This analysis details the Newbury races in chronological order, identifying the TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses based on the Total TimeWise rating provided in the sources.
12.50 Grundon Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap (1m4f)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Expressionless | D Cunha | Mr Fletcher Yarham |
| 2 | Made All | S England | Mr Eireann Cagney |
Recent Form and Comments
Expressionless
This 5yo came from last to first to win a seven-runner race at Nottingham (1m6f, good to soft) recently. He is back up 2lb for that effort. He won twice on soft ground in 2023, although he has a bit more to prove on heavy ground.
Made All
This 4yo has recorded three wins (all at 1m4f) and four second-place finishes for his current yard. He acts on soft ground and has gone close on both starts with today’s rider, Mr Eireann Cagney. He tends to come from off the pace, suggesting he might have won more races if ridden differently.
Spotlight Verdict
The runners to concentrate on may be LETMEBETHEBOSS, Made All (second choice), Nivelle’s Magic, and Expressionless. The suggestion is that LETMEBETHEBOSS has a progressive overall profile and his three recent wins (from his last six starts) indicated he could have more to give.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 4yo+ 7-16-89.
- Fate of Favourites: The fate of favourites is given as
1403133. - Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Hughie Morrison 0-1-3.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Expressionless
- Strengths: Recent winning form where he finished strongly. Proven ability on soft ground.
- Weaknesses: Up 2lb in the weights. Has more to prove if the ground is heavy.
- Suitability: Suitable for soft conditions, but heavy going is a query.
Made All
- Strengths: Consistent performer for the yard. Proven form with the amateur jockey aboard. Acts on soft ground.
- Weaknesses: His hold-up style of running may be detrimental to maximizing his winning tally.
- Suitability: Conditions (soft ground) are suitable, and he is expected to deliver a telling late bid.
1.25 Hazell & Jefferies Nursery Handicap (6f)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kesta | E Houghton | Charles Bishop |
| 2 | Jan Steen | K Burke | David Egan |
Recent Form and Comments
Kesta
This gelding is admirably consistent and is thriving on his racing. He proved better than ever when winning a 6f Nottingham nursery 23 days ago, seeing off five rivals. He should give another good account here.
Jan Steen
He hasn’t progressed quite as expected following a comfortable Thirsk debut success in the spring. However, following a gelding operation, he took a step back in the right direction recently when making late headway for third in a 5f Chester nursery. He shaped there as if a return to 6f would suit him.
Spotlight Verdict
The vote goes to PROOF (nap), who won impressively (‘sluiced up’) on heavy ground at Ffos Las. The likeable Kesta (second choice) should give it another good shot, while Jan Steen should benefit from the return to 6f.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Data specifically detailing 2yo age group distribution is not listed.
- Fate of Favourites: 1 win, 4 places (8 previous results listed).
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Richard Hannon 1-3-17, Eve Johnson Houghton 0-1-1.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Kesta
- Strengths: Highly consistent and recently put in a career-best performance when winning.
- Weaknesses: None specified, generally expected to run well.
- Suitability: Thriving on racing, suitable for running close again.
Jan Steen
- Strengths: Showed a return to form recently and looks ready for the step back up to 6f.
- Weaknesses: Has not progressed as initially anticipated since his debut win.
- Suitability: The longer trip (6f) should be favourable.
2.00 D&H Racing Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies) (7f)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Senorita Vega | T Dascombe | Sean Levey |
| 2 | Leading Dancer | K Burke | William Buick |
Recent Form and Comments
Senorita Vega
This 2yo has two wins from eight starts, including a nursery over this course and distance (C&D) on good to soft ground. She confirmed she has a leading chance on form by finishing an always-prominent third in a Group 3 event at Newmarket 15 days ago.
Leading Dancer
This filly kept on strongly for third at Doncaster (7f, good) last month. She subsequently made all easily when winning a four-runner novice event at Newcastle (7f, AW) 16 days later. She is described as a useful prospect who has made a positive impression in her two starts.
Spotlight Verdict
The suggestion is LEADING DANCER, who has made a positive impression in both her starts. Senorita Vega (second choice) sets the standard based on her last two runs (one over C&D) and should go well, but only if she proves equally effective on today’s more testing ground.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Data specifically detailing 2yo age group distribution is not listed.
- Fate of Favourites: 1 win, 2 places (8 previous results listed).
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Richard Hannon 1-2-11, Tom Dascombe 1-0-2, K R Burke 0-1-4.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Senorita Vega
- Strengths: Sets the standard on form figures. Proven over C&D (on good to soft).
- Weaknesses: Suitability for today’s more testing ground is a potential concern.
- Suitability: Has the form to win, provided conditions do not degrade too much.
Leading Dancer
- Strengths: Useful prospect with a positive profile in her limited starts.
- Weaknesses: Less exposed at this level than Senorita Vega.
- Suitability: Highly regarded and expected to improve further.
2.34 Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Div I) (1m)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Queen’s Companion | R Beckett | Rossa Ryan |
| 2 | Ruby Wedding | A Balding | P J McDonald |
Recent Form and Comments
Queen’s Companion
This filly showed some promise when finishing fourth of nine in a Salisbury maiden (7f, good). She gave the impression she will come on for that run. She is a daughter of Dubawi and a Royal runner, suggesting she is open to improvement.
Ruby Wedding
She finished third of five runners at Yarmouth (1m, good), showing ability amidst greenness. She recorded only an ordinary Racing Post Rating (RPR) but is related to several winners for her owner and looks open to progress.
Spotlight Verdict
The three runners with experience in the field are considered below the usual standard required to win this novice event, though they are open to improvement. Preference is for the attractively bred debutantes: ALPINARA, My Ophelia, and Peerless Spirit, in that order.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Data specifically detailing 2yo age group distribution is not listed.
- Fate of Favourites: 2 wins, 1 place (5 previous results listed).
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Andrew Balding 1-0-6, Ralph Beckett 1-0-6, Richard Hannon 1-1-5, William Haggas 1-0-4, David Menuisier 0-1-2.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Queen’s Companion
- Strengths: Bred to excel (Dubawi pedigree). Showed promise on debut and expected to improve significantly.
- Weaknesses: Bare figures are currently below the required standard.
- Suitability: Likely to be better for the experience gained.
Ruby Wedding
- Strengths: Showed ability on debut and is open to progress.
- Weaknesses: Only recorded an ordinary RPR.
- Suitability: Expected to progress, despite an ordinary start.
3.10 BetVictor Horris Hill Stakes (Group 3) (7f)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Time To Turn | C Appleby | William Buick |
| 2 | Stellar Sunrise | A Balding | P J McDonald |
Recent Form and Comments
Time To Turn
This colt has a solid and progressive record (2211), culminating in a Listed success at Ascot (7f, good). He is the leading player based on that form, as reflected in his ratings. He was possibly unsuited by slow ground when running in a French Group 1 last time.
Stellar Sunrise
He is aiming for a hat-trick, having won a maiden at Glorious Goodwood (6f, good) and a nursery at the York Ebor festival (7f, good to firm) in his last two outings. He is respected, with further improvement being plausible.
Spotlight Verdict
Promising PANDEMONIUM is the first choice, as he has a much more interesting chance than his bare ratings suggest. The improving Wechaad is the second choice. Slow ground would be a possible negative for some others, including the top-rated Time To Turn and progressive Stellar Sunrise.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Data specifically detailing 2yo age group distribution is not listed.
- Fate of Favourites: 0 wins, 0 places (5 previous results listed).
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Simon & Ed Crisford 1-0-1, Richard Fahey 0-1-2, Roger Varian 0-1-5.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Time To Turn
- Strengths: Top-rated based on form. Solid, progressive record including a Listed win at this trip.
- Weaknesses: Slow ground conditions (expected today) could be a negative, based on his French run.
- Suitability: Excellent on good ground, but question marks over suitability for soft/heavy going.
Stellar Sunrise
- Strengths: Highly progressive, chasing a hat-trick, and improvement is plausible.
- Weaknesses: Slow ground would be a possible negative for him.
- Suitability: Needs to cope with potentially soft conditions to maintain his winning streak.
3.45 BetVictor St Simon Stakes (Group 3) (1m4f)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ancient Wisdom | C Appleby | William Buick |
| 2 | Hamish | W Haggas | Tom Marquand |
Recent Form and Comments
Ancient Wisdom
This 4yo won the Group 1 Futurity Stakes on heavy ground as a 2yo. He showed smart form this season, including a close second to Al Aasy in April and a narrow defeat when finishing strongly in a Listed race at Goodwood last time. His best efforts last season were at 1m4f and 1m5f.
Hamish
This 9yo has won multiple Group 3 races at 1m4f-1m6f, including one over C&D. He was beaten a head in this very race on heavy ground in 2022. However, he put in a rather disappointing performance in a Group 3 at Ascot three weeks ago. He holds a major chance if he returns to his usual form.
Spotlight Verdict
The chance of heavy ground looks negative for Al Aasy, and Hamish’s latest performance was below par, so they are discounted. The top options are Ancient Wisdom and STARZINTHEIREYES. Starzintheireyes is narrowly preferred as she was having her seasonal debut last time out and her 2yo form suggested she is tailor-made for this test.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 3yo 3-7-17, 4yo+ 6-6-58.
- Fate of Favourites: 1 win, 6 places (5 previous results listed).
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Andrew Balding 2-1-7, Ralph Beckett 2-2-9, William Haggas 2-1-4, John & Thady Gosden 0-1-2.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Ancient Wisdom
- Strengths: Proven Group 1 winner on heavy ground. Showed strong finishing power recently. Best recent distance suitability is 1m4f.
- Weaknesses: Has a mixed record, relies on having a “good day”.
- Suitability: Highly suitable for anticipated soft/heavy ground conditions.
Hamish
- Strengths: Multiple Group 3 winner, excellent C&D record, proven on heavy ground (second in this race in 2022).
- Weaknesses: Latest run was disappointing. The chance of heavy ground is far more of a concern than his form (conflicting info on heavy ground suitability, but the Spotlight advises passing him over due to it).
- Suitability: Excellent historical course/distance form, but recent concerns regarding performance and heavy ground temper enthusiasm.
4.19 Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes (Div II) (1m)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thankfully | K Burke | William Buick |
| 2 | Anuradha | C Hills | David Egan |
Recent Form and Comments
Thankfully
This 2yo filly posted a promising third of seven in a Sandown maiden (7f, soft). The runner-up in that race has since strongly advertised the form. She shaped as if the step up to 1m will suit her and is considered the pick of the runners with experience.
Anuradha
She finished seventh of 11 in a Newmarket maiden (7f, good) 15 days ago, although she made some late headway. She may do better over this longer trip but requires a big step forward based on her bare figures.
Spotlight Verdict
The most appealing contenders are form pick THANKFULLY and the particularly interesting debutante A La Prochaine. Market confidence behind A La Prochaine should be heeded.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: Data specifically detailing 2yo age group distribution is not listed.
- Fate of Favourites: 1 win, 1 place (5 previous results listed).
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Ralph Beckett 1-0-6, William Haggas 1-0-4, Ed Walker 0-2-3.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Thankfully
- Strengths: Strong form figures, especially on soft ground. Shaped like the 1m trip will be highly suitable.
- Weaknesses: None specified; strong form candidate.
- Suitability: Highly suitable for today’s conditions and trip.
Anuradha
- Strengths: May appreciate the longer trip (1m).
- Weaknesses: Needs a big step forward on bare figures to compete.
- Suitability: Only suitable if showing dramatic improvement.
4.50 Tony Penny 50th Birthday Handicap (1m2f)
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jannas Journey | J Goldie | David Egan |
| 2 | Mustazeed | H Eustace | Kieran Shoemark |
Recent Form and Comments
Jannas Journey
This 4yo acts on soft ground. She thrived between July and September, winning seven races in Scotland (mostly 7f). However, she has shot up the weights, and her last three runs suggest the assessor may now have her measure. Her first attempt over 1m2f gives her more to prove.
Mustazeed
His last four wins have come over this C&D, including on heavy ground last September and good to soft this year. He ran respectably off this career-high 5lb higher mark at York recently. A major concern is his increasing tendency to blow the start. He is also declared at Doncaster today.
Spotlight Verdict
The vote goes to KING AL. Mustazeed is one for enthusiasm on his return to Newbury. Atherstone Warrior and Northwest Passage showed just how well similar testing ground suits them with impressive wins last time out.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 3yo 0-1-4, 4yo+ 1-1-7.
- Fate of Favourites: 1 win, 1 place (1 previous result listed).
- Trainer Records (W-PL-R): Alan King 1-0-1.
Chances Assessment of the Top Two
Jannas Journey
- Strengths: Handles soft ground and was in excellent winning form earlier this year.
- Weaknesses: Up in the weights. Unproven over the 1m2f distance.
- Suitability: Distance is a major query due to her strong sprint record.
Mustazeed
- Strengths: Exceptional C&D record, including wins on heavy ground. Ran respectably off this current mark recently.
- Weaknesses: Prone to blowing the start, which is a major worry. Carries a career-high mark.
- Suitability: Ideal ground and distance, making him a high-list contender despite starting issues.
TimeWise Chronicles 
Leave a comment