11th October

Musselburgh 2:10 National Express Reserve Handicap (Consolation race for 3.15) (Class 2) (3yo+)

The consolidation race Sprint Cup handicap which runs at 3.15. The field of 17 is covered by 11lbs in the handicap with 3 year olds getting a weight for age allowance of 3lbs. The draw bias at Musselburgh is low (6 of last 9 big field winners over the trip have come from single figure draws) and the winners normally race prominently. The obvious place to start is Princess Ellis, who won a big field course and distance race from stall 14 this season, she pinged out and tracked across to the stands rail (low draws). This race is much better than that one and she is running from much higher in the handicap (18lbs), she however is in great form and looks the proverbial good thing. Green Park who is drawn high looks set to run a big race, beaten last time by Captain Dunne but showed good form and is 2lbs lower than his career best winning mark, he goes with the pace and looks likely to appreciate the return to turf. If these two cut each other’s throats then How’s She Cuttin’ could prosper, she normally runs from off the pace and is open to more improvement. Others to note are Avertuoso (10lbs lower than best winning mark) and Geojimali (1lb lower than best winning mark). However for the winner I have to return to Princess Ellis - JB.

Selection: Princess Ellis
Danger 1 – Green Park
Danger 2 – How’s She Cuttin’


Ascot 2:20 ladbrokes.com Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)

A big prize on offer here and a competitive handicap to boot. In handicaps of this size I am looking for a consistent performer, which doesn't unfortunately exclude many. The soft ground will also make this a good test of stamina and so the obvious selection would appear to be Magicalmysterytour who won last time out in similar conditions beating Tastahil and staying on. Tastahil is now in receipt of 5lbs, is the more consistent performer and how many times have we seen a horse disappoint on it's second time out after a long break? Of those two Tastahil is my selection.

The second important race is the Marchpole Handicap run also at Ascot a couple of weeks ago and the first four home reoppose on softer ground and undoubtedly a stronger pace. Night Crescendo, winner in the race is easily opposed. No form on the ground and a lucky winner last time out, on slightly worse weight terms with Young Mick who won't encounter the same problems and should beat him comfortably on ground he likes. Drill Sergeant is flattered by his 3rd, he stayed on well but probably won't get the trip. He does like the ground and if he can dictate the pace may have a place chance. Pevensey has been well held by Young Mick so of these 4, Young Mick is the selection.

Allied Powers and Inventor are the last two on the shortlist. Inventor hasn't really had a chance to prove himself on this ground but Allied Powers has acquitted himself constantly and consistently. The only potential negative is the jockey, Spencer needs to keep him handy and commit him early to make this a real test. I think the horse is a bit gutless though, if he gets a march on Young Mick and Tastahil then he has a real chance but Tastahil is taken for the win with Young Mick and Allied Powers the dangers - AR.

Selection: Tastahil
Danger 1: Allied Powers
Danger 2: Young Mick


Bangor-On-Dee 2:25 toteswinger Handicap Chase (Class 3) (4yo+)

The first Chase for the blog falls to me. Top weight is the mount of the champ AP McCoy. Interesting that his retainer, JP McManus runs one in the same race yet AP is given the leg up on the top weight. It says a lot for both horses chances. The Kings Of Angels has wins over shorter and further to his name so this trip is within his compass. Vadelle has been consistent but does not have his ground here. Another in that mould is course winner Rimsky who, although ran 3rd to Comply or Die in the Eider over further, likes ease under foot. Hold The Bid is another consistent sort who should be there or there about. Wins over 1f more and 1f less, goes on the ground, good chance. A couple of others to win at the track are Gidam Gidam and Bill’s Echo. The trip may be too much for the latter but Gidam Gidam has distance victories on his side. Down at the lower end of the weights is the mare Jim Bobs Girl. Another ultra consistent sort in this grade, she has wins over further. A pipe opener over hurdles last month may bring her on and with the jockey taking another 3lbs off her back I think she’s got a nice chance at decent odds - VE.

Selection: Jim Bobs Girl
Danger 1: Hold The Bid
Danger 2: The King Of Angels


Musselburgh 3:15 National Express York Sprint Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)

The consolidation race will hold all the clues for this race. However as we have to do our form reading before the days racing I have to suggest low draws and prominent runners. Those who go with the pace and are low drawn include Fullandby, Ishetoo, Captain Dunne and Stoneacre Lad. The two I want to concentrate on are Ishetoo and Captain Dunne. The latter won very well last time out when beating Green Park, if that horse runs well then Captain Dunne has to be worth following. He has been extremely hit and miss this season, having spread shoes and not started well. He however has undoubted ability and is on a fair mark. He is my selection for the win but if you are trying to get a placed horse it may be wiser to look elsewhere. Ishetoo is more consistent and looks set to run a big race. Cheveton has the widest draw and needs to find improvement whilst Hogmaneigh should be staying on the best at the finish. Sirens Gift seems to flatter to deceive but still is a good bet to finish close to the winner. Fullandby promises a lot but probably will find things happening too quickly and River Falcon will need gaps to open at the right time. I am siding with the big chestnut Captain Dunne - JB.

Selection: Captain Dunne
Danger 1: Ishetoo
Danger 2: Hogmaneigh


Ascot 3:30 Deloitte Autumn Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (2yo)

A nice little Group 3 for some promising 2 year olds. The race was won last year by Ibn Khaldun on his way to further triumph in the Racing Post Trophy. Sadly a poor Guinea’s run is all to show from his Classic season but Godolphin have another one this year in the form of Anmar. They are on a hot streak right now, including a 2 year old double at Lingfield on Friday. Anmer won on debut but was beaten over the mile on his only other run which is a slight doubt. Stable and jockey seem bang in form so one to be considered strongly. Another for the short list is the Queen’s horse Four Winds who is the current favourite. A winner over the distance it has to be in with a chance. However he has not been in a race of this class before. Kite Wood too should be in the mix. A winner of a lesser class race but on the same ground and distance as Saturday’s race is from another yard that is in form. Mishrif will be stepping up to a mile for the first time. Beaten by Wingwalker on debut he will have to improve to take this. I like the look of Taameer. Tregoning seems back on track and with just one race under his belt, further improvement will hopefully be seen. His victory was in a class 2 and over the mile so all are positives - VE.

Selection: Taameer
Danger 1: Anmar
Danger 2: Kite Wood


Ascot 4:05 David & Toni Eyles Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+)

Many in with a chance and the likely favourite, Stoute's colt Ascot Lime is certainly a threat but the formlines are mixed with him. Beaten comfortably by a G3 horse last time out but ran creditably, nosed out Conquisto in the race before who has disappointed since. Amanjena has only raced on soft ground on her maiden and was supposed to be turned in for the season so it is a surprise to see her here. Andrew Balding has had a good season and intends to keep her in training next season so he must fancy her chances.

Heaven Knows has beaten the G3 horse that did for Ascot Lime but that was last season and the handicapper hasn't dropped him enough to be competitive. Prince Forever and Ladies Best are also giving plenty of weight away and seem to be stuck to filling out the minor placings. Ramona Chase was obliterated by St Leger winner Conduit early in the season but is going to have to replicate that performance to have a chance here.

I'll take a chance and select Amanjena, although she is not proven on soft she hasn't had a chance and didn't struggle in her maiden and will come on for that. Ascot Lime to round out the top 2 and Ladies Best to run on for third - AR.

Selection: Amanjena
Danger 1: Ascot Lime
Danger 2: Ladies Best

1. Princess Ellis
2. Tastahil
3. Jim Bobs Girl
4. Captain Dunne
5. Taameer
6. Amanjena

4th October

Newmarket 2.10 Tattersalls Timeform Fillies' 800 (Class 2) (2yo)

Well I’ve drawn the short straw and am first up! At least it can only get better! The first race for us is a Class 2 contest with a big pot for the winner. This marks a step up in class for a fair few of the field. The exceptions who have run in higher graded races are Ahla Wasahl and Kissing The Camera. The former was placed in the Cherry Hinton Stakes (G2) over 6f but didn’t seem to get the trip over 7f in the Sweet Solera Stakes (G3). Ahead of her that day was Kissing The Camera who found trouble in running. The form of that race has been boosted not just by Rainbow View (who we all know about) but also Minor Vamp who won the Goff’s Fillies Million last weekend. The ground shouldn’t be an issue to Kissing The Camera with a victory on Good to Firm earlier in the season. No ground issues either for My Superstar (who is the forecasted favourite at time of writing). The Stoute/Moore combination has a very good chance having scored over the distance on this ground. Others of interest are Oasis Sunset, who ran 4th in a race won by Arazan earlier this season, and Vitoria. Oasis Sunset may want further than the 7f here but connections must think she has a chance to send her over from Ireland to take back some prize money. Vitoria, having won over the distance and on the ground too, should be in the mix. Due to this I’d take Vitoria to edge out Oasis Sunset as a danger - VE.

Selection: Kissing The Camera
Danger 1: My Superstar
Danger 2: Vitoria

Redcar 2.25 Boddingtons Redcar Straight-Mile Championship Final (Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)

It’s the first of the two big field handicaps in this week’s Scoop 6, this one is the straight mile class 2 handicap at Redcar. It is the draw that plays a massive influence in this race, those drawn low are at a massive disadvantage. Ezdeyaad is the likely market leader, coming into this race in fine form he is likely to be well supported in the market. He is off a higher mark than when just tipped off last time out and is overlooked. Those drawn high include Efidium, Crocodile Bay and King Fingal and cases can be made for all three, the course, distance and ground should hold no concerns for all three. However the selection is going to be the old timer Middlemarch who relishes these conditions, having won over the course and distance last time out. The main dangers look to be Moheeb and Exit Smiling, the former has got some good runs in the formbook and is likely to show more progression whilst Exit Smiling is a horse with course, distance and ground form - JB.

Selection: Middlemarch
Danger 1: Moheeb
Danger 2: Exit Smiling

Newmarket 2.45 Tattersalls Timeform Million (Class 2) (2yo)

Don't get me started on the prize money available for this Class 2 race! However that has attracted some quality horses none more so than the likely favourite Sri Putra. This unbeaten colt has a G3 victory under his belt already in the race that Raven's Pass (Champion Miler Elect?) won last year, he has held a few of these (notably Prince Seigfried and Cry of Freedom) in the past. Liberation is the main threat, smashing the majority of the field last time out by 10L. Spencer's mount, Nasri is certain to enjoy the step up in trip and on times deserves his place here but in my opinion will find a couple too good. Richard Hannon saddles Sohcahtoa who has found the mile a bit too far and drops back in trip here, a good indication will be the performance of Snoqualmie Girl on Friday but against less exposed rivals I think will struggle. Weald Park is the final piece of this huge jigsaw and should have won last time out in a weak G2, Richard Hughes should have learnt his lesson from this and is proven on the likely firmer ground which is more than can be said for many of these - AR.

Selection: Weald Park
Danger 1: Sri Putra
Danger 2: Liberation

Redcar 3.00 totescoop6 Two-Year-Old Trophy (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo)

Only a fifth of the prize money available at the less glamorous Redcar 2yo showpiece but another hugely competitive race. Total Gallery is the highest rated here but has yet to win over this distance and if you don't get the trip then you are going to be found wanting in a big field, Zuzu is bidding for the hat-trick but makes a big step up in class (albeit deservedly so) she has shown signs of greeness under pressure and when tiring if she battles on should do well. Brae Hill (the Sporting Life selection) needs to improve to win but won his far side battle last time out in tough conditions. I'm not sure that is going to be enough though. Caranbola should again be out of her league here but she gets a big weight tow and coul be in the mix for the lower place. Viva Ronaldo was held by Brae Hill in the testing 6 1/2f race last time out at Doncaster and again gives her 6lbs but the sounder surface will suit and the gap will not be as wide this time around. I've toyed with the idea of selecting Khor Dubai, Godolphin have had a small renaissance with their sprinters as the season draws on but I simply don't think the horse is good enough. The selection is Frognal who beat Damien in the St Leger Yearling Stakes. The latter has gone on to beat Khor Dubai, Brae Hill and Viva Ronaldo. Tom Queally has not ridden him before but I rate him highly and the sound surface is a big plus - AR.

Selection: Frognal
Danger 1: Brae Hill
Danger 2: Viva Ronaldo

Newmarket 3.15 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (Group 1) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+)

Group 1 action and some top quality mares and fillies taking part. The market leader is Darjina who has been unfortunate not get her head in front this season. It’s actually over a year since she was in the winners enclosure although she has taken on the colts over that time and been very unlucky. Fast ground should suit and the mile is pefect. The main challenger will be Halfway To Heaven. This seasons Irish 1000 Guinea’s and Nassau Stakes heroine will be looking to put her 3rd place finish to Lush Lashes last time out behind her. She will be getting a weight allowance from the older mares in the race and on ground she loves she will reverse the form with Nahoodh who split Lush Lashes and Halfway To Heaven in the Matron Stakes. The going will put pay to Listen and Nahoodh’s chances. Cheveley Park run 2 with Heaven Sent and Spacious. Group 1’s are probably a step too far for Heaven Sent. Spacious is one I like. She found only Natagora too good in the Guinea’s over course and distance on ground the same as is predicted for the race. Didn’t beat much on her return from a break last time out but will hopefully have come on for the run. It should be a fascinating race and there won’t be much in it at the finish - VE.

Selection: Darjina
Danger 1: Halfway To Heaven
Danger 2: Spacious

Newmarket 3.50 totesport.com Cambridgeshire (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)

The biggest handicap of the day is the last race in the Scoop6 and it contains some very nicely handicapped horses. Premio Loco, Yaddree, Siberian Tiger, Indian Days and Zero Tolerance are all due to go further up the handicap after this race. Premio Loco is the horse who is due to go up the most, with a 6lbs rise in the offing, which makes him an excellent proposition in this race. However his worst form has come on this track and his recent performances have been on the all weather, and for this reason he should be taken on. Yaddree is 5lbs ahead of the handicap and has course and distance form, and for this reason is put forward as the selection. Siberian Tiger is a distance and ground winner whilst Indian Days is untested over the trip but will relish the ground conditions. Zero Tolerance has course form but is 0 from 3 over the trip. The main dangers to the selection could come from Swop of Luca Cumani who looks like an improving sort whilst my antepost selection Little White Lie looks set to run a big race - JB.

Selection – Yaddree
Danger 1 – Swop
Danger 2 – Little White Lie

1. Kissing The Camera
2. Middlemarch
3. Weald Park
4. Frognal
5. Darjina
6. Yaddree