Thu 17th Aug 2023
4.00 Beverley (9 runners)
Churchill Tyres Handicap
2m
- Cold Henry
- Rating Total: 400.2
- Notes: Cold Henry has had success in the past, winning twice at Catterick and has shown good form this year. His second-place finish at Pontefract on good to firm ground is notable. Although he underperformed in his last race, it seems he is in a good position to be competitive in this race.
- Hellenista
- Rating Total: 397.7
- Notes: Hellenista found success during June and July of the previous year, securing wins at Ripon and Redcar, which shows she can compete at a range of distances. Her runner-up finish at Carlisle three starts ago is also indicative of her competitive form. The note suggests she remains feasibly handicapped and is a contender.
- Trooper Bisdee (IRE)
- Rating Total: 408.8
- Notes: Trooper Bisdee has shown improvement since moving to handicaps. He’s had wins at Yarmouth and Bath. Even though there’s a suggestion that he might not be the most straightforward horse, he’s bred for distance. If the soft ground was truly an excuse last time, he could be in contention, especially given his relatively high rating.
| Thu 17th Aug 2023 4.10 Salisbury (6 runners) Tattersalls Sovereign Stakes (Group 3) 1m |
- Regal Reality:
- Total ranking is highest at 673.9.
- Noted as a solid Group 3 performer, having won this race in 2020 and landed his fifth success at that level in the Diomed at Epsom. He’s consistent at this level and even has a penalty, suggesting a level of confidence.
- Pogo (IRE):
- Ranking third highest at 657.1.
- The horse is noted to have made all over 7f last term in two Group 3s and a Group 2, making him the clear form pick. He’s had noteworthy 1m form in Britain in previous years and can perform well at this trip.
- Embesto:
- Second highest ranking at 667.6.
- Impressively performed at Yarmouth and was an odds-on novice winner at Doncaster. Even though he was no match for the favorite in a Listed race at Newmarket, he showed potential. He’s a lightly raced 3yo, which suggests there might be more to come from him.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
4.40 Salisbury (7 runners)
British EBF Premier Fillies Handicap
1m4f
- Truthful (IRE)
- Highest ranking at 731.9.
- She has won novice events at this venue and at Haydock, and even though she was put firmly in her place in her last race, she’s still considered for her potential. This being her handicap debut and given her prior performances, she can be considered a top contender.
- Flash Bardot
- Second-highest ranking at 574.2.
- She’s been consistent, with a win at Epsom and narrowly defeated at Newbury. Her performance at Ascot was commendable, and with Rose Dawes back on board, she seems poised for a strong showing. The note implies that a return to peak form will make her competitive.
- Queen Regent
- Ranking fourth at 454.3 but has a promising note.
- Despite having all three starts on the AW, her performance at Newcastle and Wolverhampton suggests potential. She was withdrawn from a race due to heavy ground, indicating sensitivity to track conditions. The step up to 1m4f might suit her, and she’s considered capable of showing a lot more.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
4.52 Wolverhampton (7 runners)
British Stallion Studs EBF Premier
Fillies Handicap
1m½f
- Veil Of Shadows
- Ranking: Highest overall total of 585.9.
- Notes: Made a narrow winning debut earlier in the year and despite a disappointing effort in its last race, it has shown potential. It is having its handicap debut, which can often be a time when a horse shows improvement. If the market supports this horse, it might be a strong sign of confidence from connections.
- Eximious (IRE)
- Ranking: Second-highest overall total of 574.5.
- Notes: Showed early progress as a 2-year-old, had a near win on her return, and has pedigree relations that suggest suitability for this surface. Even though she needs to improve on her most recent performances, she’s been against tougher competition before, so there’s potential here.
- Bernadine (IRE)
- Ranking: Despite having a slightly lower total (455.2) compared to some others, the racing notes give a more positive picture.
- Notes: Three wins this year and a strong performance at Ascot last month where the horses that finished behind her have since won their next starts. This suggests that the form of that race is strong, and even with a 2lb rise, she seems to be in a good spot to compete well.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
5.00 Windsor (12 runners)
William Hill Bet In-Running Racing
League Race 15 Nursery
6f
- Chinese Knot (IRE)
- Highest on the ratings at 622.3.
- Has proven performance on tracks similar to Windsor with recent wins at Yarmouth and Chepstow on similar ground conditions.
- Successfully handled a 6f distance at Chepstow with a good margin, suggesting the horse might manage the 6f at Windsor too.
- A 6lb penalty is mentioned, but the horse has consistently shown promise on varying ground conditions, making her a top contender.
- Loaded Gun (IRE)
- Rated at 535.4, which is second-highest.
- Has shown promise on fast ground and secured a win at Chester over 5f.
- Despite a detached start in his recent nursery debut at Goodwood, he managed to pull a decent performance. This resilience and adaptability suggest the horse has the potential to be in the mix at Windsor if things align.
- Pink Satin
- Ratings stand at 527.5.
- Managed a win over C&D (course and distance) on debut, which is a promising indicator of her potential performance at Windsor.
- Faded in her subsequent race but was competing against a subsequent Listed winner. Given she’s had a break since then, she might return rejuvenated and put on a strong performance.
| Thu 17th Aug 2023 5.30 Windsor (13 runners) William Hill Keep Your Raceday Positive Racing League Race 16 Handicap 6f |
- Aphelios:
- Ranked second in the ratings.
- Noted as a C&D winner from a former yard.
- Did well in the Stewards’ Cup 12 days ago, showcasing plenty of pace.
- Returning to better ground is in his favor and this race is considered much weaker.
- The drying track might work in his favor and the notes suggest he could be well-drawn for this race.
- Capote’s Dream:
- Third on the ratings list.
- He has a proven track record at C&D with finishes reading 212153.
- Even though he hasn’t secured a win recently, his close proximity in the Stewards’ Cup consolation event was commendable. His loss streak might be a concern, but he has demonstrated the capability to win races at his reduced mark.
- Call Me Ginger:
- Eighth based on ratings, but the notes provide some promising insights.
- He was awarded the Portland at Doncaster last September and is now 5lb lower.
- Showed positive signs when fourth at Ascot 19 days ago, with the extra furlong in this race potentially suiting him.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
6.00 Windsor (13 runners)
William Hill Extra Place Races Daily Racing League Race 17 Handicap
5f
- Clipsham La Habana:
- Ranked third by the ratings.
- Has consistent performance records with second-place finishes in sprint handicaps on turf this summer.
- The drop to 5f might be beneficial even with other pace influences in the race.
- Show Me Show Me:
- Ranked mid-table but the accompanying notes provide an interesting insight.
- He is currently 9lb lower than his Racing League win a year ago which is significant.
- His recent win at Beverley indicates current form, and the race dynamics seem to suit his style. The race looks set to have a good pace, which should play to his strengths.
- Crimson Angel:
- Fourth in the rankings but the notes suggest a lot of potentials.
- All three previous runs were on AW, with two wins including one where she defied a penalty.
- Switching to turf might be a challenge, but her trainer’s expertise with this type of horse is highlighted. This suggests she could surprise in this race and be a notable contender.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
6.05 Leopardstown (9 runners)
Bahrain Turf Club Desmond Stakes (Group 3)
1m
- Goldana (IRE)
- Top ranking at 704.2.
- Signed off the previous season with a Listed success and impressed on reappearance by winning a heavy-ground Group 3 at the Curragh. Even though her performance has been inconsistent depending on the track’s conditions, her high ranking suggests that she is in good form.
- Alfred Munnings (IRE)
- Second-highest ranking at 681.8.
- Made an impressive debut win over 7f at this venue last year and was placed in two small-field Group 3 races this season. The note also indicates potential for improvement with cheekpieces fitted, making him a significant contender.
- Thornbrook (IRE)
- Sixth in the ranking but has a strong note at 599.6.
- Was placed at Group 2 level as a juvenile and got her career back on track with a 1m Chantilly Listed success. Furthermore, her last performance suggests she could have been closer with a clearer run, which indicates she has potential to do well in this race.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
6.30 Windsor (10 runners)
William Hill Epic Value Racing League Race 18 Handicap
1m
- Man Of Eden:
- Ranked 1st in the overall rankings.
- Has a consistent record, being described as “admirably consistent in recent months”.
- Finished a commendable third of 17 off his current mark at Goodwood a fortnight ago.
- Only 1lb higher here, which implies he should still be competitive.
- The notes suggest he should be “bang there once more”.
- Achillea:
- Ranked 4th in the overall rankings.
- Displayed an improved effort when third at Ascot last month.
- Achieved a win at Yarmouth, and she’s only 1lb higher than that winning mark.
- The notes hint she can be “thereabouts” if she handles the better ground.
- Zoukster:
- Ranked 8th in the overall rankings, but his recent form is persuasive.
- Noted as a “progressive sort”.
- Has three wins in his last four starts.
- Ran a close second to Hat Toss at Sandown in June and bounced back to win his last start.
- Given that he’s won at 7f, stepping up to 1m might be within his capabilities.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
6.49 Tramore (12 runners)
Tramore Directors Handicap Hurdle
2m
- Royal Eagle (IRE)
- Rating: 552.5
- Odds: 5/2
- Notes: Kilbeggan winner in May has had consistent performance runs thereafter, and while she’s 12lb higher than her winning mark, she’s still relatively young, implying there’s potential for improvement. The note suggests she likely has more to offer, labeling her as an “admirable sort with sound claims.”
- Red Ball Of Fire (IRE)
- Rating: 486.0
- Odds: 9/2
- Notes: This horse has a preference for her local Sligo track but has demonstrated adaptability. The last race at Galway might have presented ground conditions not to her liking, but this race offers a more suitable surface. The note suggests she could well compete strongly here.
- Hearts Are Trumps (IRE)
- Rating: 398.0
- Odds: 4/1
- Notes: This five-time winner recently ended a long spell without a win at Ballinrobe. While there’s a 6lb increase from that win, if he’s in similar form, he’ll be a strong contender. However, the note does caution about his inconsistency, marking him as a slightly riskier choice but one with potential if on form.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
7.00 Windsor (14 runners)
William Hill Pick Your Places Racing
League Race 19 Handicap
1m
- Maywake:
- Rating: Highest rating of 567.9.
- Recent Form: Delivered a career-best display at Thirsk recently, which was supported by the Topspeed figure.
- Distance: Hasn’t tackled more than 7.5f but his recent performance suggests staying 1m is a possibility.
- Ground: Drying ground shouldn’t be an issue.
- Comments: The comments suggest that Maywake is in good form and has the potential to handle the step up in distance.
- Metal Merchant:
- Rating: Second-highest rating of 563.3.
- Recent Form: Retains all his ability and has been somewhat unlucky this year.
- Comments: The notes mention that he’s handicapped to go well and has a history of consistent performances. The only concern might be the messy race at Goodwood, but overall, he’s shown solid form.
- Metabolt:
- Rating: Rated 523.4, placing him in the middle pack.
- Recent Form: Has shown good form recently, with a win on his reappearance and another at the course and distance in June.
- Distance/Ground: Has won at this distance, but hasn’t raced on faster than good ground.
- Comments: The comments suggest that the defeat at Galway might not be the best measure of his ability and that he could still be ahead of his mark.
| Thu 17th Aug 2023 7.30 Windsor (12 runners) William Hill Enhanced Odds Every Day Racing League Race 20 Handicap 1m3½f |
- Gallant Lion:
- Ranking: Ranked 6th with a total score of 488.9.
- Notes: He has had a streak of victories, especially on similar ground conditions as the current race. Additionally, the horse seems to be in a progressive state and has a positive notion about the extended trip. This suggests he has a strong chance.
- Fulfilled:
- Ranking: Ranked 8th with a total score of 447.2.
- Notes: Recent victories and especially the performance at Lingfield where he managed to win by almost 2 lengths indicates he’s in good form. The 5lb rise doesn’t seem to be a deterrent, and he’s considered a “progressive 4yo”. Given this upward trajectory, he seems to be a solid contender.
- Furzig:
- Ranking: Ranked 1st with a total score of 579.4.
- Notes: He has had victories in the past and a commendable performance at York. While the pace at Yarmouth wasn’t in his favor, he still performed credibly. The fact that he’s top-ranked and has had previous victories under similar conditions makes him one of the top contenders.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
7.42 Ayr (8 runners)
Tennents Lager Handicap
7½f
- Judgment Call
- Ranked second with a total rating of 516.4.
- The horse was just one place behind Ascot Adventure at Musselburgh in its penultimate start but showcased an outstanding performance in a higher grade over the same C&D just last week. Though there’s a caveat about backing up that performance, its recent career-best effort and favorable rating make it a strong contender for this race.
- Barging Thru
- Ranked first with a total rating of 527.9.
- While all its wins have been on AW, Barging Thru has been effective on turf as well. Even though it underperformed in its last two turf starts at Brighton/Epsom, the horse is on a reasonable mark. The transition back to a more conventional track might increase its chances, making it a prominent horse to consider for this race.
- Novak
- Ranked sixth in terms of total rating (459.3) but the notes provide a positive perspective.
- Novak is coming back from a short break and has maintained good form recently, achieving wins over 6f-7f at this venue and at Hamilton in its penultimate start. The stable remains in decent shape, which suggests that the horse might have good claims even though it’s been raised another 3lb.
Thu 17th Aug 2023
8.00 Windsor (13 runners)
William Hill Epic Boost Racing League Race 21 Handicap
1m2f
- Cumulonimbus (IRE)
- Reasoning: This horse has shown significant improvement this season. It’s won two races last September and has been making all in three of four starts with cheekpieces. Its latest win was a step back to 1m2f in a valuable Racing League race. It’s up 4lb, but considering its record, further progress can’t be ruled out.
- Reach (IRE)
- Reasoning: Reach is a lightly raced 5yo with a recent impressive form. After a promising fourth position over 1m4f at York, this horse went on to win easily at Nottingham and then at Beverley over the same distance. The form over the last two displays was commendable, and even with a 6lb increase and over two months off, Reach remains a strong contender.
- Star Harbour (IRE)
- Reasoning: This horse seems to be in form, having recently won a Racing League contest at Chepstow. What’s notable is the manner of the win, where it reeled in the leader late with a significant margin separating the first two horses. It carries a 5lb penalty for this race but has the support of a top 3lb claimer, indicating its potential to perform well again.
| Thu 17th Aug 2023 8.05 Leopardstown (8 runners) Longines Fegentri World Championship (Q.R.) Handicap 1m7f |
- Barnacullia (IRE)
- Ranked first with a total rating of 451.1.
- Described as a decent jumps horse that has had some decent maiden runs earlier in the summer. The horse recently finished second over fences at Galway. Given this form and its ranking, it stands out as a strong contender.
- No Thanks
- Ranked second with a total rating of 390.2.
- This horse has been noted to be a three-time Flat winner, recently running well at Galway. Furthermore, it won a hurdle race at Ballinrobe just three days ago. The only concern would be if the race comes too soon after the recent win. Nonetheless, the horse’s form indicates strong potential for this race.
- Abraham (IRE)
- Ranked fourth, but the third horse (Futurum Regem) is described as being out of the handicap and doesn’t seem to be in strong form.
- Abraham is a dual AW Flat winner in France and is also a four-time NH winner. The notes suggest that the horse has run well at this course previously, making it a horse to consider for this race.
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