Executive Summary

This briefing document provides a comprehensive synthesis of the horse racing scheduled for September 25th across four meetings: Hamilton, Listowel, Plumpton, and Southwell. In total, 29 races are scheduled, featuring 264 runners. The analysis integrates race card data, expert spotlight selections, quantitative performance ratings, market dynamics, and trainer and jockey form to present a complete overview of the day’s events.

Key Selections & NAPs:

• Hamilton: The Spotlight Verdict designates ARKENSTAAR as the “nap” selection in the 4.13 handicap, citing a strong track record at Hamilton and a favorable handicap mark.

• Listowel: BATTLE OF RIDGEWAY is the “nap” in the 4.58 handicap chase, with the expert verdict suggesting the horse can defy a 5lb rise following a dramatic win at Wexford.

• Plumpton: In the 2.20 handicap hurdle, course winner THE DARK EDGE is selected as the “nap,” with the analysis highlighting good end-of-season form and the benefit of a jockey’s 7lb claim.

• Southwell: TANJEN is the “nap” in the 5.07 handicap, with the horse being 2-2 on All-Weather surfaces and its recent C&D win having been well advertised by subsequent runners.

Significant Market Movers: The day has seen notable market activity. Thankuappreciate in the 4.37 at Southwell has been backed in from 11.00 to 5.50. At Hamilton, Maxwellcan (2.13) has shortened from 13.00 to 7.00. Other significant movers include Sidiriya (3.28 Listowel) from 34.00 to 15.00, and Battle Of Ridgeway (4.58 Listowel) from 7.00 to 4.00.

Notable Non-Runners: Several key runners have been withdrawn. At Southwell, Arabian Leopard and Golden Thorn are out of the 6.15 fillies’ handicap, and Dino Bellagio is withdrawn from the 6.45 handicap. At Listowel, Ozark’s Walk, who was a leading contender based on ratings, is a non-runner in the 5.28 bumper.

Trainer & Jockey Insights: Several trainers are in strong recent form. James Owen’s stable has an impressive 20% win rate in the last 14 days, while Fergal O’Brien’s runners have a 15% strike rate. Jockeys Rossa Ryan (51 rides in 14 days) and Billy Loughnane (76 rides in 14 days) are particularly active, with Loughnane holding six rides at Southwell. Paul Townend, with a 50% win rate in the last 14 days, has a key ride at Listowel on the Willie Mullins-trained Jalila Moriviere.

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Hamilton Race Meeting Analysis

Going: Soft Races: 7 Runners: 52 Total Prize Money: £30,735

2.13 Usave Business Energy Consultancy EBF Restricted Maiden Stakes

Class 5, 1m 68y, £8,000

Analysis: The form standard is not considered daunting, making newcomer Beyond The Bar an interesting prospect. Trained by T. Easterby, the horse’s parents, Bangkok and Whitefountainfairy, were successful for the owner-breeder King Power Racing. Mehsun is a main contender based on a promising third-place finish over course and distance (C&D) one month ago. Myrrh also warrants respect after a promising debut at Beverley, where she was the best of the newcomers. According to the One Day Ratings, Myrrh is the top-rated horse in the race with a total score of 263.

• Spotlight Verdict: BEYOND THE BAR

• Top Rated: Myrrh (263)

• Market Mover: Maxwellcan has seen significant support, moving from 13.00 to 7.00.

2.43 Moira Stein Memorial Handicap

Class 6, 5f 7y, £7,000

Analysis: A competitive sprint handicap featuring several C&D winners. The spotlight selection is Kyber Crystal, who won this race last year and is expected to reverse recent Carlisle form with Canaria Queen. Canaria Queen is in strong form, having won three of her last five starts. Giselles Izzy is also a contender after a win at Carlisle, with her weight rise offset by a 7lb claim. Thunderstorm Katie is noted as an interesting runner returning to this C&D, where she is a previous winner.

• Spotlight Verdict: KYBER CRYSTAL (Second Choice: Thunderstorm Katie)

• Top Rated: Canaria Queen (243)

• Market Mover: Thunderstorm Katie has been backed from 4.33 to 3.25.

3.13 Big Drew Hunter Memorial Selling Stakes

Class 4, 1m 3f 15y, £10,050

Analysis: A tight contest where all four runners have credible chances. The narrow preference is for Cayman Dancer, representing last year’s winning yard (Charlie Johnston) and facing calmer waters than in his recent Newmarket handicap. Arkinthestars, a creditable second in a similar Goodwood seller, is a major contender and is the top-rated horse with a score of 258. Ocean Of Dreams has a leading chance based on peak figures, while Ancient Myth is unexposed in cheekpieces.

• Spotlight Verdict: CAYMAN DANCER (Second Choice: Arkinthestars)

• Top Rated: Arkinthestars (258)

• Market Mover: Arkinthestars has shortened from 4.00 to 3.00, while Cayman Dancer has moved from 4.33 to 3.25.

3.43 Usave Business Energy Specialist Fillies’ Handicap

Class 4, 6f 6y, £10,100

Analysis: The handicap debutante Thanks Angel is the spotlight’s pick, considered interesting due to her potential for improvement over this shorter trip and an attractive mark. Recent C&D winners Amayretto and Annie Edson Taylor are seen as the primary dangers. Amayretto, top-rated with a score of 266, proved suited by the return to 6f in her last comfortable win. Annie Edson Taylor responded well to first-time blinkers in her recent C&D victory. Educating Rita has possibilities returning to Hamilton, where she has produced her best efforts this year.

• Spotlight Verdict: THANKS ANGEL (Second Choice: Amayretto)

• Top Rated: Amayretto (266)

• Market Mover: Iris Dancer has seen her odds shorten from 15.00 to 10.00.

4.13 Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap

Class 5, 1m 1f 35y, £8,000

Analysis: Arkenstaar is the designated “nap” of the day from the Hamilton card. The horse has an exceptional record at this track (form figures of 21111143441) and is respected despite a 2lb rise for his latest win. Pisanello, a dual course scorer, is considered the second choice after a resurgent third-place finish at Ripon. Runninsonofagun and Tee Aitch Aye are noted as having possibilities if they show any improvement.

• Spotlight Verdict: ARKENSTAAR (nap) (Second Choice: Pisanello)

• Top Rated: Pisanello (235)

• Market Movers: Tee Aitch Aye has moved from 9.00 to 5.50, and Naturalia from 7.50 to 4.33.

4.43 Heineken Low & No Bar Handicap

Class 5, 6f 6y, £8,000

Analysis: The spotlight selection is Hour By Hour, a fresh contender who is 3-5 at Hamilton and drops back in grade. The horse is suited by ground softer than good, aligning with the day’s conditions. Fellow C&D scorers Belsito (second choice) and Impressor are viewed as the biggest dangers. Belsito is back in good form after a comfortable C&D win, while Impressor could build on a resurgent third at Doncaster.

• Spotlight Verdict: HOUR BY HOUR (Second Choice: Belsito)

• Top Rated: Hour By Hour (275)

• Market Mover: Belsito has been backed from 4.00 to 3.25.

5.13 Hampton By Hilton Hamilton Park Handicap

Class 6, 1m 4f 15y, £7,000

Analysis: Cougar is the strong favorite after a dominant 7-length win at Musselburgh last week, taking well to first-time blinkers. The analysis suggests the horse is capable of defying a 5lb penalty. Recent winners Taylormade Lad (a low-mileage 3yo who may progress further) and Jaminoz (bidding for a hat-trick after wins at Carlisle and Hamilton) are considered the main dangers. Jaminoz is the top-rated horse in the field with a score of 241.

• Spotlight Verdict: COUGAR (Second Choice: Taylormade Lad)

• Top Rated: Jaminoz (241)

• Market Mover: Aighear (17.00 to 9.50) and Cascade Hall (7.50 to 5.00) have seen market support.

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Listowel Race Meeting Analysis

Going: Yielding to Soft Races: 7 Runners: 74 Total Prize Money: €72,743

2.28 Charleville Cheese 3-Y-O Hurdle

2m, €15,000

Analysis: With no standout candidate, the spotlight pick is Something Noble, who could defy a penalty following a surprise victory on his hurdling debut at Killarney. Hopes Are High also carries a penalty for a debut hurdle win but was below-par last time. What’s New, who fell at the last when looking set for second on his hurdling debut, has since won on the Flat and is a key contender. The top-rated horse is Ranting And Raven, a newcomer to hurdling with placed form on the Flat for Johnny Murtagh.

• Spotlight Verdict: SOMETHING NOBLE

• Top Rated: Ranting And Raven (232)

• Market Movers: Crooked Path (34.00 to 17.00) and Hopes Are High (5.00 to 3.75) have shortened.

2.58 Cheestrings Irish EBF Mares Hurdle

2m 4f, €19,500

Analysis: The choice of jockey Paul Townend to ride Jalila Moriviere over stablemate Adela Icon is noted as significant. Jalila Moriviere, a two-time winner, is favored with conditions to suit. She is also the top-rated horse with a score of 373. Adela Icon is not discounted, having won comfortably at Bellewstown, and could be dangerous if allowed to dictate the pace. Dream On Baby is another contender following promising recent Flat runs.

• Spotlight Verdict: JALILA MORIVIERE

• Top Rated: Jalila Moriviere (373)

• Market Mover: Jalila Moriviere is a strong favorite, moving from 2.10 to 1.83.

3.28 Bloom Feeds Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle

2m 2f, €14,500

Analysis: The top-weight Pampar Lady is selected to complete a hat-trick. A 7lb rise for her last win is offset by jockey Eoin Staples’ 7lb claim. Her senior rider, Keith Donoghue, switches to stablemate Sophia Rose, a recent Sligo maiden winner who is rated as a likely danger. Other contenders include Glitz And Glamour, another Sligo winner, and Chosen Shant, who has shown improved form since joining her new stable. Watty Show is an unexposed type who has joined top trainer Henry De Bromhead.

• Spotlight Verdict: PAMPAR LADY

• Top Rated: Pampar Lady (273)

• Market Movers: Sidiriya (34.00 to 15.00), Hay Baby (21.00 to 11.00), and Watty Show (11.00 to 8.00) have seen support.

3.58 Dairygold Maiden Hurdle

2m 6f, €13,500

Analysis: Champagne Kid, a course bumper winner at last year’s festival, is tipped to have a big chance if running to his official rating of 120. His hurdling experience is seen as an edge over the main danger, Good Girl Kathleen, a mare with useful bumper form. Cocovic, a three-time runner-up and the top-rated horse (267), has the advantage of race fitness.

• Spotlight Verdict: CHAMPAGNE KID

• Top Rated: Cocovic (267)

• Market Mover: Cocovic has been backed from 5.00 to 3.75.

4.28 Kerrymaid Rated Novice Chase

2m 1.5f, €17,500

Analysis: A race where jockey bookings provide a key pointer. Darragh O’Keeffe chooses to ride Birdie Or Bust over two stablemates, but the mare has something to prove after poor recent runs. The tentative vote goes to Hashtag Pretender, who is expected to build on a solid chase debut after a break. Solsbury Hill was impressive in an easy win last time, while Aspurofthemoment, the top-rated horse (297), is not discounted despite conceding weight to all rivals.

• Spotlight Verdict: HASHTAG PRETENDER

• Top Rated: Aspurofthemoment (297)

• Market Movers: Blaze The Way (21.00 to 10.00) and The Electrical Kid (29.00 to 17.00) have seen their odds shorten.

4.58 Kerry Dairy Ireland Handicap Chase

2m 1.5f, €45,000

Analysis: The “nap” selection is Battle Of Ridgeway, who is thought capable of defying a 5lb rise after a dramatic but ultimately deserved win at Wexford. The veteran Embittered is a danger after taking advantage of a reduced mark to win at Killarney. Jasko Des Dames has a strong chance based on his fifth-place finish in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham.

• Spotlight Verdict: BATTLE OF RIDGEWAY (nap)

• Top Rated: Embittered (309)

• Market Mover: Battle Of Ridgeway has seen strong support, shortening from 7.00 to 4.00.

5.28 Farm & Home Store (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race

2m, €12,000

Analysis: With the top-rated horse Ozark’s Walk now a non-runner, the race may go to a debutant. The standout candidates on paper are Tomthescaffolder from the Henry De Bromhead yard and Lady Lena from Willie Mullins. Token preference is for Tomthescaffolder, but the market will be informative.

• Spotlight Verdict: TOMTHESCAFFOLDER

• Top Rated: Ozark’s Walk (209) – NON-RUNNER

• Non-Runner: Ozark’s Walk was withdrawn at 10.48 AM.

• Market Mover: Casterly Rock has shortened from 17.00 to 10.00.

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Plumpton Race Meeting Analysis

Going: Good to Firm (Card states Good To Firm, overview states Good) Races: 6 Runners: 44 Total Prize Money: £31,746

2.20 Secure My Future (SMF) Handicap Hurdle

Class 5, 3m 217y, £7,250

Analysis: Course winner The Dark Edge is the “nap” selection, with good claims based on his hurdle form at the end of last season. Daire McConville’s 7lb claim is an added bonus. Fine By Me has been in good form and could threaten if first-time cheekpieces have a positive effect. Flemen’s Tipple is well-suited by the C&D and is on a career-low mark, making him dangerous to ignore despite recent poor runs.

• Spotlight Verdict: THE DARK EDGE (nap)

• Top Rated: Land Girl’s Luck (245)

• Non-Runner: Coup De Gold was withdrawn at 7.30 AM.

2.50 Happy 70th Birthday Martin Quinn Handicap Hurdle

Class 5, 1m 7f 195y, £7,250

Analysis: A competitive handicap where another chance is given to Jet Patrol. He flopped when odds-on recently but looked rejuvenated when winning at Stratford in August and could still be on a very good mark. Sain Et Sauf and Superstylin are interesting on their stable debuts. Everest (second choice) has scope for progress, while old rivals Lady Caro and Character Testing also have claims.

• Spotlight Verdict: JET PATROL

• Top Rated: Jet Patrol (270)

• Market Movers: Ez Tiger (15.00 to 8.00) and Sain Et Sauf (11.00 to 7.00) have been backed.

3.20 Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Maiden Hurdle

Class 4, 2m 4f 116y, £9,099

Analysis: This is viewed as a weak maiden where Kajikia has “cast-iron claims”. His bumper form, including a debut win at Ascot and a third place in a strong race here in April, is considered head and shoulders above his rivals. He is the highest-rated horse by a significant margin. Whenthemusicstops, formerly an Irish pointer, is tipped to be the one to follow him home.

• Spotlight Verdict: KAJIKIA

• Top Rated: Kajikia (294)

• Market Mover: Oh My Guinness has seen his odds dramatically shorten from 41.00 to 21.00.

3.50 Friends & Family Remembering Norman Sharpe Handicap Hurdle

Class 3, 1m 7f 195y, £23,825

Analysis: A tight handicap where Aucunrisque gets the vote. While not as good as he once was, his handicap mark reflects this, and he ran well when third in this race last year off a 4lb higher mark. The progressive Howth, winner of 4 of his 5 hurdle races, is a likeable type but top-rated with a score of 338. Brave Knight, returning to quicker ground that suits, is considered the principal threat.

• Spotlight Verdict: AUCUNRISQUE

• Top Rated: Howth (338)

• Market Mover: Nap Hand has shortened from 4.50 to 3.25.

4.20 Mary & Barry Faulkner’s Golden Wedding Handicap Hurdle

Class 5, 2m 4f 116y, £7,250

Analysis: Marginal preference is for Square Du Roule, who had been threatening a win before an excusable failure last time when reportedly making a noise. No Guarantee is considered a better horse now than when pulled up in this race a year ago and is the second choice. Jubilee Gold is entitled to be involved if resuming in good order, and Ruler Of The River could feature on her first run for the in-form Fergal O’Brien stable.

• Spotlight Verdict: SQUARE DU ROULE (Second Choice: No Guarantee)

• Top Rated: Mr Le Philosophe (271)

• Market Movers: Jubilee Gold (12.00 to 7.50) and Mr Le Philosophe (12.00 to 8.00).

4.50 Kalm Kitchen Dauphinoise Dash Open National Hunt Flat Race

Class 5, 2m 1f 169y, £4,999

Analysis: Masked Mistress is the clear pick, having built on her debut to win at Uttoxeter in July. She is expected to be good enough to overcome her penalty and is the top-rated horse by a large margin (305). Nelrose was disappointing last time but is the main danger on form from her debut third. Mushtahrir could be a threat if a wind operation aids his finishing effort.

• Spotlight Verdict: MASKED MISTRESS

• Top Rated: Masked Mistress (305)

• Market Mover: Arms Park has been supported from 10.00 to 6.00.

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Southwell Race Meeting Analysis

Going: Standard to Slow Races: 9 Runners: 94 Total Prize Money: £145,779

2.37 Golf And Gallop EBF Maiden Stakes

Class 3, 1m, £26,000

Analysis: Newcomers from the Crisford and Simcock stables warrant a market check, but Devil’s Peak should take the beating. He looked unlucky when beaten a head at Haydock last time with a hood added, and his pedigree suggests the new surface will suit. He is the top-rated horse with a score of 272. The main danger is Exotic Baby, who is likely to improve from a promising Kempton debut now stepped up in trip.

• Spotlight Verdict: DEVIL’S PEAK

• Top Rated: Devil’s Peak (272)

• Non-Runner: Ruthless Ambition was withdrawn at 9.15 AM.

• Market Movers: Berkshire Schmokin (26.00 to 15.00) and Thatcham (21.00 to 13.00).

3.07 Sky Sports Racing Virgin 519 Handicap

Class 4, 1m, £25,000

Analysis: In an open race, the vote goes to Dragon Icon, who runs off the same mark as his good third in the London Mile Series Final at Kempton. He has run well on Tapeta previously and is the top-rated contender (321). Borgi and My Margie are shortlisted as both are 2-2 at Southwell. Unexposed four-year-old Degale is respected, as is AW newcomer Rajapour.

• Spotlight Verdict: DRAGON ICON

• Top Rated: Dragon Icon (321)

• Non-Runners: Leadenhall and Man Of Desert.

• Market Movers: Kalamunda (19.00 to 11.00), Chalk Mountain (17.00 to 12.00), and Best Rate (7.50 to 5.50).

3.37 Free Bets On attheraces.com Maiden Stakes

Class 5, 5f, £22,000

Analysis: Hypnotised is the clear selection after finishing fourth at Kempton last time, with two of today’s rivals behind him. The drop in trip may suit the free-going sort. Yellow Diamonds (second choice) and Bella Delizia have both shown enough to be contenders.

• Spotlight Verdict: HYPNOTISED (Second Choice: Yellow Diamonds)

• Top Rated: Hypnotised (242)

• Market Mover: Hope And Joy has seen a massive price move from 151.00 to 51.00.

4.07 attheraces.com/marketmovers Handicap

Class 2, 5f, £75,000

Analysis: A valuable and furiously-paced sprint is anticipated. The Man, a fast-improving sprinter who won his novice at this track, is the selection. He is expected to sit just off the pace and held his own against older rivals at York. Azure Angel travelled well for a long way behind The Man at York, and the addition of blinkers and jockey Jamie Spencer could be beneficial. Adrestia, the Royal Ascot winner, is top-rated (376) and heads a long list of other contenders.

• Spotlight Verdict: THE MAN (Second Choice: Azure Angel)

• Top Rated: Adrestia (376)

4.37 Free Bets On attheraces.com Handicap (Div I)

Class 5, 5f, £22,000

Analysis: In a warm handicap, Imperial Guard is tipped. He has dropped significantly in the weights, ran well in his only previous visit here, and shaped better than the result at Chelmsford last time. Alhather (second choice) was impressive at Newcastle and could have more to offer. Thankuappreciate is on a dangerous mark, while Ancient Times, Zarzyni, and Equity Law are also considered.

• Spotlight Verdict: IMPERIAL GUARD (Second Choice: Alhather)

• Top Rated: Equity Law (284)

• Market Movers: Thankuappreciate is the day’s biggest mover (11.00 to 5.50). Lovat Scout (26.00 to 15.00) and Zarzyni (13.00 to 9.50) have also been supported.

5.07 Free Bets On attheraces.com Handicap (Div II)

Class 5, 5f, £22,000

Analysis: Considered the weaker of the two divisions. The “nap” selection is Tanjen, who is 2-2 on the AW and whose recent C&D win has been boosted by subsequent winners. Despite a 10lb rise, more improvement is expected on this surface. Grace Angel (second choice) is well-treated on last season’s form. Catch Cunningham and Knicks are also in the frame.

• Spotlight Verdict: TANJEN (nap) (Second Choice: Grace Angel)

• Top Rated: King’s Crown (269)

• Market Mover: Spirit Of Applause has shortened from 10.00 to 6.50.

5.40 Join Southwell Golf Club Handicap

Class 3, 1m 4f, £30,000

Analysis: The selection is Assail, hoping for a truer pace than when behind Great Bedwyn and Mrs Twig at Kempton. Assail’s previous RPR at Ascot was near his career best. Byblos, blinkered for his return to the scene of his sole success, is a danger, as is the consistent Bulletin. Top-rated Charmaine is compiling a solid profile and should be thereabouts.

• Spotlight Verdict: ASSAIL (Second Choice: Byblos)

• Top Rated: Charmaine (332)

6.15 Download The At The Races App Fillies’ Handicap

Class 3, 7f, £30,000

Analysis: A competitive handicap where Arabian Leopard is selected, with the return to 7f seen as a positive. Forty Years On is a striking improver, while Maybe Not (top-rated with 331) ran a cracker in a Class 2 at York and has to go well. Whizz By has an excellent record at this track and is feared.

• Spotlight Verdict: ARABIAN LEOPARD (Second Choice: Forty Years On)

• Top Rated: Maybe Not (331)

• Non-Runners: Arabian Leopard and Golden Thorn.

• Market Mover: Bountiful has been backed in from 17.00 to 9.50.

6.45 Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Handicap

Class 4, 2m 0.5f, £25,000

Analysis: With the likely pace-setter Dino Bellagio now a non-runner, the race dynamic changes. Hatysa is taken to reverse recent Newcastle form with Sax Appeal and Zealandia. As a progressive 3yo stayer, her two wins on Tapeta mark her out. Sax Appeal made all to win at Kempton on Monday and would be a danger if allowed an uncontested lead under a penalty.

• Spotlight Verdict: HATYSA (Second Choice: Dino Bellagio – now a non-runner)

• Top Rated: Sax Appeal (329)

• Non-Runner: Dino Bellagio was withdrawn at 9.34 AM.

• Market Movers: Both Sax Appeal (3.50 to 2.63) and Hatysa (3.25 to 2.63) have seen strong support.