Ascot - Saturday 1st November

I will be at Ascot on Saturday for what is a proper cracking card. The winter starts here!

12:55, Grundon Waste Management Conditional Jockeys' Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Byzantium 4/1, 2pts win

A long winded name for the opener but it's a nice competitive affair to get things off. John Barbour won yesterday at Wetherby and will be of interest if turned out again but it seems unlikely. At The Oche comes into this race after scrambling home at 1/5 at Ffos Las but the race did turn into a bit of a sprint over 2 miles and he shapes as though this longer trip will suit. Seems well handicapped on the form of finishing 2nd to one at Newton Abbott who has subsequently run well at Cheltenham. His jumping leaves a lot to be desired however and that could leave him vulnerable in handicap company. Akimos got his act together at Ffos Las in the Spring and now goes handicapping for his top stable but he looked to enjoy the soft surface that day and this will be more of a speed test. Sage Green looks well handicapped off a mark of 113 given his form from the Spring but the worry has to be the stable form as Syd Hosie hasn't managed a winner in the last 6 months. Thistle Be The One finished 2nd to French Ship in January and he looks well weighted off that effort but he was very poor on his first run last year and was even worse on his most recent run so now has something to prove. Perhaps the percentage call is with Paul Nicholls' Byzantium. The ex-French trained gelding showed promise on his first few starts in the UK, albeit beaten at short odds, before his form fell apart in the winter. He properly got back on track in the summer however by bolting up at Warwick and Newton Abbott. The Warwick form has substance to it and he couldn't have won any easier the last day. A mark of 114 still looks fair and with form on a quick surface and now seemingly upwardly mobile, he could be the one to beat in this. 

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13:30, Ascot Underwriting Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Viroflay 2/1, 2pts win

Only 4 go to post for this. I don't agree with Viroflay being able to run in this race given he's been hunter chasing for so long and has bundles of experience which is opponents lack. No Questions Asked looks a horse to follow this season after showing plenty of promise over hurdles last season but Ascot is not the easiest place to start of your chasing career. Lylian could be anything coming over from France and Don't Tell Su has always looked a chaser for all he will need to improve on his overall form. Viroflay should be able to get to the front here and use his experience to put the field's jumping to the test. 

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14:05, Grundon Waste Management Handicap Chase

L'eau Du Sud 7/2, 2pts win

A classy renewal of the 2 mile handicap chase on the card. Boothill won this 2 years ago and is classy on his day. This is a tough test on his first start for 287 days though. Sans Bruit is likeable and will enjoy the ground but seems more of a Spring horse whilst is looking a bit high in the weights. Martator won this last year but is 7 pounds higher 12 months on and this is a much harder renewal. The stable has yet to start firing. It could just be that Dan Skelton's L'eau Du Sud is too good for them here. It will be a tough task to defy a mark of 155 but Tristran Durell's 3 pound claim is useful and he has a pretty good record when fresh. Connections older horses are running well on seasonal debuts so far this Autumn and given the prize money on offer, he's sure to be primed for this. 

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14:35, GL Events Novices' Hurdle

Soomaroy 10/11, 2pts win

The news got out pretty quickly that Soomaroy was a good one from the Nicky Henderson yard and he hasn't been missed in the market. Trustintimes, Military Avenue and Ice In The Veins bring some pretty stiff competition to the table but if the vibes are right then the Henderson horse will take some beating in a race connections won with Altior 10 years ago.

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15:10, Lavazza Handicap Hurdle

Ooh Betty 8/1, 2pts each-way (4 places)

A decent renewal and Joe Tizzard's Alexei looks likely to head the betting. A useful novice last year, the 5 year old ran a cracker on seasonal debut to finish 2nd in the Welsh Champion Hurdle 20 days ago. That form gives him a big chance here and he will go on this quick ground but the worry is that his form fell away a bit last season and this is a tough race. Washington is a credit to connections but is back up to a mark he's struggled off before. Indemnity is totally unexposed and must have a chance for all this is a big step up in grade whilst Fasol is entitled to come on for his seasonal debut at Chepstow 22 days ago and runs off a feather weight. He must have a chance but this race is often won by those towards the head of the weights and it could stay that way as Ben Clarke's Ooh Betty comes into this race with decent claims given her cracking course form. A winner on seasonal debut last year and although she's 10 pounds higher this time around, she improved throughout last season and finished 3rd off just a pound lower in the Scottish Champion Hurdle. She got within 3 lengths of Kargese over course and distance in January. The stable has only sent out 1 runner since 6th October and that was a winner, under today's jockey Toby Mcain-Mitchell. Decent chance. 

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15:45, Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase

Neon Moon 7/1, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)
Coastguard Station 40/1, 0.5pts each-way (4 places)

Considering the quick ground it was somewhat surprising to see a field of 13 for the main race of the day. Joe Tizzard's stable star The Changing Man must hold a huge chance here. Game as a pebble, the likeable 8 year old bolted up over course and distance in January and is only 2 pounds higher than when finishing 2nd at the Festival. He's a little bit hard to win with though as that Ascot victory last year was the only time he's managed to make it into the winner's circle since November 2022 so is a opposable on that stat. Henry's Friend is sure to run well but seems to need his seasonal debut whilst Marble Sands will be fit for this after a run on the flat 20 days ago, there is a slight worry about the ground. Blow Your Wad will enjoy the ground and is better going right handed but has stamina to prove over this far and is still on a bit of a retrieval mission. Perhaps Neon Moon could be the answer. David Pipe's 9 year old won on seasonal debut for the past 2 years and finished 3rd in this race last year off a 6 pound higher mark. There's no Chianti Classico this year and he's now 18 pounds better off with The Changing Man form their last encounter. He will have a chance and so too at bigger odds does Coastguard Station. Henry Oliver's consistent 9 year old is having his first run at the trip but has always threatened to stay this far and needs a sound surface. He's off a light weight and comes into this in career best form after winning well over 2 miles 5 furlongs at Market Rasen 35 days ago. 

Uttoxeter - Friday 31st October

12:55, QuinnBet Daily Free Bet Handicap Chase

Kingoftheswingerz 11/2, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)

Harriet Dickin's 6 year old Kingoftheswingerz caused a surprise when winning at Worcester 35 days ago but he's only been put up 2 pounds for that and this isn't a harder race. He shaped as though he'd improve for the run and this stiffer track should play to his strengths. Value in the market. 

Newmarket Future Champions Weekend Thoughts

I attended both days of Newmarket's Future Champions Weekend, seeing the Fillies' Mile run for the first time (another Group 1 knocked off the list). It was unusually quick ground for the time of year which may have helped the quality of the horses on show. 

Beckford's Folly was relatively ignored in the market and allowed to go off at 16/1. The nice looking son of Lope De Vega ate up ground late on to nab the hot favourite on the line. The winner was not stopping at the line and will have no issue going back up to 6 furlongs next year and potentially even a bit further in time. Connections will no doubt work back from the Commonwealth Cup. As for Brussels, he looked to have the race won with 100 yards to go and shaped like the best horse throughout. It was disappointing he couldn't go through with it but it was another good effort. He goes to Del Mar with decent chances. He a strapping sort, so he may not just be a 2 year old, for all that he goes into next year pretty exposed now. 

The Oh So Sharp Stakes was won by Owen Burrows' Calendar Girl. The daughter of Advertise showed a willing attitude here and looks as though she has booked her place in next year's 1000 Guineas for all she will need to step up in trip again. She's likeable but perhaps the runner up Mubasimah is the one for next year. The strong looking daughter of Frankel ran a mighty race to be beaten just a neck on only her second career start. She has some growing to do over the winter and goes into 2025 pretty unexposed. 

The Challenge Stakes went to France as Beauvatier came from last to first. She looked good this day but the race was run to suit and perhaps it wasn't as strong a renewal as it first looked. Audience doesn't look the force of old and although Poet Master seemed to run to form, Cosmic Year is now regressing and it wouldn't surprise if this was his last start in the UK. 

Precise was a mighty winner of the Fillies' Mile and could end her year with another win at the highest level at Del Mar on Friday. She's not the most imposing filly to look at but she's very smart and looks sure to take some beating in the Guineas next year. Venetian Lace ran a career best and looks like she'll improve as her stamina is stretched out next year being by Derby winner Masar whilst Evolutionist ran well to finish 3rd on her first start since August and is one to note for next year as she's a lovely looking Night Of Thunder filly. Legacy Link was weak in the market and looked like one who would appreciate a winter on her back whilst Moments Of Joy is one who will make a 3 year old and will come into her own over middle distances, perhaps expect to see her start off in an Oak's trial in the Spring. 

Yabher won the Old Rowley Cup for the Haggas team and was given a great ride by Tom Marquand. He's a typical improver from the stable and it will be interesting to see if he stays in training in the UK next year or is sold abroad. Respond was well backed but had no luck in running and finished well. He's could take a real step forward next year and is one to keep onside. 

Falekayah was well backed for the Pride Stakes but was edgy in the prelims and didn't look as good as when I saw her win the Pretty Polly back in the spring. She ran poorly and it could be curtains for her career. 

The first race on the Saturday (Darley Stakes) was taken by the Gosden's Damysus. The gorgeous son of Frankel defied market indifference to down Gladius who is now looking a tad exposed. The winner will be one to keep onside next year and shapes as though a mile and a half is within reach still. Goes on all grounds. 

Pierre Bonnard took the eye out in the prelims before he claimed the Zetland Stakes. He's a tall, rangy son of Camelot and duly dominated the paddock. He won like a good horse and it was no surprise he went on to win at Group 1 level in France on his next start. He is now your 2026 Derby favourite and it's hard to argue with that. He's got the scope to make into a lovely 3 year old and will get a mile and a half standing on his head. Del Maro is still a maidan for Charlie Appleby but ran well to finish 3rd. He's a middle distance horse for next year and one to keep an eye on. 

The Autumn Stakes was won impressively by Karl Burke's Hankelow. He's a very good horse who is worth his place in the Guineas for sure. Looks an out and out miler. Al Zanati ran well to finish 2nd despite a bit of greenness and could line up in a Guineas trial in the Spring. New Zealand ran well and looked in need of the run. He's since run well again in France and looks in need of a stamina test next year. He'll make a 3 year old and expect to see him line up in a Derby trial next year but is perhaps more of a Leger type. Pathein also ran well for Ed Dunlop on only his second start. He'll appreciate a softer surface next year. 

One of the better renewals of the Dewhust threw up a surprise as Andrew Balding's 25/1 shot Gewan came out on top. He's another notable winner for sire of the moment Night Of Thunder. The grey shrugged off a poor run in the Flying Scotsman at Doncaster last time out and with this form being a standout from the Autumn, he must go into the Guineas next year with a huge chance. He was helped by being ridden more prominently today and seems in need of a decent surface but is clearly very talented. Gstaad finished runner up again but it was another fine effort despite not looking in love with the track. He's favourite for the Juvenile Turf at Del Mar and will have a huge chance there of making that top flight break through. He looks as though he'll make a 3 year old but could perhaps be one for the French Guineas. Distant Storm ran well to finish 3rd but was once again beaten by Gewan and it's hard to see how he will turn the form around next year. Has a turn of foot so could be one aimed at foreign targets in 2026 by Godolphin. Zavateri was disappointing for Eve Johnson-Houghton. The son of Without Parole could only manage 4th but was keen enough early doors and got unbalanced in the dip. He'll appreciate a flatter track and probably a bend as well considering he's won at Salisbury, Goodwood and the Curragh. He doesn't strike as a Guineas horse but could be one for the French Guineas or St James' Palace via something like the Heron Stakes. Although I wouldn't be surprised to see him turn up in the Greenham.

Cheltenham - Saturday 25th October

Day 2 of the Showcase meeting. 

13:10, William Hill Each Way Extra Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Inox Allen 11/1, 1pt win
Kdaux Saint Fray 16/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is a wide open novices' chase to start the card and cases can be made for any number of runners. Inox Allen travels down from Scotland with decent chances. A point winner who looked classy in his early days, he lost his way a bit over hurdles but bounced back with a commanding all the way success over fences at Perth in the Spring. He's up 11 pounds for that win but jumped like a stag and that will see him in good stead here against plenty who are inexperienced. One of those with less chasing experience is Anthony Honeyball's Kdaux Saint Fray. The 6 year old looked a nice prospect when winning a bumper at Ascot this time last year and wasn't disgraced on his last start over hurdles when finishing 2nd to an Irish raider at Chepstow in the Spring. It's telling that connections waste no time in going chasing and this winning pointer looks well treated. 

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13:45, Play William Hill's Final One Standing Novices' Hurdle

Conman John 11/2, 1pt each-way (4 places)

A fair renewal if not classy edition of this long distance novice hurdle and although the Irish raiders look to have a strong say in this, Conman John looks a likely improver for the same connections as Ahoy Senor. The 5 year old bolted up by 20 lengths in a 3 mile point last November and after a couple of just fair runs in bumpers since, he duly knuckled down well to win on hurdle debut at Kelso 20 days ago. He shaped that day as though there is untapped stamina to be found and could well be the answer. 

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14:20, William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase

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

A hugely competitive handicap chase is the highlight of the afternoon for many. Henry de Bromhead has won the past 2 renewals and he fields likely favourite The Short Go who finished 5th at the festival. Transmission and Rock My Way also have decent course form but perhaps Nicky Henderson's Hyland could take this on his way to better things this season. An impressive winner at this meeting last year, the 8 year old went on to finish 2nd in a grade 1 at Kempton before another runner up finish off this mark at the same track. He can be forgiven pulling up last time as it was the Grand National and he is treated as still in form and improving. It's likely that connections have aimed at this given his track record and must hold a big chance. 

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14:55, Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle

Gowell Road 18/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Winning Smut 13/2, 2pts each-way (5 places)

This looks a strong renewal of the Pertemps qualifier. Gowell Road could well be overpriced here considering his fantastic course record which includes a win in the Cleeve Hurdle in January. The 9 year old has a career high mark to overcome but he's a whopping 15 pounds better off with Long Draw from their last encounter and with the stable going along nicely he rates a decent each-way play. Gordon Elliott knows the time of day with long distance hurdlers and he looks to have another progressive one on his hands with Winning Smut. The 6 year old won a big field affair at Galway 84 days ago and still looks ahead of the handicapper. He should go very close in a race the trainer won with The Wallpark last year.

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15:30, Masterson Holdings Hurdle

No Bet

On ratings Give It To Me Oj shouldn't have much issue taking this but doesn't make much appeal at odds on considering he's taking on unexposed types. 

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16:05, William Hill Extra Places With BOG 'Chasing Excellence' Novices' Chase

Welcome To Cartries 9/2, 2pts win

Some nice horses have won this staying chase for novices in recent years and although Intense Approach brings decent course form to the table it is Paul Nicholl's runner Welcome To Carries that makes most appeal at the prices. The winning pointer looked potential useful over hurdles when starting his career under rules but things didn't go to plan in 2 starts over fences last year. In fairness, he was highly tried at Sandown behind Handstands and then looked in need of a more galloping track when well beaten in the Kauto Star. He ended his campaign with a good 2nd at Newbury over hurdles and it's interesting that connections are keen to go straight back over fences this season and in at Cheltenham no less. He's every inch a chaser and perhaps has untapped potential in this sphere that others do not. 

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16:40, Oddschecker Open NH Flat Race

Le Beau Madrik 7/2, 2pts win

Dan Skelton's 4 year old grey travelled like a good horse when denied by one of Willie Mullins' runners at Plumpton in the spring, probably beaten by his inexperience. He'll be sharper here. 

Cheltenham - Friday 24th October

The Showcase meeting has arrived at Cheltenham. 

13:15, William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Hurdle

Navajo Indy 6/1, 2pts each-way (5 places)

Tom Symonds' 6 year old Navajo Indy steps up in trip for his seasonal opener and it's a move that looked in order after finishing 3rd in the Betfair Hurdle from a long way back on his last start. That was in February but the son of Nathaniel has a decent record when fresh and there's surely still plenty of room in his handicap mark. 

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13:50, Holland Cooper 'Chasing Excellence' Novices' Chase

Country Mile 11/4, 2pts win

Not the easiest novice chase to assess as those with the most experience look a little bit exposed. Perhaps Dan Skelton's Country Mile could be the answer. Impressive winner on his only start at Cheltenham over hurdles, he was given a break after finishing 4th in a grade 1 on Boxing Day. He returned to finish 2nd to reopposing Alnilam at Uttoxeter but looked in dire need of the run that day after such an absence. He'll come on plenty for that I expect and a return to this track will bode well. He's a strapping chaser and could take this on his way to better things. 

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14:25, Foundation Developments Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Rubber Ball 13/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

Neil King has managed 2 winners and a 3rd from his 5 runners over the past couple of weeks and he runs his likeable 5 year old Rubber Ball here. It's a conditional jockeys handicap and Jack Andrews, one of the more experienced riders here, has been called up for the ride. He beat a now 132 rated Paul Nicholls runner at Newbury in February, suggesting his mark of 128 is exploitable. He may have finished last on his most recent run but that was in a grade 1 at Aintree and the experience won't have done him any harm. This is a nice race in which to make his comeback. 

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15:00, Oddschecker Novices' Hurdle

Un Sens A La Vie 15/8, 2pts win

A tricky race to get involved in as many are unexposed. This race was won by Cue Card, Dodging Bullets and Altior back in the day but hasn't thrown up anything in that calibre for a while now. The Twiston-Davies stable have let it be known that they hold Un Sens A La Vie in high regard though and this winning pointer make a very impressive start to hurdling when bolting up at Market Rasen 10 days ago. The stable is going well and if there is a potential top class horse in the race, it's probably him. 

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15:35, squareintheair.com Handicap Chase

Calico 3/1, 2pts win

It's fair to say that some of the Skelton's runners are taking a run to get fit this season but Calico won this race last year and is only 4 pounds higher this time around. With the prize money on offer, you'd imagine he will be ready for a repeat and this isn't a harder race than 12 months ago. 

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16:10, Champions: Full Gallop Streaming On ITVX Novices' Hurdle

Percy Shelley 11/2, 2pts win

Dalston Lad heads the market here but he did most of his winning last year on soft ground and was well put in his place at the Festival. I don't think this is as strong a race as it first looks so it may be worth taking a chance on James Owen's Percy Shelley. The 6 year old son of Sir Percy ran plenty of times over the flat and came over from France last year with a rating of 100 in that sphere. He didn't win often but ran with credit in decent handicaps for both David O'Meara and his current stable. He couldn't have won much easier on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter over about this trip before claiming a walkover at Ludlow last time out. He's fit and well and could be the answer. 

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16:45, Santa - The Visit Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase

Kalanisi Flash 13/2, 3pts win

John McConnell's runner Kalinisi Flash looks to have been primed for this. Totally unexposed and one of the better amateur riders has been booked. 

Champions Day - Ascot - Saturday 18th October 2025

I have attended every Champions Day since it's move to Ascot in 2011 and will continue the run on Saturday. We have probably the best renewal of the Champion Stakes since Frankel claimed the crown in 2012 and the QE2 isn't half bad either!

12:55, Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup

Trawlerman 1/2, 2pts win

Kyprios's mighty shadow has lingered large over the staying division throughout the year but credit to Godolphin and the Gosden team for making no mistakes in mopping up the cups in his absence with the likeable Trawlerman. This isn't the hottest renewal of the Long Distance Cup and we have the lowest field since it's move to Ascot 14 years ago. Sweet William has formed his own fanbase but there's no reason why he should be able to turn around form with his stablemate and Al Qareem, as game as he is, is likely to come up short at the top table again. The favourite's biggest challenge could well come from the 3 year old Stay True who comes into this off a big run in the St Leger but he didn't prove his stamina that day and no 3 year old has won this at Ascot. 

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13:30, Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes

Words Of Truth 6/5, 2pts win

Personally, I see no place for a 2 year old race on this card. This isn't the strongest 2 year old race run in the past week as Newmarket takes centre stage for this age group but Mill Reef winner Words Of Truth brings by far the best form into the race and will take plenty of beating. 

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14:05, Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes

Kind Of Blue 6/1, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)

This looks just about as wide open a renewal as I can remember. They are all here, winners of the Jubilee, July Cup, Sprint Cup as well as last year's winner. Lazzat's form when winning at the Royal meeting should give him the edge here but he's not been at his best the last twice and is beginning to look fallible. No Half Measure's won the July Cup and is respected on that form but was disappointing last time out at Haydock even if connections blame the poor run through and isn't the percentage call. Big Mojo was edged out by Richard Hughes' filly that day but banged in the Sprint Cup for a deserved first Group 1 win and must come here with a decent chance but I worry that 6 furlongs at Ascot may just stretch him a bit. I wonder if the margin call is to side with last year's winner Kind Of Blue who once again looks to be peaking at the right time. James Fanshawe's colt progressed throughout last year and followed up his 2nd place in the Sprint Cup to take this 12 months ago. He comes into this off the same finish at Haydock and has improved with each run this season after a shady start to his 2025 campaign. He looks a sold each-way bet in this. 

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14:45, Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes

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

A decent renewal but the races seems to hinge around Kalpana. If she can reproduce her run in the King George then this race is hers for the taking but she has regressed in her 2 runs since and it's fair to say the ground hasn't come right for her. She's opposable, so too is Estrange. David O'Meara's mare has garnered plenty of fans already and has plenty of boot about her but the thinking is that this wasn't plan A and will have questions to answer on the ground. Wardaah isn't out of this given how unexposed she is and is expected to run well but perhaps the answer will come from Ireland. Joseph O'Brien's Wemighttakedlongway ran a mighty race to finish a close up 4th in a Group 1 at Longchamp 13 days ago and that was her first run in 78 days. She built on her seasonal debut to win a Group 3 and this big daughter of Australia looks as though she takes work to get fit. She gave Minnie Hauk a proper race when second in the Irish Oaks and if she replicates that form she's going to be bang there. This ground and trip will bring out the best of her.

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15:25, Queen Elizabeth II Stakes

Rosallion 11/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

One of the better renewals of the QE2 and this race looks to also revolve around a Juddmonte runner. Field Of Gold was an unlucky loser in the Guineas and build on that to win the Irish version and the St James' Palace Stakes. He looked to be on course to be Europe's best horse but things collapsed at Goodwood in the Sussex Stakes when he was a well beaten 4th, returning lame. He returns here on ground that should be ideal and the straight track at Ascot could well bring out the best of him. I'm sure the team will have the big grey son of Kingman in good order for his comeback but he's no longer iron-clad and can be opposed at the prices. Queen Anne winner Docklands must have a chance back at a track he's continued to make his home whilst The Lion In Winter can't be completely ruled out even if he isn't the percentage call. Fallen Angel couldn't come into this in better form but has had a busy spell and this could be a step too far whilst Never So Brave needs to prove himself at the trip. No horse in training deserves a win this season more than Rosallion. Richard Hannon's stable star should have bagged one this year but for one reason or another it's not quite planned out. A big field here will help him as he's better with plenty of cover and he's held his form well throughout the summer. He seems more solid than the favourite and won't be far away. A solid each-way bet.

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16:05, Qipco Champion Stakes

Ombudsman 7/4, 4pts win

The race of the day but if we're being honest it's also the race of the season. Prague is a credit to his stable and is worth a go at this new trip but will do well to finish close to the principles in the betting whilst Fox Legacy is one of the better winners of the John Smiths' Cup in recent years. The representative from the Andrew Balding yard will also no doubt find this far too hot. The stable's other runner Almeric is completely unexposed and arrives here fresher than most. The ground could have been easier for him but he's not entirely without a chance for all his lack of experience will probably be telling. He'll learn from whatever happens here and make into a lovely 4 year old I'm sure. William Haggas' Economics came into this race last year as one of the horses of year after winning a thrilling renewal of the Irish Champion Stakes but finished a disappointing 6th. This season has been a bit of a write off after well documented injury challenges but I can't believe connections would be throwing back into this if he wasn't in good nick at home. He can't be ruled out but it would be the training performance of the century were he to come out on top and I'm sure he'll come on plenty for this outing. Almaqam looked destined for better things when winning the Brigadier Gerrard in May but things haven't quite gone his way since. He's been beaten fair and square in his 2 runs since and although better is expected of him here, it's fair to say connections would have been hoping for easier ground and stall 1 could lead to him being boxed in behind the pace makers. Perhaps it is best to focus on the front 3 in the market here. Calandagan came into the race last year as a warm order after finishing 2nd to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International and looked set to win when hitting the front inside the final furlong, only to be downed by Anmaat. That form is pretty solid and he'll appreciate the better ground 12 months on. 2025 didn't start off by going to plan after defeats at Meydan and Epsom but a deserved Group 1 win at Saint Cloud proceeded a classy victory in the King George back at Ascot and he clearly loves the Berkshire track, which will see him again in good stead here. The drop in trip won't be an issue for all he is slightly better at 12 furlongs and he will no doubt go close to winning. I just wonder that this is the hottest race he's ever run in and could be up against opponents with an even better turn of foot than himself. Ombudsman and Delacroix have lit up the summer this year and their dual in the Eclipse still lingers in the memory. The Ballydoyle 3 year old came out on top that day but the Gosden's felt their runner had excuses (hit the front too early and quick back up from Ascot). The Godolphin colt put in one of the performances of the week when bolting up in the Prince of Wales' Stakes over this course and distance and he repeated that form to gain revenge on Delacroix at York to win the Juddmonte International. He's been kept fresh since and although the York race was a bit messy, he's back at the scene of his most eye catching performance and will probably appreciate this test slightly more than Aidan O'Brien's runner. Ombudsman has been drawn wide in stall 9 but that will negate the chances of being boxed in and I'm sure William Buick would rather be out there than in stall 1. Delacroix of course has a huge chance of bagging a 3rd Group 1 of the season and looked exceptional in winning the Irish Champion Stakes. He will need this to be a fast run affair though, which is likely with 2 pacemakers entered but stall 4 could present problems and there's a chance his long season could catch up with him (won the Ballysax on 30th March). This is a race to savour whatever happens. 

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16:40, Balmoral Handicap

Ebt's Guard 16/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Bopedro 22/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This is a hot renewal of the Balmoral Handicap and there's every chance that Native Warrior is a group horse in a handicap but he's shot up the weights and has had a busy time of things. He's therefore opposable. The rest of the front end of the market also have questions to answer so perhaps some of the outsiders could come into this. Ebt's Guard is off a high enough mark but ran well in the Cambridgeshire last time out before fading in the final furlong. He's better at this trip and is drawn 1 which could be ideal given past winners of the race have tended to come from the far side. He's won on the straight track here before and won over the round mile in August before finishing 3rd to Shout in September. He's 9 pounds better off with that opponent here though. David O'Meara has won this race 3 times before and saddles a few again here. 9 year old Bopedro has been beaten in this race before but will run off the lowest mark yet after sneaking in as bottom weight. He's been backed the last twice suggesting that there's stable confidence that he's in good form and it shouldn't be forgotten that he finished 3rd to My Cloud and Bullet Point off a 2 pound higher mark in the Hunt Cup at the Royal Meeting. 

Ascot - Saturday 4th October

15:00, John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes

Apollo One 5/1, 2pts win

Won this race last year and the likeable veteran Apollo One must have decent chance of repeating in similar conditions to 12 months ago. Coming to the boil at the right time, as showed when runner up int the Portland last time out. 

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15:35, BetMGM Challenge Cup

Mirabeau 11/1, 2pts each-way (5 places)

Cieren Fallon is an eye catching jockey booking on the 3 year old Mirabeau. Finished 3rd behind Native Warrior and Great Acclaim here last month but is now better off at the weights with both of those and will appreciate the softer ground here than either of those opponents today. I would forgive him the average run last time out at Newbury as he carried a big weight that day whereas he's off 8 stone 11 here and also hit the front a mile out and didn't look comfortable. He's a hold up horse and hopefully his top jockey today will get a tune out of him. Big chance. 

Ascot - Friday 3rd October

14:20, Thames Materials Amateur Jockeys' Handicap

Stenmark 6/1, 2pts win
Ribenska 16/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Not the easiest days punting at Ascot on Friday and the threat of serious rain could play a part in proceedings. Stenmark however, has looked a different horse since switching stables and the well bred son of Kingman could still be well handicapped off a mark of 80. He won well at Southwell before finishing 2nd off this mark at Epsom last time out, only beaten by the favourite and clear of the rest. Simon Walker has been booked and must have a decent chance. At bigger odds, Ribenska is having his first run on turf here which poses a question mark, and it will also be his first run in a handicap. A mark of 76 could be fair as he gave the now 85 rated Mezcala a race at Lingfield on his penultimate start. The Charlie Fellowe's stable is flying along at present and decent amateur jockey Paul Hainey has been booked. 

Nottingham - Thursday 2nd October

The flat season is quickly coming to an end. I'll be at Salisbury tomorrow for their finale but there's decent handicap action at Nottingham which I've honed in on. 

15:35, Download The PricedUp App Grassroots Series Final Sprint Handicap

Fantasy Master 6/1, 1pt win

Daryll Holland's likeable 7 year old Fantasy Master has won plenty of times at the track, including over course and distance and it's noticeable that Clifford Lee has been jocked up for a big occasion. It's fair to say he's been a bit out of sorts this year but he showed a real return to form when only beaten half a length at Doncaster last time out when finishing 4th in a field of 16. He's back down below his highest winning mark. 

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16:35, PricedUp.Bet Grassroots Series Middle Distance Final Handicap

Best Adventure 5/1, 1pt win

Andrew Balding's 3 year old son of Frankel has already won twice this season and looked destined for better things in the Spring. His progress seemed to stall throughout the Summer but he's now just 2 pounds above the mark he defied at Sandown in June. The gelding ran well at Glorious Goodwood over this trip but has faltered the last twice when tried over 12 furlongs, he's back over 10 now and it's fair to say this is an easier handicap than some he has been attempting to win of late. Callum Hutchinson takes the ride and he looks to have a decent chance.