Executive Summary

This briefing provides a comprehensive analysis of the day’s horse racing action on September 27, 2025, synthesizing form, expert analysis, and quantitative ratings from key meetings at The Curragh, Newmarket, Haydock, Listowel, Ripon, and Southwell.

The day is highlighted by several Group 1 contests at Newmarket. The Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes features a clash between Royal Fixation, the impressive Group 2 Lowther winner, and Aidan O’Brien’s duo of Beautify and True Love, who looks to redeem her reputation. In the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes, Wise Approach stands out on ratings, but faces significant challenges from the highly promising debut runner-up The Publican’s Son and the unbeaten Hilitany. The day’s premier handicap is the fiercely competitive bet365 Cambridgeshire, where the progressive 3-year-old Fifth Column is favored to handle the step up in distance.

At The Curragh, the centerpiece is the Goffs Million, a valuable 7f race for 2-year-olds with a total prize value of €1,000,000. Composing, despite a subpar run last time, is considered the class act and the one to beat. Key challengers include Group 2 winner Green Sense and the promising Phenomenal Filly. The card also features the Group 2 Beresford Stakes, where Geryon is the nap selection, having already beaten several of his rivals and performed strongly in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes.

The jumps meeting at Listowel presents competitive handicap hurdles and chases. Spotlight analysis identifies Blue Waters as a nap selection in the John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle (2:10 PM) and favors Ballykinlar to resume his progression in the Allman Contracts Novice Hurdle (2:45 PM).

Across the other meetings, notable handicaps include the Ripon Cathedral City Of The Dales Handicap and the Ambassador Cruise Line Handicap at Haydock, providing deep, competitive betting heats.

The Curragh Racecourse Analysis

1:25 PM – Kildare House Hotel Irish EBF Maiden

A 6-furlong maiden for 2-year-olds with a total prize value of €20,000.

• Key Contenders: The race features three runners with proven form—White Smoke, Thenandnow, and Savile Row—who have all shown they are capable of winning a maiden.

• Analyst’s Verdict: Spotlight’s selection is the newcomer Armada De Lope, a 210,000gns purchase with a strong pedigree. The verdict notes, “if the 210,000gns purchase ARMADA DE LOPE is above average then she might well be up to taking this first time out.”

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ White Smoke: Took a significant step forward from debut when a 100-1 runner-up over course and distance (C&D).

    ◦ Thenandnow: Brings some of the best form into the race from two runs at Leopardstown (7f) and is expected to handle the drop back in trip.

    ◦ Savile Row: A 400,000gns yearling who finished second at Naas after being fitted with blinkers. Should be “in the thick of it.”

    ◦ Armada De Lope: A half-sister to listed winner Spartan Arrow and Grade 2 winner Twilight Gleaming. Described as an “interesting newcomer on various counts.”

2:00 PM – HearMed Your Health, Your Hearing Joe McGrath Handicap (Premier Handicap)

A highly competitive 5-furlong Premier Handicap for 3-year-olds and older, valued at €50,000.

• Key Contenders: A significant portion of the field competed in a valuable 6f handicap at the course two weeks prior. Sarahmae, Keke, Gazelle D’Or, and Sir Les Patterson are noted as having encountered trouble in that race. Nezeeh arrives following a recent win at Navan.

• Analyst’s Verdict: The narrow preference is for Sarahmae. The analysis states she “finished with energy to spare having not even engaged top gear” in her last run and that “Rain will aid her cause.”

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ Sarahmae: Did not get a clear run last time out. A previous C&D winner who defeated Keke in August and suits easy ground.

    ◦ Sir Les Patterson: Ran on well for third in a 6f premier handicap on his stable debut last time. The shorter trip is a slight concern.

    ◦ Keke: Winner of this race last year and the Rockingham handicap this year. Did not get a clear run last time and is ground-versatile.

    ◦ Kendall Roy: A C&D winner whose five career wins have all been over this trip. Capable off his current mark.

    ◦ Red Evolution: Has won three times over this trip, but his best form is on fast ground, making any rain a concern.

2:35 PM – Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes (Group 2)

A 1-mile Group 2 contest for 2-year-olds with a prize fund of €120,000.

• Key Contenders: The field is small but contains quality runners who have previously faced each other.

• Analyst’s Verdict: Geryon is the nap selection. Spotlight states, “Having beaten Al Haarith, Port Of Spain and Hawk Mountain when winning a maiden here GERYON(nap) was since a solid runner-up in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes and it will be disappointing if he cannot confirm the form.”

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ Geryon: A striking debut winner who was subsequently second in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes over 7f at this track. The main concern is whether he will settle over the longer trip.

    ◦ Hawk Mountain: Improved when stepped up to this trip to win a maiden here last time, beating Port Of Spain by 5 lengths. Considered the stable’s selected runner.

    ◦ Al Haarith: Finished 2.75 lengths behind Geryon on his last start and will need to improve to reverse the form.

    ◦ Port Of Spain: Finished behind both Geryon and Hawk Mountain in maidens before winning at Punchestown. Appears to have work to do.

3:10 PM – Schweppes Trophy Handicap

A 7-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, valued at €35,000.

• Key Contenders: Several runners, including Genuine Article, Tokenomics, Engines On, and Booyea, emerge from the recent Cambridgeshire at this course.

• Analyst’s Verdict: The selection is Heavenly Power. The analysis notes, “HEAVENLY POWER looks ready for a step back up to this trip and this triple course winner can score here again.” Lurkers returning from absences include Monsieur Fudge and Cowardofthecounty.

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ Heavenly Power: A five-time winner up to 6f who ran a “cracker” when second over this trip in a premier handicap at Cork in June.

    ◦ Genuine Article: A consistent sort who was just denied over an extended mile at Galway last time. The 7f trip should be suitable.

    ◦ Tokenomics: A C&D winner who ran a solid race in the Cambridgeshire, finishing 2 lengths behind Genuine Article.

    ◦ Engines On: Also a C&D winner who “ran a cracker from 6lb out of the handicap in the Cambridgeshire last time.”

3:45 PM – Goffs Million

The day’s richest race, a 7-furlong contest for eligible 2-year-olds with a total prize value of €1,000,000.

• Key Contenders: A large and competitive field. Top contenders include the class act Composing, Group 2 winner Green Sense, and the promising duo of Phenomenal Filly and Bofa Beach.

• Analyst’s Verdict: Composing is the pick to bounce back from a below-par run in the Moyglare Stakes. Spotlight suggests, “She should get a lead today and can pounce late.” The Timewise Master Ratings strongly support this, placing her significantly ahead of the field.

• Top Contender Details:

Horse	Trainer	Key Form/Notes	Analyst Comment
Composing	A P O’Brien	Won a C&D maiden, a Group 3, and the Group 2 Debutante Stakes. Below form in the Group 1 Moyglare last time when trying to make all.	“Still the one to beat here.”
Green Sense	J P O’Brien	Won a Group 2 at Chantilly and was third in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes over 6f. Shapes as if she can stay this trip.	“Seems to be the yard’s pick of five.”
Phenomenal Filly	P Twomey	Won a Leopardstown maiden with “the minimum of fuss.” Yard won this race two years ago with a debutant.	“Has to be taken seriously despite the absence.”
Dorset	A P O’Brien	Won a C&D maiden but has since been beaten by the classy Zavateri twice. Looks the yard’s second-string but is respected.	“Hood worn last time is left off.”
Summer Is Tomorrow	J P O’Brien	Won a Down Royal maiden and a Roscommon conditions race. A ground-versatile sort who is “likely to run a big race.”	Cheekpieces added.

4:20 PM – McDonnell’s Bar Newbridge Rated Race

A 7-furlong race for 3-year-olds rated 100 or less, with a value of €35,000.

• Key Contenders: All runners are perceived to have questions to answer. Collecting Coin is noted for his consistency.

• Analyst’s Verdict: Collecting Coin is a “tentative selection” due to being the “most reliable of these.” Glen To Glen is mentioned as a horse that could bounce back.

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ Collecting Coin: Consistent, ground-versatile, and “likely to be involved again” after solid efforts in maidens and a win at Galway over this trip.

    ◦ Glen To Glen: Below form over 1m2f last time but has the speed for this trip. Blinkers remain on.

    ◦ Charasson: Has plenty of speed, making the 7f trip a question, but is a “player if staying.”

4:55 PM & 5:30 PM – Fitzpatrick’s Mercedes-Benz Maiden (Div I & II)

Two divisions of a 1-mile, 2-furlong maiden race for 3-year-olds and older, each valued at €20,000.

• Division I (4:55 PM):

    ◦ Verdict: Spotlight suggests Juniper Sling might reverse Roscommon form with Simurgh over this shorter trip. Newcomer Glittering Gem, a Frankel filly with a “seriously nice pedigree,” needs a market check.

    ◦ Top Contenders:

        ▪ Juniper Sling: Has a smart pedigree and finished third in two maidens, splitting Simurgh and Indian River last time.

        ▪ Simurgh: Runner-up at Roscommon (1m4f) on her return from a long absence, holding “solid claims.”

        ▪ Indian River: Not far behind the top two at Roscommon and “should be involved.”

• Division II (5:30 PM):

    ◦ Verdict: This is considered a stronger and more intriguing division. The selection is Subsonic, who “endured a torrid run when 2-1 for a Navan maiden three weeks ago.”

    ◦ Top Contenders:

        ▪ Subsonic: Was unlucky in running at Navan last time and “can be given another chance.” Previously finished close to the top-class Minnie Hauk.

        ▪ Candleford Green: A Sea The Stars filly open to improvement, especially at this trip. Did not get a clear run on her comeback.

        ▪ Maeve Brennan: A newcomer with two Group 1 entries, suggesting high expectations.

        ▪ Tswalu: Consistently placed but remains a maiden after eight races and is “becoming hard to trust.”

Newmarket Racecourse Analysis

1:50 PM – Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2)

A 1-mile Group 2 contest for 2-year-old colts and geldings, with a prize fund of £133,750.

• Key Contenders: Humidity leads on Topspeed and RPR figures, but faces strong challenges from the promising Bow Echo and Pacific Avenue.

• Analyst’s Verdict: The selection is Pacific Avenue. The verdict states he “did well to finish close up behind [Humidity] in Sandown’s Solario Stakes… getting back on drier ground should be a major plus.”

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ Pacific Avenue: Surprised an odds-on stablemate on debut and was then hot on the heels of Humidity in the Group 3 Solario. The step up to 1m on drier ground is expected to suit.

    ◦ Bow Echo: Impressive winner of a Newbury maiden and a Haydock Listed race. Reportedly “thrilled his connections in a recent gallop.”

    ◦ Humidity: Winner of the Chesham who was “perhaps unfortunate not to have won Sandown’s Group 3 Solario Stakes.” Promises to be even better at 1m.

    ◦ Daytona: Won a Listed race at Naas before a defeat at Deauville over 7f. A big colt who “retains significant potential for 1m+.”

2:25 PM – Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes (Group 1)

A premier 6-furlong Group 1 for 2-year-old fillies, valued at £275,000.

• Key Contenders: The race features a fascinating clash between Royal Fixation, America Queen, and Aidan O’Brien’s powerful duo, True Love and Beautify.

• Analyst’s Verdict: Royal Fixation is preferred. Spotlight notes she “looked a high-class juvenile when quickening well to beat America Queen by 1l in the Group 2 Lowther at York.”

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ Royal Fixation: Looked “right out of the top drawer” in the Lowther. Seems highly regarded and “could be anything.” The one to beat.

    ◦ True Love: Looked very promising winning Group 2s at Royal Ascot and The Curragh before a shock defeat in the Phoenix Stakes, after which mild lameness was reported. Commands “major respect.”

    ◦ Beautify: Showed rapid progress to win a Group 2 and was only beaten in the final furlong of the Group 1 Moyglare Stud over 7f.

    ◦ America Queen: A dominant debut winner who found only Royal Fixation too strong in the Lowther. “Remains open to improvement.”

3:00 PM – Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes (Group 1)

A prestigious 6-furlong Group 1 for 2-year-old colts, worth £291,580.

• Key Contenders: Wise Approach is the top-rated contender, but faces intriguing, unexposed rivals.

• Analyst’s Verdict: The selection is The Publican’s Son. While Wise Approach has excellent credentials, “The selection looks particularly promising, having shaped extremely well in a Group 3 event on his debut.” Hilitany is also noted as a potentially smart contender.

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ The Publican’s Son: Belied 40-1 odds with a strong-finishing second in a Group 3 at The Curragh on his debut. Open to “any amount of progress.”

    ◦ Wise Approach: A 1,000,000 guineas yearling who was a close third in the Group 1 Prix Morny at Deauville last time. Top on ratings.

    ◦ Hilitany: A £300,000 breeze-up purchase who has been impressive in two novice wins at Windsor and “looks potentially smart.”

    ◦ Coppull: Winner of the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. Placed in the Coventry and “remains of interest” despite a lesser run in the Prix Morny.

3:40 PM – bet365 Cambridgeshire (Heritage Handicap)

One of the season’s major betting races, this 1-mile, 1-furlong heritage handicap is valued at £175,000.

• Key Contenders: A large, competitive field. Top contenders include the progressive 3-year-olds Fifth Column and Treble Tee.

• Analyst’s Verdict: The nap selection is Fifth Column. Spotlight states, “The Gosden stable won this with 3yos in 2018 and 2019 and the yard has another likely type in FIFTH COLUMN (nap)… There can be optimism today’s extra furlong will prompt further improvement.”

• Top Contender Details:

Horse	Age	Key Form/Notes	Analyst Comment
Fifth Column	3	Made it 4-6 for the year at York last month, getting up late in a big-field 1m handicap.	“Firmly in calculations.” The extra furlong could prompt more improvement.
Marhaba Ghaiyyath	3	Went close in a hot 3yo handicap at Goodwood (1m2f) that has worked out well. This 1m1f trip could be ideal.	“One to consider.”
Cash	6	Kept on for second in his first handicap at Doncaster (1m). Could appreciate the extra furlong.	“Chance.”
Treble Tee	3	Won at Doncaster in dominant fashion after going close in his first two handicaps. Ahead of the handicapper under a 4lb penalty.	“Major player.”
Fort George	3	Easily made all at Newbury (1m2f) last month. Thriving but faces a hotter race and a 9lb rise.	“Could play another leading role.”

5:55 PM – Ambassador Cruise Line Handicap

A 7-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, rated 86-105.

• Key Contenders: Dance In The Storm has performed well in warm handicaps at Goodwood and York. Indian Springs is an unbeaten, progressive type making his handicap debut.

• Analyst’s Verdict: The selection is Dance In The Storm. Spotlight’s view is, “After good efforts in rather difficult circumstances at two major festivals, DANCE IN THE STORM appears to have a race of this grade in her.”

• Contender Profiles:

    ◦ Dance In The Storm: Went very close at Glorious Goodwood and ran well at the York Ebor festival. Still open to further progress and considered a “major player.”

    ◦ Indian Springs: Two comfortable wins from two starts in a C&D maiden and a Haydock novice. Gelded before his last run and is “respected with further improvement plausible.”

    ◦ Humam: Record of 2-4 over 7f, including a York success. Unexposed at this distance and “interesting” on his first run at the trip for new connections.

Haydock Park Racecourse Analysis

2:05 PM – Ambassador Cruise Line Handicap

A Class 2, 5-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, valued at £50,000.

• Key Contenders: Woolhampton comes into the race seeking a hat-trick after recent wins. Vintage Clarets and All Ways Glamorous have shown consistent recent form.

• Top-Rated: The Timewise Master Ratings place Woolhampton on top, followed by Vintage Clarets and All Ways Glamorous.

• Form Notes:

    ◦ Woolhampton: In fine form, having won her last two races.

    ◦ Vintage Clarets: Finished second just 6 days ago.

    ◦ Duran: A C&D winner who was second 13 days ago and is rated highly by Timewise.

2:40 PM – Hallgarten And Novum Wines Handicap

A Class 3, 6-furlong handicap for 3-year-olds and older, valued at £15,000.

• Key Contenders: Woven finished a good second just 8 days ago over 6f at Doncaster. Realign returns after being gelded. Topwarrior and Wild Clary have been consistent.

• Form Notes:

    ◦ Woven: A course and distance (CD) winner who was second in the 2024 renewal of this race’s form equivalent.

    ◦ Realign: Won on his seasonal debut but was unplaced in two subsequent runs before a break and gelding operation.

    ◦ Wild Clary: Has finished first or second in her last three starts.

3:15 PM – Oddschecker Handicap

A Class 2 handicap over approximately 1 mile, valued at £30,000.

• Key Contenders: Midnight Gun returns after a 182-day break but has strong form. Fondo Blanco has finished second in his last three starts. First Ambition is a course winner.

• Form Notes:

    ◦ Midnight Gun: The Timewise top-rated horse, returns from a break but was second in a strong race last time out.

    ◦ Fondo Blanco: A model of consistency, finishing runner-up on his last three outings.

    ◦ Christian David: Won just 7 days ago and carries a penalty.

Listowel Racecourse Analysis (Jumps)

2:10 PM – John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle

• Analyst’s Verdict: The nap selection is Blue Waters. The verdict states, “Her pedigree suggests she’ll make into a talented hurdler and this looks a weak race.” Louiescall, if running after a race on Thursday, should be “thereabouts.”

• Key Contenders:

    ◦ Blue Waters: A bumper winner at Ballinrobe who is bred to make a hurdler.

    ◦ Louiescall: A Flat winner who was narrowly beaten in a Tramore maiden hurdle.

    ◦ Ripsnorter: A Roscommon bumper winner making his hurdling and stable debut.

2:45 PM – Allman Contracts Novice Hurdle

• Analyst’s Verdict: A chance is taken on Ballykinlar. The analysis notes, “Dropping back to 2m didn’t suit him last time and he may be able to resume his progression now stepped back up to a more suitable distance.”

• Key Contenders:

    ◦ Ballykinlar: His bid for a four-timer was halted last time, but the 2m trip was considered too sharp. A return to 2m4f is a positive.

    ◦ Strong Link: Has won his last three races and is the top-rated horse at 131. His “chance is obvious.”

    ◦ Cameletta Vega: Was beaten 1.25l by Strong Link last time but has a 5lb swing in the weights, giving her “realistic prospects of turning that form around.”

3:20 PM – M.J. Carroll ARRO Handicap Hurdle

• Analyst’s Verdict: A tentative vote goes to Redwood Queen. The verdict highlights, “She has won here before and her first two runs for Cian Collins have been encouraging.”

• Key Contenders:

    ◦ Redwood Queen: Has placed in both starts for her new trainer, and the winner of her last race has since won again.

    ◦ Sysko: A lightly raced 5-year-old making his handicap debut for Willie Mullins.

    ◦ Miss Fourie: Was “still going well when falling three out at Killarney last time.”

Other Meetings: Key Selections & Insights

Ripon

• 1:40 PM: The Spotlight verdict favors Here Forever, noting “the one to beat” in a weaker race than his last start.

• 2:15 PM: The selection is Zooter, who “looks open to the most improvement” after solid runs in novice company.

• 2:50 PM: Vince L’Amour is the nap selection, having been “only picked off close home at Ayr last week.”

• 3:25 PM: In a competitive handicap, Eye Of Dubai, last year’s winner, is “tentatively preferred” after a fine run in the Ayr Silver Cup.

• 4:00 PM: Big Apple Jack is preferred, with the drop in class and return to 6f expected to suit.

Southwell (AW)

• 4:19 PM: With the original selection a non-runner, Dragon Spin is promoted to first choice, having run well on her nursery debut at Wolverhampton.

• 4:50 PM: The suggestion is Siouxpersonic, who “wasn’t totally disgraced in a Class 2 nursery at the St Leger meeting.”

• 5:25 PM: The vote goes to Aajej, whose third-place finish here last time has been boosted by the runner-up winning since.

• 6:00 PM: Spirit Lead Me is the nap selection, having won easily at Kempton on Wednesday. He carries a penalty but the jockey’s claim negates it.

• 6:30 PM (Div I): A chance is taken on Ziggy’s Condor, who has fallen in the weights and is a C&D winner.

• 7:00 PM (Div II): Preference is for Jesse Luc, who has an outstanding record over 6f on the AW this year and was an eyecatching third on turf last time.

• 8:30 PM: Everyoneknowsadave gets the vote, with a record of 2 wins from 4 starts at Southwell and showing more progress at Haydock last time.