Sat 19th Aug 2023
1.50 Newbury (8 runners)
BetVictor Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 3)
1m5½f

1. Kemari:
   • Pros: Highest overall rating. Broke a losing streak recently, which could be a confidence booster. Has proven stamina and suitable form to be competitive.
   • Cons: Mostly raced on different grounds, so there could be concerns about adapting to today’s conditions.
2. Klondike:
   • Pros: Improving form with each race. Won on soft ground which matches today’s conditions. Being lightly raced, there’s potential for unseen capabilities.
   • Cons: Still needs to show better to compete at this higher level, given the previous competition wasn’t as tough.
3. Arrest (IRE):
   • Pros: Strong performance in the Group 3 Chester Vase. Ground conditions today might be in his favour, potentially addressing the issues from his last two underperforming races.
   • Cons: Inconsistency in recent performances. The disappointing outing at the Derby could be a psychological setback, even if it was due to external factors.

Sat 19th Aug 2023 2.05 Newmarket (July) (15 runners) JenningsBet Grey Horse Handicap 6f

1. Divine Libra (IRE)
   • Pros: Highest total score. Won over 7f in the spring and showed suitability to 6f in recent races. The horse is young, indicating potential for improvement. Performed creditably at this venue in recent past.
   • Cons: None explicitly mentioned in the notes, but competition in the field is tough.
2. Mitrosonfire
   • Pros: Second-highest total score. Has won twice at this course in August, including a narrow win in this race two years ago. Handles both good to soft and good to firm conditions.
   • Cons: The race appears to be very competitive, so past success does not guarantee a repeat, especially with younger contenders in the field.
3. Silver Samurai
   • Pros: Showed positive signs over the same course and distance three weeks ago, suggesting suitability to the conditions. Has defied higher marks twice in May 2022, indicating quality.
   • Cons: Has not won in the current season (0-6).

Sat 19th Aug 2023
2.25 Newbury (11 runners)
Highclere Castle Gin Handicap
5f 

1. Katey Kontent:
   • Pros: Top-rated in the field, has won her first two starts at 5f on good to firm, and has experience competing in higher levels of competition.
   • Cons: Recent performance at Sandown was unimpressive and will be making her handicap debut, which can be unpredictable.
2. Whenthedealinsdone:
   • Pros: Decent rating, has a record of past wins on both good to firm and good to soft grounds, and will be reunited with jockey William Buick which could be advantageous.
   • Cons: Inconsistent performance in 2023 and the recent addition of a tongue-tie didn’t show improvement.
3. Woolhampton (IRE):
   • Pros: Close third in ratings, has shown capability as a 2yo over C&D, and recent victory at Ascot indicates good form.
   • Cons: The weight addition of 4lb could pose a challenge.

Sat 19th Aug 2023
2.40 Ripon (19 runners)
William Hill Silver Trophy Handicap
6f 

1. Cooperation (IRE)

Total Rating: 539.3

Pros:

• Has the highest total rating, significantly ahead of others.
• Previous 6f win at Thirsk and a victory over C&D.
• Underperformed the last two races but might’ve been impacted by the ground at Goodwood.

Cons:

• Recent form is inconsistent with underperformances in the last two races.
• A central draw means a decision on direction will have to be made which can be crucial in big fields.

2. Fortamour (IRE)

Total Rating: 489.7

Pros:

• Solid rating, placing him second in the race.
• Fully effective over C&D with three wins.
• Recent form indicates he’s not far off with a close race just 12 days ago.

Cons:

• Needs to raise his game to clinch this, especially since only four ran in his recent near-miss.
• Not as good as he once was, as per the notes.

3. Roundhay Park

Total Rating: 483.1

Pros:

• Third highest on ratings.
• Effective over C&D, and his recent form suggests he’s in the mix with two 6f wins on good to soft this year.

Cons:

• His wins have been over shorter distances, suggesting stamina might be a question over this C&D.
• Central draw might not be optimal.

Summary:

Cooperation seems to be the clear leader based on ratings, and if he can find his earlier form, he stands a good chance. Fortamour comes next and is known to be effective over this distance and course, but he might need to find an extra gear to win here. Roundhay Park, with good recent form, can’t be dismissed either, but the draw might be a concern.

Sat 19th Aug 2023 3.00 Newbury (14 runners) Heart Bingo Summer Sizzler Handicap 7f

1. Spangled Mac (IRE)
   • Pros: Top-rated on the list and has shown significant potential with strong performances at the Royal meeting this year.
   • Cons: The ground condition might be a concern, and it’s uncertain how he will react to the first-time cheekpieces.
2. Popmaster (IRE)
   • Pros: Proven performance over course & distance and has shown resilience in recent races, notably at Ascot.
   • Cons: His recent form in top handicaps is a bit concerning, indicating he might struggle against top-tier competition.
3. Alpha Capture (IRE)
   • Pros: Has a past win in a 2yo Listed race, hinting at his potential.
   • Cons: His recent form has been lacking, and he’s switching equipment to a visor, which may or may not yield a positive effect.

Sat 19th Aug 2023
3.15 Ripon (20 runners)
William Hill Great St Wilfrid Handicap
6f

1. Summerghand (IRE): Total score of 694.0 is the highest among the listed horses. The horse has previously run well in this race, finishing second in 2019 and fourth last year. It is notable that Summerghand retains good ability and tends to finish strongly. The horse is also off a lower mark than his previous runs in this race, which could be advantageous.
2. Aramis Grey (IRE): With a score of 649.5, Aramis Grey has shown consistent performances. The horse climbed the weights and produced a solid third in a Listed event two starts back. While the horse has been below form recently on the all-weather, good ground or faster seems preferable.
3. Monsieur Kodi (IRE): Monsieur Kodi comes in third with a rating of 610.6. He’s shown significant improvement in recent handicaps and his win at Goodwood two weeks ago was particularly impressive. A 3lb rise in weight seems lenient, given his performance, and he could benefit if the rain arrives due to his draw.

Considering the analysis:

Potential Selections:

• Summerghand (IRE): Given his history in this race and his consistent performances, he stands a good chance of finishing in the top spots.
• Monsieur Kodi (IRE): Given his recent form and the potential suitability of the conditions, he should be considered a strong contender.

Sat 19th Aug 2023 3.35 Newbury (10 runners) BetVictor Hungerford Stakes (Group 2) 7f

1. Chindit (IRE)

• Pros: Highest ratings, a runner-up in Group 1 Lockinge, and has won on good to soft.
• Cons: Was below par in this race last year and unimpressive in the recent Group 1 Queen Anne.

2. Mostabshir

• Pros: Impressive at novice level, trained by a top stable, and first-time blinkers might provide the necessary boost.
• Cons: Hasn’t progressed as expected in Group 1 and Listed races and untested on slower ground.

3. Pogo (IRE)

• Pros: Showed excellent form last year and seems to be getting back to that level. Has past experience on softer than good ground.
• Cons: Hasn’t been as impressive this season as in the previous year.