Lonchamp - Sunday 4th October

I have been in Paris this week for a trip that culminates in the greatest all-aged race in the World today. At Lonchamp yesterday the ground was noticeably wetter than many expected after a warm and sunny few days, there's definitely been plenty of watering going on but it should dry out to something like good ground all round by Arc time. It was clover for British trainers on Saturday although a mixed afternoon for punters with a end of day hammer blow of Sunly, Scandinavia and Qudwah all beaten. A frustrating day punting wise was softened by Qirat going pillar to post in the Prix Daniel Wildenstein under a power packed Silvestre De Sousa. A lovely hot Autumnal day and it looks like we're in store for something similar today. It's fair to say this isn't the strongest undercard in recent years and the Arc itself is perhaps lacking in the usual depth but we have a truly great story about to be written if the Aga Khan's Daryz can become the first colt since 1978 to win back to back renewals of the great race. It's a big day in France and hopefully a few winners can be found. 

12:31, Prix Marcel Boussac

Green Empress 7/4, 2pts win

In a season where Sun Goddess has dominated the fillies' juvenile division it's now one who finished beaten behind her last time out who rocks up as a short priced favourite for the first race of the day. It's not the hottest Group 1 and although it's a big field, Joseph O'Brien's Green Empress brings by far the best form to the table here and should take all the beating. 

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13:09, Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere 

Avec Toi 7/2, 2pts win

Joseph O'Brien will fancy his chances of taking both the juvenile Group 1's and after his victory in the National Stakes last time out, Folsom Blues will be a short price again here. His form stacks up and is a colt with a serious turn of foot but he's had a hard season and this may not be run at the frantic pace of that race at the Curragh the last day. He's up against a serious opponent in the unbeaten Avec Toi today and it's the French colt who makes the most appeal at the prices. The son of No Nay Never looked imperious on his first 3 starts when dismissing his rivals with contempt before having to out-battle Imperial Strike in a Group 3 last month. That run maybe has a few thinking his limitations have been exposed but the runner up was also unbeaten going into that and the pair drew well clear of the 3rd. This bigger field will suit Christopher head's colt better as he'll be able to get some cover and could be better positioned than the favourite. 

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13:47, Prix de l'Abbaye

Time For Sandals 7/1, 2pts win

The Abbaye is normally an open affair and this year's renewal looks no different. Katie Scott's Naana's Shadow has been a revelation this year and some story but the filly has been done no favours by the draw and has lost favouritism because of it. Miss Yerchance has favoured better and could be hard to catch if she shoots out the stalls and bags the rail but with plenty of pace on up front it could be that a hold up performer comes through (given gaps appear). With that in mind maybe today is the day for Time For Sandals. Harry Eustace's filly has become a bit frustrating over the past few months but she's not had the rub of the green and is still holding her form well. She was an unlucky loser of the Nunthorpe and stall 10 isn't a hammer blow for her chances given the run-style. 

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15:05, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Thundering On 8/1, 2pts win
Maltese Cross 8/1, 2pts win

The biggest race in the European calendar is here and it's a tricky betting heat. In a race where there's not masses of pace on, perhaps Friendly Soul will make the running and she should run well for all the this is a hard task on a first go against the colts. Bay City Roller could be one to make an early move but the draw has been unkind and the ground has gone against George Scott's stable star. Minnie Hauk is another who would be a surprise winner having not held her form this year and Diamond Necklace's supporters were left in tears after seeing the coffin draw come out, she now has a mountain the climb. Benvenuto Cellini has faired much better but there's still a worry about the stable and he's probably just lacking a few gears to win a race like this. Varandir is respected after winning his trial for all he has another step up to make and both the Japanese Horses will have to run career bests to be in the shake up. Kalpana has been steadily backed in the week, especially after the draw and she's now the shortest priced raider. Nothing went right for her in last year's race but she's now a King George winner with a good draw. She's one of the best in Europe and must have a great chance for all the query is that she's had a hard season and was the benefit of how the race panned out at Ascot. It will be hard to time the run here and she's now short enough. Last year's winner Daryz will take a lot of beating and he looked like a horse ready to explode when toying with Bay City Roller in his trial last time out. He clearly doesn't travel well so lines can be drawn on his runs in the UK. The son of Sea The Stars has a great draw and ground which should be ideal. It's a huge task to win back to back renewals of the Arc though and perhaps he's worth opposing at the prices. Maltese Cross has been done no favours by the draw but it's not the end of the world and William Haggas' Sea The Stars colt has shown he can win round this track and was in imperious form at York last time out. The 3 year old has apparently been going great guns on the gallops of late and is tactically versatile. The form has taken some knocks but the course suits his style and won't be as far back as others. He must have a great chance of delivering his trainer a first Arc, 8 years after Sea Of Class's 2nd place finish. The other who is worth siding with is another who ran at Epsom in June, Thundering On. Joseph O'Brien's filly looked a proper Arc prospect when bolting up in the Oaks before losing her form in the Pretty Polly. After an easy time since, she bounced back to form to hack up in a Group 2 last time out and now looks to be coming right again for her biggest assignment. She's had an easier 2nd half of the season than others and has been given the plum draw in stall 3. The trainer couldn't be in much better form and he's enlisted the services of Pierre Charles-Boudot for the biggest occasion which looks a shrewd move. It's a big day, a big race and hopefully we're in store for a big finish. 

Newmarket - Saturday 26th September

After a pretty disappointing day last Saturday it's on to one of the hardest punting days of the Autumn now. Newmarket's Cambridgeshire day is always one of my favourites and this year we have not only a cracking renewal of the great handicap but also the best 2 year old Group 1 of the year. The Cheveley Park and Middle Park are mouthwatering but are perhaps best watched as neither makes much appeal from a betting perspective but the Royal Lodge is more open and obviously the Cambridgeshire is where we're focusing. 

13:55, Royal Lodge

First Law 10/3, 3pts win
Burning Up 3/1, 1pt saver

A proper renewal of the Group 2 taken from Ascot back in the day. Haffer brings in group winning form from York while Quest For Stars ran a cracker at the highest level in Ireland last time out. But it is the unbeaten pair of First Law and Burning Up who head the market and with good reason. Both have looked like 2 year olds going places in their 2 runs each to date but slight preference is for First Law. The Godolphin colt looked a tough one in bad ground at Haydock the last day and will appreciate this better surface today. He's an imposing son of Too Darn Hot who will only improve for time but the stable is in great form and the mount of William Buick is expected to run well. 

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15:40, Cambridgeshire Handicap

Hand Of God 10/1, 2pts win
Erzindjan 17/2, 2pts win

One of the hottest runnings in the last few years with any number of quality handicappers with claims. The hot favourite, Gavriel, must hold a big chance and could be well drawn under the stand fence but he's mightily inexperienced for a race like this and is worth taking on. Hand Of God has really bounced back to form this year, as shown when winning at Newbury in the Spring and then finishing 2nd at York. He's perhaps not up to graded level but he's respected back in a handicap here and could still be on a fair mark. This race has long looked to suit for the Harry Charlton gelding. Last year's 4th Erzindjan finished clear of his group and with better luck 12 months on Terry Kent's likeable 8 year old must be up to going close off just a 2 pound higher mark. The booking of Billy Loughnane is eye-catching. 

Newbury & Ayr - Saturday 19th September

I will be at Newbury today for some decent flat action but the main show is obviously at Ayr with the Silver and Gold Cups on show. 

Ayr 13:20, Ladbrokes 'Bet 5 Get 30 New Customer Offer' Handicap

Theoryofeverything 7/1, 1pt win
Thunder Roar 7/1, 1pt win

A good race to get us under way here and it may be that with conditions to suit that last year's 1 and 2 are to the fore again. Both Theoryofeverything and Thunder Roar are back in their lane here and must hold strong chances. 

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Ayr 13:55, Ladbrokes 'Get Racing Bet Builder Winnings Boosts' Doonside Cup Stakes

Sea Scout 7/1, 1.5pts each-way (3 places with Coral)

A fair renewal of the Doonside Cup but without a clear standout it may be worth siding with the Crisford's Sea Scout. Last year's Epsom Derby Trial winner hasn't been a winning machine since but did run some crackers on soft ground in a couple of French Listed races this time last year and his 2nd to a good horse on seasonal debut last month is good form. He ran OK in an above average renewal of a Listed race at Windsor last time and this drop in trip should suit. 

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Ayr 14:30, Ladbrokes Ayr Silver Cup Handicap

Desert Falcon 5/1, 2pts each-way (6 places)

Julie Camacho's Desert Falcon was 2nd in the Gold Cup last year and now heads the weights for the Silver Cup 12 months on. It hasn't been plain sailing since then but he showed at Doncaster last week that he's on the way back to form and now has his sights set on the big prize here. He's seemingly well drawn in stall 2 and should have a great chance of going better than last year. 

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Ayr 15:40, Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup

Binhareer 4/1, 2pts each-way (6 places)

In a red hot renewal of an Ayr Gold Cup many people won't like the idea of a Haggas plot job but it does seem as though this has been a long term plan for the 4 year old Binhareer. The grey looks a better horse than when 6th in the Silver Cup last year and returned to soft ground, it could be that he finally achieves his potential. 

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Newbury 13:37, Dubai Duty Free Autumn Cup Handicap

Insanity 7/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

An interesting Autumn Cup but Alan King's Insanity has been lightly raced of late and could be ready to peak. 

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Newbury 14:47, Dubai Duty Free Handicap

Stem 15/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Richard Hannon's Stem has shown good form at Newbury in the past and seems to be in career best form winning at Sandown in the summer and then running a cracker there last time out behind a handicap blot.

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Newbury 15:55, Conundrum Consulting Handicap

Witch Hunter 16/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
Betty Clover 22/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

An open race so probably worth chancing a couple at big prices who are well weighted if returning to form. 

Doncaster - Saturday 12th September

14:20, Portland

Getreadytorumble 8/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

A really good renewal of the Portland this with plenty holding chances but preference is for Jack Channon's previous course winner, Getreadytorumble. A highly progressive 3 year old last year, he's struggled to find his feet in stronger company so far this season but put in a great run at Ascot last time out and has been kept fresh for this. High drawn horses usually do well here so there's nothing to worry about the draw in stall 20. 

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15:35, St Leger

Pierre Bonard 4/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

An interesting 250th St Leger. Lambourn couldn't land the Derby-Leger double last year but the suspicion is that Christmas Day is better equipped for the Doncaster test. There's not a lot between the front 3 here and Eceladus is respected but perhaps this could be the day for Pierre Bonard to finally shine. The winter's Derby favourite hasn't managed to get his head in front this year but was closing down Christmas Day on the line in the Irish Derby and ran a cracking trial at York the last day. He's perhaps going to enjoy this step up in trip the most and no other horse looks set to enjoy Doncaster's lengthy straight more. 

Haydock, Kempton & Ascot - Saturday 5th September

After my maiden voyage to Bangor on Friday it's a trip to wet old Haydock today for Group 1 action. Having only ever seen jump racing at the track, it's exciting to see top level racing on the level and tick another Group 1 off the list. There's a decent undercard too and some excellent action in and around London too. 

Haydock 14:30, Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap

Asia Force 8/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

It is going to take some getting the 14 furlongs at Haydock today. Galilean Quality no doubt deserves to be favourite after his Melrose 2nd but he's short enough in the market now and his mark is shooting up. Mythical Bay disappointed in the same race but has every chance of bouncing back. Preference though is for Karl Burke's Asia Force. The son of Frankel finally got his head in front at Carlisle last time out and may not start to build on his promise. That was the gelding's first run at the trip and the big galloping sort has plenty of chance to progress now and there's every reason to think he will go on the ground. 

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Haydock 15:05, Betfair Exchange Old Borough Cup Handicap

Stressfree 8/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

A hard race to weigh up here as Agean Prince could be miles ahead of his mark. This will be a thorough test of his fitness though and he may prove vulnerable. David O'Meara's evergreen 6 year old Stressfree makes appeal. The son of Anodin will go on the surface and has run well in this event in the past. This will turn attritional and it could be that the older horse will keep going best. 

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15:40, Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes

Kind Of Blue 10/3, 3pts win

A smaller field than usual for the Sprint Cup and it will be a hard one on this surface. Almeraq deserves to be favourite here for the Haggas team and holds every chance but preference is for previous runner-up Kind Of Blue. James Fanshawe knows what it takes to win this race but has been unlucky with the son of Blue Point in the last 2 runnings of this, finishing 2nd both times. The ground will hold no fears for the 5 year old and he arrives here fresher than most. He's a previous Group 1 winner on Champion's Day and could finally have his day in the sun at Haydock. 

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Ascot 14:10, tote.co.uk Money Back 2nd Handicap

Ancestor 13/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Hayzoom ran a stormer at the Royal Meeting and is fancied to go close here but he's been off since and will have his fitness tested here. He's short enough in the market so may be worth taking on with William Haggas's Ancestor. Cieren Fallon's mount built on his debut promise to run out a ready winner at Yarmouth before defying a penalty at Haydock last time out. Those were small fields and it's fair to say we still haven't seen the best of the Sea The Stars gelding. 

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Kempton 14:20, William Hill London Mile Series Final Handicap

The Liffey 11/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

A hard punting affair as expected for this big handicap. The Liffey is fancied to run well here for Hayley Burton. The 5 year old has found a new lease of life this year after a troubled career for Joseph O'Brien, who in turn took him on from his father. The No Nay Never gelding won on his UK debut over course and distance at the start of July before backing that up by finishing 2nd in a big field handicap at Glorious Goodwood. He's been kept fresh since and has the services of Rossa Ryan for the first time. He's been berthed in stall 1 so will be saving ground all the way round and there's a suspicion he could still be ahead of his mark. 

Goodwood - Sunday 30th August

I will not be making the trip down to Goodwood today but despite the rain and many non-runners, it's still an interesting card with a few good betting heats. 

14:00, Virgin Bet Handicap

Principality 5/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

A wide open affair, as the betting shows. Harry Eustace's Principality must have a big chance here in search of his 3rd win this summer. The 4 year old is already a winner over this track on heavy ground so the recent rain will be no bother at all to him. He's in good form after a win at Newmarket last time out and a mark of 91 is still fair. 

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16:20, City of Chichester Handicap

Personal Best 5/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Another open affair and plenty here have strong form on a softer surface. There doesn't appear to be much between them but slight preference is for Personal Best. The 4 year old filly is off a career high mark but she's earned that for her consistency and has been running well this season perhaps in races that haven't quite suited. She's a dual winner on very soft ground and stays well. The Portman stable is in good form and the daughter of Time Test is expected to go well again. 

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16:55, Virgin Bet Supports Safe Gambling Handicap

Due To Henry 12/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

A decent little handicap to end the day and it could be that Eve Johnson-Houghton's Due To Henry is a bit overpriced here. The 5 year old gelding hasn't won for 2 years but he's steadily been working his way back to form and the soft surface will be a real help to him here. The son of Due Diligence is now 7 pounds below his last winning mark and the run last time was a big improvement. 

Sandown - Saturday 29th August

I will be at soggy Sandown today. It's a shame about the weather as it's a great card with two very interesting group races to unpick. 

13:40, Tattersalls 40,000 EBF Maiden Fillies' Stakes

Tall Trees 9/4, 2pts win

A pretty decent maiden to start the card. Unraced Flower Show will be interesting for Godolphin but Tall Trees drops in grade dramatically and should be taking all the beating in this. 

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14:15, Zyn Frontrunner Finish Handicap

Cash 40/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
Flying Frontier 40/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

It's a tricky handicap to digest this with Kokbastau looking a group horse in the making at Kempton and is probably still a fair price. Still, conditions are an unknown and he's been hiked up a stone in the weights. While he rates the most likely winner, it may be a race to take a chance on a couple of outsiders. The rain has come for Cash and the admirable 7 year old has a decent record at this track all in all. He's off a decent mark and could pick these off late. Flying Frontier won this race 2 years ago and although he's been out of form this season, he's bounced back before and is a big price. 

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14:50, BetMGM Atalanta Stakes

Calendar Girl 3/1, 2pts win

The race of the day sees a classy bunch of fillies clash over the mile here. Moon Target must have a chance now dropping in grade after finishing 3rd at the top level in France last time out. She's a tricky ride though and perhaps could be picked off by an unexposed type. Secret of Life will prove popular as she's proven with ease in the ground but preference is for Owen Burrow's filly Calendar Girl. The daughter of Advertise ran a stormer on seasonal debut to win at Haydock last time out and should handle the ground. She's exciting. 

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15:30, BetMGM Solario Stakes

Breacher 3/1, 1pt win

A hard race to weigh up as the front 2 in the market could be anything. Godolphin's Rock Montreal could be another classy animal through the Roger Varian gates but the vibes have been strong about Breacher and the son of Cracksman is chanced to take this on his way to better things. 

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16:05, Download The BetMGM App Handicap

Storm Free 10/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

James Tate's 4 year old Storm Free finally got his act together last time out and it could be that he starts to build on the promise he showed last year. It's a tricky race but he looks the value here. 

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16:35, BetMGM Real Deal Nursery

Sonny Parvenue 4/1, 1pt win

An open nursery but Richard Hannon's Sonny Parvenue looked good when winning at Salisbury on debut and was thought good enough to tackle the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot last month. He can bounce back here.

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17:10, Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap

Betsen 15/2, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Tony Carroll's top weight Betsen ran ok from a poor draw in the Dash at Epsom last time and this is easier. He had previously won at Chepstow and will handle any ease here.