Executive Summary

This briefing synthesizes detailed analysis for the horse racing meetings scheduled for October 18, 2025, covering premier flat racing at Ascot and Leopardstown, competitive fixtures at Catterick and Wolverhampton, and National Hunt action at Newton Abbot and Stratford. The analysis is drawn from expert spotlights, racecard data, Timewise Master Ratings, and significant market movements.

The day is headlined by the prestigious Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot, featuring six high-value races, including five Group 1 contests. Key selections from the expert analysis include Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup, Kind Of Blue in the Sprint Stakes, Waardah in the Fillies & Mares Stakes, the superstar Field Of Gold in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, and the progressive Almeric in the Champion Stakes. These selections are supported by strong recent form and course suitability.

Market sentiment indicates notable shifts. At Ascot, Sweet William (12:55) has seen significant backing (9/2 into 3/1), while confidence appears to have waned for Big Mojo (2:05), who has drifted from 6/1 to 9/1. At Leopardstown, South Island (3:15) has been a significant market mover, shortening from 11/1 to 4/1. In the National Hunt sphere, Paul Nicholls’ Absolutely Doyen (Stratford 1:50) is subject to intense market confidence (1/4 into 1/7), while stablemate Courageous Strike (Newton Abbot 3:35) has drifted from 2/1 to 100/30 despite a positive spotlight review.

The analysis is provided by a panel of experts including Richard Austen, Steve Boow, Richard O’Brien, Ben Hutton, Andrew Sheret, Alistair Jones, David Moon, Dave Stephens, and Alan Hewison, whose verdicts form the core of the race-by-race assessments. This document provides a comprehensive overview of their insights, key contender profiles, and relevant data points to inform a complete picture of the day’s racing.

——————————————————————————–

Ascot: Qipco British Champions Day

12:55 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 1)

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£531,250	2m	Good	Richard Austen

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: The verdict is unequivocal in its support for TRAWLERMAN, stating that if the horse runs to the level of its last three starts, it “will surely win again.” The analysis highlights its dominant win in the 2m4f Gold Cup at Royal Ascot and subsequent successful drop back to 2m at York. Sweet William is identified as the greatest threat, with the 3-year-old Stay True bringing both potential and significant stamina doubts. The analyst, Richard Austen, notes that Trawlerman can make his own pace if necessary to ensure the race is run to suit.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Trawlerman (SP 4/9): A battling 7-year-old who won this race in 2023. His career-best form came this June with a 7-length win in the Gold Cup over 2m4f at Ascot. He is described as “very much the one to beat.”

• Sweet William (SP 5/1): A consistent but “not straightforward” 6-year-old who finished third and second in the last two runnings of this race. While a recent winner of the Doncaster Cup, he has been found “too tough to crack” by Trawlerman in their two clashes this season.

• Stay True (SP 5/1): A classy 3-year-old prospect who threatened to win in both the Great Voltigeur and the St Leger. However, the analysis notes he has not been “shaping as if this extra distance is what he needs,” raising major stamina doubts.

• Al Qareem (SP 12-1): A front-running 6-year-old with 12 wins, including three at Ascot. Despite his tenacity, he has “never been at his best over this far” and was comprehensively beaten by Trawlerman at York in August.

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Trawlerman and Sweet William are the top two rated horses for this race.

• Market Movers: Sweet William has seen notable market support, moving from an early price of 9/2 to 3/1.

1:30 Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£250,000	6f	Good	Steve Boow

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: The verdict favors SIREN SUIT, highlighting its potential for improvement and interesting pedigree, being out of a Princess Margaret Stakes winner (a C&D Group 3). The analyst believes it has a “better chance than ratings suggest.” Words Of Truth is respected as the top-rated horse, which is reflected in the betting. Division is the second choice, with Sir Albert also figuring highly in calculations.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Siren Suit (SP 6/1): An unexposed sort from the Gosden stable who readily justified favoritism at Kempton last week. His dam was a Group 3 winner over this course and distance for the same connections.

• Words Of Truth (SP Evs): Top on ratings with a perfect 3-for-3 record since being gelded, including a win at Ascot and a recent Group 2 Mill Reef victory at Newbury. He is noted as “still improving.”

• Division (SP 9/2): A progressive colt with form figures of 2111, all over 6f. He recently won a Listed race at York, making a “smooth transition from novice level.”

• Sir Albert (SP 12-1): Won a hat-trick over 6f/7f, including at Glorious Goodwood. He drops back in trip from a good third in a 7f Doncaster Listed event, with further progress possible.

• Mission Central (SP 8/1): An Aidan O’Brien trainee with two Curragh wins over 6f, including a Group 3. May have more to offer back at this trip after being an unplaced favorite over 5f last time.

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Words Of Truth and Division are the top two rated horses.

• Market Movers: Mission Central has been backed from 9/1 into 9/2. Siren Suit has drifted from 5/1 to 8/1.

2:05 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1)

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£562,500	6f	Good	Richard O’Brien

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: The 2024 winner KIND OF BLUE is the primary selection. Analyst Richard O’Brien suggests the 4-year-old looks “primed for another bold bid” after shaping as if “coming to the boil” when second in the Sprint Cup at Haydock. Lazzat is noted as having the strongest single piece of form with his Royal Ascot Group 1 win, with possible excuses for subsequent defeats. French challenger Rayevka is the second choice, considered “unexposed” and having run a cracker at Ascot in June.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Kind Of Blue (SP 6/1): Won this race last season on soft ground. Finished well for second in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock six weeks ago. The analysis notes that Ascot suits him.

• Lazzat (SP 4-1): Looked “something special” when winning the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. While things haven’t gone to plan since, he is considered “the one to beat on Royal Ascot form.”

• Rayevka (SP 10-1): Was beaten less than a length in the Commonwealth Cup over this C&D in June. Still low mileage and considered a “very interesting contender back under optimum conditions.”

• Big Mojo (SP 7-1): The 3-year-old winner of the Sprint Cup at Haydock, where he beat Kind Of Blue. Described as having “plenty in his favour” as 6f on a sound surface is ideal.

• Montassib (SP 11-2): Last season’s Sprint Cup winner. Made an encouraging return from 11 months off when third in a Group 3, suggesting he “retains all his ability” and is a “serious candidate.”

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Lazzat and Big Mojo are the top two rated horses.

• Market Drifters: Big Mojo has drifted from 6/1 to 9/1. Montassib has drifted from 13/2 to 9/1.

• Market Movers: Lazzat has been backed from 4/1 into 9/4. Flora Of Bermuda has moved from 11/1 into 8/1.

2:45 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1)

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£531,250	1m4f	Good	Richard Austen

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: The verdict identifies the up-and-coming 3-year-old WAARDAH as a potential upset winner. Her Group 2 win at Goodwood “promised better still” and suggested the 1m4f trip would not be an issue. Estrange is noted as a leading contender if the ground is suitable (good or softer), while last year’s winner Kalpana sets the standard based on her class and excellent C&D form, especially her second in the King George.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Waardah (SP 6-1): A lightly raced 3-year-old from the Owen Burrows yard. Won a 1m6f Group 2 at Goodwood 11 weeks ago, travelling best and running on gamely. Expected to find further improvement.

• Kalpana (SP 11-4): The stylish winner of this race in 2024. Her excellent second in the King George over C&D in July confirms her class. Described as “the one to beat if returning to her King George best.”

• Estrange (SP 4-1): A lightly raced 4-year-old with a 4-for-4 record on good or softer ground. Missed her long-term target, the Arc, after scoping dirty but is reportedly “back on song.”

• One Look (SP 10-1): Went close in a 1m2f Group 1 at Longchamp recently. The strong finish in that race gives hope for this new, longer trip.

• Wemightakedlongway (SP 9-1): A reliable filly who was second in the Irish Oaks (1m4f) and narrowly beaten in a 1m2f Group 1 at Longchamp. Has each-way claims.

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Kalpana and One Look are the top two rated horses.

• Market Movers: Kalpana has been strongly supported, moving from 11/4 to 15/8.

• Market Drifters: Estrange (5/1 to 15/2) and Waardah (6/1 to 8/1) have both drifted in the betting.

3:25 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1)

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£1,156,250	1m	Good	Ben Hutton

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: The selection is the superstar 3-year-old FIELD OF GOLD, who is making his comeback after being found lame following a disappointing run in the Sussex Stakes 80 days ago. Analyst Ben Hutton states he “will take an enormous amount of beating if rediscovering the brilliance shown in the St James’s Palace Stakes here in June.” The highly progressive Never So Brave is tipped as the “best of the rest,” ahead of Queen Anne winner Docklands, who excels at Ascot.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Field Of Gold (SP 15-8): Achieved “superstar status” with easy wins in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes at Ascot. His defeat at Goodwood was attributed to lameness.

• Never So Brave (SP 13-2): A 4-year-old who is “firmly on the up,” having landed a hat-trick of wins including two at Ascot (one at the Royal meeting) and a Group 1 at York last time.

• Docklands (SP 12-1): “Excels over this C&D,” having won the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes in June after finishing second in the same race last year.

• Fallen Angel (SP 7-1): A high-class filly who has won Group 1s against her own sex in her last three starts. This is a tougher test back against males.

• Rosallion (SP 5-1): Winless this term but has run “mighty races” in defeat, going extremely close in the Queen Anne over C&D. Could be thereabouts again.

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Fallen Angel and Never So Brave are the top two rated horses.

• Market Movers: Carl Spackler has seen significant support, moving from 18/1 into 9/1. The Lion In Winter is also shorter, from 18/1 into 11/1.

• Market Drifters: Alakazi has drifted significantly from 20/1 to 50/1.

4:05 Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1)

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£1,417,500	1m2f	Good	Steve Boow

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: The verdict proposes an interesting alternative to the market leaders: ALMERIC. Described as a “very progressive colt who descends from a dual Champion Stakes winner,” he is seen as heading to a high level. His improving stablemate Fox Legacy is the second choice at the prices. The rematch between the top-rated Ombudsman and Delacroix is noted as a gripping subplot that could go either way, with the scoreline between them at 1-1.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Almeric (SP 14-1): A progressive 3-year-old with an overall record of 4111. He is a grandson of dual Champion Stakes winner Alborada and is seen as potentially reaching that level of ability.

• Ombudsman (SP 13-8): Top on ratings, this colt has developed into a high-class performer. He stormed to victory in the Juddmonte International at York, adding to his Prince of Wales’s Stakes win at Royal Ascot.

• Delacroix (SP 3-1): A progressive colt from the Aidan O’Brien stable with a 6-from-11 strike rate. He won the Irish Champion Stakes last time and previously got the better of Ombudsman in the Eclipse.

• Calandagan (SP 5-2): A French gelding who won the King George at Ascot over 1m4f. He was beaten only half a length in this race 12 months ago and is a “major contender.”

• Economics (SP 11-1): Absent since performing below expectations in this race last year. He was highly progressive before that, winning the Irish Champion Stakes. His return “adds great interest.”

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Ombudsman and Delacroix are the top two rated horses, reinforcing their status as the main form contenders.

4:40 Balmoral Handicap

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£200,000	1m	Good	Unstated

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: Awaiting a specific verdict, analysis of the runners suggests a competitive handicap. Key contenders include Native Warrior, a thriving 4-year-old seeking a hat-trick of Ascot wins, and Shout, a lightly raced 3-year-old who won impressively over C&D last month. Witch Hunter, third in this race last year, could be involved off a lower mark.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Native Warrior (SP 9-2): Has improved for a visor and readily won competitive 7f handicaps at Ascot on his last two starts. A thriving 4-year-old who may take a 6lb penalty in his stride.

• Shout (SP 11-2): Relished the return to 1m when comfortably winning in a big field over C&D last month. He is up 9lb but is a lightly raced 3-year-old entitled to respect based on his dominance last time.

• Witch Hunter (SP 16-1): Capitalised on a reduced mark to win at Newcastle last time. He is 6lb lower than when third in this race last year and won at the 2023 Royal meeting on fast ground.

• Crown Of Oaks (SP 11-2): A well-bred 3-year-old who drops back in trip after easily winning two 1m2f races. He is 14lb higher than two starts ago but could still have more to offer for a top stable.

• Fifth Column (SP 8-1): A 3-year-old who won good handicaps at Newmarket and York this summer. Not written off despite an underwhelming run last time out.

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Native Warrior and Cerulean Bay are the top two rated horses.

• Market Movers: Tribal Chief (25/1 to 11/1) and Oliver Show (25/1 to 12/1) have both seen significant market support. Bobby Bennu has also been backed from 28/1 into 16/1.

• Market Drifters: Fifth Column has drifted from 9/1 to 16/1.

——————————————————————————–

Catterick Race Meeting

11:28 Every Race Live On Racing TV Novice Stakes

Total Value	Distance	Going	Analyst
£8,000	6f	Good	Andrew Sheret

Spotlight Verdict Synthesis: The “percentage call” in a “trappy novice” is Andrew Balding’s SECRET SONATA. Proud To Be Fox is identified as a big threat if recapturing his turf form from last year. Pension Pot should also have a say, while the betting on the returning Savannah Grey will be very interesting, as she was a 15-8 favorite on debut last summer despite a poor performance.

Key Contender Profiles:

• Secret Sonata (SP 7-4): Holds leading form claims back in a novice after making steady progress in maiden/novice races prior to a handicap debut last month.

• Proud To Be Fox (SP 11-4): Has a good chance if bouncing back to the level he achieved in two turf novices early last summer, which is superior to his more ordinary recent AW form.

• Pension Pot (SP 4-1): Showed potential on his 7f debut, and the drop to 6f could suit. Considered a potential improver.

• Savannah Grey (SP 3-1): A 300,000gns purchase who was a heavily backed favorite on her only start 465 days ago. The analysis suggests it would be “no surprise were she to prove a totally different proposition” on her return.

Ratings and Market Analysis:

• Timewise Ratings: Proud To Be Fox and Pension Pot are the top two rated runners.

——————————————————————————–

(Note: Due to the extensive number of races, analysis for all minor races at Catterick, Leopardstown, Newton Abbot, Stratford, and Wolverhampton has been condensed to focus on the key selections and insights as per the directive.)

Key Selections Across Other Meetings

Time	Racecourse	Race Name	Spotlight Selection	Timewise Top-Rated	Market Insight
10:30	Catterick	Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars Apprentice H’cap	BOLLIN NEIL	Bollin Neil	Bollin Neil has been backed (7/4 to 9/4); Kokinelli has drifted (5/2 to 7/2).
11:00	Catterick	EBF ‘Confined’ Restricted Maiden Stakes	SIERRA SANDS	Sierra Sands	Galileo Blue has drifted from 13/2 to 10/1.
11:56	Catterick	Download The Raceday Ready App Handicap	THOSEWERETHEDAYS	Fouroneohfever	Arkinthestars has been backed from 11/1 into 8/1.
12:23	Catterick	William Hill Football Final One Standing H’cap (Div I)	HAVANA PRINCE	Quest For Fun	Wreck It Ryley has drifted from 17/2 to 16/1.
12:50	Catterick	William Hill Football Final One Standing H’cap (Div II)	WOODSTOCK (nap)	Sir Garfield	U Sure Do has been backed from 10/1 into 6/1.
1:20	Catterick	William Hill Catterick Dash Handicap	I’M NEXT	Vintage Clarets	Hiya Maite is a market mover (17/2 to 6/1); I’m Next has drifted (10/1 to 18/1).
1:55	Catterick	William Hill Each Way Extra Veterans’ Handicap	BEAUTY CHOICE	Alligator Alley	Bosh has been backed from 12/1 into 7/1.
2:10	Leopardstown	Irish EBF Fillies Maiden	AMELIA EARHART	Amelia Earhart	Amelia Earhart backed from 4/6 to 1/2. Camelot Queen has drifted.
2:40	Leopardstown	Irish EBF (C & G) Maiden	ZIA ZABEL (nap)	Zia Zabel	Sharkeyboy has been backed from 9/1 into 13/2.
3:15	Leopardstown	Mongey Communications Eyrefield Stakes (Group 3)	PIAZZA SAN MARCO	Thread Of Gold	South Island is a major market mover (11/1 into 4/1).
3:50	Leopardstown	Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden	MINERVA	Minerva	Minerva has been strongly backed from 8/11 into 1/2.
4:20	Leopardstown	Killavullan Stakes (Group 3)	DAYTONA	Dorset	Daytona backed from 3/1 to 2/1. Yaupon De Replay has drifted.
4:50	Leopardstown	Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden	DRUIDS GLEN	Unauthorized	Unauthorized has been backed from 9/1 into 11/2.
5:20	Leopardstown	Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap	RIVER ARA	River Ara	Empty Wallet backed from 12/1 to 8/1. Time Bender has drifted.
2:15	Newton Abbot	British Stallion Studs EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hdl	LE SOLEIL REVE	Le Soleil Reve	Grey Lagoon has drifted from 11/1 to 16/1.
2:54	Newton Abbot	Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase	OF CORSE I CAN	Of Corse I Can	Lock Out is a market mover (3/1 to 2/1). Of Corse I Can is a major drifter (11/8 to 11/4).
3:35	Newton Abbot	Wollens Full Spectrum Law Handicap Hurdle	COURAGEOUS STRIKE	Courageous Strike	Courageous Strike has drifted significantly (2/1 to 100/30). Dance And Glance is a mover (7/2 to 5/2).
4:15	Newton Abbot	Remembering Len & Pam Cartwright Handicap Hurdle	DIPLOMATIE	Busy Being Busy	Busy Being Busy has been backed from 4/1 to 9/4.
4:55	Newton Abbot	Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow Intermediate Chase	BLUEKING D’OROUX	Blueking D’Oroux	Blueking D’Oroux is very strong in the market (4/9 into 2/9).
5:25	Newton Abbot	Torbay Weekly Handicap Chase	JAITROPLACLASSE	Jaitroplaclasse	Haas Boy has drifted from 7/1 to 10/1.
5:55	Newton Abbot	Open National Hunt Flat Race	NOT NOW	Not Now	Great Dance is a major market drifter (6/4 to 11/4).
1:15	Stratford	Female Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle	ELECTRIC EDDY	Electric Eddy	Lusso Milan has been heavily backed from 25/1 into 10/1.
1:50	Stratford	‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle	ABSOLUTELY DOYEN	Absolutely Doyen	Backed from 1/4 into 1/7, indicating maximum confidence.
2:30	Stratford	Mid-Warwickshire Cleaning Supplies Handicap Chase	JUGGERNAUT	Juggernaut	N/A
3:05	Stratford	Mares’ Handicap Hurdle	SEEYOUINMYDREAMS	Seeyouinmydreams	Getmetothemoon has been backed from 8/1 into 4/1. Lagertha has drifted.
3:40	Stratford	Jaxon Daiquiri’s First Year Handicap Hurdle	BASILETTE (nap)	Sassified	Sassified is a strong market mover (5/2 into 6/4).
4:25	Stratford	Stephen John Thombs Memorial Handicap Chase	YORGUNNABEPLUCKY	Yorgunnabeplucky	N/A
5:05	Stratford	Madeleine Wann – Weight Loss Coach Handicap Hurdle	LADY HENRIETTA	Tropical Speed	N/A
4:29	Wolverhampton	At The Races App Expert Tips Handicap	ALMARADA PRINCE	Coul Angel	Coul Angel has been heavily backed from 5/1 into 2/1.
4:59	Wolverhampton	Arc All-Weather £1Million Bonus Returns Handicap	TEN CLUB	Massimo Blue	N/A
5:30	Wolverhampton	Download The Raceday Ready App Selling Stakes	BYSTANDER	Bystander	Dosman has drifted from 9/4 to 100/30.
6:00	Wolverhampton	Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap (Div I)	STIPULATION	Stipulation	N/A
6:30	Wolverhampton	Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap (Div II)	POPEYE DOYLE	Popeye Doyle	Bint Al Daar backed from 17/2 into 4/1.
7:00	Wolverhampton	Genting Casino Wolverhampton Handicap	T OR COFFEY	Forglen	Forglen backed from 11/2 into 5/2.
7:30	Wolverhampton	Tips For Every Race At raceday-ready.com Handicap	INVINCIBLE CROWN	Lucky Man	Level Up has drifted from 5/1 to 8/1.
8:00	Wolverhampton	Arc £1Million Bonus Bigger Than Ever Handicap	LOOKS FANTASTIC	Me Tarzan	Simply Blue is a market mover (6/1 into 100/30).
8:30	Wolverhampton	Get Raceday Ready Handicap	SCARLET SUNSET(nap)	Telepathic	Eupator backed from 6/1 into 7/2.