4.55 Border Minstrel Sunday Lunch Handicap (1m 2f 42y)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Adventure (3yo) | A Balding (81%) | Silvestre De Sousa | RPR Master: 87, Latest TS: 73 |
| 2 | Census (3yo) | S & E Crisford (67%) | Jack Mitchell | RPR Master: 85, Latest TS: 38 |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Best Adventure: A dual winner over 1m2f on turf (good/good to firm) this year, he is just 1lb higher than his latest success. He has shaped quite well in both previous runs on the AW. His latest figure is ‘9’.
- Census: This 3yo only made his debut in August and has finished in the frame in both his turf starts (1m2f, good). He narrowly won a four-runner Wolverhampton maiden (9.5f, Tapeta) between his turf runs, and the runner-up has won since. His latest figure is ‘4’.
Spotlight Verdict:
Preference is for SEA LEGEND, who is taken a chance on as he is 8lb lower than for his sole win, which came over C&D, and can better his recent efforts if things pan out more kindly. Best Adventure and Niminy Piminy (3yos) look like likely players, and fellow C&D winners Jujubella and Flickering Halo complete the shortlist.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 3yo 4-7-40, 4yo+ 4-9-56.
- Fate of Favourites: 12550331.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Andrew Balding 1-1-2, Simon & Ed Crisford 1-0-3, Charlie Johnston 0-1-3, Jedd O’Keeffe 0-2-2.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- Best Adventure: Strengths: Proven 1m2f winner on turf and only 1lb higher than his last success. Has previously shown promise on the AW. Weaknesses/Suitability: Returning to AW; must transfer turf form.
- Census: Strengths: Highly unexposed 3yo who has already won on Tapeta. Open to improvement on his handicap debut. Weaknesses/Suitability: Stamina may be an issue on this stiff track.
5.30 High Gosforth Park Golf Club Handicap (1m 4f 98y)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cushty (3yo) | Mrs R Carr (27%) | Hollie Doyle | RPR Master: 67, Latest TS: 58 |
| 2 | Swinging London (7yo) | J Mackie (50%) | Warren Fentiman (5) | RPR Master: 76, Latest TS: 68 |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Cushty: Got off the mark in a slowly run C&D race three weeks ago. She is up just 2lb, and Hollie Doyle retains the ride. Her latest figure is ‘1’.
- Swinging London: Has a 3-25 record on AW, with the most recent win coming from 3lb higher at Southwell (1m6f) in January. Her recent mixed form (hurdling and turf) includes a third to an all-the-way winner at Chester. The sources suggest this trip (12.5f) is arguably on the short side for her. Her latest figure is ‘3’.
Spotlight Verdict:
This lacks a standout. Perhaps the pair to focus on are Big Win (in first-time cheekpieces) and STAR CAST. Gemma Tutty’s filly (Star Cast) is taken to receive the cautious vote, as she split an in-form pair at Ayr (1m2f) last week. Cushty won a slowly run C&D contest last time, meaning the circumstances favoured her.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 3yo 1-0-11, 4yo+ 2-6-26.
- Fate of Favourites: 211.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Rebecca Menzies 0-1-1.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- Cushty: Strengths: Recent C&D winner, retaining a positive jockey booking (Hollie Doyle). Only carries a 2lb penalty. Weaknesses/Suitability: The win came in a slowly run race, suggesting she might be vulnerable if the race pace is faster today.
- Swinging London: Strengths: Proven on AW and has won off a higher mark. Weaknesses/Suitability: This 1m4.5f trip may be too short. Recent form is mixed following turf/hurdle runs.
6.00 Happy Birthday Stuart From Probio-Energy Nursery Handicap (6f)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Love Olivia (2yo) | C Clover (60%) | David Egan | RPR Master: 89, Latest TS: 49 |
| 2 | Sioux Perfect (2yo) | A Watson (46%) | Hollie Doyle | RPR RPR: 88, Latest TS: – |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Love Olivia: Made a winning debut at Wolverhampton (5f) in April. After attempting Listed/Group races, she ran a fair sixth in a competitive 6.5f nursery at Doncaster last month. She is mildly interesting on her return to AW. Her latest figure is ‘6’.
- Sioux Perfect: The application of headgear (blinkers) led to an upturn in form when she won the £100,000 Tattersalls Somerville Auction (6f) at Newmarket in August. Her current mark looks perfectly fair if she takes to the AW. She subsequently failed to stay 7f in Sweden. Her latest figure is ‘4’.
Spotlight Verdict:
The preferred option is Ed Bethell’s PULL THE RUG, who has been brought along steadily, with patience yielding results over the stiff 6f at Leicester. Sioux Perfect (second choice) promises to be suited by dropping back in trip for this AW debut. Romeo Montague and the consistent Dandy’s Rocket are also shortlisted.
Race Statistics:
The source material does not provide specific Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, or Trainer Records for this race.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- Love Olivia: Strengths: Debut winner on AW. Her latest nursery run was fair. She is back to her preferred surface. Weaknesses/Suitability: Needs to progress to defy this mark in a competitive field.
- Sioux Perfect: Strengths: Won a valuable race in August. Current mark is fair, and she is suited by dropping back to 6f. Weaknesses/Suitability: This is her AW debut, so her suitability to the surface must be proven.
6.30 Central – A Decade Running Purely Belta Selling Stakes (1m 5y)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Empirestateofmind (7yo) | J & S Quinn (100%) | Oisin Orr | RPR Master: 87, Latest TS: 20 |
| 2 | Cephalus (6yo) | G & J Moore (41%) | Tom Queally | RPR Master: 91, Latest TS: 75 |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Empirestateofmind: Has been twice successful on turf since August, including a win in a four-runner seller at Musselburgh (1m1f, soft) 16 days ago. He has been twice runner-up in four visits here. His latest figure is ‘1’.
- Cephalus: Holds an excellent AW record (10-29) and was 2-2 over C&D in January 2022 when previously trained by Charles Hills. Although he has not been at his best in recent handicaps, he is interesting on these terms. His latest figure is ‘6’.
Spotlight Verdict:
The vote goes to LOOK BACK SMILING who is favoured by the conditions and also has winning form here. Empirestateofmind is respected as he has recent winning form, despite 15lb of penalties, and Cephalus (second choice) is interesting due to his past C&D record and the stable not often running horses here.
Race Statistics:
The source material does not provide specific Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, or Trainer Records for this race.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- Empirestateofmind: Strengths: Consistent recent winning form (on turf). Proven record at Newcastle (twice runner-up in four visits). Weaknesses/Suitability: Must contend with 15lb worth of penalties.
- Cephalus: Strengths: Excellent AW record (10-29) and a perfect 2-2 over C&D in the past. Highest Master RPR in the race (91). Weaknesses/Suitability: Recent handicap form has been below par.
7.00 Happy Birthday Fiona From Probio-Energy Handicap (1m 5y)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paladin (4yo) | Charlie Johnston (62%) | Jack Mitchell | RPR Master: 91, Latest TS: 62 |
| 2 | Mr Mistoffelees (5yo) | S England (75%) | Oisin Orr | RPR Master: 92, Latest TS: 83 |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Paladin: A Southwell winner (1m, Tapeta) late last year. He ran well when finishing second of 13 back at Southwell (1m) a fortnight ago. He has also won twice on turf this year. His latest figure is ‘2’.
- Mr Mistoffelees: Has finished runner-up three times in five visits here this year. He is 2lb lower than his most recent second place at the track. He is 0-21 in handicaps and 1-26 overall. His latest figure is ‘4’.
Spotlight Verdict:
PALADIN looks the one to beat based on his Southwell success last December and his recent second back there. Urban Road (second choice) and Mr Mistoffelees are respected given their liking for the track. Eve’s Boy is also interesting now switched to the AW.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 3yo 3-7-30, 4yo+ 7-13-79.
- Fate of Favourites: 2311251011.
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): David O’Meara 1-1-5, Michael Dods 0-1-3, Tracy Waggott 0-1-1, William Knight 0-1-1.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- Paladin: Strengths: Good recent form (second at Southwell) and proven on Tapeta. Much respected. Weaknesses/Suitability: Recently incurred a 2lb rise.
- Mr Mistoffelees: Strengths: Excellent course record (placed three times in five visits this year). Currently well handicapped (2lb lower than last second). Weaknesses/Suitability: Moderate overall strike-rate (1-26 lifetime).
7.30 Mini Golf At High Gosforth Park Handicap (7f 14y)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filey Beach (4yo) | I McInnes (100%) | David Nolan | RPR Master: 58, Latest TS: 14 |
| 2 | Ring Of Gold (8yo) | M & D Easterby (50%) | Joanna Mason | RPR Master: 63, Latest TS: 26 |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Filey Beach: A prominent racer who has recently secured 7f wins at Catterick and Musselburgh. He finished a well-beaten second at Musselburgh 16 days ago and has since changed stables. His latest figure is ‘2’.
- Ring Of Gold: This 8yo is chasing a C&D hat-trick. Due to the narrow margins of his wins, he is only up 4lb and is expected to be in the thick of the action again. His latest figure is ‘1’.
Spotlight Verdict:
WOODRAFFF (nap) is 4lb higher than his C&D win 17 days ago but was nicely on top at the finish and is taken to record his third win of the year. Ring Of Gold, Coramento, One More Bottle, and Filey Beach all have something to recommend them.
Race Statistics:
The source material does not provide specific Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, or Trainer Records for this race.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- Filey Beach: Strengths: Recent winner. Weaknesses/Suitability: Easy lead is unlikely here, which might hinder his prominent running style. Very low Topspeed rating.
- Ring Of Gold: Strengths: C&D hat-trick seeking. Only a 4lb rise for narrow wins. Expected to be highly competitive. Weaknesses/Suitability: The narrow wins suggest he may lack significant superiority over the field.
8.00 Happy Birthday Phil From Probio-Energy Handicap (7f 14y)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | King’s School (4yo) | G Tutty (67%) | Warren Fentiman (5) | RPR Master: 82, Latest TS: 46 |
| 2 | Yaajooz (4yo) | M & D Easterby (50%) | Joanna Mason | RPR Master: 83, Latest TS: 43 |
Recent Form and Comments:
- King’s School: Has won three times over C&D, including twice last December and again in August after a five-month absence. He ran another solid effort when finishing third 19 days ago. His latest figure is ‘3’.
- Yaajooz: Finished a neck second over C&D four weeks ago, marking one of several good runs for his current yard. He is up 2lb and is now tried in cheekpieces. His only previous win came in a small selling handicap last summer. His latest figure is ‘2’.
Spotlight Verdict:
The selection is THE CHILDE OF HALE, who had been progressive before his last month’s disappointment and appeals as the type to bounce back quickly. King’s School is the main alternative, as he has his ideal conditions. Cusack and Yaajooz can also feature.
Race Statistics:
The source material does not provide specific Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, or Trainer Records for this race.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- King’s School: Strengths: Highly suitable as a multiple C&D winner who is in solid recent form (third last time). Weaknesses/Suitability: No obvious weaknesses mentioned; strong contender.
- Yaajooz: Strengths: Good recent C&D form (neck second). First-time cheekpieces applied. Weaknesses/Suitability: Only one previous career win. Up 2lb for his last good effort.
8.30 ARC £1Million Bonus Bigger Than Ever Handicap (1m 5y)
| Rank | Horse (Age) | Trainer (W-R) | Jockey | Total TimeWise Rating Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Second Fiddle (6yo) | I Jardine (35%) | Aiden Brookes (3) | RPR Master: 79, Latest TS: – |
| 2 | Mercurius Power (7yo) | J Macey (75%) | George Wood | RPR Master: 82, Latest TS: 47 |
Recent Form and Comments:
- Second Fiddle: Bolted up over C&D on Tuesday, making it 4-4 since joining Iain Jardine. He carries a 5lb penalty but remains 4lb well in until his new mark comes into force. He previously brushed aside rivals (including Mercurius Power) over C&D late last month. His latest figure is ‘1’.
- Mercurius Power: Winless for 14 months, but he has eased in the weights and is now below his last winning mark (Southwell). He finished third to Second Fiddle over C&D 17 days ago. His latest figure is ‘3’.
Spotlight Verdict:
This race revolves around SECOND FIDDLE. She has been shrewdly placed by her new trainer, running up a sequence of four straight wins, scoring with ease over C&D earlier this week. Still well treated under this 5lb penalty, she is taken to confirm earlier C&D form with Mercurius Power, Barleybrown (second choice), and Tees George.
Race Statistics:
The source material does not provide specific Age Groups, Fate of Favourites, or Trainer Records for this race.
Assessment of Top Two Chances:
- Second Fiddle: Strengths: Exceptional recent winning sequence (4-4 for current yard), scoring easily over C&D on Tuesday. Remains 4lb well in despite the 5lb penalty. Tough to oppose. Weaknesses/Suitability: Highly suitable, currently in career-best form.
- Mercurius Power: Strengths: Eased down to below his last winning mark. The weight turnaround offers some hope against the favourite. Weaknesses/Suitability: Has already been decisively beaten by Second Fiddle recently. Winless for 14 months.
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