SATURDAY OCTOBER 4th:

Newmarket: Fillies get a shot at a big payday in the opening sales race at 1.50. Osaila’s form with Cursory Glance – whom she has encountered twice – entitles her to market prominence here and she looks like the filly to beat, especially as the Moyglare form was franked by Lucida in last week’s Rockfel.

Half-an-hour later at 2.20 the colts’ equivalent looks more open. Unexposed Tannaaf – a clear-cut winner on the July course in August who is highly regarded (reflected by a Dewhurst entry) – is likely to prove a serious candidate. If the forecast rain arrives that may suit The Warrior, whose action suggests firm ground at the Curragh last time – allied to an interrupted passage – may have been against him. Those with established form are represented by last week’s Royal Lodge fourth Misterioso – who may improve for that run his first since the middle of July – and Secret Brief, who is not certain to confirm with latest running with Heartbreak Hero. That said the standard they set is not over high so the promising Tannaaf is taken to come out on top en route to greater heights.

3.30: A glittering day at the Suffolk track is crowned by the Group 1 Sun Chariot. Once again it has attracted a strong field and on a day when Gallic eyes are largely focused on Longchamp, the French field what could be a formidable challenge. Responsible for three runners with excellent claims, Andre Fabre is mob-handed. Fintry steps into Group 1 company for the first time and Esoterique returns to the scene of her Dahlia triumph after a credible effort against Charm Spirit and Toronado in the Moulin last month. Although she has a little in hand of her stable companion Miss France, the latter has had a relatively light season after winning the 1000 Guineas here in May and is likely to be sharper now. Having looked like a top class filly as a juvenile and again when winning the season’s first classic, she is the selection. Integral, who was second in a weaker renewal last year but who has gone from strength to strength since, has to be respected but Miss France is the call.

After what looked like a terrific effort in the Ayr Gold Cup from the unfavoured side of the track, Minalisa steps back into listed company at 4.40. There is a danger that strong winds and rain may alter conditions significantly, in which case she should not be inconvenienced by softening ground. Even with her 3lbs penalty she should be hard to beat.

Ascot: After his demolition job in the Portland Handicap at Doncaster, Muthmir makes the anticipated leap into higher company, contesting the listed that kicks off the card at 2.05. Blitzing to a course record on St Leger day, if that run is taken at face value he is potentially well ahead of his official rating and should prove too progressive and too good for decent but exposed rivals.

 ASCOT FRIDAY OCTOBER 3rd:

Handicaps rule here on a difficult card that contains two long-distance events and a classified and a listed that both contain horses that are hard to evaluate.

Betting opportunities appear limited, although Lawyer, who his stable appear to have been placed in a race with the handicapper after a fair third last weekend at Newmarket, would have a strong chance in the Class 3 handicap at 4.15 if repeating that latest effort. Racing from the same mark as when a close third to Consign last Thursday, Lawyer will rise a few pounds on the back of that run so has his best chance of the season now. A decent run from Consign in the 2.30 on the card will surely boost his chance and could easily result in his price contracting. With better to come over the weekend, he is seen as the only positive on an otherwise quiet day.

NEWMARKET SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27th:

Nafaqa’s defeat of subsequent Mill Reef winner Toocoolforschool means he is the form pick in the Royal Lodge at 2.35. A fluent winner of his maiden at Newbury after posting definite promise when slow to stride in the Chesham at Royal Ascot, he should have no problem with the trip. Just short of top class, this Group 2 looks a realistic target for him. Elm Park is held in high regard and this recent acquisition for Qatar Racing has been supplemented for this. He and Lord Ben Stack (whose form is solid but requires improving upon) are seen as the principal dangers.

3.10: After what has been a sparkling first campaign, Tiggy Wiggy bids to end her season on a high in the Group 1 Cheveley Park. Based on her last two wins – blitzing rivals in Newbury’s Super Sprint and beating subsequent Group 1 Moyglare winner Cursory Glance in the Lowther – only the vagaries that often beset her sex at this time of year threaten her excellent record. She ought to have too much speed for old adversary Anthem Alexander (who is 3lbs better off than at York) and the wide-margin maiden winners Tendu and Terror, both of whom could be anything but surely won’t be good enough for this test so soon in their careers. That said, Tendu has been supplemented for this from a stable that is not in the habit of making mistakes, so she should be respected at the very least. The inclusion of French filly High Celebrity promises to add spice to an intriguing contest.

3.50: So what are we to make of the Cambridgeshire? Cornrow has obvious claims now he tackles this longer trip after a taking run in a strong handicap last time. The forecast fast ground should be ideal. The progressive Velox, reunited with the last man to be successful on him, Cam Hardie, and therefore set to benefit from his 5lbs allowance, is another with strong pretensions, although he might be more effective with cut in the ground. Balty Boys, a decent staying on second to Captain Cat last time, could be the value at a price from his low draw. Less convincing but of some interest after a run last time that suggested all may not be lost, God Willing, a useful two-year-old that failed to progress, is worth a second glance.

6.05: Although facing several with upward profiles, Captain Morley will appreciate a return to twelve furlongs – a trip he ran well over at Royal Ascot when third to Elite Army and Windshear. Clearly he failed to last home in the Melrose last time and his current mark gives him a chance although he has to concede weight to several likely lads.

NEWMARKET SEPTEMBER 26th:

Headquarters has done punters few favours today with a card that may be interesting but looks a hard one to decipher.

After an excellent second in the Group 1 Moyglare to Cursory Glance last time, Lucida looks an obvious selection in the Group 2 Rockfel at 2.40. It is unlikely she will encounter anything of the quality she met last time. With no Cursory Glance, Found or Malabar in this field, her chance is clear-cut providing she is able to replicate that effort.

Less obvious is the outcome of the Group 2 Shadwell Joel Stakes at 3.15, although Captain Cat looks a worthy favourite and the one to beat. Tulius has a chance but is better with cut in the ground, whilst it would be no surprise if the improving Custom Cut, Outstrip – who was in fine form at this time last year but comes from an unpredictable stable – or Arod, who probably requires ten furlongs to show his best, were able to upset the applecart.

Although making only limited betting appeal, after a reasonable fourth in the St Leger, Windshear is entitled to start favourite for the Listed Godolphin Stakes. The benefactors are represented by one of their more complicated inmates in Penglai Pavilion. Useful when with Andre Fabre last year, he has yet to show form approaching that level with his new handler and can only be watched. Derby fifth Red Galileo seems to have two ways of running and has only ever won a maiden on the all-weather. Flying The Flag may find this trip stretching his suspect stamina; whereas on breeding, Ayrad (who has something to find with the principals) looks all set to benefit from a step up to twelve furlongs.

NEWMARKET SEPTEMBER 25th:

2.00: Although just behind Game Pie at Doncaster when both were making their debuts, most observers would confidently expect Mohatem to turn that form round in a heartbeat here. Noted finishing strongly from an unpromising position, Mohatem freewheeled into fifth behind Commemorative in what looked like a reasonable maiden and this son of Distorted Humour gets his chance today. Only ground-changing rain would temper confidence.

3.10: It has been a quiet year for Jeremy Noseda’s one-time virus-ridden stable, but now they appear to be emerging back into daylight many of his charges return to action relatively fresh. Dance Of Heroes has such a look and, assuming he will improve after an excellent reappearance effort at Sandown last month, could be handily weighted against more exposed rivals.

3.40: After a cracking run in a valuable sales race last time when third behind his stable companion Mubtaghaa, Valley Of Fire takes another step into the unknown now as he faces Group 3 company. There is no obvious reason to expect a reversal with Mubtaghaa, but Valley Of Fire, who was having only his second appearance after winning a moderate maiden on debut, left the clear impression he was capable of better and it is significant his shrewd trainer appears willing to sacrifice a winnable mark by contesting this.

4.15: Assuming there is no reoccurrence of the pre-race jitters that certainly contributed to a below-par run last time in Ireland, Pallasator ought to be good enough to win the Listed Jockey Club Rose Bowl, exploiting Times Up’s age and Flying Officer’s absence from the track since the spring. His Ebor fourth from top weight gives him strong claims.

5.55: With half the scheduled field out of the weights, Aetna – who has been off the track since May – will be popular, but her chance would be greatly increased on softer ground. This is no cakewalk and it could be she will be a different proposition next time with this run under her belt and on ground more suited to her preference.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20th:

AYR: A big day for the track – a bigger one for the bookmakers if punters aren’t careful!
2.05: After a fair run at Doncaster last week in a cut-and-thrust Flying Childers when never able to quite get to grips with the leaders, Ainippe shaped as if she would be more at home over this extra furlong. By and large her opponents in this Group 3 will have to pull out more than so far shown. On the face of it Zuhoor Baynoona’s third to Patience Alexander (gone off the boil since) and Tiggy Wiggy at York in May gives her a chance; but to a degree that was a race of two halves, leading to a misleading result. Having been off the track since, she can only be watched from a low draw, making Ainippe a safer option.

2.40: With at least twenty-six runners scheduled to line-up the Silver Cup is naturally set to be fiercely competitive, so with any number of factors in their favour – including the vagaries of an unpredictable draw – bookmakers will be banking on a result here. Punters tempted to play in this are reduced to a virtual pin-sticking exercise. Surely no one will be looking to bet seriously in this or its gold counterpart. Cutting through a long short list: well-fancied Redvers may be better over seven, a remark that also applies to Mission Approved. On the positive side, cases can be made for the in-form duo that is Bogart (appears to be ideally drawn and likely to be well-backed on that alone) and Arctic Feeling, who it would appear is currently in the form of his life, but, based on the evidence of yesterday when high numbers seemed favoured, may not be ideally berthed drawn one. From what looks like another desirable draw, Huntsmans Close (who is closely matched with Arctic Feeling but lacks his scope) is another likely to attract morning money.

3.50: Winner of a strong handicap at the Curragh last Sunday (Arctic Feeling was fourth), comparatively lightly-raced Watchable could be a bit better than his current mark. An excellent third to Louis The Pious (weighted to confirm that form but peaked that day and has made little impact since) in the Buckingham Palace at Royal Ascot, he clearly handles the hurly burly big races provide and another big run looks on the cards if able to defy what now looks like a draw disadvantage. A winner of a listed race at Naas in July and with decent form last autumn, Minalisa could be fancied to outrun a fat price but the two box is cause for concern. The draw at tracks such at Ayr is transitory, so it may change with conditions overnight. However, at the time of writing there is clear-cut evidence a high number (the higher the better) is preferable.

Newbury: 1.50: Hillstar ought to get on the score sheet in this Group 3 but it is hard to be confident enough to translate that comment to a bet. A decent enough type, it seems fair to say he is something of an underachiever that will need to pull out his best in order to defeat Tasady and the progressive pair comprising of Glorious Protector and Nautilus.

2.20: Limato’s fluent success in the Rose Bowl over this course from Cotai Glory makes him the obvious choice here and he should prove hard to beat. Toocoolforschool looks potentially overpriced in view of solid form that approaches this level, but he probably will be caught out by Limato and Strath Burn who look the principals in that order.

Newmarket: 2.30: A step up in trip ought to suit Lady Of Dubai, who has taken the eye on her two runs to date.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19th:

On a big day in Scotland it seems reasonable to accord Ayr star billing on the racing front. By and large the card is tough: plenty of handicaps featuring some tricky customers…
Roossey would have claims in the 2.05 on his York effort, but, worryingly for potential supporters, he did pull hard last time – in the event probably doing well to finish third – so a reoccurrence of such antics will make life doubly hard. Enlace, Son Of Africa and Honeysuckle Lil are among several dangerous opponents.

Boris Grigoriev did us a favour at this meeting last year and is a definite contender again in the 3.10. He has the look of a horse that his able trainer has stored up for something such as this. Pea Shooter is an obvious danger.

After two wins that confirm there is more to come, Squats takes the expected hike in grade to contest the Listed at 3.45. Particularly impressive last time at Ascot when coming from last to first to win a nursery after meeting trouble in running, he has a killer finishing kick. Judging by what we saw at Ascot he is value for more than the 7lbs he has been raised and can put these rivals to the sword. Despite bringing French Group 3 form to the table, possible favourite Jane’s Memory looks as if she will be better suited by rain. Mind Of Madness, who is top-rated going into this, should struggle to concede 3lbs to the selection.

At NEWBURY, despite the form of the Convivial not really working out as many expected, Foreign Diplomat will shape much fitter after his debut third then, meaning this well-regarded son of Oasis Dream will take all the beating in their opening maiden at 1.50. He looks open to more improvement than twice-raced Desert Force, whilst the maiden in which Encore D’Or made his debut at Newmarket did not look a particularly strong one. It will take a very smart newcomer to lower Foreign Diplomat’s colours.

ST LEGER SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13th:

DONCASTER: 2.05: The card for the last classic of 2014 kicks off with aspirants to that level in 2015. The Group 2 Champagne Stakes is one of the better juvenile trials and with three top contenders in opposition this year’s field looks strong. There is no denying Superlative winner Estidhkaar lines up with hefty form credentials. He looks a decent prospect but the three pound penalty means he will have to be top notch to defy the well-thought of Belardo and the solid War Envoy. Belardo’s only defeat was at Newmarket in the July Stakes when, on horrible ground and from a disadvantageous draw, he was a running-on fourth to Ivawood. Wins either side underline his potential and he looked very smart when scooting clear at Newbury last time. Dewhurst-bound, he should be followed until beaten and gets the call.

2.40: Arguably unlucky at Goodwood in the Steward’s Cup (his second run within a week) when he saw too much daylight; after a respectable break, Muthmir gets another crack at a big handicap over this extended five furlongs. A two pound rise is not prohibitive, and from a mark of 100 he gets a chance to confirm the impression he is group material. Of the rest, plenty can be fancied but Bogart (11lbs better in with Muthmir for York and in better form now), has slipped to a workable mark and is worth considering.

3.15: Two talented types with an under-performing profile threaten to dominate the betting for this. Having failed to sparkle at sprinting, Aljamaaheer reverts to his best trip, taking on Gregorian, who should have won the Group 3 Hungerford Stakes at Newbury last time but was worried out of it by Breton Rock. Although he has a bit to find with the best of these, That Is The Spirit can be relied upon to run his race. Far from disgraced against older horses last time, he looks a safer option than his highflying opposition.

3.50: The St Leger trip has often proved a buffer to class. Although endowed with stamina on the distaff side, being by Mastercraftsman, Kingston Hill is not certain to stay the all-important extra two furlongs. On the face of it, plenty with more cut and dried chances have failed. For those prepared to take the Derby runner-up on, there is no shortage of contenders. Snow Sky and Romsdal look the two with the most solid credentials, but this trip will suit Hartnell and possibly Scotland, who could be the value alternative in what looks like a puzzle of Houdini proportions.

4.25: Mount Logan could be another winner for the Luca Cumani stable – a yard that has enjoyed a fruitful autumn and has not stopped churning out the winners just yet.

DONCASTER FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12th:

1.40: With Molecomb winner Cotai Glory, Gimcrack third Ahlan Emarati and Irish hotpot Ainippe in attendance, the Group 2 Flying Childers looks like a race that will take a deal of winning.

2.10: Sir Walter Scott ran as if finding this trip too far last time, but his shrewd trainer perseveres so that may not be an accurate reflection. Retirement Plan, Adventure Seeker and Stomachion all have chances in a very tough to solve event.

2.40: Back to her best form over an inadequate trip last time, and stepped up to a more suitable distance, Estimate’s credentials are inescapable now. Times Up has something to find with the royal filly and the other serious candidate, Whiplash Willie, needs softer ground. This is Estimate’s race to lose.

3.15: Outpaced over six at Ascot, Muraaqaba took the Sweet Solera in style at Newmarket and a further hike to a mile should present no problem for her. At the same sort of price as Estimate, her winning claims here are not quite so cut and dry. Agnes Stewart looks a serious danger, whilst, although unlikely winners, Banzari and Shagah cannot be entirely ruled out.

3.45: Danzeno completes a hat-trick of comparatively short-priced contenders on the card here. Obviously he has every chance without looking a tempting betting proposition.

4.25: White Lake created an impression on debut at York; however, as yet the race he won has failed to receive a solid endorsement – although Erik The Red may redress that in the maiden this afternoon. As it stands, Nafaqa poses a strong threat and it looks like a case of seeing whether what we saw at York was an accurate reflection of White Lake’s ability.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11th:

After a somewhat tepid start to this meeting yesterday, Doncaster hits stride today.

Despite facing stiffer opposition than she has so far encountered, Bragging will be high on most lists in the Group 3 Sceptre Stakes at 2.10. Having made giant strides in handicaps at Newmarket and York she looks like a filly capable of making the transition to this company and, with apparently no ground bias and an electric turn of foot that has meant she has won her last two races without turning a hair, she is hard to get away from. Penalised J Wonder is the most obvious threat without being a filly to send shivers down the spine of Bragging’s supporters. One-time Guineas hope Amazing Maria needs to initiate a major recovery if she is to figure, as does the somewhat wayward and reluctant Kiyoshi, who is making a meal of returning to winning ways. Joyeuse and Muteela look sure to perform with credit but look short of the required standard, whilst Token Of Love remains in fine form but in all probability today’s race will take more winning than anything she has so far tackled. On the sort of upward curve that wins races at this time of year, although unproven in this company, Bragging seems the logical pick without necessarily looking like a bet.

2.40: Fillies again take centre stage here in the Park Hill, where the far from straightforward Seal Of Approval – who may have won this last year but for clipping heels – has to be considered. However, despite teasing her supporters this season, she has not been entirely convincing, looking a reluctant participant on at least two occasions and only finishing her races under sufferance. With dangers aplenty lurking, she is overlooked. A line through Sultanina (it may not be that solid but is all we have to go on) gives Silk Sari the beating of Venus De Milo, meaning she and the consistent Arabian Comet may be the two to latch on to. Narrowly beaten at Goodwood and York on her last two runs, this return to 1m 6f will suit Arabian Comet, who should run her race and looks a solid each-way selection. In the belief she can raise her game once more, Silk Sari, another likely to benefit from this extended trip and a filly with a touch of class, is narrowly preferred for win purposes. Melrose Abbey will be a better prospect later in the season when the ground turns soft.

3.15: The late defection of Valley Of Fire robs many of us with the day’s best opportunity in this valuable sales race that may now be claimed by Fox Trotter, whose chance is undeniable if he is able to repeat his fourth in the Richmond to Ivawood. Winner aside, the placings read well, but Fox Trotter’s absence since late in July sounds a note of caution, particularly as he represents a yard that tends to fly high with their inmates once they have hit the track on debut.

3.45: Elhamme sets the standard here. He probably has most to fear from the unexposed Long Cross and the progressive The Corsican.

5.00: King Of Normandy, Commemorative and Erik The Red (may have been flattered at York) all showed enough on debut to make this a potentially hard race for those having their first experiences. Sociopath and Secateur both line up with reputations, although others make appeal on paper in a race likely to look less cloudy once betting starts in earnest.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 6th:

HAYDOCK:

2.40: Unlucky at Goodwood last time, in that he was too far adrift of the leaders in a slowly run race, Captain Cat, a hold-up horse that should be suited by the strong pace set by Balty Boys, gets his chance to atone.

3.15: Whatever the fate of Captain Cat in the opener, the Charlton stable appear to have excellent prospects with Quest For More in this Class 2 handicap. A strong finisher when second to Edge Of Sanity at the Ebor meeting, he has the look of a horse about to peak and can exploit the 13lbs he receives from likely favourite Havana Cooler. Current odds suggest he is a value alternative.

3.50: The juggernaut that is Sole Power threatens to continue rolling in the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup. Against plenty of the usual suspects, those anxious to oppose him will presumably in part be banking on six furlongs being his undoing. However, he does have excellent form at the trip and such supposed negativity could be tenuous against such a determined competitor. We have yet to see the best of the progressive Music Master, who may provide the biggest danger; whilst, although respected back to a more realistic distance, the intriguing Cougar Mountain has yet to prove he is quite in this league.

4.25: Now 6lbs better in with Felix Leiter for just under two lengths when denied a clear run at York, Roossey is taken to exact revenge. The winner battled on in terrific style that day, especially as it was clear he was uncomfortable on the quick surface. But Roossey is the one that appeals at today’s revised weights.

KEMPTON:

2.20: In all its various guises, Godolphin has developed into a bête noire for most punters. Only stubbornness and an endless and total disregard for money, means this outfit is still in business in its present form. Racing is a specialised pursuit; the notion that one man can buy, train, place and all but ride his horses, smacks of ultimate conceit. Now and then, despite all the brickbats thrown their way, one or two inmates actually survive the ordeal. Responsible for three out of the seven runners in the September Stakes, last year’s winner, the penalised Prince Bishop carries the first colours – not always the best guide as to what to expect. Based on his clear bias for an artificial surface and a couple of near-misses at the Dubai Carnival this year when drawn out towards the road to Abu Dhabi, an on song Cat O’Mountain, who had Prince Bishop behind him in the World Cup, should hold sway against his rivals in blue, providing his far from convincing trainer has prepared him correctly. Cat O’Mountain runs like a horse that should stay this trip (although that is not certain). If he does his killer turn of foot on this surface should be decisive.

From this perspective Ascot looks a bit like the inside of one of those Las Vegas casinos, where the house ensures there are no clocks or similar distractions to dissuade those that feel lucky from reaching for their chips. Even the stakes races look tricky.

Having been raised only 2lbs for his nursery win last time Squats is given another chance by the handicapper at 4.05. The minimum trip seems to suit him well and he should again be too good for Profitable on these altered terms.

Lightly raced and a filly with the scope for improvement, Fray, second to the well-regarded Water Hole last time, looks the one to beat in the 4.40.

With Quest For More and Roossey looking interesting betting propositions, Haydock looks the track to concentrate on.