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. 

York - Saturday 22nd August

13:50, Sky Bet Strensall Stakes

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

This is a pretty open renewal of Saturday's opener. Damysus has the best form but the ground could be a slight worry and he's been a little regressive of late. Instead preference is for Karl Burke's 3 year old Hankelow. The son of Night Of Thunder ran a cracker to finish 3rd in the French Guineas before flopping in their Derby. He's still full of promise though and after a break he comes here with big chances at the weights against some exposed older horses. 

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14:25, Sky Bet Melrose Handicap

Mythical Bay 6/1, 2pts each-way (5 places)
Sharkeyboy 17/2, 2pts each-way (5 places)

A really strong renewal of the Melrose sees any number of unexposed 3 year olds hold chances. Mythical Bay does look to have been plotted up for this though, having been absent since winning over this trip at Newmarket last month. He's really started to progress of late now he's getting to grips with his racing and still looks ahead of his mark. Conditions are not a worry for the son of New Bay and connections have an excellent record in this race. Willie Mullins has been farming the Ebor of late but he brings a maiden to this race with a big chance. Sharkeyboy finished 2nd in a big field handicap at Galway last time out but the run can be marked up as he raced on the outside for the whole race and was just gunned down in the last strides. He looks well in off a mark of 88 and Saffie Osbourne is a great booking in the saddle. 

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15:00, Sky Bet City Of York Stakes

Zavateri 15/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

A classy edition of this Group 1 and multiple top level winner Notable Speech will take the world of beating if he runs his race but it's worth remembering he isn't always the most consistent and Rosallion was beaten at short odds in this race. Instead, preference is for the 3 year old Zavateri. The son of Without Parole ran well on seasonal comeback to finish 3rd in the Greenham when he should have gone closer. He didn't run again until the Sussex but put up a massive run to finish 5th and will be fitter for it. Conditions are no concern as the colt won a Group 1 in Ireland on easy ground last year from Gstaad and he's still unexposed. 

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15:35, Sky Bet Ebor Handicap

Daiquiri Bay 10/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)
Klassleader 7/1, 2pts win

Always a classic race this. The Ebor looks as classy a renewal as ever although Willie Mullin's mystery runner has been well supported down to clear favourite. Love Me Tender could be miles well in but he's short enough in the betting now and so preference is for William Haggas's Klassleader. The lightly raced 4 year old looked an Ebor winner in the making when winning at York in the spring and has only been seen the once since. He wasn't at his best the last day but this will have been the plan all along and is still unexposed. Daquiri Bay has been shooting up the handicap this season but justifiably so after wins at Newmarket and Ascot. He's been put away since for this but looks a much better horse than when 3rd in the Melrose last year and the ease in the ground won't be a worry. He could be working his way towards being a group horse. 

York - Friday 21st August

13:50, Sky Bet Mile Handicap

Storming Point 10/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

A fiendish handicap to start the day and William Haggas's progressive Zennor Storm deserves to be favourite but Garry and Josh Moore's Storming Point wasn't far behind that one at Goodwood last time out and also holds big chances here. The son of Blue Point had good form in novices and on an easy surface. He had no luck the last day and this race promises to pan out better. He looks well handicapped off a mark of 85. 

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15:35, Coolmore City Of Troy Nunthorpe Stakes

Mission Central 17/2, 1pt each-way (4 places)

The presence of American speedball Baccio makes this a hard race to weigh up but on a first go in group company and on an easy surface he can be taken on. Coolmore's No Nay Never gelding, Mission Central was a narrow winner of the King Charles III Stakes and this race always promised to suit better than the July Cup. A line can be put through that run and with Wesley Ward's 3 year old a sure thing to go bombing off in front, Aidan's horse could be well positioned to run him down from the back. 

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16:10, Assured Data Protection Handicap

Master Builder 6/1, 2pts win

David Menusier's 5 year old Master Builder has had a decent career to date already and duly justified strong market support on season debut here 100 days ago. He's been put away again since and he's bound to have been trained to the minute for this second foray to the Knavesmire. The recent rain is a help and Tom Marquand rides. 

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17:20, Sky Bet EBF Fillies' Handicap

Janey Mackers 10/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)
Electricfarhh 12/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Plenty of unexposed types to the fore of the market here but perhaps a couple of more experienced fillies could play a part in this. Janey Mackers and Electricfarhh have been holding their form well, the ground has come in favour of the former and the latter is unexposed at the trip. 

York - Thursday 20th August

Work on York's Thursday card is a bit thin on the ground after not returning from yesterday's attendance until midnight. Still, there are a few fancies today. 

14:25, Harry's Half Million By Goffs

Tokaido 5/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Sun Goddess is undoubtably the horse to beat in this on all known form but she's had a pretty hard time of things lately and easy ground poses a question. Amy Murphy's star juvenile Tokaido is a worthy adversary and conditions will pose no problem to the classy colt. He must shoulder a heavy penalty but the son of Ubetterbelieveit was a ready winner of a Group 2 last time out and holds big chances despite the weight. 

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15:00, Sir Kevin Sinfield 7 In 7 Grand Finale Handicap

Cerulean Bay 12/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
Yorkshire 20/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Centigate holds obvious chances here and so does last year's winner Bullet Point. It's an open affair though and perhaps it's worth chancing a couple at bigger odds. Cerulean Bay has been knocking on the door all season long and was 2nd in this race last year. Ease in the ground won't hold any fears and this looks a slightly more winnable race than some he's been contesting of late even tough he's off a career high mark. Yorkshire on the other hand has been tumbling down the weights but showed better form when finishing 2nd and 3rd on his last 2 runs. Now Ed Bethell's gelding is returning to form, now might be the time to strike. Odds of 20/1 are appealing. 

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15:35, Legends Global Yorkshire Oaks

Minnie Hauk 9/2, 1.5pts each-way (3 places)

Not many King George winners end up in the Yorkshire Oaks but we have that here in the shape of Andrew Balding's star mare Kalpana. The consistent 5 year old is the one to beat but she has been fallible in her career and it was a hard race she had last time out. Perhaps it's worth chancing Minnie Hauk to bounce back to form. The classy 4 year old filly was the star of last year's division, winning this race by a wide margin before going agonisingly close in the Arc. She didn't run her race in the King George but has otherwise run well this season, as shown when finishing 2nd in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. Easy ground will help her let herself down more and she's shown she handles the track. It's may be that she's starting to regress but at the likely odds, she's the preferred play here. 

York - Wednesday 19th August

I was merely a spotty 17 year old when I last set foot on the Knavesmire. 2 days after watching Frankel majestically sweep aside his opponents in the Juddmonte International, I was stood in one of York's magnificent stands awaiting the running of the Nunthorpe (won the Aussie sprinter Ortensia). I didn't manage to find the Antipodean filly but would back Willing Foe who claimed the Ebor for Saeed Bin Surror and Frankie Dettori on the Saturday. 14 years on I will be making the 4 hour long journey up from sunny Hampshire to see the biggest race in York's calendar, the Juddmonte International. Work commitments mean I will be unable to complete the clean sweep and will leave this year with just the Thursday to complete but I have no doubt that will come in the next few years. For now though it's the mouth watering concept of generational talent Ombudsman facing Europe's most exciting 3 colt, Constitution River that draws me up the country like a leaf caught in the entrails of a ferrari. There's quality undercard too, with one of the best renewals of the Great Voltigeur in recent years and a host of monstrously fiendish handicaps to pick through. Whatever happens, history will be made on Wednesday and purely as a fan of the sport, I cannot wait. 

13:50, Hong Kong Jockey Club World Pool Handicap

Air Force One 15/2, 1pt each-way (6 places with Bet365)

It's not exactly the easiest race in which to start a long, tricky week but here we are with a 22 runner cavalry charge over York's straight track to tackle. Sprint handicaps at York are notoriously difficult to find the winner of and this year's renewal of the festival opener looks no different. There's any number of course specialists and in form horses, without many looking well in. It could be that Air Force One finally lands his pot this year. 3rd in this race last year, the consistent 5 year old continues to hold his form well and is now better off with Statusnine for his defeat here last time out. Geoff Oldroyd's gelding will have no doubt been primed for this given connections and stall 5 looks a nice berth. 

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14:25, Tattersalls Acomb Stakes

Haffner 7/4, 2pts win

Perhaps not the strongest renewal of the Acomb and it seems unlikely we will see a classic winner here as we did 2 years ago when Ruling Court was 3rd to The Lion In Winter. Many are unexposed but the Coolmore colt, Haffner sets a pretty high standard after his narrow defeat in the Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood 22 days ago. This track promises to suit better and the son of Justify must hold huge chances of going one better on the Knavesmire. 

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15:00, Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes

Maltese Cross 2/1, 2pts win

2 years on the trot the Voltigeur has attracted the Derby winner and again it looks set to be a prep for the bigger prize of the St Leger next month at Doncaster. Nonetheless, Epsom hero Christmas Day must have a big chance here despite the 5 pound penalty. He's classy but has plenty of stamina and will be a tough nut to crack. The recent rain will be a welcome sight for backers but there is a suspicion that the son of Camelot won't be at fever pitch for this, neither would Pierre Bonard who also holds Leger aspirations. He is closely matched with Christmas Day from the Irish Derby and the 5 pounds he receives could be pivotal but he's proving frustrating and this race may not pan out to suit Wayne Lordan's mount. The smallish field will probably suit William Haggas's star 3 year old Maltese Cross more. A game winner of the Lingfield Derby trial, the son of Sea The Stars showed a great attitude to finish 2nd in the Derby on desperate ground before going one better in the Grand Prix de Paris. He showed a great turn of foot that day and tactical speed may be crucial here. 

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15:35, Juddmonte International Stakes

Constitution River 6/4, 2pts win

Undoubtably the most hotly anticipated race of the season so far, and by some way. The world's joint-highest rated racehorse and reigning champion Ombudsman is sitting comfortably on his throne after a spellbinding performance in the Prince of Wales's Stakes and goes in search of an amazing double-double. The son of Night Of Thunder is almost bulletproof and is a star attraction on any card in the world. Can he give 7 pounds to French Derby and Eclipse winner Constitution River though? That is the question we are all waiting to be answered. The course suits, as shown last year and with a host of pacemakers this race is bound to be run to suit but he is fallible as shown when finishing 2nd in both the Eclipse and Champion Stakes last year. He had excuses in the Eclipse to be fair and he bumped into an on-form Calandagan in the Autumn who to was also the best horse in the world last year. Constitution River hasn't achieved as much as that French gelding yet but he is building some profile in his short career. The Wootton Bassett colt was eye catching in the Dee Stakes before putting on a gutsy display to defy a wide draw in the French Derby and then winning well in the Eclipse. He's not looked flashy the past 2 days but he seems to find plenty for pressure and he settled it a long way out at Sandown. If this proves into a protracted dual, it could be that the weight allowance and the stamina sapping final furlong sways it for the younger horse. Item, Almaqam and Zaydann must all be respected and have claims in their own right for all they must find extra here on the biggest of occasions against the best of opposition. It's almost a flip of a coin but you have to get off the fence at some point and mild preference is the the Coolmore colt. 

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16:10, Sky Bet Stayers Handicap

Kircher 9/2, 2pts win

James Owen's stable continues in good form this summer and his recent Ascot winner is fancied to defy a 6 pound hike under Ryan Moore. It's an eye catching jockey booking and the son of Pinatubo is pushing a mark of 100 but he's been upwardly mobile since tried over these longer trips and there's no signs his limits have been reached yet. 

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16:45, Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Handicap

Schrodinger's Cat 7/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)

It's almost as hard as it gets with another sprint handicap put in front of us already this week. It's as open as a barn door and so perhaps it's worth siding with Grant Tuer's consistent Schrodinger's Cat. The 3 year old gelding has finished 3rd and 2nd on his last 2 starts at the Knavesmire and is much better off at the weights with Naana's Shadow this time around. He's a little speedball and a battler and will no doubt be primed for another big run. 

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17:20, Sky Bet Nursery

Dubai Champion 9/2, 2pts each-way (6 places with Bet365)

Nursery's at festivals are usually tricky but it may be worth keeping this simple. Ben Haslam's speedy juvenile Dubai Champion was unlucky to be touched off at Glorious Goodwood and must have a big chance of making amends here under a loyal Ryan Moore. 

Newbury & Ripon - Saturday 16th August

I will be at Newbury for one of their summer highlight's, the Hungerford. It's a decent undercard too considering we have York around the corner. 

13:25, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Geoffrey Freer Stakes

Tabletalk 10/3, 1pt win

It's a fair renewal of the Geoffrey Freer that kicks things off and William Haggas's veteran Dubai Honour sets a high standard. A lengthy absence, quick ground conditions and a step up in trip are enough negatives around the favourite however and so it may pay to side with Tabletalk to end his run of narrow defeats here. He has run well at the Berkshir track before and Tom Clover's 5 year old receives a 3 pound pull at the weights with Mount Athos for his nose defeat at York last time. This trip will probably suit a little better too. 

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14:35, TPT Fire Handicap

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

The dead 8 go to post for this 7 furlong handicap and Scoville has been well supported here to finally build on the promise of last year. He's not really achieved anything this season though and can be opposed at the prices. Clive Cox's is only 1 pound higher in the handicap than when 2nd over 6 furlongs here in the Spring and when 2nd to Wokingham winner Double Rush at Newmarket. He's been a little below form since then but this step up in trip looks like a good move and Hector Crouch has a great record for the stable. 

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15:10, Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes

Extremely Zain 11/2, 1.5pts each-way (3 places)

It's an interesting renewal of the Hungerford this year. Yes, the City of York Stakes next week has had a detrimental impact on Newbury's Group 2 but it still attracts a decent sort in search of nearly 100 grand. Symbol Of Honour was a ready winner here last time over a shorter trip and brings the best recent form into the race. The distance is a little bit of a worry still though considering he hasn't tackled it since well beaten at the start of last year. Never So Brave won the City of York Stakes last year and if he reproduces that form he will win this well but he's been miles off that standard so far this year and is very much on a retrieval mission. Coppul ran a cracker in the July Cup and comes into this with solid claims but needs to prove himself over the trip. With so many question marks surrounding the leading contenders here, it may be that William Haggas's improving 3 year old Extremely Zain can take this step up in class in his stride. He's a proven 7 furlong specialist and will enjoy this fast surface. The well bred colt looked a group horse when winning a big field handicap at York before being too keen and too forward in another one at Ascot. He will have learned plenty for that last experience and connections wouldn't be throwing him in here if they didn't think he was up to it. 

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Ripon

15:25, William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap

Aramram 10/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

I have never been expect on Yorkshire racing but surely Richard Hannon wouldn't be sending his classy sprinter Aramram up north if he didn't think this was a winnable opportunity. The consistent son of Blue Point is 10 pound higher in the handicap than his last victory but he's since proved himself an improved horse in graded races this year and although he has a lumpy weight to defy, this isn't the hottest renewal of Ripon's summer feature and the draw in stall 3 is no negative. 

Windsor - Monday 10th August

It's one of the big nights for Windsor this summer. 

19:15, Fitzdares Sprint Series Final Handicap

Indian Run 9/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

One of the hottest renewals of the Spring Final since it's inception sees 16 go to post in search of the big Monday night pot. Many have strong chances here and it's reflected in the betting but perhaps it's time to put faith back into Indian Run. Julie Camacho's 4 year old has started to get back on track this season and after finishing a close 2nd over course and distance in June, the son of Sioux Nation has since won at Thirsk and gone close over an inadequate 5 furlongs at Ascot. He's in his best form for a while and a mark of 90 is still fair considering his group form as a 2 year old. The draw in stall 1 won't hold any fears for Ryan Sexton and his mount looks set for good run. 

Haydock - Saturday 8th August

I've never really been a fan of the Shergar Cup for all I have nothing against it. I attended once, many moons ago and that's enough for me. This weekend is sandwiched between Glorious Goodwood and Newbury's Hungerford meeting next week and it suffers duly. Not much to bet on but there's hopefully one to be found at Haydock. 

16:40, Betway Capital City Handicap

Cosi Bello 7/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Despite carrying a lumpy weight, Cosi Bello must have a chance here back at a track he is 1 from 1 at. Charlie Fellowe's yard continues in good form with 2 winners from his past 3 runners and the runner here is now just a pound higher than when victorious here in April. He's run just OK in 2 runs since but they were in big field handicaps at Ascot and York and this is easier. 

Glorious Goodwood - Saturday

13:50, Highclere Castle Gin Summer Handicap

Sing Us A Song 5/1, 2pts each-way (4 places)

Ralph Beckett's 4 year old is now back at Goodwood, a course he has won at before and off the back of a good run at Royal Ascot where he was hampered late on. This race may pan out more favourably and Doyle keeps the faith. 

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15:00, Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes

Santorini Star 5/1, 2pts win

Not the biggest field for this Group 2 but a classy one. William Haggas's Santorini Star must concede weight all round but she's in fantastic form this year having won the Jockey Club at Newmarket and then finishing 2nd in a good race in France. A line can be put through her Royal Ascot run and she is more likely to appreciate this quick going than last year's winner. 

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15:35, Coral Stewards' Cup

Far Above Dream 6/1, 2pts each-way (6 places)

Everything points towards a huge run by James Owen's sprinter. The draw looks good in stall 23, the ground is ideal and he's a course winner. I'm still not sure the handicapper has caught up and after a cracking run in the Wokingham, this year old son of Far Above looks set for a huge run.

Glorious Goodwood - Friday

13:50, Coral Goodwood Handicap

Defiantly 11/2, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)

Joseph O'Brien's lightly raced 4 year old ran a stormer to finish a close 2nd in the Ascot Stakes last month and arrives here for his first run since. He's one of few in this race with proven stamina and this is a weaker race. Valiancy looks the main danger and has a bit of class about him but he still has it to prove over the trip and preference is for the Irish raider. 

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15:00, Coral Golden Mile

Bunyola Bay 12/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

A difficult race as always but already hit by quite a few significant non-runners. Indalo will be popular again but the suspicion is this track may not suit him as well as Sandown and Ascot whilst Tribal Chief would be very interesting if he can start on terms. It may be worth chancing one at bigger odds and with Richard Hannon's yard in good form perhaps Bunyola Bay is the answer. A winner on seasonal debut on quick ground at Doncaster, the 3 year old stepped up on that to win a big prize at Gowran before finding the Irish Derby too much. This drop in trip is interesting but he's tactically versatile and Ryan Moore takes over. 

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15:35, King George Qatar Stakes

JM Jungle 9/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Night Raider deserves to be favourite here but it doesn't look the strongest renewal of this Group 2 for all there is plenty of money on offer. It could be that last year's winner JM Jungle is just coming back to the boil in time. He arrives in similar form to 12 months ago and the likeable 6 year old should go well. 

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16:45, Hawes & Curtis Nursery

Jaijai 16/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)
Super Tuscan 25/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Richard Hannon's Jaijai hasn't tried this trip since finishing 6th on debut at Ascot in May but that was a hot race and he was keen. He has since learned plenty racing over the shorter trip including winning here. He looks ready for this step back up in trip and will be very interesting if he settles in behind runners now. Super Tuscan looked good when bolting up at Chepstow before doing too much too soon at York the last day. He wouldn't be the first to run badly at York and put it behind them. He's worth another chance at big odds for Eve Johnson-Houghton. 

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17:20, World Pool Bet With The Tote Handicap

Astracornus 9/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

David Menusier's 3 year old arrives here off a feather weight and with this step up in trip sure to suit he looks a strong prospect under Saffie Osbourne. 

Glorious Goodwood - Thursday

14:25, Richmond Stakes

Night In Vegas 7/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

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15:35, Nassau Stakes

Diamond Necklace 4/5, 2.5pts win

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16:10, Buccellati Handicap

Manatee Mehmas 18/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

She’s Got A Brother 12/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

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16:45, Nursery

The Bookkeeper 5/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)

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17:55, Handicap

Law Court 11/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Glorious Goodwood - Wednesday

Rumba Numba was a nice winner yesterday but it's only the start of a long week and we move quickly on to day 2 and a fascinating Sussex Stakes.

13:50, Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap

Infraad 7/2, 2pts each-way (3 places)

A really intriguing opener with plenty of unexposed 3 year olds in here. Preference is for William Haggas' Infraad. He finished behind a couple of these in a maiden 2 starts back but that race was a bit of a dash for home and he's since shown he has more stamina in the tank when bolting up against novices and when finishing 3rd at Chester after everything just went wrong for him. That experience will have done him the world of good and this son of Ghaiyyath looks ready for his first crack at 12 furlongs. 

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16:10, Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes

Opera Ballo 4/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

One of the better renewals of this prestigious race. Bow Echo and Gstaad lock horns again and although it was a tight finish last time out, this race should pan out more favourably for George Boughey's superstar. He's expected to confirm form with the Ballydoyle horse but Goldolphin's Opera Ballo is a new opponent who is in great form. This track will suit him better than Ascot and he's already shown he's a global top level performer this year. His superior experience and tactical pace will show him in good stead here and he has a huge chance of beating the classic generation. 

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17:40, HKJC World Pool Handicap

Silver Ghost 12/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Emma Lavelle may be better known for her exploits in the national hunt sphere but she's an ever increasing number of flat runners and has a good chance of landing a nice prize here. Silver Ghost won over course and distance last Spring and now returns back to the scene of her best run. She's held her form well and can be forgiven a poor run at Newmarket 3 1/2 weeks ago. 

Glorious Goodwood - Tuesday

A glorious week in store at Goodwood and we start with a cracking days racing featuring the big rematch between Scandinavia and Trawlerman in the Goodwood Cup. 

13:50, Coral Chesterfield Cup Handicap

Yabher 15/2, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)

William Haggas's 4 year old didn't land a blow in the John Smiths Cup last time out but he wouldn't be the first to bounce back from a poor show at York. An easy winner her at the start of the season the son of Sea The Stars is still fairly unexposed and this looks like a good opportunity to get back in the winners enclosure. 

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16:10, Coral Rewards Shaker Handicap

Seven Questions 12/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)
Dyonisos 25/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Lexington Blitz will have a huge chance here and should go close having been kept fresh since Epsom. He's been well found in the market however, and it remains to be seen how he has fared with the draw being down the fair side of things. Instead at better prices it could be worth siding with a couple of owner-mates. Seven Questions and Dyonisos finished 1st and 2nd over course and distance earlier in the season and both return to a track they enjoy in different form. Seven Questions hasn't achieved anything in 2 runs since but has excuses and should love the likely set up he will get here, Spencer rides. The latter has since won well at Doncaster and looks in love with the game. He's not handicapped out of things and both are drawn high which it usually pays to be early doors at this meeting. 

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17:20, Bolney English Wine Fillies' Handicap

Rumba Numba 7/1, 2pts each-way (4 places)

Roger Varian's 4 year old filly finished 4th in this race last year but the race didn't pan out brilliantly for all she wasn't beaten far. The daughter of Too Darn Hot looks an improved article this year having won cosily at Doncaster before running well to finish 5th at the Royal Meeting. She appeared to just run out of steam in the last 100 yards there but this track promises to suit better and this is still just her 7th start. Perhaps Nanino Nayati will prove to be the biggest danger. 

Galway - Monday 27th July

One of the best weeks of the year kicks off on Monday as we have both the Galway Festival and Glorious Goodwood (yes it is, not this Qatar Goodwood Festival rubbish). We kick things off in Ireland first and there's a proper big field staying handicap on the flat to contend with. 

18:40, Connacht Hotel (Premier Handicap)

Eagle Fang 9/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This looks to be a little bit of a potential plot by connections of Eagle Fang. This is his first run in a handicap on the level, but he's rated 145 over hurdles and nearly won at the Grand National meeting 3 months ago. Stall 4 is handy and it's fair to say we haven't seen what the 6 year old gelding is truly capable off in his 2 recent runs in maidens as he's not been fully extended. 

Ascot - Saturday 25th July

What a day we have in store at Ascot. The King George is looking like one of the best renewals this century with contenders from all over the globe vying for the big money prize. The undercard is strong and the weather is glorious so where else would you rather be? 

13:45, Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes

Dark Issue 4/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

Richard Hannon's 2 year old fully Dark Issue must have a strong chance here. A decisive winner on debut at Goodwood in May she built on that to finish strongly in the Albany. Her 4th place finish that day is as good a piece of form as any in this race and she's open to more improvement back at the same track today. 

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15:35, King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Calandagan 13/8, 4pts win

A quality race. Benvenuto Cellini is an Irish Derby winner who will have his ground here as he searches to end Ballydoyle's decade long drought in this but the suspicion is that he's probably not quite good enough for this year's race. Minnie Hauk will have her followers as a strong second string from the stable but she's becoming frustrating and is maybe better on an easier surface while both Kalpana and Goliath have claims on their best form but both must show a career best to come out on top today. There wasn't much between Masquerade Ball and Calandagan in the Japan Cup but the French gelding is back on a track he is exceptional at and it's hard to look past the global superstar. 

Derby winners ranked

It's a quiet time of the year punting wise with the period waiting for Glorious Goodwood a bit tedious. I have been going through old racecards and have been fortunate to have seen every Derby since first attending in 2011 (apart from 2017 when I was on holiday in Japan and Serpentine's year behind closed doors). I think we've seen enough of Lambourn now to be able to rank the winners that I have witnessed cross the winning post at Epsom in front. 

1) Golden Horn (2015) - My 5th Derby, John Gosden's son of Cape Cross went into Epsom with an unbeaten record and duly put subsequent Irish Derby hero Jack Hobbs in his place on a boiling June afternoon. Victory in the Eclipse was followed up by a surprise defeat in the International before winning his 3rd Group 1 in the Irish Champion Stakes. I was at Longchamp to see Frankie's masterclass on the Derby winner when he claimed the Arc from the front in one of the greatest performances in the history of the race. Defeat at the hands of the following year's Arc winner Found at the Breeders Cup on soft ground did little to dampen the great colt's legacy and he goes down as the best Derby winner since Sea The Stars. 

2) City of Troy (2024) - Aiden O'Brien had sent out many a Derby winner before City of Troy came around but from the moment he bolted up in the Superlative Stakes in 2023 there was an air of something new around the stunning son of Justify. I saw the flashy colt hack up in the Dewhurst that Autumn and we went into the winter thinking we could well finally have a triple crown winner to look forward to. Things went to pieces in the Guineas but just as 12 months before the star colt in Ballydoyle bounced back to form to win the Derby with a classy run from the rear. It maybe wasn't the best Derby ever run but he backed up this victory by winning the Eclipse on softer ground than was ideal. But it was his outstanding track-record setting win in the International that he will probably be best remembered for. A stacked field lined up at York but City of Troy led all the way to see off the mighty Calandagan by a length with the subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking a further 7 lengths behind. It's a shame he didn't run again in Europe as I still believe we never quite got to see the best of him. 

3) Auguste Rodin (2023) - Another Coolmore colt who spent the winter as favourite for Epsom. Bred to be a superstar being by Japanese legend Deep Impact and Locking Stakes winner Rhododendron (also 2nd to Enable in the Oaks), Auguste Rodin was already a Group 1 winner when he lined up for the Guineas. Disaster struck at Newmarket but the stunning looking champion put up a stellar display in the Derby, producing a withering run down the outside to mow down King Of Steel. It was a good running of the Epsom classic; Arrest (10th) would go on to finish 2nd in the St Leger, Waipiro (6th) won the Hampton Court Stakes on his next start, White Birch (3rd) won the following year's Tattersalls Gold Cup and King Of Steel won the Champion Stakes that season. Auguste Rodin would continue to throw in shockers on occasion but did go on to win the Irish Champion Stakes and the following year's Prince of Wales's Stakes. It was his outstanding win in the Breeders Cup Turf at the end of his 3 year old career that will go down as his most memorable performance though. He cemented himself as a proper champion that day. He never shone at Ascot but he ended his career by going down a neck in the 2024 Irish Champion Stakes trying to concede 6 pounds to Economics, showing he held his class throughout 3 seasons, claiming a group 1 at 2, 3 and 4. 

4) Australia (2014) - The 2014 Derby winner was certainly bred to to the job being by Derby winner Galileo and Oaks winner Ouija Board and duly got to business early by winning a Group 3 as a 2 year old, slamming future Group 1 winner Free Eagle by 6 lengths at Leopardstown. The chestnut colt didn't run again until the Guineas but still started just 5/2 and ran a stormer to finish 3rd to Night of Thunder and generational talent Kingman. After being beaten less than a length in one of the 21st Century's best Classics, the latest Ballydoyle goliath was hammered off the boards for Epsom and ran out a ready winner from subsequent St Leger winner Kingston Hill. Future Champion Stakes winner Fascinating Rock was back in 8th. Australia would be Joseph O'Brien's last Derby winner in the saddle but he did go on to land the Derby double by winning at the Curragh and then put up a fantastic display to win the International at York from The Grey Gatsby. It was one of the best performances in the race and although the runner up got revenge in the Irish Champion Stakes, that runner benefitted from a Ryan Moore masterclass and Australia perhaps wasn't at his best that day. Injury would rush the magnificently bred Classic winner into he breeding sheds where he would go on to sire a future Derby winner but he left us feeling that we hadn't had the chance to see the best of him and goes down as another 'what could have been' Derby hero. 

5) Adayar (2021) - The 2021 Derby was run with a limited crowd; I was lucky enough to be on course and was able to see a surprise winner who went on to prove himself an above average one. Adayar was the first Derby winner sired by Frankel and the towering colt went into the race with a strange profile for a Classic winner being that he'd twice finished runner up in recognised trials at Sandown and Lingfield. A 16/1 shot for Epsom glory under Adam Kirby, Adayar burst up the inside rail to run out a ready 4 1/2 length winner from the classy Mojo Star and Irish Derby/St Leger hero Hurricane Lane (unlucky not to win the Arc). It was a good Derby as even the well beaten favourite Bolshoi Ballet would win 2 Grade 1s in America. Godolphin's colt would go on to become the first Derby winner since Galileo to follow up in the King George when defeating the brilliant Mishriff by 1 3/4 lengths at Ascot with Oaks hero Love back in 3rd. Adayar ran a cracker on his next start to finish 4th in the Arc after looking the winner 2 furlongs out, perhaps the lack of a prep run and the soft ground cost him victory that day. Injury would stop him from repeating his form over the next couple of seasons but he did nearly win the 2022 Champion Stakes. His brilliant win at Epsom and classy performance in the King George against his elders marks him as a good Derby winner. 

6) Camelot (2012) - Camelot was a champion 2 year old who claimed Group 1 glory at Doncaster on only his 2nd start. He started favourite and duly delivered in the Guineas before bolting up in the Derby at Epsom to provide Joseph O'Brien with his first Derby win in the saddle. Dreams of Triple Crown glory were alit for the son of Montjeu and after completing the Derby double at the Curragh on his next start he was sent back to Doncaster in search of immortality. A poor ride from Joseph probably cost Camelot the Triple Crown although the trainer blamed himself for not running a pace maker. Enke was the winner at Doncaster and never repeated that form afterwards for his disgraced trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni. Camelot would nonetheless start 2/1 favourite for the Arc on his first run against older opposition but he probably left his run behind in Yorkshire and he could only finish 7th behind Solemia. Camelot would gain a win as a 4 year old on his seasonal debut in a Group 3 but was beaten when long odds on in the Tattersalls Gold Cup by Al Kazeem and was once again behind that rival in the Prince of Wales Stakes. Injury curtailed his career thereafter but he has since gone on to gain much success in the breeding sheds, producing not only an Arc winner but a Derby winner himself. Camelot would go down as a decent Derby winner but failure to win an all-aged Group 1 marks him down as somewhat of a disappointment. 

7) Desert Crown (2022) - It's a challenge to rank Sir Michael Stoute's last Derby winner. The son of Nathaniel won on his only start as a 2 year old when bolting up by over 5 lengths at Nottingham in November 2021 and duly built on that to run out a ready winner of the Dante on only his 2nd start. Despite only 2 runs the mount of Richard Kingscote started 5/2 favourite for Epsom and put in in one of the Derby's best ever performances by swinging on the bridle while others were in trouble and sprinting away up the home straight to win as he liked. It was one of the most memorable Derby winning performances of all time and the form stacked up too with the 3rd placed Westover hacking up in the Irish Derby as well as nearly winning an Arc later in his career. Injury curtailed the rest of Desert Crown's season and although he did make the track one last time when finishing 2nd in the 2023 Brigadier Gerard to the brilliant Hukum, he wasn't anywhere near fit that day and unfortunately died later that year. Such a short career means it's hard to say how he will be remembered but the awesome display he put up on that glorious sunny day at Epsom in June means he must go down as a good Derby winner who was robbed of future glories. 

8) Anthony Van Dyck (2019) - Seamie Heffernan's Derby winner is probably the first on this list who I'd mark down as an average winner. A group 3 and group 2 winner as a juvenile the son of Galileo's form tailed off towards the end of 2018 but won the Lingfield Derby Trial on his seasonal debut in 2019 to go to Epsom as a proper candidate. He scooted up the inside to win by 1/2 length in a bunch finish. It was one of the best renewals in hindsight; Japan (3rd) won the International later that year, Broome (4th) won the Grand Prix de Saint Cloud, Hardwicke and nearly a Breeders Cup Turf, Sir Dragonet (5th) won the Cox Plate in Australia, Circus Maximus (6th) won the St James' Palace Stakes, Moulin and Queen Anne, Sovereign (10th) won the Irish Derby and even last placed Telecaster went on to win the Grand Prix Deauville. As for Anthony Van Dyck himself; he never really built on the promise of his Derby win but would go on to finish placed in both the Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders Cup Turf later that season before beating Stradivarius in the Prix Foy as a 4 year old and finishing 2nd in the Caulfield Cup in Australia. He was only beaten a head by superstar Verry Elleegant that day when trying to give the great mare 8 pounds. He sadly broke down and died during the 2020 running of the Melbourne Cup but by being able to hold his form over 3 seasons he proved himself as a quality horse just not an exceptional one. 

9) Harzand (2016) - This is where it start to gets difficult as we enter the realms of Derby winners who either didn't race on much after winning at Epsom or failed to achieve much. The 2016 Derby winner provided Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen with Epsom glory for the Aga Khan. Harzand was the first Derby winner by Sea The Stars and went into the race as a strong proposition having won the Ballysax Stakes back in April on only his 3rd start. He only ran the once as a juvenile, finishing 5th in a Gowran Park maiden but progressed rapidly in his classic year and won the Derby well from the well punted favourite U S Army Ranger. He enjoyed the soft ground that day and stayed on strongly. It was an OK running of the Derby as although the runner up never won again, the 3rd placed Idaho won a Hardwicke Stakes, the 8th placed Cloth Of Stars finished 2nd in an Arc to Enable, and the 12th placed Ulysses proved himself a top class talent as a 4 year old when winning the Eclipse and International. Harzand himself did win the Irish Derby on his next start to go 4 from 4 that season so far but ran poorly when favourite for the Irish Champion Stakes and again when fancied for the Arc at Chantilly. He won a good renewal of the Derby and did back it up at the Curragh but failure to even run well against his elders means he cannot rank that highly here. 

10) Ruler Of The World (2013) - One of the best named Derby winners ever holds a special place in my heart as I strongly fancied him for Epsom glory and he delivered on my 3rd trip to see the blue ribband event. The son of Galileo provided Ryan Moore with his first winner for Coolmore and it was only the colt's 3rd run. He strapping chestnut didn't appear as a juvenile but broke his duck at the first time of asking in a maiden at the Curragh in April and only 2 months later was a classic winner after winning the Chester Vase in strong style on his 2nd start. It's fair to say it was a poor Derby that Ruler Of The World won as nothing in behind him that day went on to achieve much; the winner himself was beaten in the Irish version on his next start. He did however, nearly win a Prix Niel in September and was beaten less than a length by Farhh in the Champion Stakes. He would go one better in Arc trials as a 4 year old when winning the Prix Foy but disappointed on his last 2 starts in the Arc itself and the Champion Stakes. Ruler Of The World did perform well in a few subsequent races after Epsom glory but failure to win the Irish Derby just holds him below Harzand. 

11) Pour Moi (2011) - My first Derby. It was a real let down as all the noise was around Carlton House finally winning the race for Queen Elizabeth II but it wasn't to be. Still, the race is memorable for Mikael Barzalona's celebrations before the winning line. The Coolmroe owned, French trained son of Montjeu was lightly raced going into Epsom, only winning a maiden as a 2 year old and finishing 3rd in a trial at Longchamp in April. Nonetheless he was well backed down to 4/1 and produced a strong withering run down the outside to mow down Treasure Beach on the line. He would never race again due to injury and so cannot rate too highly here but the Derby form worked out OK in the end; Treasure Beach (2nd) won the Irish Derby and performed well at the top level around the world thereafter, Carlton House (3rd) won the Brigadier Gerard and finished 2nd in the Prince of Wales's stakes as a 4 year old, Memphis Tennessee (4th) won the Ormonde Stakes the following year, and Masked Marvel (8th) won the St Leger. 

12) Lambourn (2025) - You could argue it's unfair to rank Lambourn below Harzand as both won the Irish Derby on their subsequent starts and Lambourn has won again since then however, the Coolmore colt somewhat stole the race at Epsom and it was a poor Irish Derby he followed up in. Still the son of Australia must rank above a few as he won the Irish Derby nonetheless and was perhaps over the top for the year when he disappointed in both the Voltigeur and St Leger. A win in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes at the start of this year had us all wondering if he would finally build on his classic winning performances but he has since failed to fire in 3 subsequent runs and is constantly being sent off like a scolded cat from the front. His Derby win will live long in the memory as there aren't many all the way winners but he will go down as a below average winner and a disappointment. 

13) Masar (2018) - The first winner in the Godolphin blue, Masar ran out a ready winner at Epsom to give Charlie Appleby and William Buick their first victories in the race. A classy 2 year old, the son of New Approach had won the Solario Stakes at Sandown and finished 3rd in both the Chesham and a Group 1 at Chantilly in 2017. Poor runs at the Breeders Cup and at Meydan followed that before a wide margin win in the Craven had him sent off favourite for the Guineas. He ran well to finish 3rd to Saxon Warrior there but built on that run to win the Derby in great style on his next start. It was a very good Derby that year with the 3rd placed Roaring Lion going on to prove himself a generational talent and Saxon Warrior also holding his form well at the highest level. Both of those were beaten by the trip more than the opposition though and after injury Masar would go on to beat only 1 horse home on his next 2 starts and therefore goes down as a below average winner who connections will feel they shouldn't have brought back to the track after his setback. 

14) Christmas Day (2026) - It's hard to rank Ronan Whelan's Derby winner as he's still in training and has only run the once since but he won the Ballysax Stakes well and his run in the Dante can be forgiven as he was on the wrong part of the track. The son of Camelot was already a Group 3 winner as a 2 year old and the Derby form has already been franked by the runner up Maltese Cross winning the Grand Prix de Paris and Christmas Day himself ran a cracker to finish 2nd in the Irish Derby. In time he may rank higher but at the moment he's perhaps a somewhat fortunate winner of the Derby as not many handled the extreme conditions that day and has yet to gain another win. 

15) Wings Of Eagles (2017) - The son of 2011 winner Pour Moi was a huge 40/1 winner of the Derby in 2017. I was on holiday in Japan this year so can't count to have witness the race and in fact never saw Wings Of Eagles run at all in part because of his curtailed career. Still he won during my period of Derby's and he unfortunately ranks very low on his list. Before Epsom glory he had only a maiden win to his name. The Ballydoyle colt had run well to finish 2nd in the Chester Vase but not many fancied him for Classic glory. It was actually a very good Derby that Padraig Beggy won as Reklinding (16th) won a Melbourne Cup, Salouen (13th) nearly won a Coronation Cup, Permian (10th) won the King Edward VII, Best Solution (8th) won a German group 1 and a  Caulfield Cup, Capri (6th) won the Irish Derby and St Leger, Benbatl (5th) performed well at the top level all over the world and Cracksman (3rd) won 2 Champion Stakes. The fact that Capri and Cracksman managed to turn the form around in the Irish Derby and his overall form apart from Epsom victory was poor mark him as a below average winner.

16) Serpentine (2020) - The winner behind closed doors for Emmett McNamara and basically stole the race. Although a few in behind went on to achieve future wins at the top level (most notably Pyledriver int the King George) he was a poor winner who never went on to achieve anything of note and was gelded once shipped off to Australia.