| Fri 21st Jul 2023 3.05 Killarney (12 runners) Lee Strand Handicap Hurdle 2m7f |
Based on the ratings provided, here’s the ranking of the runners from highest to lowest:
- Dartan – 596.1
- Prince Zaltar (FR) – 497.6
- Peaches And Cream (IRE) – 484.4
- Miss Tempo (IRE) – 474.1
- Uhtred (IRE) – 441.8
- Lady Rita (IRE) – 436.5
- Andys Flame – 375.6
- Cahirdown Boy (IRE) – 324.1
- Ceroc (IRE) – 322.5
- Ballybaun Star (IRE) – 316.5
- Pale Blue Dot (FR) – 308.5
- Goodbye Someday (IRE) – 264.8
Now let’s assess the comments for each runner:
- Andys Flame: Below form in previous runs last winter and likely to need this race after a 246-day absence.
- Ballybaun Star (IRE): Ran okay at a modest level in two runs on the Flat this summer. Doesn’t seem well treated returning to hurdles and needs to prove stamina over this distance.
- Cahirdown Boy (IRE): Ran well in recent runs but has a poor record when fresh. Carrying 2lb extra weight in this race.
- Ceroc (IRE): Failed in a hat-trick attempt at Down Royal last month, struggling with a 7lb rise. Other runners may be better treated at the moment. Wearing blinkers for the first time.
- Dartan: Followed up a 2m Flat win with a career-best over hurdles earlier this month, dominating from the front. Up 8lb in weight but still relatively unexposed in this discipline. Major player with the slight drop in trip not being a concern.
- Goodbye Someday (IRE): Poor form in recent Flat runs and appears to be on a challenging handicap mark considering his recent performances over jumps.
- Lady Rita (IRE): Ran well in a mares’ Listed contest at Cheltenham a couple of seasons ago but hasn’t performed well based on subsequent form. Needs cheekpieces and a tongue-tie for the first time to spark a revival.
- Miss Tempo (IRE): Defied an absence with a win at Naas on return in March and now aiming for a hat-trick following a strong victory at Tipperary in May. Unexposed and a 12lb rise in weight may not be enough to stop her from winning again.
- Pale Blue Dot (FR): Returned to form with a third-place finish behind Dartan 13 days ago but difficult to see him reversing that form. Inconsistent in recent outings.
- Peaches And Cream (IRE): Returned to his best with a win in a 3m7f handicap chase at Punchestown in April 2022. Didn’t build on that performance at Uttoxeter in the last seen race and has been absent for a year. Vulnerable at this trip on return.
- Prince Zaltar (FR): Registered two wins over 2m4f this year but didn’t perform at his best when competing at this trip at Ballinrobe in the last seen race. Likely needs a career-best performance to overcome the current handicap mark.
- Uhtred (IRE): Showed progress under Joseph O’Brien early last season but had mixed results for Dan Skelton in Britain since then. Returns to a good handicap mark for his debut under a new yard. Market support could be significant.
Based on this analysis, Dartan has the highest rating and is coming off a dominant win over hurdles. Miss Tempo has shown good form in her recent starts and has the potential to win again. Uhtred is back on a good handicap mark and could benefit from the switch to a new yard. These three runners stand out as strong contenders for the race.
| Fri 21st Jul 2023 3.25 Nottingham (9 runners) Solario Racing Racehorse Syndication And Hospitality Handicap 1m½f |
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Nine Elms (USA) – 383.0
- Obama Army – 371.4
- Lucidity (IRE) – 330.9
- Sea Of Elegance (IRE) – 321.2
- Havechatma – 299.2
- Eton College (IRE) – 280.5
- Papal Music (IRE) – 279.5
- Velvet Vulcan – 268.7
- Macho Sun (IRE) – 261.1
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Eton College: Last win was in April 2021, but has been placing recently, including a third at Kempton. Effective on both fast and soft ground, and possibilities back on turf.
- Havechatma: Well handicapped on her best form from last year, but still a maiden after nine runs. Out of form this season and has to prove herself at the new trip.
- Lucidity (IRE): Well-bred filly with respectable finishes behind major improvers in her two handicaps this summer. Respected back in trip and still has potential.
- Macho Sun (IRE): Started this season with a good second over C&D but hasn’t performed well in subsequent handicaps. Yet to win in seven starts.
- Nine Elms (USA): Multiple wins at this track, including two over C&D in April. Made a close third on his stable debut but lacked spark back over C&D last time. New headgear applied.
- Obama Army: One win from 12 starts, but finished runner-up in four of his five runs since, including last time at Epsom. Suited by good or slower ground and expected to perform well back in trip.
- Papal Music (IRE): Respectable third on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton, but has taken backward steps in two runs since. Stamina might have been an issue last time.
- Sea Of Elegance (IRE): Showed promise when fifth at Windsor in her latest start. Switched to handicaps now and could improve further under an in-form yard.
- Velvet Vulcan: Struggled in maiden events last year. Unexposed and now goes handicapping after a break, but needs improvement on this switch to turf.
Summary of their chances:
Nine Elms has a solid rating and has performed well at this track, including over the C&D. Obama Army is consistent in placing and could benefit from the good or slower ground. Lucidity is still relatively unexposed and is respected back in trip. Sea Of Elegance showed promise last time and is one to keep an eye on under an in-form yard.
Based on this analysis, the top pick would be Nine Elms, considering its rating and past performances at the track.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
3.35 Newbury (12 runners)
Quickmove Handicap
1m4f
Based on the ratings provided, here is the ranking of the runners from highest to lowest:
- Sovereign Spirit – 487.1
- Fox Journey – 470.4
- Brave Knight – 395.9
- Dasho Lennie – 394.3
- Cavern Club (IRE) – 384.2
- Enochdhu (FR) – 376.8
- Temporize – 350.5
- Open Champion (IRE) – 332.1
- Red Flyer (IRE) – 321.6
- Ithacas Arrow – 306.4
- Isle Of Sark (USA) – 285.9
- Caraghann (FR) – 247.5
Assessment of the notes & comments for the runners:
- Sovereign Spirit: Dual 1m4f AW winner this spring and won on turf at Beverley last month. Had a fourth-place finish at Goodwood recently, and further progress is possible.
- Fox Journey: Made a winning seasonal/handicap debut at Newmarket and had respectable subsequent runs. Likely to have a bigger performance in him.
- Brave Knight: Suited by the step up in trip, won on seasonal/handicap debut but form has been below that since. Tendency to race too freely is a concern.
- Dasho Lennie: Won an AW novice race and had a creditable fourth on handicap debut at Ascot. Bumped into a progressive rival last time. Each-way claims.
- Cavern Club (IRE): Ended 2022 with a win and ran well in the reappearance. Unexposed over this trip. Cheekpieces back on today.
- Enochdhu (FR): Won two nurseries last season but form has cooled recently. Has a point to prove in this race.
- Temporize: Returned from a break with two good runs for Charlie Johnston. Should be fine back at 1m4f and can make another bold bid.
- Open Champion (IRE): Looked unlucky not to finish closer in the Flat return at Kempton. Needs to turn things around after two down-the-field finishes.
- Red Flyer (IRE): Didn’t run badly in the last run but less-exposed rivals are more interesting.
- Ithacas Arrow: Began the season with an AW win but hasn’t performed well in turf handicaps. Recent gelding, and more to prove than some.
- Isle Of Sark (USA): Placed for the new stable but not seen the same effect when tried over 2m.
- Caraghann (FR): Struggled on all three British starts, and it takes a leap of faith to support here.
Summary of their chances:
Based on the comments and recent form, Sovereign Spirit and Fox Journey appear to be the top contenders with good chances of performing well in the race. Sovereign Spirit has good form and recent winning experience, while Fox Journey has shown promise and has the potential for further improvement. Brave Knight and Dasho Lennie also have each-way claims, considering their suitability to the trip and previous performances.
Pick based on analysis:
Considering the ratings and comments, Sovereign Spirit seems to have an edge in this race. With a strong rating, dual 1m4f AW wins, and a recent turf victory, Sovereign Spirit has the form and potential to perform well here. Fox Journey is also a strong contender, but Sovereign Spirit’s recent turf win gives it a slight advantage.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
4.10 Newbury (9 runners)
UHY Ross Brooke Chartered Accountants
Fillies Handicap
1m5½f
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Night Sparkle (IRE) – 548.8
- Secret Shadow (IRE) – 531.9
- Divina Grace (IRE) – 519.9
- Spring Fever – 508.5
- Flash Bardot – 485.9
- Flower Of Dubai – 480.4
- Haseefah – 451.3
- Alba Longa – 421.8
- Tashi (IRE) – 386.8
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Night Sparkle (IRE): Comfortably won at Fairyhouse on her first Flat outing for the current stable. Followed up a hurdles win. Open to further improvement and respected despite a 10lb rise.
- Secret Shadow (IRE): Non-stayer over 2m and may have needed the run on her sole appearance this year. Has won over the course and distance but prefers softer ground. Chance depends on ground conditions.
- Divina Grace (IRE): Won at Chepstow and finished second at Goodwood in her last two starts. Stepping up in grade and distance but in good form. Cannot be dismissed.
- Spring Fever: Improving filly with impressive form since handicapping. Recorded a convincing win at Newmarket in her last outing. Likely to stay the slightly longer trip and holds appealing claims despite a 10lb weight hike.
- Flash Bardot: Won at Epsom recently and has shown consistency in her performances. Faces a tougher task with a penalty and higher grade, but her consistency makes her a contender.
- Flower Of Dubai: Progressive filly with good form since handicapping. Finished second in a valuable contest at Haydock in her last outing. Has won on the All-Weather and looks capable of winning on turf. A strong contender.
- Haseefah: Consistent efforts over 1m4f this season. Fifth at Pontefract in her most recent race. Should give her running if she stays the slightly longer distance.
- Alba Longa: Scored convincingly on handicap debut at Windsor, then finished third at Goodwood. Unexposed and ties in with Divina Grace based on their last race. Still has potential.
- Tashi (IRE): Has a record of 1 win out of 23 starts. Placed at Epsom in her debut for the new stable but possibly unsuited by the All-Weather surface since then. Well exposed, and her chances depend on how she responds to the first-time hood.
Based on this rechecked analysis, Night Sparkle (IRE) maintains the highest rating and has performed impressively in recent outings. Spring Fever has shown consistent improvement and recorded a convincing win. Divina Grace has displayed good form and should not be dismissed. These three runners stand out as strong contenders for the race.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
4.15 Killarney (5 runners)
Lee Strand Novice Chase
2m1
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Hercule Du Seuil (FR) – 599.4
- Watch House Cross (IRE) – 541.1
- Solness (FR) – 518.2
- Lieutenant Highway (IRE) – 507.7
- Western Comandor (IRE) – 281.5
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Hercule Du Seuil (FR): Grade 2/3-winning novice hurdler. Impressive on chasing debut at Ballinrobe, defeating subsequent winner Ballyadam. Room for improvement in jumping but considered a fine prospect.
- Watch House Cross (IRE): Useful hurdler with a rating of 136 in that sphere. Disappointed in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. Took to chasing with two impressive wins at Wexford. Carries a 10lb penalty but shouldn’t be underestimated.
- Solness (FR): Showing improved form over fences, winning novice events at Leopardstown and Tipperary. Carries a 10lb penalty and needs to step up in this company but expected to give a good account.
- Lieutenant Highway (IRE): Won four consecutive races over hurdles last summer up to 2m4f. Behind Hercule Du Seuil on chasing debut but won well at Roscommon next time despite some jumping issues. Needs improvement to challenge the top-rated rival.
- Western Comandor (IRE): Useful winning hurdler with a rating of 115 in that sphere. Fell late on when making chasing debut at Kilbeggan. Faces a tough task in this race.
Summary of their chances:
Hercule Du Seuil is highly rated and showed promise on his chasing debut. Watch House Cross has demonstrated impressive form over fences recently. Solness has improved over fences but carries a penalty. Lieutenant Highway needs to improve to challenge Hercule Du Seuil. Western Comandor faces a tough task.
Based on this analysis, Hercule Du Seuil appears to be the strongest contender with his impressive rating and previous success over hurdles.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
5.20 Newbury (17 runners)
Crossland Employment Solicitors Handicap (Str)
1m
Based on the ratings provided, here is the ranking of the runners from highest to lowest:
- Racing Demon – 389.3
- Intricate Pillar (IRE) – 387.3
- Al Hargah (IRE) – 346.9
- Roar Emotion (IRE) – 346.5
- Zabbie – 344.6
- Gwendolina – 331.0
- Isle Of Jura – 321.2
- Playupskyblues (IRE) – 319.0
- Outgun – 289.2
- Tea Sea (FR) – 288.0
- Vegas Jack – 286.6
- Decipher (IRE) – 275.8
- Ashmore (IRE) – 275.1
- City Cyclone – 272.7
- Chindwin – 267.7
- Golden Phase – 253.5
- Fantastic Artist (IRE) – 209.9
Assessment of the notes & comments for the runners:
- Racing Demon: Completed a hat-trick of wins at Chepstow and Salisbury. In good form.
- Intricate Pillar (IRE): Won a 7f AW novice at Kempton and was fourth in a handicap at the same course. Contender if suited by the step up in trip and switch to turf.
- Al Hargah (IRE): Won at Leicester over 1m on good to firm ground. Moves up from 0-60 company, and improvement required.
- Roar Emotion (IRE): Won on handicap debut at Kempton over 1m on the AW. Made winning debut there but needs to settle better.
- Zabbie: Close second in a Class 3 event at Goodwood over 7f on soft ground. Unexposed over 1m.
- Gwendolina: Won on handicap debut at Lingfield over 7f on the AW. Yet to make further progress.
- Isle Of Jura: Ran fourth in a Wolverhampton novice over 7f on the AW. Unexposed and could improve on handicap debut.
- Playupskyblues (IRE): Ended 2yo campaign with a win at Redcar over 1m on good to soft. Ran poorly on seasonal/handicap debut and has been off for three months. Given a wind op and tongue-tie.
- Outgun: Third over C&D on good ground on seasonal/handicap debut. Ran in a voided race on AW.
- Tea Sea (FR): Seventh of 12 over C&D on seasonal/handicap debut. Positives can be drawn from that performance.
- Vegas Jack: Close second to Racing Demon at Salisbury over 1m on good to firm. Nudged up in the weights and has first-time cheekpieces.
- Decipher (IRE): Three promising maidens. Potential but handicap debut not obviously well treated.
- Ashmore (IRE): Neck second on handicap debut at Lingfield on the AW. Bounced back with a close fourth at Newmarket over 1m on good ground.
- City Cyclone: Six-race maiden. Safely held on handicap debut for new stable.
- Chindwin: Unplaced in all five starts, most recently eighth over 7f on good to firm.
- Golden Phase: Fourth on handicap debut at Kempton over 1m on the AW. Raced too freely over C&D on good ground.
- Fantastic Artist (IRE): Last of eight on handicap debut at Chepstow over 1m2f on good to firm.
Summary of their chances:
Racing Demon and Intricate Pillar have shown good form recently and are top contenders. Al Hargah has potential after a win at Leicester, while Roar Emotion and Zabbie also have chances with previous winning form. Isle Of Jura and Outgun could improve on handicap debut, while Vegas Jack and Tea Sea have place chances.
Pick based on analysis:
Based on the analysis, Racing Demon seems to be the top pick for this race. Having completed a hat-trick of wins and showing good form, Racing Demon is likely to be competitive in this field. Intricate Pillar is also a strong contender, considering the win and respectable performance in a handicap. However, Racing Demon’s recent form gives it the edge as the pick for this race.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
6.20 Newmarket (July) (9 runners)
Pertemps Medical Mental Health Handicap
7f
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Outrun The Storm (IRE) – 384.9
- Strike – 372.1
- Weydaad – 370.0
- Got No Dollars (IRE) – 369.6
- Royal Musketeer – 356.0
- The Spotlight Kid – 347.5
- My Mate Ted (IRE) – 324.6
- Nikkis Girl (IRE) – 323.3
- Jack Sparowe (IRE) – 317.2
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Outrun The Storm (IRE): Well handicapped based on last summer’s 7f form. Showed encouraging signs with a front-running third at Doncaster last time. Considered a strong contender.
- Strike: Sole success came over 6f on this track. Has gone close over 7f and the return to this distance is worth a try. Showed promise with a keeping-on third at Salisbury.
- Weydaad: Lightly raced filly who took third on her handicap debut at Kempton over 7f. Unraced on turf but with Buick booked, she is an interesting contender.
- Got No Dollars (IRE): Hasn’t won in over a year and had mixed results on the AW earlier this year. New headgear combination raises some doubts, as does the record on grass.
- Royal Musketeer: Three-time winner who is 4lb below his last winning mark. Has had a decent start to the season, finishing within 3.5 lengths of the winner. Doncaster last time didn’t go entirely to plan.
- The Spotlight Kid: Won back-to-back 7f Yarmouth handicaps last season but has had a quiet start to this campaign. Carries some risks.
- My Mate Ted (IRE): Defied a higher mark on the AW last August over 1m. Reduced rating raises questions, and the impact of the visor is uncertain as previous equipment changes didn’t improve performance.
- Nikki’s Girl (IRE): Triple winner over 6f/7f last year. Showed a return to form with a troubled run when third at Wolverhampton. Faces a step up in class but has potential at this level.
- Jack Sparowe (IRE): Only sixth on sole turf start (handicap debut) but was narrowly beaten in an AW handicap last time out. May have races in him off this mark, but better to observe first time back.
Summary of their chances:
Outrun The Storm appears well handicapped and showed promising form in his recent race. Strike has shown potential over both 6f and 7f distances. Weydaad is a lightly raced filly with an interesting profile. Got No Dollars and Jack Sparowe have some doubts surrounding their recent form and suitability to the turf. Royal Musketeer and The Spotlight Kid have had mixed performances but can’t be completely discounted. My Mate Ted’s rating reduction and the visor effect are uncertain. Nikki’s Girl has potential but faces a step up in class.
Based on this analysis, Outrun The Storm is the top pick as he has a high rating, promising recent form, and is well handicapped.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
7.15 Pontefract (10 runners)
Sky Bet Go-Racing-In-Yorkshire Summer Festival Handicap
1m
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Kentucky Bluegrass – 531.6
- Beltane (IRE) – 464.6
- Ventura Rascal – 441.3
- Mahanakhon – 411.6
- Hartswood – 402.4
- Vaccine (IRE) – 382.7
- Devasboy – 377.4
- Perfect Swiss – 346.6
- Tiger Beetle – 336.7
- Fiftyshadesaresdev (FR) – 245.4
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Kentucky Bluegrass: Unexposed 3-year-old with potential off his opening mark. Has won impressively in his last two starts and could continue to progress.
- Beltane (IRE): Went close in first two runs for the current yard before finally winning at Beverley. Up just 2lb and expected to be competitive again.
- Ventura Rascal: Two-time C&D winner. Finished fourth over C&D on his reappearance and posted another solid fourth at Ayr. Has a good chance of being in the mix.
- Mahanakhon: Disappointing last time at Redcar but had good form previously, including a win at Wetherby and a third-place finish at Leicester. Can’t be ruled out.
- Hartswood: Form went the wrong way last year but capitalized on a reduced mark on his reappearance at Thirsk. Effective on slow ground and could play a leading role.
- Vaccine (IRE): Hasn’t won since his novice win in 2021 and was below his best in the Carlisle Bell. Ran well in two previous races over this C&D and shouldn’t be discounted.
- Devasboy: Narrowly missed out on a win at Chester last time, and a clear run could have resulted in victory. Should be respected off the same mark and can run well elsewhere.
- Perfect Swiss: Runs off a mark just 1lb higher than his last win. Not in the same form in the spring and has a modest strike-rate on turf. Chances may be modest.
- Tiger Beetle: Dropped to a tempting mark and has run decently in his last two races. Needs something extra to contend here and has a low win rate.
- Fiftyshadesaresdev (FR): Treated well on C&D form but was below par in the second half of last year and didn’t perform well in three hurdle runs. Best watched on return from a break.
Summary of their chances:
Kentucky Bluegrass is the top-rated runner and has shown promise in recent starts, making him a strong contender. Beltane has been consistently close and should be competitive again. Ventura Rascal has a solid C&D record and can be in the mix. Mahanakhon has had good form except for a recent disappointment and should not be ruled out. Hartswood is effective on slow ground and could play a leading role. Vaccine has shown good form over this C&D and shouldn’t be discounted. Devasboy is capable of running well and could be a threat. Perfect Swiss’s form has been modest, while Tiger Beetle and Fiftyshadesaresdev have lower win rates.
Based on this analysis, Kentucky Bluegrass is the top pick with his high rating, promising recent form, and potential for further improvement.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
7.20 Kilbeggan (7 runners)
Hurley Family Mares Beginners Chase
2m3f
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Choice Of Words – 418.7
- Jungle Prose (IRE) – 411.9
- Mousey Brown (IRE) – 376.7
- Will You Win (IRE) – 303.2
- Intersky Sunset (IRE) – 238.3
- Glen Ali (IRE) – 208.9
- Theblazen Queen (IRE) – 188.7
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Choice Of Words: Bumper and hurdle winner who put up a good performance in a C&D beginners’ chase in May. Considered a major player in this race.
- Jungle Prose (IRE): Bumper winner who had a successful run over hurdles, particularly when upped in trip. However, pulled up in a recent chase and the drop in trip may not be ideal. Still, the best-rated runner over hurdles and a strong contender.
- Mousey Brown (IRE): Progressive mare who excels on sound surfaces. Has won in point-to-point and recent runs in a bumper and 2m4f maiden hurdle. Connections waste no time in going chasing. Considered a contender.
- Will You Win (IRE): All-the-way maiden winner in heavy ground. Has been running creditably in handicaps and had a previous unsuccessful attempt over fences. Chances depend on the performance in this race.
- Intersky Sunset (IRE): Point-to-point winner with ordinary previous hurdles form. Beaten by a long way on chasing debut in December. First start for a new yard. Considered a less likely contender.
- Glen Ali (IRE): Poor form in hurdles and not appealing for this race on chasing debut. Chances are limited based on previous performances.
- Theblazen Queen (IRE): Not fluent in a recent beginners’ chase, finishing last of four. Likely to need more time and not considered a strong contender.
Summary of their chances:
Choice Of Words, with the highest rating, has shown promise in previous races and is considered a major player. Jungle Prose has the best hurdles form among the runners but had a disappointing recent chase run. Mousey Brown is a progressive mare with a strong recent record and is a contender. Will You Win has performed well in handicaps and has a previous chase attempt. Intersky Sunset, Glen Ali, and Theblazen Queen have limitations based on previous form and are less likely to contend.
Based on this analysis, Choice Of Words appears to be the best pick based on the high rating and strong performance in previous races.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
7.50 Pontefract (7 runners)
John Winter & Co 60th Birthday Handicap
5f
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Russet Gold – 592.1
- Rocket Rodney – 578.1
- Pillow Talk (IRE) – 552.1
- Alligator Alley – 526.9
- Copper Knight (IRE) – 483.4
- Elegant Erin (IRE) – 481.0
- Mattice – 426.9
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Alligator Alley: Dropped down in weights and put up a good performance with a third-place finish at Doncaster. Conditions need to suit, and a slow surface might not be ideal. Considered a contender.
- Copper Knight (IRE): 9-year-old gelding with a strong record at York, winning there for the seventh time in a recent race. Runs off just 1lb higher and has performed well at Pontefract before. Can make another bold bid.
- Elegant Erin (IRE): Winner of four races last season, including at Pontefract. Showed promise with a fifth-place finish at York on her second start this year. Considered in calculations at this stiffer track.
- Mattice: Has been running well in recent races, including a close third at York behind Copper Knight. Optimism for a potential win in the near future.
- Pillow Talk (IRE): Listed winner as a 2-year-old and runner-up in another Listed race. Midfield in a 3-year-old handicap at Royal Ascot but showed potential with a third-place finish. Unproven on slow ground but not ruled out.
- Rocket Rodney: Listed winner as a 2-year-old and runner-up in a Doncaster handicap recently. Chances depend on handling the ground as unproven on a slow surface.
- Russet Gold: Winner of a 2-year-old novice race at Pontefract and returned to form with a win in a Redcar handicap. Needs to prove performance on slow ground but considered open to further improvement and could play a leading role.
Summary of their chances:
Russet Gold, with the highest rating, has shown recent form with a win and is considered open to further improvement. Rocket Rodney has a strong previous record and got back on track with a recent runner-up finish. Pillow Talk and Elegant Erin have shown promise in their recent races and can be considered contenders. Alligator Alley and Mattice have performed well in their respective races and can be competitive. Copper Knight has a strong record at York and can make a bold bid.
Based on this analysis, the pick based on the highest rating and recent form would be Russet Gold.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
8.05 Newmarket (July) (11 runners)
British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies Handicap
6f
Ranking of the runners from highest to lowest based on ratings:
- Star Guest – 678.0
- Sophias Starlight (FR) – 636.5
- Peony – 569.0
- Dora Penny – 535.4
- Sweet Harmony (IRE) – 512.0
- Jumbeau – 505.1
- Minnetonka (IRE) – 493.8
- Mottisfont (IRE) – 466.2
- Cuban Breeze – 462.8
- Premiere Beauty – 372.6
- Noor Bano (IRE) – 326.6
Assessment of the comments for each runner:
- Cuban Breeze: Losing run is increasing, but remains competitive and has each-way potential with the return of blinkers.
- Dora Penny: Had an excellent season last year and won a handicap at Kempton in April. Needs to bounce back from two below-par runs.
- Jumbeau: Fifth in the Listed Windsor Castle last season and has each-way claims, but no match for Star Guest in a recent race.
- Minnetonka: Showed promise in Group 3/Listed races as a 2-year-old and has been running at Listed level this season. Entitled to make an impact on handicap debut.
- Mottisfont: Hasn’t won since debut and seems a bit exposed, but wasn’t disgraced in a recent Sandringham race. Possibilities with first-time headgear.
- Noor Bano: Ran decently in two maidens last year and won on her third start in Meydan. Could be on a tough mark for her handicap debut.
- Peony: Tapeta maiden winner who followed up in a handicap at Haydock. Going in the right direction and a 4lb rise isn’t significant.
- Premiere Beauty: Winner of a 6f novice race. Had a solid third-place finish on handicap debut and can’t be ruled out.
- Sophias Starlight: Impressive winner at Carlisle in her latest start. Only 1lb well-in with the penalty and considered a strong contender.
- Star Guest: Consistent and progressive over longer distances but performed well in sprinting, comfortably winning a recent race. Faces a 10lb hike but could handle it.
- Sweet Harmony: Came up short in higher-level races after a maiden win. Made no impression in a recent handicap at Royal Ascot. Others are preferred.
Summary of their chances:
Star Guest, with the highest rating, has shown consistency and comfortably won in a recent sprinting race. Sophias Starlight is coming off an impressive win and remains strong despite the penalty. Peony has shown progress and can be competitive with a manageable rise in weight. Dora Penny needs to bounce back from recent below-par runs. Minnetonka has shown promise at higher levels and could make an impact on handicap debut.
Based on this analysis, the top pick would be Star Guest, considering its high rating, recent win, and potential in sprinting races.
Fri 21st Jul 2023
8.15 Hamilton (6 runners)
Digital Footprints, Building Brands
Since 2010 Handicap
5f
Based on the ratings provided, here is the ranking of the runners from highest to lowest:
- Iris Dancer – 411.2
- One Last Hug – 402.7
- Show Me Show Me – 386.0
- Betweenthesticks – 380.9
- Huddle Up (IRE) – 362.3
- Honour Your Dreams (FR) – 357.7
Assessment of the notes & comments for the runners:
- Betweenthesticks: Hasn’t managed a win this year but has performed well in 5f handicaps, including a short-head defeat at Lingfield on good to firm ground. Effective on slower ground and considered a major player.
- Honour Your Dreams (FR): One win from 16 starts, but ran his best race when second of 12 at Ayr over 6f on good to soft ground with a visor on for the first time. Suggests he’s well handicapped, and should be quick enough to cope with 5f at this track. Each-way claims.
- Huddle Up (IRE): Two wins on slower than good ground in Ireland. 0-8 for the Barrons, but has been running well in defeat, including a third-place finish at Chester over 5f. Should handle the return to a bare 5f at this stiff track.
- Iris Dancer: Three out of four wins came at this track, most recently over 6f on good ground. Ran poorly here recently, and the drop back to 5f is uncertain to be in her favor.
- One Last Hug: Three wins at Ayr this year, the latest over 5f. Finished just behind Honour Your Dreams at Ayr. Expected to run well.
- Show Me Show Me: Stiff 5f suits and versatile regarding the going. On a dangerous mark and has shown hints of better form in his last two runs. Might not get the ideal end-to-end gallop in this field, but still well handicapped.
Summary of their chances:
Iris Dancer’s recent poor run raises some concern, and she may not find the drop back to 5f suitable. One Last Hug and Show Me Show Me have shown good form at Ayr recently and are expected to run well. Honour Your Dreams has the potential to be competitive based on his recent performance and improvement. Huddle Up has been consistent in his runs, and Betweenthesticks is considered a major player based on his performances this year.
Pick based on analysis:
Based on the analysis, Betweenthesticks appears to be the best pick for this race. Despite not winning this year, Betweenthesticks has consistently performed well in 5f handicaps and is effective on slower ground. With a recent short-head defeat at Lingfield, he is likely to be a major contender in this race and is the top choice for this analysis.
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