An analysis of the 8 races on ITV4 today using The Timewise Rankings as a guide.

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13:30 Ascot Sat 13 May 2023

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PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO HANDICAP (3)

Distance 1m 3f 211y

Prize £10,800 Rated (0-95) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 10

Going Soft (Heavy in places)

Race Analysis:

This analysis is based on the total ratings, last race performance, and additional considerations based on positive comments on the horses.

Rankings in Totals Order:

  1. Saratoga Gold (375.4)
  2. Sir Rumi (IRE) (373.3)
  3. Sheer Rocks (371.3)
  4. Savvy Knight (IRE) (368.9)

Analysis:

  1. Saratoga Gold: Leading in total ratings, this horse appears to be a strong contender. Although his performance in soft-ground handicaps hasn’t been his best, the horse won first time out last year and showed excellent form when blinkers were enlisted last season. However, his most recent performance suggests the handicapper may have caught up, which may present a challenge.
  2. Sir Rumi (IRE): Ranking second in total ratings, Sir Rumi has shown strong performance in adverse conditions, including heavy going and soft ground. His recent win at Epsom (1m4f) is noteworthy, and despite a 4lb raise, he is expected to be seriously involved again in this race.
  3. Sheer Rocks: Sheer Rocks ranks third in total ratings. His performance last July at Chester was commendable, but since then he hasn’t fared as well in more competitive races. He has not raced this year or in any race on softer than good, making his performance today a significant question mark.
  4. Savvy Knight (IRE): Savvy Knight has shown mixed performance in the past. His fourth-place finish at Royal Ascot (1m4f) off 2lb higher on his handicap debut was impressive, but he’s been inconsistent since, with a particularly poor performance on heavy going. His most recent performance at Kempton (1m3f, AW) last month was a good fourth, suggesting potential, but he’s only competitive if he’s having a ‘good day’.

Additional Analysis:

While the top four horses based on total ratings are strong contenders, there are others worth noting due to positive comments about their potential:

  • High Fibre: The horse showed a significant improvement on his final 2yo start and has potential if everything is well.
  • Nathanael Greene: Despite mixed messages, the horse’s win in softer conditions last July at Haydock (1m6f) stands out.
  • Ravens Ark: Last year’s win at Lingfield (1m5f) on today’s mark and the good second on soft the following month suggest Ravens Ark is likely to perform well under today’s conditions.
  • Rhythmic Intent: The horse acts on soft and potentially heavy conditions. If the form from his second start last season repeats, he could be well handicapped.

In conclusion, Saratoga Gold and Sir Rumi are the top two contenders based on total ratings, with Sheer Rocks and Savvy Knight as possible dark horses. However, horses like High Fibre, Nathanael Greene, Ravens Ark, and Rhythmic Intent could surprise based on their past performances and favourable conditions.

13:50 Lingfield Sat 13 May 2023

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FITZDARES TAKING BETS SINCE 1882 HANDICAP (5)

Distance 7f 1y

Prize £5,234 Rated (0-75) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 12

Going Standard

Race Analysis:

This analysis is based on the total ratings, last race performance, and additional considerations based on positive comments on the horses.

Rankings in Totals Order:

  1. Gold Medal (519.7)
  2. Winforglory (IRE) (399.9)
  3. Prenup (IRE) (350.2)
  4. Legal Reform (IRE) (342.7)

Analysis:

  1. Gold Medal: Leading the pack with a significant total rating, Gold Medal is a clear favourite. The horse has mostly raced at sprint distances and recently won twice at 6f for the new yard. It seems to have adapted well to the 7f distance from limited chances with previous connections, indicating potential for further improvement.
  2. Winforglory (IRE): Second in total ratings, Winforglory won his first two runs for the yard, the second at 1m on this track. Despite being a non-stayer at 1m2f on his final 2022 start, he performed well at Chelmsford (7f) on his second run back, suggesting a solid chance in this race. The regular hood has been left off, which may influence performance.
  3. Prenup (IRE): Prenup ranks third in total ratings. The horse has a winning start at Wolverhampton and a solid third-place finish at Chelmsford in April (1m). However, it will probably need to perform better again to compete effectively at 7f.
  4. Legal Reform (IRE): Legal Reform is known for front-running and has regained his old form, winning twice at 7f on Tapeta and turf on his last two starts. However, he has not performed well on Polytrack before and this is his first run on this surface since a poor performance at Kempton in 2021.

Additional Analysis:

While the top four horses based on total ratings are strong contenders, there are others worth noting due to positive comments about their potential:

  • Ajrad: Despite mixed recent performances, Ajrad has demonstrated capability for a strong run when on form.
  • Otago: This horse has returned in very good form, particularly on this track and at Brighton. The draw is wide, which may present a challenge.
  • Sharvara: Despite a below-par performance on Polytrack, Sharvara has been in good form over 7f and could perform well if handling this surface.

In conclusion, Gold Medal and Winforglory are the top two contenders based on total ratings, with Prenup and Legal Reform trailing behind. However, horses like Ajrad, Otago, and Sharvara could surprise based on their past performances and favourable conditions.

14:05 Ascot Sat 13 May 2023

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PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO EBF FILLIES’ HANDICAP (2)

Distance 1m (Str)

Prize £23,193 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 11

Going Soft (Heavy in places)

Race Analysis:

This analysis is based on the total ratings, last race performance, and additional considerations based on positive comments on the horses.

Rankings in Totals Order:

  1. Belhaven (IRE) (463.1)
  2. Mountain Song (IRE) (412.3)
  3. Sly Madam (396.3)
  4. Dont Tell Claire (389.6)

Analysis:

  1. Belhaven (IRE): Leading the field in total ratings, Belhaven has shown significant progress recently, winning four of her last seven starts. She defeated Sly Madam in a previous race at Nottingham. Despite a 7lb rise, her strong form suggests she could potentially deliver another top performance.
  2. Mountain Song (IRE): Mountain Song is second in total ratings. She won her debut 1m Southwell handicap on the all-weather surface after three runner-up finishes in maiden/novice company. This suggests she could have more to offer, but her performance on the forecast slow ground, as she switches to turf, remains to be seen.
  3. Sly Madam: Sly Madam ranks third in total ratings. She rebounded from a lesser run at Brighton to finish second to Belhaven at Nottingham. She meets Belhaven again in this race, but now on 7lb better terms, which could be advantageous.
  4. Dont Tell Claire: Dont Tell Claire has performed well on this course before, winning in 2021 and finishing second on good to soft ground. She ran decently in a Kempton Listed race on her reappearance, but she is 5lb higher than when winning at Newmarket last autumn.

Additional Analysis:

In addition to the top-rated horses, some others have received positive remarks:

  • Beccara Rose: Although Beccara Rose failed to stay 1m2f on soft ground in her Newbury reappearance, she still retains potential now handicapping back over shorter. She is an interesting runner.
  • Julia Augusta: Julia Augusta has shown consistent improvement, and although she hasn’t raced on softer than good ground, she could potentially deliver bigger performances as she’s lightly raced.
  • Timeless Melody: Timeless Melody displayed promise at Leicester (7f, heavy) on yard debut after a 12-month absence, and her opening mark of 80 could prove lenient.

In conclusion, Belhaven and Mountain Song are the top two contenders based on total ratings, with Sly Madam and Dont Tell Claire trailing behind. However, horses such as Beccara Rose, Julia Augusta, and Timeless Melody may surprise with their performances based on positive comments and their past form.

14:25 Lingfield Sat 13 May 2023

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FITZDARES CHARTWELL FILLIES’ STAKES (Group 3) (1)

Distance 7f 1y

Prize £34,488 Age 3yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 8

Going Standard

Race Analysis:

This analysis is based on the total ratings, last race performance, and additional considerations based on positive comments on the horses.

Rankings in Totals Order:

  1. Sacred (506.2)
  2. Queen Aminatu (501.0)
  3. Sandrine (497.5)
  4. Secret Angel (IRE) (441.5)

Analysis:

  1. Sacred: Sacred tops the total ratings chart, a horse who won two 7f Group races in 2021 and easily won a 7f Listed race at Newbury last September. She also finished second in a 7f Group 2 at Newmarket. She has an excellent first-time-out record and holds leading claims on her reappearance. Despite this being her all-weather debut, her record suggests she’s a formidable contender.
  2. Queen Aminatu: Queen Aminatu ranks second in total ratings. Despite disappointing in a Group 3 at the Curragh 12 days ago, she has an excellent record on the all-weather. Her victories include Listed wins at Lingfield and Deauville last autumn, and she could play a leading role now back on Polytrack.
  3. Sandrine: Third in total ratings is Sandrine, who won two Group races in her 2021 campaign and landed the Group 2 Lennox Stakes at Goodwood last August. She’s undefeated on the all-weather and a strong contender if she returns to form in this race.
  4. Secret Angel: Secret Angel comes in fourth in total ratings. Her progressive 2yo campaign culminated in a 6f Listed win at Deauville last October. She reappeared with a creditable third of 15 in the 7f Group 3 Nell Gwyn at Newmarket last month. She would need to take another step forward to pose a threat in this contest.

Additional Analysis:

In addition to the top-rated horses, some others have received positive remarks:

  • White Moonlight: A 6yo, White Moonlight is very lightly raced for her age and showed improved form in Dubai this winter, finishing second in a 1m Group 2 for fillies and mares in February. If she returns to form now back down in trip, she could be a strong contender.

In conclusion, Sacred, Queen Aminatu, and Sandrine appear to be the top contenders based on total ratings, with Secret Angel trailing. However, horses such as White Moonlight could surprise based on positive comments and past form.

4:40 Ascot Sat 13 May 2023

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PERONI NASTRO AZZURRO VICTORIA CUP (HERITAGE HANDICAP) (2)

Distance 7f

Prize £51,540 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Surface Turf Runners 23

Going Soft (Heavy in places)

Based on the total ratings and additional race information, the top contenders for the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Victoria Cup at Ascot appear to be as follows:

  1. Rainbow Fire (IRE): With the highest total rating of 477.2, Rainbow Fire is the top contender. This horse has a record of 2-3 for the current yard and 3-4 on turf. Despite being unraced on softer ground, Rainbow Fire recently won at Haydock, and its low mileage suggests potential for further progress.
  2. Kingdom Come (IRE): With a total rating of 462.5, Kingdom Come is the second highest-rated contender. This horse missed out in 2022 but has shown great progress this year, achieving a hat-trick at Kempton. Although its turf record is limited, it could be a strong contender if it performs as well on turf as it does on AW.
  3. Rebel Territory: This horse ranks third in total ratings at 457.0. Rebel Territory recently beat Vafortino at Newmarket, proving that a drop to 7f suits him. He’s also proven on soft ground and could be in for a successful season, with the expectation of more strong performances in similar races.
  4. Vafortino (IRE): Ranking fourth with a total rating of 450.5, Vafortino was second to Rebel Territory at Newmarket despite hanging left. He won this race last year and, despite being 6lb higher this time round, could pose a threat given his performance on soft ground.
  5. Spycatcher (IRE): With a total rating of 445.1, Spycatcher rounds out the top five. He recently excelled in a conditions race at Thirsk, and this performance suggests he’s favourably treated off the same mark at handicap level.

In terms of horses not in the top total ratings but with positive comments, two stand out:

  • Baradar: He’s unbeaten in 7f contests on soft/heavy in Britain and had a credible third in the Lincoln on his reappearance. He could be a strong contender when back down in trip.
  • Fresh: This horse has form on all types of ground and has shown a liking for Ascot. He was a respectable fourth in this race last year and won twice over C&D later in 2022, suggesting a solid chance of success.

These rankings and assessments are based purely on total ratings and the positive comments provided in the horse descriptions. Factors such as the horses’ form, the conditions of the race, and other factors could impact the actual race outcome.

15:00 Lingfield Sat 13 May 2023

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FITZDARES OAKS TRIAL FILLIES’ STAKES (Listed) (1)

Distance 1m 4f

Prize £25,866 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 9

Going Standard

Based on the provided information, the horse rankings in totals order are as follows:

  1. Eternal Hope (439.6)
  2. Sunset Point (434.2)
  3. Bright Diamond (361.7)
  4. Be Happy (357.2)

Now let’s delve a little deeper into these four horses’ prospects:

  1. Eternal Hope is the top-ranked horse based on the total ratings. She is a Ribblesdale entry, a strong indication of quality, and has shown promise in her short career so far. She came a close third on debut at Wolverhampton and then justified favouritism in a maiden at Chelmsford. Being from a top yard and with this trip likely to bring about further progress, she is a strong contender in this race.
  2. Sunset Point ranks second based on the total ratings. She ended her autumn campaign with a victory here and demonstrated her potential in a handicap at Windsor. Her assertive style and potential for improvement suggest that she could be a strong contender, especially if the additional distance plays to her strengths.
  3. Bright Diamond, although third in the ratings, brings the best form into the race according to the comments. A winner on debut by an impressive 9 lengths and with strong performances in Group races thereafter, she is certainly one to watch. The question mark here is her stamina, but she has shown signs of being capable of handling further than 1 mile.
  4. Be Happy is fourth based on the ratings. She comfortably won her maiden race and has shown improved form in Group 3 races. Although she was a disappointing favourite in one of these, she came back with a better performance in Saint-Cloud. The expectation is that she should stay the distance and potentially improve.

It’s also worth noting Ferrari Queen who, despite not being among the top four in ratings, has demonstrated good form, winning her first two starts and achieving a second place in a 7f Listed race at Newbury. She represents an outside chance, especially given her dam’s progeny were all stayers.

In conclusion, while Eternal Hope and Sunset Point lead on total ratings, the form of Bright Diamond and Be Happy adds an extra layer of competition. Ferrari Queen could also surprise, based on her bloodline’s staying prowess. The race should be an exciting contest with these key players.

15:15 Haydock Sat 13 May 2023

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PERTEMPS NETWORK SWINTON HANDICAP HURDLE (PREMIER HANDICAP) (1)

Distance 1m 7f 144y

Prize £56,950 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 17

Going Good to Soft (Good in places Hurdles course)

Based on the given information, let’s analyse this 3.15 race at Haydock.

  1. Brentford Hope (494.6): Brentford Hope leads the field in total ratings. It has demonstrated good form on the Flat and was runner-up on its first three starts over hurdles. It made an impressive maiden win at Wincanton and then outclassed the field at Huntingdon, beating a promising horse of Nicky Henderson’s. Despite this being its handicap debut, Brentford Hope seems to be on a potentially advantageous mark and could perform well.
  2. Teddy Blue (477.2): Teddy Blue, in second place in total ratings, previously held Aucunrisque behind when winning the Sussex Champion Hurdle at Plumpton. While it needed some persuasion during that race, it managed to win, and with the highly skilled Caoilin Quinn onboard taking off 5lb, it could be effectively 1lb lower for this race. Teddy Blue looks a strong contender.
  3. Fruit N Nut (462.9): Fruit N Nut ranks third in total ratings. It had a successful period in Class 3 handicaps last season before a poor performance at Aintree. However, this race is a step up in class, and it might find this competition challenging.
  4. Parramount (461.8): Parramount comes in fourth in total ratings. It has a good recent form with figures of 12110 since the tongue-tie was fitted. The blip at Aintree last month could be excused as it became competitive too early in the race and finished exhausted. The drier conditions here could be in its favour, and it might not have reached its peak yet.

Apart from the top four in total ratings, there are a few other noteworthy contenders.

Byker: Although it’s not amongst the top-rated horses, Byker has shown strong form over hurdles and performed well in the 4yo handicap at the Cheltenham Festival. It has proven itself in big fields and has the potential to improve further.

Get Back Get Back: Despite the slight increase in weight, this horse has shown promise. It made a strong return after a lengthy absence, pushing Teddy Blue close at Plumpton. It doesn’t find winning easy, but it could potentially make a good each-way bet.

Nibiru: This horse had a strong performance at Leopardstown, coming second to the subsequent Grade 1-winning hurdler Gaelic Warrior. If it returns to that level of form, it could be a significant player in this race.

15:35 Lingfield Sat 13 May 2023

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FITZDARES LINGFIELD DERBY TRIAL STAKES (Listed) (1)

Distance 1m 4f

Prize £34,488 Age 3yo Race State Declaration Surface Artificial Runners 8

Going Standard

Based on the total ratings, here’s the order of horses for the 3.35 Lingfield race:

  1. Military Order (Total: 553.9)
  2. Circle of Fire (Total: 486.2)
  3. Regal Empire (Total: 396.2)
  4. Inquiring Minds (Total: 391.0)
  5. Ndaawi (Total: 389.9)

Now, let’s delve into each of these horses in more detail:

  1. Military Order: With the highest total rating, Military Order appears to be the top contender. A brother to the Derby winner Adayar, Military Order has proven his worth with a strong performance at Newbury and is expected to improve even further. He has the best form in this race and his connections are anticipating that he will stay the 1m4f distance well.
  2. Circle of Fire: This horse has shown consistent form, including an assertive win at Salisbury and a commendable second place in last week’s Listed Newmarket Stakes. His dam was a 1m4f AW winner, suggesting Circle of Fire could also perform well at this distance. More progress is expected from him.
  3. Regal Empire: Despite his total rating placing him third, Regal Empire’s recent performances suggest this race could be a step up. However, there is plenty of stamina in his family, which could prove advantageous in a 1m4f race.
  4. Inquiring Minds: As the first foal of a dam who was a 1m-1m6f winner, Inquiring Minds has shown potential. His win at Newcastle was noteworthy and he has room for significant improvement. However, he will need to step up to compete with the top contenders.
  5. Ndaawi: Ndaawi had a disappointing run in a 1m2f Group 1 at Saint-Cloud, but it’s believed that may not have been indicative of his ability. As a late foal and well-bred colt, he may still find more and improve.

In addition to the top-rated horses, Waipiro shows promise despite not having a high total rating. He demonstrated a huge step forward with a confident win at Newmarket and could be a dark horse in this race, especially given his pedigree as a half-brother to Waikuku. It’s worth noting that his jockey was injured, which could impact his performance.

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