Top picks. Look at the analysis of all 3 contenders, there may be a value alternative.🏇⤵️

Wed 16th Aug 2023
2.15 Salisbury (9 runners)
Michael Brunton Memorial British
EBF Novice Stakes (GBB Race) (Div 1)
6f 

1. Mister Sketch
   • Rating: 395.6
   • Notes: The only runner in this field with a Group entry (Mill Reef) and is the clear pick on form having only gone down by a neck at Newbury (6f, good to soft) on debut. Given this form and the strong rating, he seems to be the standout contender and has very strong claims.
2. St Lukes Chelsea
   • Rating: 375.7
   • Notes: Although he finished only ninth at Chelmsford (6f, AW) on debut and was withdrawn after getting upset in the stalls during a subsequent Newmarket maiden, the rating suggests that he is one of the stronger contenders in this race. The odds are favorable too, making him a worthy inclusion in the top three.
3. Insignia
   • Rating: 280.0
   • Notes: Represents connections who typically have a decent strike-rate with 2yos. While his debut effort at Windsor (6f, good) was modest, there is potential for improvement with the experience he has gained. The application of cheekpieces might also help enhance his performance.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
3.20 Salisbury (7 runners)
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Stonehenge
Stakes (Listed)
1m

1. Spanish Poet (FR)
   • Rankings: This horse has the highest total ranking at 617.8, making it the standout on paper.
   • Notes: A half-brother to seven winners, Spanish Poet had a noticeable success at Sandown in heavy conditions, winning by 1 length. The note also emphasizes the significance of his novice event win by comparing it to Flying Honours, who went on to win this same contest the previous year. The pedigree and the recent form in similar conditions, combined with the highest rating, make Spanish Poet a strong contender for this race.
2. Arabian Crown (FR)
   • Rankings: With a total of 574.4, Arabian Crown stands second in the rankings.
   • Notes: The horse comes with a significant price tag, having cost 600,000 euros as a yearling. Moreover, the note suggests the horse has shown promise in its previous two races and comes from a stable that has won this particular race in the last two years. These credentials, combined with its recent form, make Arabian Crown another top contender.
3. Son
   • Rankings: While not as high as the first two, Son’s ranking of 433.1 combined with some other factors make it a notable contender.
   • Notes: Son has shown promise, winning comfortably at Newbury and performing well in subsequent stakes races. The notes emphasize the horse’s readiness for a mile, suggesting it might be well-suited for the conditions of this race.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
4.10 Yarmouth (11 runners)
Richard Delf Memorial Handicap
1m2f

1. Stage Show (382.8)
   • Notes: Has performed admirably, finishing third in three of his four handicaps. His recent Class 4 performance at Sandown stands out, and he is dropping back in grade with a sliding mark. The main concern is his adaptation to fast ground since his best form appears on slower grounds. However, his high rating and consistent performance make him a key contender.
2. Perfect Gentleman (377.2)
   • Notes: Has previous victories at Kempton and recently placed in the frame in his last three runs, including a second place at this track. He is still somewhat of an unknown quantity on turf, but his performances suggest he could adapt to the longer distance. His tendency to start slowly might be a concern, but if he manages to stay in touch early, he could be a strong finisher.
3. Flower Of Thunder (372.0)
   • Notes: A triple course and distance winner who recently finished a clear second at the same track. This horse seems comfortable on both good to soft and fast ground, making the current conditions not a problem. The addition of cheekpieces might further improve performance.

Wed 16th Aug 2023 4.20 Beverley (11 runners) Jill Willows Handicap 7½f

1. Autumn Festival
   • Total Score: Highest at 535.7.
   • Notes: Described as a front-runner and has been up and down this year. Despite this, there are mentions of bright moments, and he’s on a handy mark. Additionally, he’s a two-time C&D (Course and Distance) winner and there’s a possibility he won’t face much competition for the lead. This indicates that he could make a strong bid in this race.
2. Craven
   • Total Score: 405.6, which is among the top scores.
   • Notes: The 3yo returned to form recently with a win and was the second of 16 in his last race at York. The notes suggest that he could have more to offer and is regarded as a “key player” coming from a top northern stable.
3. Beltane (IRE)
   • Total Score: 476.3, which is the third-highest.
   • Notes: Went very close in two runs for this yard, including one C&D on good to firm ground. He also won a race in June and faced an obstruction in his last race at Pontefract, making him a horse to consider for this race.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
4.30 Salisbury (13 runners)
British EBF 40th Anniversary Upavon
Fillies Stakes (Fillies And Mares Listed)
1m2f

1. Running Lion (Total Score: 689.3)
   • Notes: A highly progressive filly with a notable win in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket. Ran poorly in the French Oaks but could have been due to external factors. Being back at a Listed level is a plus, and she seems to have the highest total score, making her a top contender.
2. Caernarfon (Total Score: 473.9)
   • Notes: A tough filly with a commendable record in high-profile races such as the 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks. Even though she did not place at Royal Ascot, her performance in the Nassau at Goodwood is noted as creditable. She has versatile ground experience, and the notes suggest she has the best chance on ratings while dropping down in class.
3. State Occasion (Total Score: 587.4)
   • Notes: After a dip in form last autumn, she showed promise in a York Group 2 this season. Previously, she was in a progressive phase and secured wins in major festivals. Based on her peak figure and prior accomplishments, she holds significant claims in this field.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
4.35 Gowran Park (14 runners)
Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden
7f 

1. School Of Law (IRE):
   • Ranking: Highest in the list with a total score of 371.0.
   • Notes: Started with a promising second behind a reputed prospect at the Curragh. Didn’t sustain the mile distance at Killarney, indicating the 7f in this race might be more appropriate. This return to 7f should suit him well. The horse seems to set the standard in this race, making him a top contender.
2. State’s Evidence:
   • Ranking: Second highest with a total score of 370.8.
   • Notes: Demonstrated good form in both starts. Managed a close third at Down Royal, even after a slow start, and showed promise over a mile at Bellewstown. The horse finished behind a recent Listed winner, and another horse in that race has won since. This suggests he’s been competing with some strong contenders and has been holding his own, so he’s likely to be “thereabouts.”
3. Mo Ghille Mar (IRE):
   • Ranking: Third highest with a total score of 369.9.
   • Notes: This filly has shown good form, securing a place in a barrier trial and demonstrating promise in her Leopardstown debut. She couldn’t match the front two contenders in that race, but one of those has since secured a win, indicating the high quality of her competition. Mo Ghille Mar is suggested as “one to consider,” which makes her a top contender for this race.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
4.50 Beverley (10 runners)
Clearanswer Call Centres Handicap
1m2f

1. Dandy’s Angel (IRE)
   • Ranking: Top of the list with a total of 409.0.
   • Notes: This horse won over the course and distance (C&D) in various conditions, and even though it had a minor setback at Pontefract last Wednesday, the horse remains in contention for this race. The previous wins, especially on the same ground and distance, are favourable indicators.
2. Havana Party
   • Ranking: Very close second with a total of 408.8.
   • Notes: Won in first-time blinkers at Ayr and came close third at Hamilton off a 5lb higher mark. The mention that the horse could have more to offer in the headgear suggests potential improvement and makes it a serious contender.
3. Where’s Jeff
   • Ranking: Comes third with a total of 394.5.
   • Notes: With two-time wins over the course and distance and close calls this season, this horse seems consistent on this track. Its recent performance, where it was close over the C&D just three weeks ago, showcases its potential to be in contention once more.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
5.10 Gowran Park (9 runners)
Open Week At Gowran Park Handicap
7f

1. Something Nice (IRE)
   • Rating: 413.1
   • Notes: Progressive early in the season in testing conditions, won a Cork maiden and was second in a valuable Naas handicap. Came back from a break with a better effort again at the Curragh recently. Big chance here off the same mark. Ideally wants it softer, but the performance metrics are strong.
2. Spanish Tenor (IRE)
   • Rating: 406.9
   • Notes: Has been without a win for over a year but has had some good runs in defeat, including a second-place finish in a C&D (Course and Distance) race and a recent second-place finish at Galway. Appears to be in good form and is expected to run his race again.
3. Facethepuckout (IRE)
   • Rating: 398.5
   • Notes: Won back-to-back runs towards the end of the last term on soft ground, including a race at this track. Has been running well this season on different ground conditions, including a decent third at Naas on soft ground. A horse to consider given the consistent performances and track familiarity.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
6.40 Gowran Park (13 runners)
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden
1m1½f

1. Feathertop
   • Ranking: Feathertop has the second-highest total score with 373.1.
   • Notes: The horse had a promising debut and finished third behind a decent competitor. The second-place horse from that race has since won another race. Given that this horse was already pushed during the debut, there’s a high likelihood that it won’t need much improvement to play a significant role in the upcoming race.
2. Lady Meis (IRE)
   • Ranking: Lady Meis ranks highest on the list with a total score of 377.6.
   • Notes: She showed improvement on her last race compared to her debut and seemed like she would benefit from a longer distance. Given that this race is slightly longer, there’s potential for Lady Meis to shine. The note also implies that she may have more to offer with this longer trip.
3. Time To Boogie (USA)
   • Ranking: Time To Boogie has a total score of 299.3, making it the fifth-highest on the list.
   • Notes: The pedigree is quite strong, being out of a sister to the top-class filly, Found. Despite being the stable’s second choice on her only 2yo start, she displayed some promise. The fact that she’s making a belated seasonal return but still holds a Group 3 entry in the upcoming days indicates that the stable has confidence in her abilities. Given that she doesn’t have to be exceptional to have a significant impact on this race, she’s a solid contender.

Wed 16th Aug 2023 7.30 Kempton (13 runners) Unibet Support Safer Gambling Handicap 7f

1. Harry Magnus (IRE)
   • Rating: Highest total rating of 480.6.
   • Notes: Wasn’t at his best in the last two races, but he has some strong performances to his name that make it easy to argue he’s ahead of the handicapper. His C&D novice win, which has been well-supported, and his victory over 16 rivals at Newmarket in April are standout performances that merit attention. Therefore, he deserves serious consideration.
2. Zero Carbon (FR)
   • Rating: Has a solid rating of 436.6.
   • Notes: He displayed resilience in winning a C&D handicap in June, enhancing his record on AW to three wins from five tries. While he has faced two subsequent defeats on turf, he seems to have an advantage when racing on this track and condition, and those losses can be overlooked in this scenario.
3. Tahitian Prince (FR)
   • Rating: Close to Zero Carbon with a rating of 436.4.
   • Notes: His track record at Kempton stands out, with three 1m handicap victories in 2021, including a valuable series final. Although he has had two fair runs over 1m this summer and has been slowly descending the weights, there’s a suspicion he might need a strong pace to shine when moving down in distance.

Wed 16th Aug 2023
8.00 Kempton (13 runners)
Unibet Horserace Betting-Operator
Of The Year Handicap
1m

1. Time’s Eye:
   • Ranking: Highest total score of 436.5.
   • Notes: Recently got off the mark in a 1m handicap at Windsor, indicating the potential for success at this distance. With only a 3lb rise, it’s manageable, and there’s room for more improvement at this distance. Furthermore, the yard’s current form is a positive sign.
2. King Cabo (USA):
   • Ranking: Total score of 385.1, which is competitive.
   • Notes: Showed significant improvement in 2023 with notable placings at various tracks and is known to be effective on AW. The horse is familiar with prominent racing, and while he’s been raised 3lb, he has proven performance capabilities.
3. Arctician (IRE):
   • Ranking: Has a strong total score of 396.9.
   • Notes: Notable for being in good form on Polytrack before the last race where he did not perform at his best. All his wins have come for Luke Morris, and he has secured a win at this venue before. Furthermore, with a close third over C&D, he’s certainly a contender to watch.

Wed 16th Aug 2023 8.10 Gowran Park (10 runners) McEnery Cup Handicap 1m4½f

1. Youcrackmeup: The rankings show this horse as the highest-rated one, and the notes reflect its excellent form. The horse has shown significant improvement over its last three runs and has demonstrated versatility by winning on both good and heavy ground. The horse’s front-running style could prove advantageous, making it hard for others to catch.
2. Smooth Tom (IRE): Smooth Tom is placed third in the rankings but has shown consistent form as per the notes. The horse almost secured a win at the Curragh after a confident win at Leopardstown. Furthermore, it’s noted that this race is less competitive than its last outing at Galway, suggesting that Smooth Tom might find this competition more within his reach.
3. Goodie Two Shoes (IRE): Despite being fourth in the rankings, the notes indicate that the horse won its first two races last year and had an encouraging first try in handicapping. The recent performance at Curragh was commendable, and the horse is expected to improve further under a promising claimer.