SATURDAY AUGUST 23rd:

York:2.40: Despite top weight, the progressive Connecticut may be good enough to thwart some equally upwardly mobile types here. Even so, Captain Morley’s third at Ascot from a pound lower makes him appealing at the weights and he threatens to provide most danger in a tricky race.

3.15: Speedy and smart though he is, the penalty threatens to put paid to Baitha Alga, who will need to be a seriously good horse to give weight away all round. A return to six should suit Muhaarar, who represents the excellent form of Ivawood and he gets a chance now to put a below-par run at Ascot over seven behind him. Jungle Cat and unlucky Goodwood loser Beacon are others to consider in a tight contest.

3.50: As always this is a fiercely competitive handicap – they don’t tend to hand Ebors out on a plate! Quite clearly this is the culmination of a plan for Pallasator who will relish this trip and has to be feared. This is reflected in his price and from his wide draw and, against serious opposition, it could be worth looking elsewhere. Representing the stable that was successful last year, Mighty Yar looks reasonably treated on his best form (has at least the same chance of De Rigueur on Newmarket form) and his latest second to the progressive Kings Fete slots him nicely into contention over a trip likely to suit. Ted Veale would almost certainly want softer ground to show his best; Van Percy and Mutual Regard have chances, but need to pull out more than they have so far shown. Sir Walter Scott could be the dark horse after only three runs and a promising effort at Newbury last time, but the stable jockey does not ride, which may be significant. Mighty Yar looks a solid alternative to a short-priced favourite.

Goodwood: 2.20: Malabar was not exactly impressive when winning at Ascot, but her form still reads well and she has to have every chance back in better company now.

4.40: Kings Fete looked a trifle unfortunate by the way the race unfolded at the big meeting here, and now he know he can handle the vagaries of the track there is every chance he will gain amends with interest in this listed contest. Tackling this step up in trip should not be beyond him, and in a race where the three-year-olds can dominate, he is taken to come out on top.

YORK FRIDAY AUGUST 22nd:

1.55: A typically hard handicap kicks off the day, complicated by a couple of hard to assess types. Communicator would surely be better over further, Lahaag looks like a horse about to run into form, but whether he can strike in a race such as this is open to question.

2.30: Pale Mimosa is the fly in the ointment and could easily punch a hole in established form represented by Cavalryman and Estimate. However, there is a suspicion that fast ground may not be to her best advantage. Once again it is a difficult race to call with confidence.

3.05: It doesn’t get any easier. The three-year-olds look interesting. The horse with the best form, Cable Bay, may not be on top form after his lengthy absence. That said, the fact that connections have decided to come here rather than pot-hunt a smaller prize, could indicate he is about hit the ground running. To a degree the race revolves round him. But well regarded Mushir may step up on what he have seen so far and Ertijaal (unlucky at Chester last time) may benefit from this trip. Over seven furlongs with an immediate kink, the draw is also likely to play its part in the result.

3.40: Riding on a crest of a wave this season, Sole Power is obviously the one to beat. Without doubt the interesting contender is Cougar Mountain, who ran a screamer in the July Cup for such an inexperienced three-year-old. It is possible this drop back to five may see him in the money here.

4.20: Derby entry Dissolution made a highly promising debut at Newbury behind Chesham fourth Nafaqa and it will take something smart to lower his colours now.

4.55: Moohaarib is at least worth keeping on side in this tight handicap. Having worked himself into a stew beforehand at Ascot last time, if he is more tractable here, from the same mark, he could pay a part in proceedings.

YORK –THURSDAY August 21st:

155: As is often the case with these richly-endowed sales events, the field looks long on numbers but short on likely winners.  Despite having to concede weight all round, Kool Kompany looks the one to beat after mixing it in top company this season. His portfolio includes two Group 2 successes: in the Robert Papin and the Railways Stakes, and he was narrowly defeated last time in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.  Valley Of Fire takes an immediate hike in company after a professional winning debut here. He is promising and may outrun his price, but it is a tall order to expect him to beat Kool Kompany. Having finished third in the Super Sprint, Fast Act has previous in this sort of rough-and-tumble affair, but tackles six for the first time. Kool Kompany is hard to oppose, but official figures suggest he will be a short price.

2.30: A step up to six furlongs looks unlikely to prevent Tiggy Wiggy from following up on her Newbury Super Sprint victory when she blitzed her rivals with instant acceleration. For all that, this is a strong field. Anthem Alexander may struggle to confirm Queen Mary form with Tiggy Wiggy (when she beat her a neck) on 3lbs worse terms. Albany winner Cursory Glance did benefit from a frantic early pace at Royal Ascot but, taken at face value, the form reads well. These two look Tiggy Wiggy’s biggest dangers in a race that may be best watched.

3.05: Goodwood also-ran Bronze Angel is worth a mention in what is likely to be a fiercely-contested handicap. Under the circumstances, he ran a tremendous race at Goodwood three weeks ago. Badly drawn and steadied at the start, to the extent his chance had effectively gone in the first furlong, he picked up when switched down the straight to freewheel into seventh place. Not always the easiest horse to predict, he is obviously in fine form and with the breaks is worth considering.

3.40: In a week where stars are on parade, the presence of Taghrooda in the Yorkshire Oaks spices up the day, but as she is impossible to oppose and is priced accordingly, she reduces the event to a watching race for punters. The ever-consistent Volume deserves to consolidate her position as her deputy by taking second.

4.20: Arabian Comet is a filly on the ascendency and can continue her progression in this listed event. After being narrowly beaten in a Group 3 at Goodwood last time, she has a major opportunity to return to her winning ways now.

4.55: Bragging is a filly that has sprung from the woodwork in recent months, looking extremely progressive when winning at Newmarket last time. A 10lbs weight rise may not stop her, but her wide draw over this seven just might.

YORK –WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20th:

1.55: Here we go, straight into this prestigious meeting with a sprint handicap and all the complexities that entails. As a rule these races are notoriously tricky to solve; even identifying the most likely and rightful winner – as was the case with Muthir in the Stewards’ Cup – is not always enough. For that reason I have come to the conclusion that, unless I am able to find a credible contender at a double-figure price, it is a case of pass… Now, despite a row of seemingly uninspiring duck eggs, last year’s winner Bogart makes some appeal for small stakes. Three pound lower than last year, well handicapped with Goldream (and as a consequence well –in with Move In time, and the preferred mount of Neil Callan), he shaped as if a revival was on the cards last time, and is selected at around the 16/1 mark.

2.30: A field of potential lines up for the Acomb, spearheaded by Jamaica and Basateen. Both won in eye-catching style last time, giving the impression they were crying out for a step up in grade. Of the two, Jamaica looked that little bit more professional, consequently he is preferred, although bookmakers are unlikely to be giving much away.

3.05: This excellent renewal of the Great Voltigeur ramps up the quality of a splendid card. Hot favourite Kingston Hill is still chasing his first win of the year, but this represents a stiff test. Snow Sky, Granddukeoftuscany and Hartnell are progressive enough to make things tough, but it is Postponed that may emerge as the biggest threat. Shaping at Ascot as if he was about to justify the potential of earlier runs in good class, he was a convincing winner last time and looks ready to take this leap into better company over this longer trip. His trainer’s patience can pay dividends and he is seen as the alternative to an obvious selection.

3.40: Not for the first time in its history, the Juddmonte International does not look like a betting heat. Although Mukhadram will pose a severe threat over his best trip and beats Australia on what may be a dubious line through Kingston Hill, the Derby winner’s class and killer kick is likely to be crucial.

4.20: In its own way this could prove as hard a nut to crack as the opening sprint. Cases can be made for several and although a selection in this may be tempting prudence, Knightly Escapade shaped well enough last time to suggest he can figure if getting the breaks.

4.55: Again, this is one of the puzzles of the day. Running off a penalty, it could be that we should be ‘expecting the fictional sidekick of James Bond, Felix Leiter’ – a cleverly named dual-winner by Monsieur Bond – to continue his current winning spell and the movie theme hopefully initiated by a true Hollywood great in the opener.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15TH:

Newbury: 2.05: Belardo is taken to win what looks like a two-horse contest in the Washington Singer. Fourth to Ivawood in the July Stakes, he still has something to learn but finished off well under tender handling and should be better suited by conditions here. His form outstrips that of main market rival Hawksbury, who may have won well at Doncaster but who needs to step up on that in this company, particularly after an absence of two months.

2.40: On his very best form – form he has not shown since this time last year when a close second to Novellist – on ground he likes, Seismos would have a serious chance. There is some cause for optimism based on a reasonable effort last time. A double-figure price means he may be worth a small wager against some indifferent opposition.

3.50: Conditions have clearly swung in Gregorian’s favour and he should be too good for his rivals. His run at Deauville last time should not be taken literally and he can claim a back-to-back success in this much weaker contest.

SATURDAY AUGUST 9th:

12.55: Ascot: The Shergar Cup opens the day with a race time that is more consistent with a jumping card in the middle of December. Maybe the organisers know something! Goldream will be popular after his recent second to Muthmir at York, but the fact remains his wins have all come at six and, although not conclusive, up to now, that would appear his best trip. Being five furlong specialists, Swan Song and Move In Time make more appeal, but with Swan Song returning after a break since the Epsom Dash, a fit and capable Move In Time is preferred.

2.05: Grandorio lines up as the horse in form. More crucially, in an event where there are a few stamina doubts surrounding a couple of rivals, he is certain to get home. Although a winner over this trip (on the all-weather at Kempton) in-form Presburg gives the impression a testing experience at Ascot may not be ideal. Similar doubts can be levelled at Viewpoint, who has scored over this trip at Lingfield, but an overall profile that includes decent efforts in defeat at a mile-and-half gives hope that he may be able to stay this trip. If so, in a compressed handicap and with his regular partner Richard Hughes in the plate, his slipping handicap mark means he can make his presence felt.

3.15: With soft ground specialist Selkirk on the dam side and as a horse that has achieved his best form with ease in the ground, current conditions may not be ideal for Wrangler. His best form has been achieved with the word soft appearing in the going description, whereas having run well on fast ground at the Royal Meeting, course and distance winner Trip To Paris should be more at home on quicker ground. Apparently the vestiges of a hurricane are making their way toward the bottom part of the country from the Caribbean so, despite the current clement weather, that is something we cannot take for granted. As things stand, after an encouraging run last time in good company, Trip To Paris makes more appeal.

Newmarket: 3.05: Englishman is possibly not the most appropriate answer to a race with the title: Buy German, Race German, Win German Handicap. Lightly-raced since a winning debut at Newbury as a juvenile, he shaped with promise last time and may be about recover the winning thread from a reasonable mark.

3.35: Despite Henry Candy’s glowing reference about his charge,  Alonsoa, whom he nominated as a possible 1000 Guineas candidate, to this observer she won a weak listed last time at Sandown and, having obtained first run on Pack Together – who re-opposes now – may have been fortunate to prevail. Confirming that form will be no straightforward matter now. With Winters Moon, Albany sixth Peace And War and well-regarded Muraaqaba predictably stepping up in trip having failed to handle the pace at six last time, the opposition is strong for this Group 3.

Haydock: 1.50: After winning a York listed event and finishing third in the Albany, it is something of a surprise to see Patience Alexander appearing in a nursery. Clearly she is the horse to beat, but a mark of 101, although reasonable, means she is conceding lumps of weight to some unexposed rivals. None more so than the speedy Sandown winner Profitable, who stamped his authority on a minor event last time but looks as if he could be better than his current assessment suggests.

2.20: This is not easy – but then it is not designed to be. In search of fast ground, after taking the eye at Ascot behind Arab Spring, Elhaame has to be on any short list. A recent defector from an easier assignment at Ascot on account of the ground changing to soft, he remains of interest on this reroute.

2.55: One time Derby hope True Story returns to his optimum trip against older horses here and gets one last roll of the dice. Although useful, the older brigade is exposed as being no better than at this level. After showing a flash of the promise we saw earlier in the season at Newmarket when fifth in the Eclipse, True Story, who has always carried Keiren Fallon’s faith, gets his chance to step into the limelight once more.

3.25: The decision to drop Lightning Thunder in grade in this listed event seems sound; the trouble is she faces a couple of improving types in Token Of Love and Solar Magic, who may ensure her passage is not an easy one.

4.00: After a desperate run at Goodwood last week when he still closed on the wide outside when all chance was gone, Championship looks interesting from the same mark here. He is taken to outpoint Provenance, who benefitted from a masterly ride from Ryan Moore last time at Sandown. Clearly tricky, there will be no place for her theatrics against this opposition. Championship may come out best in a tricky race.

GLORIOUS GOODWOOD – SATURDAY AUGUST 2nd:

2.40: Despite getting in a stew beforehand and pulling too hard in the race, Kings Fete eventually won last time at York like a horse capable of better still. Providing he is more tractable now, a 6lbs penalty is unlikely to stop him. He finished off last time as if he could have gone round again and looks a group horse in the making.

3.15: A slightly disappointing field lines up here for the Group 1, for which the French filly, Narniyn, lines up with the best credentials. It would appear to date her best form is with ease in the ground, so without rain it is hard to be confident.

3.50: Having scorched to victory at York last weekend, it is entirely possible, from a 5lbs penalty, Muthmir is still well treated and that he may make of mockery of this competitive sprint handicap. That said, as we all know, the best horse does not always win these events; from their viewpoint, justifying bookmakers’ obsession with them. With a clear run, Muthmir could be too good. Discussiontofollow is another that may have more to offer.

GLORIOUS GOODWOOD – FRIDAY AUGUST 1st:

1.55: Although there was little between them when they last met at Newmarket when second and third to Cavalryman in the Princess Of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket, Hillstar should be more effective on this firmer surface and does have a better overall profile than course winner Pether’s Moon. With Encke something of an unknown, sensibly the race looks between the two and Hillstar gets the nod.

2.30: Tried in the highest grade since scoring in the Free Handicap, Shifting Power should appreciate this drop in grade. After a narrow defeat by Charm Spirit in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat, and having finished second in the Irish Guineas and fourth in the English equivalent, Shifting Power deserves to get back on the winning trail. Being by Dutch Art, Lightning Thunder would probably be better with some cut underfoot, Windfast is unproven over this trip and Rapprochment faces a major step up in class. Hors De Combat and Bow Creek have something to find.

3.05: The first thing to say here is that, bearing in mind Velox benefitted from the services of an excellent 5lbs claimer at Sandown, he now effectively races from a stone higher mark. In such a hard and competitive handicap that requires significant improvement. He and Captain Cat are class acts but both may be inconvenienced by quick ground. Horsted Keynes really should have run better at Ascot last week but has the ability to figure on a surface he will like. Belgian Bill is another that failed to fire at Ascot and would be a danger if in the mood. Heavy Metal is turned out quickly after his shock Ascot win and is obviously in top form. All in all, this is tough and tricky.

3.40: Apparently in top form and with a preference for top of the ground, Extortionist, who is likely to race up with the trailblazers from his low draw, looks a worthy favourite. However, with a killer turn of foot and after two slightly unlucky runs when slowly away last time and badly drawn at Sandown,  G Force is worth another chance to break into the big time. He will need to put it all together in this company but has the ability to win if he does. Tropics ran a blinder last time in the July Cup but that was an out-of-kilter performance on a different surface to that which he faces today and one he cannot be relied upon to repeat.

The last three events are confusing. The inescapable conclusion is that the best opportunities exist in the first half of the card.