Graham Motion/RA Dominguez) 3/1 or Dyna Waltz (Jonathan Sheppard/E Prado) 12/1ew
One of two Graham Motion runners in the field, Aruna won on her last time out in the Grade 3 All Along Stakes at Virginia's Colonial Downs, and has the chance to reverse places with Aviate following a swing in the weights. Dyna Waltz spent her first two years competing in Britain but has run well in her first US campaign and appears to love firm ground.

5.45 (10.45BST) $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (Grade 2) 9f, 3-year-olds (7 runners) dirt
Scotus (KG McPeek/A Garcia) 8/1ew or Dominus (Steve Asmussen/JR Leparoux) 3/1
On paper an open race with Belmont Stakes runner-up Stay Thirsty and third placed Brilliant Speed the headline entrants. Brilliant Speed carries the heaviest weight, however, and Stay Thirsty's runs in the Florida Derby and Kentucky Derby don't inspire confidence. I'm siding with outsider Scotus, winner of the Grade 3 Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs in June. Dominus' last outing resulted in a Grade 2 victory at Belmont Park.

Sunday
Monmouth Park, NJ  (Fast)
5.43 (10.43BST) $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational (Grade 1), 9f, 3-year-olds (8 runners) dirt
Shackleford (Dale Romans/JL Castenon) 5/2fav or Astrology (Steve Asmussen/JR Leparoux) 5/1
Preakness victor Shackleford heads the market for this prestigious contest and I see no need to oppose him, despite a relatively poor showing in the Belmont Stakes (distance/conditions good excuses for that). Astrology ran well in finishing third at Pimlico behind Shackleford and could shrug off a poor run in the Iowa Derby last time out. Pants On Fire and Belmont winner Ruler On Ice are two other Triple Crown participants that could feature.

Goodwood - Day 5

A good end to an entertaining week at Goodwood includes a couple of large handicaps and another dual between Snow Fairy and Midday, in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes.

Goodwood (good-to-firm)
2.05 Stewards' Sprint Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (26 runners)
Dubai Media (Ed Dunlop/Jamie Spencer) 20/1ew or Free For All (Sylvester Kirk/Richard Hughes) 14/1ew

2.35 Summer Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 14f, 3-year-olds+ (14 runners)
Activate (Michael Bell/Jamie Spencer) 7/1ew or Sentry Duty (Nicky Henderson/Keiren Fallon) 14/1ew

3.10 Nassau Stakes (Group 1) 9f192yards, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Snow Fairy (Ed Dunlop/Frankie Dettori) 6/4fav
In what could turn out to be a two-horse battle between Midday and Snow Fairy, I side with Ed Dunlop's runner who blazed a winning trail through Group 1s in Asia at the backend of last year. Midday may rebound after losing to AP O'Brien Misty For Me (a non-runner in this one) in Ireland last time out.

3.45 Stewards' Cup (Heritage handicap) 6f, 3-year-olds+ (28 runners)
Mac's Power (James Fanshawe/Pat Cosgrave) 8/1ew or Atlantic Sport (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) 40/1ew

4.20 Maiden Stakes, 7f, 2-year-olds (16 runners)
Take your pick!

4.55 Nursery Stakes, 6f, 2-year-olds (16 runners)
Safari Storm (Brian Meehan/Martin Dwyer) 8/1ew or Tell Dad (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 11/1ew

5.35 Apprentice Stakes (Class 3 handicap) 9f, 4-year-olds+ (18 runners)
Moynahan (Paul Cole/Matthew Lawson) 14/1ew

Friday round-up...
Finally a better day. Jukebox Jury's third in the Glorious Stakes allowed a small each-way gain as favourite Redwood bombed out. Western Aristocrat was closely beaten into third by Neebras in the RSA Thoroughbred Stakes. Sooraah ran an excellent race in fourth at 16/1 to secure each-way money in the big handicap of the day. The banker of the day came in at 3.45 as 5/6 favourite Harbour Watch survived to score ahead of 10/1 each-way choice Bannock.

Glorious Goodwood - Day 4

A number of really good battles are set to take place at Goodwood on Friday with Redwood and Green Destiny the standout horses, along with potential two-year-old sensation Harbour Watch. One of last year's brilliant two-year-olds Memory gets another chance to prove she has what it takes in the Oak Tree Stakes and Western Aristocrat will be looking to further enhance his reputation in the 2.35 listed contest.

Goodwood (good)
2.00 Glorious Stakes (Group 3) 12f, 4-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 11/4fav or Jukebox Jury (Mark Johnston/Neil Callan) 5/1ew
Look for the globaltrotting Redwood to rebound from an eight length defeat at Newmarket to take a race that is below his usual standard. Jukebox Jury returned from a long lay off to win at Newmarket last time out and looks one of the better remaining runners.

2.35 RSA Thoroughbred Stakes (Listed) 8f, 3-year-olds (8 runners)
Western Aristocrat (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore) 11/8fav or Neebras (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 3/1
An impressive third behind Strong Suit at Royal Ascot, Western Aristocrat is expected to improve on his first run at a mile and is the one to beat. Neebras should be his main rival.

3.10 Heritage Handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (22 runners)
Green Destiny (Jim Boyle/Micky Fenton) 11/4fav or Sooraah (William Haggas/John Fahy) 16/1ew
John Smith's Cup winner Green Destiny is the short priced favourite for this large handicap and could take all the beating again after winning well at York. Sooraah won a listed contest last time out at Ascot and could sneek a place.

3.45 Tanqueray Richmond Stakes (Group 2) 6f, 2-year-olds (10 runners)
Harbour Watch (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 4/5fav or Bannock (Mark Johnston/Silvester De Sousa) 10/1ew
Harbour Watch has won both his starts so far in impressive fashion and is thought to be one of the better two-year-olds this term. Bannock should appreciate firmer ground and has been running well in Group company.

4.20 Nursery handicap, 7f, 2-year-olds (15 runners)
Camanche (Bryan Smart/Paul Hanagan) 14/1ew or Poetic Dancer (Clive Cox/John Fahy) 10/1ew

4.50 Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) 7f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (18 runners)
Memory (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 10/1ew or Maqaasid (John Gosden/Richard Hills) 7/1ew
Memory drops down to seven furlongs for the first time this season and hopefully will rediscover some of her form from last year. Maqaasid finished third in the 1000 Guineas and a drop back to seven furlongs may also suit.

5.25 Turf Club Stakes (Class 3 handicap) 5f, 3-year-olds (13 runners)
Quality Art (Gary Moore/Ryan Moore) 6/1 or Bold Bidder (Kevin Ryan/Philip Makin) 14/1ew

Thursday recap...
Masamah was the only winner from my picks today, at 11/4. Motrice ran a good race to finish third in the Lillie Langtry Stakes at an each-way price of 9/1.

Glorious Goodwood - Day 3

The stayers take centre stage on day three at Goodwood as 16 runners go head-to-head for the two mile Goodwood Cup. The fillies and mares provide the best of the rest in the Lillie Langtry stakes.

Goodwood (good)
2.15 Class 2 handicap, 9f192yrds, 3-year-olds (16 runners)
Specific Gravity (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 16/1ew or Tropical Beat (John Gosden/William Buick) 12/1ew
Specific Gravity drops down to handicap company after running well twice in a listed event at Newmarket and a Group 3 contest at Royal Ascot this season. Tropical Beat makes the move up in trip, but has run well at nine furlongs in the past.

2.45 King George Stakes (Group 2) 5f, 3-year-olds+ (12 runners)
Masamah (Kevin Ryan/Jamie Spencer) 11/2 or Golden Destiny (Peter Makin/William Buick) 16/1ew
A difficult race to call but I'm siding with Masamah, winner of a listed race at York earlier in the month. Golden Destiny was fourth in that race and performed better back at five furlongs after disappointing runs over six.
3.15 Goodwood Cup (Group 2) 16f, 3-year-olds+ (16 runners)
Bergo (Gary Moore/Ryan Moore) 16/1ew or Montaff (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) 16/1ew
A number of good horses line up for main race of the day, including Opinion Poll, Manighar and Chiberta King. I'm siding with former hurdler Bergo, however, who makes his first appearance in Britain this year after finishing second in the DRC Gold Cup at Meydan during the spring. Montaff could run well again after finishing second in the Group 2 Henry II at Sandown and second in the Northumberland Plate.

3.45 Lillie Langtry Stakes (Group 3) 14f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners)
Motrice (Sir Mark Prescott/Seb Saunders) 8/1ew or Ships Biscuit (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore) 14/1ew
Motrice's best runs have come at 14 and 16 furlongs, so a drop back to familiar territory from her first run of the season at Royal Ascot is bound to suit. Ships Biscuit looks decent value and could run into a place following okay performances in listed contests.

4.20 Maiden Fillies Stakes, 7f, 2-year-old fillies (19 runners)
Take your pick!

4.55 Tatler Stakes (class 2 handicap) 7f, 3-year-olds (15 runners)
Bertiewhittle (David Barron/Silvestre De Sousa) 11/1ew

5.25 Class 3 handicap, 11f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Dragonera (Ed Dunlop/Frankie Dettori) 5/1 or Goldenveil (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan) 14/1ew

Wednesday wrap up
Frankel aside, nothing to report. A thoroughly awful day on the tipping front.

Glorious Goodwood - Day 2

The eagerly anticipated clash of top milers Canford Cliffs and Frankel dominates the card on day two at the Goodwood festival, with Sir Henry Cecil's undefeated three-year-old fancied to come out on top due to the generous weight allowance afforded the classic generation.
Grade One hurdles winner Spirit Of Adijisa is another classy performer on show as he takes on 19 rivals in the 21 furlong Goodwood Stakes.

Goodwood (good)
2.00 Goodwood Stakes (Class 2 handicap) 21f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Spirit Of Adijisa (Tim Vaughan/Ryan Moore) 5/1fav or L Frank Baum (Gay Kelleway/Jimmy Fortune) 40/1ew
A mixture of hurdlers and flat runners take on this grueling 21 furlong handicap with Tim Vaughan's Spirit Of Adijisa heading the market following success in a Grade One novice hurdle at Punchestown in May. L Frank Baum sits at the foot of the betting, but has run over a long distance before, unlike many others in the field.

2.35 Vintage Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 2-year-olds (7 runners)
Red Duke (John Quinn/Kieron Fallon) 11/4fav
Red Duke won the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket last time out and is fancied again ahead of the horse he beat that day Chandlery (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes, 3/1)

3.10 Sussex Stakes (Group 1) 8f, 3-year-olds+ (4 runners)
Frankel (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 8/11fav
The prominence of favourite Frankel and last year's victor Canford Cliffs forced a number of rivals to pull out, leaving only the brave Rio De La Plata and Rajsaman remaining as challengers. However, Sir Henry Cecil's 2000 Guineas winner receives eight pounds in weight from the field, which should allow him to make it eight victories from eight starts.

3.45 Class 2 handicap, 12f, 3-year-olds (12 runners)
Halifax (Mark Johnston/Kieron Fallon) 5/1fav or Sadler's Risk (Mark Johnston/Neil Callan) 8/1ew
After Namibian's success in the Gordon Stakes, Halifax's run behind him at Royal Ascot looks better than first thought. The drop back to a mile and a half should suit Mark Johnston's runner. Sadler's Risk finished just behind Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach in the Chester Vase, and despite conceding weight all round, could be a contender.

4.20 Maiden Stakes, 6f, 2-year-olds (13 runners)
Deduction (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 8/1ew

4.55 Classified Stakes, 7f, 3-year-olds+ (15 runners)
Shamandar (William Haggas/Ryan Moore) 7/1ew or Decent Fella (Andrew Balding/Liam Keniry) 9/1ew

5.30 Class 3 handicap, 9f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (18 runners)
Musharakaat (Ed Dunlop/Richard Hughes) 16/1ew or Imaginary World (Alan McCabe/David Probert) 25/1ew

Tuesday's recap
A satisfactory start to the festival yielded two winners and two placings over the seven races on Tuesday. Strong Suit won the Lennox Stakes easily at 5/2, with Beacon Lodge running an excellent race in third at 16/1. Requinto could be one to watch for the rest of the season after edging out his rivals in the Molecomb at 6/1. Guest Book yielded a decent each-way return following a second placed finish in the 4.50 at 7/1. As for the rest of my selections, Modun performed brightest finishing second in the opening race of the day after going off the 7/2 favourite.

Glorious Goodwood - Day 1

The five-day Glorious Goodwood festival kicks off tomorrow with three Group races, three handicaps and a two-year-old maiden.
Star of the day could be three-year-old Strong Suit, who has rebounded from a slow start to the season and is now progressing nicely under the trainer/jockey combination of Richard Hannon and Richard Hughes.
Fiorente and Slumber could give us an intriguing battle in the three-year-old Gordon Stakes, while a few stars of tomorrow could be found in the two-year-old Molecomb Stakes.

Goodwood (good)
2.00 Class 2 handicap, 9f192yrds, 4-year-olds+ (18 runners)
Modun (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore) 7/2fav or Circumvent (Paul Cole/Richard Hughes) 14/1ew
Second in the John Smith's Cup at York on July 9th, Modun should challenge again after being only slightly moved up the handicap rankings. Circumvent, who has run in Group company before, showed signs of improvement in his last run, and his handicap mark is low enough to make him an outside each-way selection.

2.35 Gordon Stakes (Group 3) 12f, 3-year-olds (11 runners)
Slumber (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 9/2 or Well Sharp (Michael Dods/Philip Makin) 25/1ew
Fiorente is the favourite for this Group 3 contest after his second place finish in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, behind King George winner Nathaniel. Slumber's only run at this distance was a decent third behind Irish Derby victor Treasure Beach, and he should give Fiorente a good run for his money at a decent price. Well Sharp is the lowest ranked runner, but did finish third behind Brown Panther in the King George V handicap last month.

3.10 Lennox Stakes (Group 2) 7f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Strong Suit (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 5/2fav or Beacon Lodge (Clive Cox/Adam Kirby) 12/1ew
After a slow start to his three-year-old campaign (included breathing surgery), Strong Suit has responded well by taking the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing third in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly. The weight advantage over his older peers rightly makes him favourite. Beacon Lodge's result this year have been decent, the ground will suit and he ran well at Goodwood last year.

3.45 Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) 5f, 2-year-olds (14 runners)
Requinto (David Wachman/WM Lordan) 5/1 or Crown Dependency (Richard Hannon/Richard Hughes) 9/2fav
Irish raider Requinto ran extremely well when winning back at five furlongs in the listed Tipperary Stakes on July 9th and is expected to go well again. Crown Dependency finished third in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, with the firmer ground likely to work in his favour.

4.20 Maiden Stakes, 6f, 2-year-old colts & geldings (13 runners)
Muarrab (Ed Dunlop/Richard Hills) 6/1ew
This well bred (and expensive) colt runs his debut race and is expected to make a good impression ahead of bigger races later in the summer.

4.50 Class 3 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Suited & Booted (Jane Chapple-Hyam/Luke Morris) 25/1ew or Guest Book (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 12/1ew

5.25 Class 3 handicap, 5f, 4-year-olds+ (19 runners)
Verinco (Bryan Smart/Tom Eaves) 14/1ew or Judge N Jury (Ronald Harris/Luke Morris) 14/1ew

An early look at Saturday

Just a quick preview for the weekend, laptop problems still "bugging" me. Full service will resume next Tuesday in time for the start of Goodwood.
A good number of races this Saturday, including the King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, where Rewilding, St Nicholas Abbey and Workforce go head-to-head-to-head for one of the biggest prize pots in UK flat racing.

Ascot (good to soft)
2.40 Princess Margaret Stakes (Group 3) 6f, 2-year-old fillies (7 runners)
Russelliana (Sir Michael Stoute/Ryan Moore)

3.15 Class 2 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds (11 runners)
Mariachi Man (Tim Easterby/David Allen) or My Freedom (Saeed Bin Suroor/Frankie Dettori)

3.50 Class 2 Heritage handicap, 7f, 3-year-olds+ (24 runners)
Manassas (Brian Meehan/Martin Dwyer) 16/1ew or Excellent Guest (George Margarson/Philip Robinson) 10/1ew

4.30 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (5 runners)
Rewilding (Mahmood Al-Zarooni/Frankie Dettori) 7/2

York (good-to-soft)
3.05 York Stakes (Group 2) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Twice Over (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 2/1fav

Longchamp takes centre stage

Two high-end races head the card at Longchamp on Thursday as Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach renews his rivalry with Seville in the Group 1 Grand Pirx De Paris. Preceding this, 13 runners compete in the Group 2 Prix Maurice De Nieuil.

Longchamp
6.15 Prix Maurice De Nieuil (Group 2) 4-year-olds+, 14f (13 runners)
Times Up (Ryan Moore/John Dunlop) 9/2fav or Kasbah Bliss (Thierry Thulliez/F Douman) 9/1ew
John Dunlop's five-year-old continued his upward slant this season by winning on his last appearance in the Grand Cup at York two months ago. Despite his years, nine-year-old Kasbah Bliss has place claims and is back running at a more suitable distance following his seventh place in the Ascot Gold Cup.

6.50 Grand Prix De Paris (Group 1) 3-year-olds, 12f (7 runners)
Treasure Beach (C O'Donoghue/AP O'Brien) 11/4fav or Bubble Chic (Stephane Pasquier/G Botti) 13/2ew
Stable mates Treasure Beach and Seville (Seamie Heffernan/AP O'Brien, 3/1) go head-to-head once again after finishing first and second respectively in the Irish Derby last month. The fact that Treasure Beach also finished ahead of Seville in the Epsom Derby gives him an added advantage. Of the French-trained horses involved, Reliable Man (Gerald Mosse/A De Royer-Dupre, 11/4) is sure to run well after winning the Prix Du Jockey Club, but Bubble Chic, second behind A De Royer-Dupre's mount at Chantilly, is better value.

Hamilton
3.40 Glasgow Stakes (Listed) 3-year-olds, 11f (7 runners)
Stella Point (Hugh Bowman/Mick Channon) 4/1
There is little-to-no form over 11 furlongs for any of the runners in this contest, although favourite Malthouse (Silvestre De Sousa/Mark Johnston) finished halfway down the field in the 12 furlong King George V handicap at Royal Ascot. My pick is filly Stella Point, who won a 10 furlong maiden easily last time out, and should progress further again.

There was money to be made

As far as Saturday afternoon tipping goes, I'd rank that as a good. Four winners (Tactician, Dream Ahead, Dick Turpin and Saucy Brown) coupled with two long odds each way finishers (Fanunalter and Snow Bay) allows me a brief smile after what was a poor opening blog on Thursday.

I'm not going to crow too loudly, however, as luck has a habit of changing rapidly. So all I'll say is onwards to the US tonight and I will return with more value bets next week.

Cape Blanco makes US debut

Irish raider Cape Blanco continues trainer AP O'Brien's modest 2011 assault on US racing tomorrow (Saturday) when lining up against six others in the Grade 1 Man O'War Stakes at Belmont Park, New York. Partnered by jockey Jamie Spencer, the four-year-old moves back up to a favourable 11 furlongs after dropping down to a mile for Royal Ascot's Queen Anne Stakes.
Winner of the last two Man O'Wars, Gio Ponti, is favourite for the late afternoon contest on Long Island, with 2010 second and fourth placed runners Mission Approved and Bearpath also trying their luck again.
Other Grade 1 contests taking place on Saturday include the Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park, Inglewood, California, and the Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder Park, Miami, Florida.

Belmont Park (Turf)
5.17 (10.17 BST) $600,000, Man O'War Stakes (Grade 1) 11f, 3-year-olds+ (7 runners)
Cape Blanco (AP O'Brien/Jamie Spencer) 3/1
Irish Derby and Champion Stakes winner Cape Blanco takes on the US challenge for the first time as he looks to get his season going following close runs in the UAE and France earlier in the year. His appearance at Royal Ascot was over a trip that doesn't suit. The firm ground, coupled with a move up to 11 furlongs, should work in his favour. Gio Ponti (Christophe Clement/RA Dominguez) and Mission Approved (Naipaul Chatterpaul/JL Espinoza) appear to be the biggest dangers.

Calder Park (Dirt)
5.32 (10.32 BST) $350,000, Princess Rooney Handicap (Grade 1) 6f, 3-year-olds+ fillies & mares (10 runners)
Sassy Image (Dale Romans/ME Smith)

Hollywood Park (Cushion Track)
7.37ET (12.37am BST) $500,000, Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (Grade 1) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (8 runners)
Game On Dude (Bob Baffert/Chantal Sutherland) 8/1ew
Bob Baffert's four-year-old claimed the Santa Anita Handicap in March ahead of four of today's rivals, and although he hasn't won in two outings since, the Charles Town Classic (2nd) was on sloppy ground and the Lone Star Park Handicap (3rd) was over a shorter trip.

Bumper Saturday preview

After a day off to concentrate on Texan food and baseball I'm back with a bumper Saturday preview on what should be another fantastic day of racing in the UK. My so far less-than-accurate US tips will follow in due course, but for now I'll begin at Ascot where the Group 2 Summer Mile sees the reappearance of one of my favourite horses Dick Turpin. It appears Richard Hannon's four-year-old is being written off already after two bad runs but I say at 3/1 he is worth backing to get one over on favourite Cityscape.
The City Plate listed contest at Chester includes a number of horses that have run well at a higher level, including Doncaster Rover and Rerouted.
The biggest race at Newmarket is the Group 1 July Cup where a number of high class sprinters, including Australian colt Star Witness, vie for one of the bigger prizes of the summer. The Bunbury Cup handicap preceeds the July Cup, with 20 runners attempting to take home the 31,000GBP first prize.
York's Knavesmire track hosts a number of valuable handicaps on John Smith's Cup day.

Ascot
3.45 Summer Mile Stakes (Group 2), 8f, 4-year-olds+ (6 runners)
Dick Turpin (Pat Dobbs) 5/2 or Fanunalter (Adam Kirby) 12/1ew
Ground permitting, Group 1 winner Dick Turpin will attempt to get back on track against a distinctively average-looking Group 2 line up, Cityscape (Roger Charlton/Pat Cosgrave) notwithstanding. Fanunalter looks excellent value at 12/1 considering the five-year-old's performance in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom and in the UAE this March.

Chester
4.35 City Plate (Listed), 7f, 3-year-olds+ (11 runners)
Doncaster Rover (David Brown/Robert Winston) 4/1JF or Our Jonathan (Kevin Ryan/Franny Norton) 7/1ew
David Brown's five-year-old sprinter has only run over seven furlongs three times in the last 30 months, all Group 3 contests, and has finished no lower than third. Our Jonathan won a class 2 handicap at Chester in May and can go close again at this higher level.

Newmarket
2.55 Bunbury Cup (Class 2 handicap), 7f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Manassas (Brian Meehan/Frankie Dettori) 9/1ew or Red Gulch (Ed Walker/J-P Guillamber) 14/1ew
Manassas won the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out after finishing second in the Victoria Cup over the same course and distance in May. Red Gulch is at the bottom of the weights, but has progressed well this year with three second place finishes at Newmarket over seven furlongs.

3.25 July Cup (Group 1), 6f, 3-year-olds+ (17 runners)
Dream Ahead (David Simcock/Hayley Turner) 8/1ew or Regal Parade (David Nicholls/Adrian Nicholls) 25/1ew
David Simcock's three-year-old had an excellent two-year-old career before losing out twice over a longer trip to undefeated Frankel. He gains weight all round and the drop back to six furlongs may be favourable. Dual Group 1 winner Regal Parade looks good each way value if his run at Newcastle two weeks previously was just a blip.

4.10 Class 2 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Las Verglas Star (Richard Fahey/Barry McHugh) 12/1ew or Chosen Character (Tom Dascombe/Richard Kingscote) 14/1ew

York
2.05 City Walls Stakes (Listed), 5f, 3-year-olds (14 runners)
Hamish McGonagall (Tom Easterby/David Allen) 5/1 or Golden Destiny (Philip Makin/William Buick) 14/1ew
The six-year-old Hamish McGonagall hasn't won this year, but has performed extremely well in group company over the last few months at Haydock, Chantilly and Curragh. Golden Destiny's best runs have all come at five furlongs and so a drop back to that trip should suit the five-year-old who has appeared only once so far this season.

2.40 Silver Cup handicap (Listed), 14f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Eternal Heart (Mark Johnston/Jimmy Quinn) 8/1ew or Tactician (Michael Bell/Eddie Ahern) 11/1ew
Third place in the Queen's Vase makes Eternal Heart an interesting horse to consider. The only three-year-old in the race gives Mark Johnston's mount a considerable weight advantage over his older peers. Tactician is a smart performer over 14 furlongs.

3.15 John Smith's Cup (Heritage handicap) 10f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Pekan Star (Roger Varian/Neil Callan) 4/1fav or Tepmokea (Richard Fahey/Lee Topliss) 18/1ew
Pekan Star's first outing in a handicap resulted in a victory over the course and distance in May. Tepmokea performed well over 10 furlongs last year and has continued that trend over a mile and a half this season.

3.55 Class 3 handicap, 8f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Prince Of Dance (Tom Tate/Mickael Barzalona) 12/1ew (nap) or Snow Bay (David Nicholls/Dane O'Neill) 14/1ew
Tom Tate's five-year-old was once considered good enough to run in group company, but has since dropped as far as a class 4 handicap. Back on the way up now and with an excellent chance in this with a good jockey on board. Snow Bay is near the top of the weights but has run consistantly well this year.

5.35 Class 4 handicap, 6f, 3-year-olds+ (20 runners)
Saucy Brown (David Nicholls/Paul Quinn) 16/1ew or Walvis Bay (Tom Tate/Tom Queally) 12/1ew

Newmarket's July Festival begins

A decent looking card awaits today as Newmarket's summer course gets an airing at the start of the Suffolk track's 3-day July Festival.
Today's feature race is the Group 2 Prince Of Wales Stakes, where consistant performer Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) makes his first appearance of the year in Britain following an excellent March run in the valuable Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan.
There are two further group encounters on the card, as the meet opens at 1.20 with an interesting Group 3 encounter for three-year-olds over 13 furlongs. Oaks runner Zain Al Boldan (Mick Channon/Hugh Bowman) is moved up in trip for this one after a couple of disappointing runs at a higher level.
The July Stakes follows at 1.50 as a number of stand-out Royal Ascot performers go head-to-head, including Windsor Castle Stakes winner Frederick Engels (David Brown/Eddie Ahern) and Coventry Stakes runner-up Roman Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore).
A Class 2 handicap, two conditioning stakes and a Class 3 handicap complete the lineup. My tips cover five of the seven races.

1.20 Bahrain Trophy (Group 3), 13f, 3-year-olds (6 runners)
Solar Sky (Sir Henry Cecil/Tom Queally) 9/4 joint favourite
Sir Henry Cecil's mount proved his stamina by finishing second behind Namibian in the 16 furlong Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot after winning a 12 furlong maiden at Haydock in May. The lightly-run colt gets my vote ahead of Derby runner Masked Marvel (John Gosden/Jimmy Fortune).

1.50 July Stakes ( Group 2), 6f, 2-year-olds (8 runners)
Roman Soldier (Jeremy Noseda/Ryan Moore) 13/8 fav or Sans Loi (Alan McCabe/Robert Winston) 14/1 each way
Roman Solider ran Power close in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes and that performance makes him rightly the favourite. Frederick Engels should go close again, as could once-raced Church Music (Kevin Ryan/Richard Mullen). Two-time winner Sans Loi offers value at 14/1 if he progresses further.

2.25 Class 2 handicap, 10f, 3-year-olds (19 runners)
Club Oceanic (Jeremy Noseda/Mickael Barzalona) 9/1 ew or Tullius (P Winkworth/Luke Morris) 16/1 ew
Club Oceanic has progressed up the distances and handicap classes over three runs this season and could go well again despite going off a career-high mark. Tullius has done likewise this term, but hasn't run over 10 furlongs, so Jeremy Noseda's runner gets my vote. Mica Mika (Richard Fahey/Paul Hanagan, 28/1) has a chance to put a poor last run behind him at a big price.

3.00 Prince Of Wales Stakes (Group 2) 12f, 3-year-olds+ (9 runners)
Redwood (BW Hills/Michael Hills) 11/4 fav or Dordogne (Mark Johnston/Silvestre De Sousa) 11/1 ew
My nap of the day is 5-year-old stallion Redwood, who in his only run this year finished second behind Rewilding in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic. Dordogne receives a massive weight advantage for being a three-year-old and should progress to 12 furlongs after winning on his last run, the 11 furlong Group3 Derby Trial at Lingfield.

4.40 Class 3 handicap, 5f, 3-year-olds+ (10 runners)
Fol Hollow (David Nicholls/Shirley Teasdale) 10/1 ew or Lujeanie (Dean Ivory/Neil Callan) 6/1
Fol Hollow ran his best race for nearly a year finishing fifth in Musselburgh's Scottish Sprint Cup class 2 handicap last month. A further drop in rating after that race, as well as jockey Shirley Teasdale claiming seven pounds, means more improvement could be on the cards. Another progressive type is five-year-old Lujeanie, who finished second in his last outing. That was the first time the gelding had competed over five furlongs since his two-year-old campaign.