Fri 25th Aug 2023 1.50 York (14 runners) Sky Bet Handicap (Heritage Handicap) 1m4f

Top Three Contenders with Pros and Cons:

1. Balance Play (IRE)
   • Pros:
     • Steady progress in recent races.
     • Managed to assert himself in the last two races, showing dominance.
     • The increased distance seems within capability.
   • Cons:
     • 7lb rise might challenge the horse.
2. Woottonsun (FR)
   • Pros:
     • Consistent top-notch performance recently.
     • Emotional motivation tied to the jockey’s retirement.
   • Cons:
     • 5lb increase in weight might pose some challenge.
3. Educator
   • Pros:
     • Demonstrated potential with the close race at Kempton.
     • Has shown he can perform, given the right conditions.
   • Cons:
     • No recent wins and overall performance can be unpredictable.
     • Dependence on equipment (blinkers replacing cheekpieces).

4. Summary: Balance Play and Woottonsun emerge as strong contenders based on their recent performances and the data. Balance Play has shown continuous improvement, and the distance and weight rise might be within its stride. Woottonsun has been consistent and is riding on a sentimental high, which could be a motivation. Educator, although a bit unpredictable, has shown potential and could be the dark horse in the race.

Fri 25th Aug 2023
2.25 York (7 runners)
Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup
Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series)
2m½f

Top Three Contenders Based on Analysis:

1. Quickthorn:

• Pros: Demonstrated dominance in previous races and has the potential to lead from the front. Highest overall rating among all contenders.
• Cons: Other competitors are now aware of his tactics, which may lead to strategic changes to counteract his approach.

2. Courage Mon Ami:

• Pros: Strong previous performances, especially in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. The firmer ground in this race might suit him better.
• Cons: His performance in the Goodwood Cup raises concerns about his current form.

3. Coltrane (IRE):

• Pros: Consistent performer who has previously shown the potential to win or come close in races of this stature.
• Cons: Will need to strategize effectively to counter front-runners like Quickthorn.

4. Summary:

Quickthorn is the top contender given his impressive track record and recent victories, but he might face challenges as his competitors are now wary of his leading tactics. Courage Mon Ami has shown brilliance, especially in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, but needs to recover from his recent dip in form. Coltrane (IRE), with consistent performances, stands as a solid contender and might pull off a win with the right strategy.

Fri 25th Aug 2023
3.00 York (10 runners)
Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2)
6f

Top Three Contenders:

1. Haatem (IRE)
   • Pros: Strong performance in major 2yo races. Good form with a recent win at Goodwood.
   • Cons: 3lb penalty and a possible concern about the drop back in trip.
2. Action Point (IRE)
   • Pros: Showed remarkable improvement at 6f, won in Newbury. Strong pedigree with sire Blue Point.
   • Cons: This race is tougher than his last.
3. Kings Gamble (IRE)
   • Pros: Highly promising with a strong win at Newmarket.
   • Cons: Only raced once, so lacks the experience of some other contenders.

4. Summary:

Considering both the data and the accompanying notes, Haatem (IRE) appears to be the strongest contender due to its consistent performance in top races, though the penalty and trip reduction are concerns. Action Point (IRE), having shown significant improvement at 6f and with a winning sire, is another strong competitor. Finally, Kings Gamble (IRE), though having raced only once, has displayed strong promise and is definitely one to watch.

Fri 25th Aug 2023 3.35 York (16 runners) Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 5f

1. Top Rated Horses:
   • Highfield Princess (FR) is the top-rated horse at 852.9 with odds of 6/4. This horse won this race last year and has continued to show excellent form, including notable performances at Royal Ascot. She’s also coming off a win in the Group 2 King George Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
   • Khaadem (IRE) is next with a rating of 797.6 and longer odds of 25/1. Given a great ride to win the Group 1 Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, Khaadem is an interesting contender. However, the note suggests some concern about whether the jockey can repeat his tactics over this shorter distance.
   • Bradsell is almost similarly rated at 797.4 with odds of 7/2. He won the Coventry at Royal Ascot last season and then the Group 1 King’s Stand on his first attempt at 5f. His record at Ascot is notable, and he did impress at York on debut.
2. Form Horses:
   • Highfield Princess (FR) is hard to ignore based on her past form, which includes a win in this race last year and continued good performance this year.
   • Big Evs (IRE), priced at 6/1, seems to be a speedster with a notable win in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and another win in the Group 3 Molecomb at Goodwood.
   • Bradsell again comes into the conversation with his notable win in the Coventry and the Group 1 King’s Stand at Royal Ascot.
3. Value Bets:
   • Given their longer odds, horses like Khaadem (IRE) at 25/1, Aesops Fables (IRE) at 33/1, and Ladies Church at 33/1 might offer value. Though their chances of winning are considered lower than the favorites, their past performances suggest they can surprise or at least land in the frame.
4. Others to Watch:
   • Dramatised (IRE) had a significant 2yo highlight with her Group 2 Queen Mary win at Royal Ascot. Even though she had a lackluster performance in the King’s Stand, she remains unexposed and could bounce back.

Fri 25th Aug 2023
4.10 York (12 runners)
Assured Data Protection EBF Fillies
Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
1m2½f

Top Three Contenders:

• Rowayeh (IRE):
  • Pros: Consistent performer with the highest total rating. Her pedigree and recent performances suggest more potential.
  • Cons: Untried at this longer distance.
• Amanzoe (IRE):
  • Pros: Has previous good experience in this specific race, has shown steady progress in the past year, and has a leading stable’s support.
  • Cons: Absence from racing for a while may impact performance.
• Sisyphus Strength:
  • Pros: Recent winner, adjusted tactics led to improved performance, potential to build on her recent win.
  • Cons: Stepping up to a more challenging race.

4. Summary:

Rowayeh looks to be the most promising based on ratings and recent form, but her performance at the longer distance remains to be seen. Amanzoe has demonstrated capability in this race before, but the long absence might be a concern. Sisyphus Strength, while performing well recently, is entering tougher competition, making her a wild card.

Fri 25th Aug 2023 4.45 York (14 runners) British EBF 40th Anniversary Convivial Maiden Stakes (GBB Race) 7f

Top 3 Contenders with pros & cons:

1. Under The Sun
   • Pros: Runner-up in two recent novices, stepped up from debut, and was just beaten by a horse that has since shown form. Leads in the data ratings.
   • Cons: Has yet to win and may face competition from progressive novices.
2. Zain Blue (IRE)
   • Pros: Showed promise on debut, is likely to progress, and holds an entry in a prominent Group 2 race.
   • Cons: Still relatively inexperienced with only one race under its belt.
3. Battle Cry (IRE)
   • Pros: Showed improvement from debut and has the endorsement of a note suggesting potential for more progression.
   • Cons: Only has two races under its belt and might face stiff competition.

Summary: “Under The Sun” is the top contender based on recent form and ratings, closely followed by “Zain Blue” and “Battle Cry”. Both “Zain Blue” and “Battle Cry” have shown promise in their recent races and are expected to progress. However, “Under The Sun” stands out due to consistent high performance. While all three have strong prospects, they also have limited race experience which might play a role in the final outcome.

Fri 25th Aug 2023
5.15 York (12 runners)
Sky Bet Mile Handicap (Heritage Handicap)
1m

Top 3 Contenders with pros & cons:

1. Enfjaar (IRE)
   • Pros: Impressive in initial races, potentially still has more to offer.
   • Cons: Struggled in Group 3 at Royal Ascot.
2. English Oak
   • Pros: Steadily progressive, Ryan Moore’s first-time involvement, previous successful runs hint at more potential.
   • Cons: Still needs to prove himself in a competitive handicap scenario.
3. Tafreej (IRE)
   • Pros: Consistent and proven at 1m, remains unexposed at this distance.
   • Cons: The competition might bring out horses with higher potential.

Summary: Enfjaar (IRE) stands out due to his impressive initial runs, although his recent performance in a high-tier race is a concern. English Oak’s progression and the involvement of Ryan Moore make him a promising contender. Tafreej (IRE), with his consistency, is a solid choice for this distance. The competition will be tough, and while these three horses have strong merits, surprises can always occur in racing.