Nap of the day: Tuesday the 5th of November...

19.00 Kempton: Dominium @ 7/1 Coral 3 pts win

 Dominium looks still ahead of the handicapper considering how well he is in form judging on his last two tremendous performances. He produced a stunning turn of foot at Kempton three weeks ago and was able to put a huge margin between himself and the rest of the field in a matter of strides to win easily in the end. Stepping up to 7f was no problem for him the next time, but the pace of the race was. It wasn't particularly fast run and it was clearly and advantage being ridden close to the pace, which meant Dominium faced an uphill task turning for home trailing the field. The front-runner won in the end but Dominium clearly finished the strongest gaining a huge amount of ground. He's up another 2lb for this, so 8lb above the last winning mark now, but very talented Robert Tart takes off invaluable 3lb, which should be an enormous help. In addition to that Tart and trainer Jermey Gask enjoying a 29% strike rate this year together.

Big Buck's: On the road to full recovery...

Wonderful to see Big Buck's being back in training and looking as well as ever. The world-class staying chaser sustained an awful leg injury last year and was out for the whole season, but he is now back on his way to a racecourse. It's been a long road and he still isn't quite there but all is well at the moment if we can believe the words of trainer Paul Nicholls. So fingers crossed that we see this fella on a racecourse rather sooner than later again.

This lovely video records Bick Bucks' recovery and way back to full training: 

Nap of the day: Mondy the 4th of November,,,

16.55 Wolverhampton: Konzert @ 8/1 Bet365 - 2pts win

 Konzert was backed like mad before his last start at Wolverhampton, opening at 25/1 and starting at 5/1 but then didn't quite get the run of the race having to travel very wide from 4f out while making a big move from that point onwards but having to turn widest of all for home and losing vital ground. The jockey soon realized entering the home straight that the horse wouldn't catch the leaders and eased him down, as it was pointless to beat the shit out of the horse only to finish fifth or something. To me he still looks a horse perfectly suited to the All-Weather surface anyway and he is open the improvement, being generally lightly raced. While Konzert didn't show too much in his first five starts, he looked then very much improved on his All-Weather debut, when showing dramatic improvement for the new surface. That day he was slightly outpaced soon after the start, trailing the field for a long way, and as a result faced an impossible task turning for home, and in fact the eventual winner travelled all the way from the front and wasn't to catch. But Konzert really made some eye-catching ground once straighten up in the home straight suggesting there is more to come on this surface and that he's ready to strike sooner rather than later. He couldn't back up this performance the next time, switching back to turf, when he finished a disappointing last, but ignoring that performance, I can see a horse with a massive debut performance on the All-Weather and an unlucky second run on that surface. Considering he is in the same form, he should be competitive getting also a chance by the handicapper as he's allowed to race off a 2lb lower mark tomorrow.

2013 Breeders Cup Classic

What an epic race we have just witnessed this evening! The spirit of the Breeders Cup is still alive - who would have thought that? Well, from a European perspective it is fair to say that the relationship to the big US event did definitely cool down over the last number of years at least. You hardly can call it World Championships these days, as most of the top class horses from Europe simply won't come over. But then this years renewal renewed some of the past glory. We saw some great races, the European horses that went over where largely successful, particularly in the turf races, while even the dirt races - which I find often pretty dull - produced some amazing finishes. But a Breeders Cup is only a really good one if the main race, the Classic, is a also good one. That wasn't the case last year, and probably not the year before. But it was all different this year! 

Last years winner and second went to post this Saturday evening, as well as last years favourite. In addition to that it was the Irish runner Declaration of War who added some spices. Personally I was very keen on his chance, as he ticked all the right boxes, with his US pedigree and top class Group 1 form. The race itself then turned out to be epic. A real thriller, a race that had it all, a race that was fascinating, exciting, tight and dramatic. It was racing at its best! I don't say this lightly if it is about Dirt racing, but in all honesty it is the case. The 2013 Breeders Cup Classic will become one of the all-time greats, a race we will watch over and over again. So sit back and enjoy this epic clash of world-class thoroughbreds:

Irish National Stud...

I paid recently a visit to the Irish National Stud, which is located in county Kildare, just 45 minutes off Ireland's capital Dublin. On a lovely sunny Autumn day I took the chance to meat all the current stallions at the stud. They've been out in the paddocks that day, enjoying the sun while waiting for some cute mares to arrive. The National Stud's stallions are the likes of Famous Name, Dragon Pulse, Big Bad Bob and super stallion Invincible Spirit! I also got to see the retired racing legends, who were turned out in a huge paddock, where they are enjoying life after racing. Moscow Flyer, Vintage Crop, Beef of Salmon Kicking King residing there. That's what you would call real legends, no doubt. And indeed they look so happy and well in themselves, which is great to see. So if you ever have the chance to go to the Irish National Stud, all I can say is: Do it! It's a lovely place. You can find a couple of pictures in a photo gallery on out Facebook page...

Post by Horseracing - International . COM.

NAP: Tuesday the 29th of October...

19.10 Wolverhampton: No Win No Fee @ 4/1 Bet365 - 4pts win

No Win No Fee ran a huge race considering the circumstances last time out at Wolverhampton over 7f on his first start since May. Not only did he have to overcome the second widest draw in a 12-runners strong field, which is always a disadvantage at Wolverhampton as the first turn comes almost straight after the start, but in the case he got hampered before entering this first turn and in consequence lost ground and had to settle in rear. He travelled widest of all without cover the whole race and while he made a huge move from 4f out on the outside in order to be in a decent position turning for home, this manoeuvre cost loads of energy and he was forced to turn four wide on the extreme outside. It was impressive to see how determined he galloped all the way to the line to finish an excellent 3rd in the end. This was only his fifth start, his first on the All-Weather and there should be definitely more to come. He steps up in trip and on pedigree the extended 9f are not unlikely for him to get. He can race off the same mark as last time, which could be lenient and as the feather weight with a good draw he looks to have plenty in his favour tomorrow. 

Thursday the 24th of October...

21.10 Wolverhampton: Seaside Rock @ 9/1 Ladbrokes - 2pts win

Seaside Rock is back after break but I have little doubt that he'll be ready to run for his new trainer as Dalgleish is in excellent form lately and if he comes down to Wolverhampton his horses often run really well. He got this three year old gelding from the Hannon yard where it soon emerged that Seaside Rock won't be a Group horse. But he is still lightly raced and it wouldn't surprise if he would have a good bit of improvement left in him. He won well a Handicap over 1m at Kempton last winter on his Handicap debut and showed in his three subsequent starts that there is still more to come, as he finished 2nd at Lingfield over probably too short 7f when he was beaten for speed in the closing stages while is most recent performance at Newbury in June is the actual eye-catching one, as that day he had absolutely everything against himself: A poor start, he got hampered and unbalanced soon after and didn't travell at all for the rest of the race, yet looked in with a good chance 2f out but then was simply stuck in traffic and didn't find gaps. He got a pretty light ride as well in the end, but stayed on well in the final furlong only hands and heels ridden. He wasn't seen after that, now with Dalgleish though, and also slightly stepping up in trip, which probably should suit considering the way he finished off his races, as well as back on the All-Weather and older and stronger, I would like to think his mark is potentially lenient.

Wednesday the 23rd of October

19.50 Kempton: Martinas Delight @ 25/1 Ladbrokes - 1 pt win

 Really interesting to see this filly finally appearing on the All-Weather as her pedigree is pointing in that direction and the drop in trip should be in her favour as well as 10f might simply stretches her stamina a bit too far. She caught my eye on her penultimate run, on good ground over 10f at Newbury, though, when she was in with a big chance in the closing stages, making some good headway but got then suddenly badly hampered which resulted in her losing rhythm and every chance. If she would have won with a clear run, god knows, but she looked bound to go really close that day. Her most recent run on rain softened ground at Windsor is one to ignore as that's not her conditions, while she has done quite well in a couple of maidens last year, this season wasn't hers yet. But she could improve a good deal for the change of surface and if so then she could be easily really well handicapped. She is quite a big price, too big in my mind, with Fallon booked, suggesting connections are rather hopeful of a big run.

Tuesday the 22nd of October...

Interakt didn't run yesterday as the Bath card was abandoned after the fourth race due to flooding. 

18.40 Kempton: Lutine Bell @ 11/1 VC - 2pts win

Lutine Bell was really unlucky not to finish much closer than what the form reads the last time at Kempton. He travelled like a dream, still on the bridle approaching the 2f marker but didn't get the in-running luck as gaps weren't really opening for him. He was eased down and saved for another day but gave the impression he could be ready to strike soon, now down to a really good mark. He's yet to win at Kempton in five starts but was twice placed of much higher marks and he clearly is a very good All-Weather horse, even though he didn't get his head in front for quite a long time. If things go well for him tomorrow then he'll have a big chance and therefore is overpriced in my mind.

19.10 Kempton: Konzert @ 16/1 VC - 1pt win

 Konzert was backed like mad a couple of days ago at Wolverhampton, opening at 25/1 and starting at 7/1 but then didn't quite get the run of the race having to travel very wide from 4f out while making a big move from that point onwards  but having to turn widest of all for home and losing vital ground. The jockey soon realized entering the home straight that the horse wouldn't catch the leaders and eased him down, as it was pointless to beat the shit out of the horse only to finish fifth or something. He can race off the same mark tomorrow, and I would like to think Kempton could be a track that suits him much better. He looks a horse perfectly suited to the All-Weather surface anyway and he is still open the improvement, being generally lightly raced. While Konzert didn't show too much in his first five starts, he looked then very much improved on his All-Weather debut, when showing dramatic improvement for the new surface. That day he was slightly outpaced soon after the start, trailing the field for a long way, and as a result faced an impossible task turning for home, and in fact the eventual winner travelled all the way from the front and wasn't to catch. But Konzert really made some eye-catching ground once straighten up in the home straight suggesting there is more to come on this surface and that he's ready to strike sooner rather than later. He couldn't back up this performance the next time, switching back to turf, when he finished a disappointing last, but ignoring that performance, I can see a horse with a massive debut performance on the All-Weather and an unlucky second run on that surface. Considering he is in the same form, not getting a hard race three days ago, he should be competitive off a low weight tomorrow.

Sunday the 20th of October...

Bath 16.45: Interakt @ 33/1 SJ - 1pt win

 Comes down to a super low mark, has conditions very much in favour as she can't have it soft enough, and she is one from one over course and distance. On pure form she didn't show anything this year, but I though her penultimate run was clearly better than the bare form suggest. She travelled nicely in rear, but stumbled when the crossed over to the stands rail over 3f out and soon after she had nowhere to go, stuck in traffic while looking to have a bit more to give in the closing stages with a clear run. She didn't respond to 1st time cheek pieces at Yarmouth lto and was always behind. She drops another couple of pounds, has a good jockey on board and looks wide open. On her day she's capable of outrunning the price.

NAP of the Day: Sunday the 13th of October

13.55 Curragh: Bush Pilot @ 5/1 VC - 2pts win

Usually not my type of race but Bush Pilot was a massive eye-catcher on debut at the Curragh a couple of weeks ago and I feel he could be a bit special potentially, so this price could look foolish at some point - so can I with the case I make for the horse as well, of course. But Bush Pilot should be alright for the step up in trip on pedigree, where's speed on the sire side but plenty of stamina on the dam side, also the way he raced over 6f on debut indicates clearly that he'll relish further. That day he got a very educational ride, saw never the whip, and was really well looked after by Pat Smullen. He trailed the field while travelling super strongly, on the bridle almost until the 1f marker, even though he was slightly niggled half way through the race to keep up with the field. But then over 1f he switched to the right and picked up instantaneously, producing a nice turn of foot to finish in impressive style. That maiden wasn't the strongest but also not a bad form with the 2nd having finished 3rd to Sudirman and winning a Listed race subsequently. Bush Pilot looked above that lot in my mind and with more improvement to come he could be hard to beat here today despite facing some nicely bred horses in the line-up.

The Eye-Catcher: Saturday the 12th of October...

19.50 Wolverhampton: Elizabeth Coffee @ 14/1 William Hill - 2pts win

Judging Elizabeth Coffee's most recent performance it looks as if the drop in trip will suit as she comes down to 9f again, a trip she was a big eye-catcher over on her penultimate start. That day she got bumped at the start, she was then travelling well but was short of room turning for home which cost vital momentum as the leaders had first run and got a big break on the field. She motored nicely home once approaching the home straight, though, until she got hampered around 1f out, she had to switch slightly and pick up again, what she did in impressive fashion. Judged on that performance she is down to a really nice mark and therefore she looks too big in price here today. The assistance of a decent 5lb apprentice can be only a bonus. 

5 lessons we learned on Arc weekend!

Treve rocks the Arc! 

WOW! Is there anything more to say about wonder filly Treve? Well, yes and no I suppose. One thing is for sure, though: It was one of the best performances I've ever seen in my life anyway. The Criquette-Head Maarek trained three year old looks a filly for the ages! A serious talent, lifting the roof at Longchamp on Sunday with a sheer unbelievable performance. To be honest, the more I watch the race the more impressive her performance gets. You just have to consider how much this lightly raced filly had against herself. There is inexperience of course. Even though three year old's have a good record in the Arc,  haven't and with the little racing under her belt Treve was feared to find the hustle and bustle of the usually rough Arc too daunting. She also had to overcome a poor draw - 15, the third widest - and as a result had to travel wide all the time, then turning four wide around the home bend, while racing well off the pace in a rather slowly run race. As if that wasn't enough she was pulling the arms out of her jockey the first full minute of the race due to the lack of pace! 

To overcome one of these conditions takes a really good horse, but to meet all these things in a race and then even to overcome takes something special. Treve managed to do exactly that. She demonstrated to be equipped with an unbelievable cruising speed as it looked like the most normal thing in this world for her to make it from the back of the field to the top of field in a matter of strides. When Thierry Jarnet let her finally go it was all out and over soon after. Treve produced a blistering turn of foot and nothing was able to follow her and it's fair to say she simply slaughtered her rivals, despite many thinking this years Arc field was one of the strongest for many years. Sure there is only one word for this: WOW!

She probably stays in training and will then be aimed to defend her crown in 2014. She is already as low as 4/1 for next years Arc. While talk about it is pretty premature actually, it is hard to imagine that anyone can beat her, as long as she stays sound and injury free. One thing is for sure anyway: Treve is already now one of the all-time greats.

Moonlight Cloud flies to Foret glory!

Thierry Jarnet must have been pretty happy when he went to bed yesterday. Because not only did he steered home Treve to win the Arc but he went flying again just half an hour later as he was passenger on Air Moonlight Cloud. Well, it must have felt like flying if you have been sitting on this mare I suppose as it looked too good to be true what little Moonlight Cloud did in the Prix de la Foret to her high class rivals. She was trailing the field, which is nothing unusual for her. But when she was still held up in last approaching the 100 meter marker, while Gordon Lord Byron got a good break on the field, it looked as if Jarnet overplayed his cards. But then, he switched to the outside, gave the half asleep five year old mare a wake up call and off she was flying home passing one rival after another in the manner of a Concord. It looked all so easy and she won with astonishing ease in the end. Visually this must be one of the most stunning performances of all time. This tells us Moonlight Cloud is the fasted horse in training on the planet at the moment. Give her 7 furlongs and a good pace and she beats them all. It says allot if you know that Moonlight Cloud clocked a more than a second faster time for the last 200m than Maarek did over five furlongs on the same card. Hard to believe - but true!

Maarek almost unbeatable on soft ground!

Not that it needed any further prove but Maarek demonstrated on Sunday again that he's a completely different horse wit cut in the ground over five furlongs. Declan McDonagh waited exactly until the one furlong pole until he asked his mount for everything in the Prix de l'Abbaye and when he finally did so the reaction was instant as the six year old gelding cut back the deficit in ground to pipe Catcall on the line! This was the first Group 1 success for Maarek who improved late into an excellent top level performer making his way through the ranks, starting his Handicap career as a 70 rated miler and having been once even tried over 12 furlongs! At that point no one could have been even imagining that Maarek would turn out to be almost unbeatable over five furlongs on soft ground years later! In fact in the last two seasons he appeared four times over 5 furlongs, always with cut in the ground, and he won a Listed, a Group 3 and a Group 1 race. In between a second place in a Listed event at Cork, which was one of his rare off days actually as he was slowly into stride and was never travelling. It doesn't take anything away from his impressive record over the shortest possible trip anyway. You better don't bet against him if he has his conditions - that is for sure!

Sizing Europe back and as good as ever!

Sizing Europe on Saturday at Gowran Park

The now 11 year old two times Cheltenham Festival winner goes into his ninth season and made a winning reappearance at Gowran Park on Saturday in the Grade 2 Champion Chase. His task looked straightforward on the ratings but in reality it wasn't as easy actually as main rival Ruby Light is a very good horse in his own right and in fact did almost beat Sizing Europe in the same race two years ago if it wouldn't have been for a fall at the last! Quito De La Roque was also in the line-up who has beaten Sizing in the past already.  

The sun was out over County Kilkenny this Saturday and a good crowd was eagerly awaiting the feature on the card. Sizing Europe looked excellent in the parade ring before the race and went off the clear 4/5 favourite. Ruby Light, a confirmed front-runner, set a good pace while Sizing and Quito De La Roque tracked him all the way. Three out it looked as if Ruby Light would be travelling slightly the better than the big favourite but then from two out it was Sizing Europe all the way who took over the lead and kept on well to score by almost two lengths in the end. A very nice performance, considering that this was his first race after an almost half year long summer break. Connections weigh up their options now, whether  they should take on Sprinter Sacre or aiming Sizing over the 3 miles trip at the King George.   

Royal Empire huge value for Melbourne Cup!

"Royal Empire is improving with every race. ... The ground is usually good to firm at Melbourne, which will suit him, and I think two miles will be perfect. Kerrin McEvoy is set to ride him." - Saeed Bin Suroor. 

So it was confirmed yesterday that Royal Empire will head to Australia for the Melbourne Cup, a message I was happy to hear as I fancy this horse for quite a while for this race. Pretty much since he won the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury a couple of weeks ago actually, when he stepped up to 13f for the first time and beat Red Cadeaux as well as subsequent Group 2 winner and stablemate Lost In The Moment. He appeared to be outpaced from 4f out but kept going and found plenty under pressure to win in good style in the end. He stepped down to 12f in his next two starts, getting beaten a head at Kempton in a Group 3 and then finishing a strong second at Ascot last Saturday in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes. They didn't go a mad gallop there but he was badly outpaced when the pace increased turning for home, yet he run all the way to the line and stayed on in fine fashion. While Royal Empire's breeding isn't quite conclusive about his staying abilities, his running style clearly indicates he wants further. Around the 12f trip he usually gets outpaced 4-3f out, but he always gallops all the way the line, not stopping, shaping like a stayer, who could produce a bit of a turn of foot over further, though. 

Two miles is an extreme trip of course but Royal Empire got 13f easily and looked go go further, so I don't see a reason why he hasn't a decent chance of getting the trip. He also has the ability to quicken, he likes fast ground and has still potential for improvement. He's pretty much on the up the whole year. Godolphin looks to have some confidence in him either, as he'll be their only representative this year, while they look to have a couple of other nice candidates on hand actually. He has been allocated a weight of 54kg for the Melbourne Cup, which looks a pretty fair weight. After all he looks to have the right profile of a Melbourne Cup winner, which would be the first one for Godolphin. It is not an easy task, having no prep run in Australia before, but that aside, looking at the strong but far from unbeatable opposition, he has a really good chance to go close and 33/1 looks big enough. Surly he'll be much shorter on the Melbourne Cup itself. 

So I'll nominate Royal Empire as a rather confident ante-post selection for the race that stops a nation. 1pt win @ 33/1!

BBOTD: Tuesday the 8th of October...

16.50 Brighton: Copper Trade @ 13/2 PP - 2pts win

 Copper Trade was probably better than the bare result of his most recent run at Chepstow suggested. If he is he would have gone very close for a win that day if it wouldn't have been for his rivals that were crossing his line and which resulted in the situation that gaps closed and he was short of room from 3f out, while travelling very strongly. His jockey had to hold Copper Trade back, in fact relegated him to the rear of the field, in order to be able to switch around the whole field and get a clear run on the outside. Once straighten up he flew home to finish less then 2 lengths beaten in 2nd. On that evidence it looks as if he could get further, as he really stayed on nicely, while his pedigree is inconclusive. Surly Brighton over 1m on softish ground is a very much different test to Chepstow over 7f so it has to be seen if he can see out the trip in these kind of conditions at a track with a very testing final furlong. But it is far from impossible and the fact that he is lightly raced, open to improvement and can race off the same mark as done lto should ensure that he has a very good chance to close tomorrow.

A night at Dundalk - Ireland's only All-Weather track

I haven't been to Dundalk in over two years but last Friday it was time to go back to Ireland's one and only All-Weather track. While there is the occasional talk about the possibility of a second track of this nature, in reality it has never capitalized yet, which means big fields are no exception but rather normality on a race day at Dundalk. The main reason for this is the Irish climate, though. It's the rain who makes life difficult for trainers and horses as the going at the turf tracks can change pretty much every minute. This summer wasn't as bad in all fairness, but last summer it was wet all year long. And here comes the strengths of Dundalk's All-Weather surface into play. The polytrack provides reliable conditions 365 days a year. That's why Irish trainers embrace the track and send out their best horses. For example Aiden O'Brien's Declaration Of War, this years Juddmonte International winner, won a Group 3 here last season. While the quality drops during the winter time, Dundalk offers top class racing in Spring, Summer and Autumn with a wide range of Listed races, ultra competitive class 1 Handicaps and even Group racing as well as good prize money. That is the big difference to All-Weather racing across the Irish Sea over in the UK where largely poor animals contest for poor prize-money at Wolverhampton & Co. - a stark contrast to Dundalk. 

Dundalk Stadium is a completely new track since being rebuilt in 2007 and therefore offers top class facilities for horses and jockeys but also for everyone who comes racing. It's modern but still cosy, with a Restaurant overlooking the track as well as a bar and betting lounge. You never have to walk long to watch horses at the parade ring, place a bet or get a pint. Viewing is good from the stand, even though it can be a bit tricky if the place is packed. Nonetheless there isn't much negative to say about Dundalk and it certainly is worth the €15 entrance. 

Aussie Valentine - winner of the opener on Friday

Let's take a look on what happened at the racetrack last Friday: The highlight was clearly the Group 3 Diamond Stakes over 11 furlongs. The Aiden O'Brien trained Afonso De Sousa went off the 5/4 favouite after winning a Conditions race in good style the week before, overcoming an absence of more than a year. But it was the 2011 Dewhurst Stakes hero Parish Hall who was too strong in the end, securing his first Group victory since landing the big 2yo Group 1 at Newmarket more than two years ago. O'Brien had a winner earlier on the card, though, as the talented Cristoforo Colombo run out a fine success in the Conditions race. He beat a good field and will now step up to Group company again. The two maiden races saw nice performances from their respective winners. Aussie Valentine looks a gelding of decent quality running out a decisive victory. He was very unlucky at the Curragh a couple of weeks ago when he really caught the eye and it was no surprise to see him going so well with a clear run this time. There should be more to come from him when he goes handicapping next. The second maiden looked a very hot contest beforehand and it was a bit of a surprise when the Ger Lyons trained Miss Mousey got up, beating the well backed Dermot Weld filly Backdrop in second. The daughter of Camacho improved nicely for the step up in trip and this form should work out well in the future. R.P. Downey showed that he can be an apprentice with a future in the game after winning the Apprentice Handicap over 1 mile in a driving finish. Still a 7lb claimer but Downey could be interesting to follow as he looks well worth his claim. Another performances to note: Cardinal Palace won the class 1 Handicap over 11f. The lightly raced gelding looks sure to be competitive in pattern company when stepping up in class. 

I've put together a lovely photo gallery from Friday's racing at Dundalk:

BBOTD: Monday the 7th of October...

16.30 Wolverhampton: Sylvia Pankhurst @ 11/1 Bet365 - 2pts win

Since winning a good class 4 Handicap at Chester (form works out well) she lost her form, finishing down the field in three subsequent starts. However that's been really good races, as she contested even in a Listed race, and it is fair to say she is better than these forms suggest. She had a little break since August and is of high interest now returning to the All-Weather where she improved rapidly earlier this year, winning three times, including two course and distance wins. She looked to have loads in hand when appearing the last time on the All-Weather, when she won a handicap at Lingfield in really good style off a 6lb lower mark than the current one. She can probably improve on this surface again and it is interesting to see her coming back after her little break fitted with a visor for the first time. She has a nice draw tomorrow, which is important in these sprint races around Wolverhampton and this should play into her hands taking into account that she loves to race handily. All in all 11/1 looks too big, particularly with Martin Harley booked who rides Wolverhampton extremely well.

Selections: Friday the 4th of October

14.30 Ascot: Jodies Jem @ 9/1 Paddy Power - 2pts win

 I felt Jodies Jem was a shade unlucky not to finish closer than 3rd last time out at Sandown in awful conditions. This lovely progressive gelding travelled like a dream, on the bridle approaching the 2f marker, he was short of room and hampered, though, having a tough time finding a gap, when he switched widest of all eventually and finished well there. His only wins came on the All-Weather so far, but he was only neck beaten at Sandown earlier this year and produced then this lovely most recent performance, suggesting there is more to come. 

19.55 Wolverhampton: Malaysian Boleh @ 11/2 PaddyPower - 3pts win

 Living the Life is a strong favourite here, having been probably a shade unlucky recently, but looks not the most straightforward horse and is too short in my mind, while Malaysian Boleh doesn't get quite the respect he deserves. He won with a good deal in hand over course and distance in his penultimate run while dropping in trip to 6f at Kempton two weeks ago, which wasn't in his favour. While he travelled strongly in rear, he had to switch widest of all and it took him then a while to hit top gear while the first three kicked away in that stage. Once in full swing Malaysian Boleh finished fastest of all, though, cutting back the deficit in promising fashion. back over 7f he should have a major chance tomorrow.

NAP: Thursday 3rd October

Tammuz was a nice and easy winner at 7/1 SP today. Finally one again after a couple of disappoint results, particularly yesterday. He justified the optimism and confidence in his chance. Our second selection of the day didn't have a good run, was slowly into stride and bumped into the rails soon after and was never really travelling in the aftermath.

14.40 Warwick: Aspirant @ 10/1 VC - 2pts win

Looks a bit a harsh price, even if it a competitive race this here tomorrow. Aspirant is lightly raced, open to further improvement stepping up in trip, which should in fact be in his favour, and I thought he showed a good performance at Bath lto over 6f, when he finished very wide and run on well, even though the winner was simply too good - won subsequently a class 2 handicap at Haydock! This form looks strong not only for that reason but other horses from that race run really well subsequently too. I also liked Aspirant's performance at Kempton, when he won over clearly too short 5f. He showed a nice attitude that day, while being badly outpaced, to win nicely in the end.

Selections: Wednesday the 2nd of October...

18.40 Kempton: Tammuz @ 6/1 Bet365 - 2pts win

Lightly raced Tammuz caught the eye at Wolverhampton lto, when he had to overcome the 2nd widest draw, which is a difficult task over the 7f trip there. He settled in rear, travelling very well but had also loads to do turning for home. He really motored home in the closing stages while not looking the most straightforward ride, though. Over 1f out he had to switch in order to get run through a gap and the way he picked up quickly again was impressive. The step up in trip back to 1m looks in his favour tomorrow and I expect him to make use of his low looking mark.

21.10 Kempton: Sea Soldier @ 18/1 Bet365 - 1pt win

Thought Sea Soldier ran a fine race here at Kempton quite recently. He got a very light ride from an inexperienced apprentice and was in a pretty bad position for a long time, first trailing the field and then turning widest of all, four wide, he ran on really well though under a very light hands and heels ride and might soon ready to strike. If not tomorrow then the next time but he's down to a very low mark now and never have been able to show the same sort of form as he showed during his 2yo season. But this most recent performance suggest a return to form and while an inexperienced rider is booked again he claims valuable 7lb and I feel Sea Soldier is worth to have a small bet.

Eye-Catchers: Tuesday the 1st of October...

14.10 Ayr: Two Shades Of Grey @ 11/4 Paddy Power - 5pts win

If Two Shades Of Grey gets a clear run tomorrow he should hack up and beat this lot convincingly. Not that I have a reason to be too confident in my selections after poor recent weeks but Two Shades Of Grey appears to be simply too well handicapped to lose here at the sixth time of asking. He was utterly unlucky last time at Hamilton, when he travelled well in rear and jockey Tony Hamilton looked to have loads of horse beneath in the closing stages but it wasn't to be. Two Shades Of Grey was stuck in traffic with no chance to get anywhere through and to make things worse he got badly hampered under 1f out, soon after he switched to right and it was hugely impressive to see this 2yo picking up so strongly as he hid and dropping in class but stepping up in trip, which can only be an advantage on pedigree, I can't see Two Shades Of Grey getting beaten here of his mark off 64. Let's hope confidence is once justified.

15.15 Ayr: Gran Canaria Queen @ 9/2 Paddy Power - 3pts win

Gran Canaria Queen should be shorter after her heroic performance at Ayr in a big Handicap sprint when he was just unlucky to be drawn on the wrong side. She raced on the far side with only a handful of horses, while a huge group had the full advantage on the stands side. Gran Canaria Queen ran a big race nonetheless, she finished almost five lengths clear of the rivals on her side, ears pricked even idling a bit in front as she had nothing to race against, while a race was ongoing on the other side, so that she finished only 4th in the end. She can race off the same mark tomorrow and looks still to be ahead of her mark after she won four times this year already, improving by 19 pounds. She won with a bit in hand at Newcastle at her third last start I felt, and while she was probably found out for class at her penultimate run at Hamilton in a hot class 3 Handicap, her most recent performance at Ayr, back in low grade, showed she is still well in the weighs, at least against the kind of opposition she's encountering in a class 5 handicap.

NAP of the Day: Monday the 30th of September...

15.40 Hamilton: Konzert @ 10/1 StanJames - 3pts win

Lightly raced Konzert must have a big chance conceding loads of weight from the other eight rivals here. He comes into this race after a really good performance at Wolverhampton, and with his US pedigree I would have liked to see him appearing on the All-Weather again, but there is something suggesting he could appreciate a bit of cut in the ground as well, as his sire's best performance came on slower ground actually, so he's of high interest here today I feel. Konzert didn't show too much in his first five starts, but looked very much improved last time out, as well as down to a mark he is capable off winning. He was slightly outpaced soon after the start, trailing the field for a long way, and as a result he faced an impossible task turning for home, and in fact the eventual winner travelled all the way from the front and wasn't to catch. But Konzert really made some eye-catching ground once straighten up in the home straight suggesting he's ready to strike sooner rather than later. Today he's facing older horses for the first time, but with the weight for age allowance, as well as his low mark plus the assistance of a decent 3lb claimer in the saddle he should really be poised to run a big race. I fear the threat of I'm Super Too most, as that one looks dangerously well weighted now. But fairly confident in my selection today, thinking 10/1 is a huge price.

The Big Race: Cambridgeshire

15.50 Newmarket: Cambridgeshire Handicap 

Proud Chieftain

The Cambridgeshire is a hugely competitive race this year as always with many good and interesting runners but there are two horses that look well overpriced in my mind. As the pace should be strong it probably is an advantage to stay a bit further than the 9f and that makes Gabrial The Great really interesting here. He clearly is best over 10f, he goes well on fast ground, and he has an eye-catching recent performance to offer, when he finished 2nd to Ascription over 1m. I believe he can turn around this form in a race like this over the additional furlong, meeting Ascription on four pounds better terms as well. Gabrial The Great travelled like a dream that day, two weeks ago, almost on the bridle until the 1f marker, but couldn't quite cope with the turn of foot and pace of Ascription in the closing stages. Yet he finished the race well, came a good deal clear of the rest of the field. Nice performance, considering the slightly too short trip and with todays conditions in favour I think Gabrial The Great has every chance to run a big race.

Proud Chieftain looks a huge price but he's a much better chance than the price suggests, in my mind at least. He clearly stays ten furlongs very well, he handles fast ground, he goes well at Newmarket and his most recent performance gave me the impression that he's really well in himself and more than capable of running a big race of the current mark. He travelled very much the best that day, still on the bridle 2f out, but he was locked on the inside, with no chance to get out. He was soon after also slightly hampered, lost a bit of ground and simply had to wait and suffer. Over 1f out space opened up in front of him and he finished the race in good style, without getting fully ridden out. It's fair to say he would have finished closer with a clear run. He should give good account here today.

Nr. 18: Proud Chieftain @ 50/1 Bet365 - 1pt win 

Nr. 20: Gabrial The Great @ 25/1 Bet365 - 1pt win 

NAP: Saturday the 28th of September...

Finally a winner again! Tatting absolutely hacked up approaching the final furlong marker even on the bridle! Nice to see some confidence rewarded as the recent weeks were tough. The other selections didn't run as well as hoped. Katmai River never featured while Royal See was all the way outpaced and behind through the race, even though Jamaica Grande finished a decent 3rd and didn't get the best of runs but in all fairness the winner looked too strong anyway.

21.00 Wolverhampton: The Great Gabrial @ 9/2 Bet365 - 2pts win

The Great Gabrial was hugely progressive this year and if you ignore the Catterick form - which I happily do, as it is such an odd track - you see a horse that won two of his last three starts in addition to the strong but pretty unlucky most recent performance. That day at Wolverhampton, two weeks ago, he travelled well enough in rear but as soon as approaching the home turn he was locked and stuck in traffic, with no chance to get out. He switched to the right over 1f out eventually, quite a hard manoeuvre, and from there on it was difficult to straighten- and pick up soon enough as he was simply running out of time. He overcame these difficulties well and quickly though, and motored home, was then slightly hanging close to the finish line and finished only fifth in the end. But the way he picked up that quickly in a matter of strides was hugely impressive as well the way he travelled so well through the race. This suggests there is still more to come and he should be very competitive of the same mark tomorrow evening.

Selections: Friday 27th of September

Mappin Time was a non-runner after playing up in the stalls...

13.30 Haydock: Jamaica Grande @ 12/1 + Royal Sea @ 12/1 - 1pt win each Bet365

Wide open race and I've two horses to run from my list here and both look overpriced. Royal Sea won over course and distance here at Haydock last month when finding the way the race was run against himself actually, but he showed a lovely attitude to pull out more when put under serious pressure in the closing stages. His subsequent run at Catterick is to forgive, as he dwelt and was behind, and facing an impossible task. He confirmed his fine form at Wolverhampton lto though. He was slowly into stride again and was trailing the field for a long time, made then a big move from 5f out though, improving position on the outside of the field travelling 5-6 wide. He had to turn very wide as a result but made further headway to suddenly emerge in 2nd position approaching the home straight. He was unable to match the pace of the eventual winner then and faded badly in the closing stages as he had to pay tribute to all the energy he used up before, to finish a long way beaten in 3rd place in the end. Still a fine performance, considering the circumstances. With conditions to suit he can run well tomorrow again.

Jamaica Grande looks a different horse since stepping up in trip. He won well a handicap at Kempton over 10f, his first try over this trip. The race was poor, but the way he drew away in the closing stages looked good. His most recent start over the same course and distance was quite eye-catching to me then, suggesting a further step up in distance could bring out further improvement. Jamaica Grande travelled extremely well in rear that day, which isn't the best position over the 10f trip at Kempton due to the ultra short run-in, though. He looked suddenly outpaced once approaching the home straight but stayed on pretty well in the closing stages. He steps up to 12f for the first time now, and performances as well as pedigree (out of King George winner) suggesting that he should have no problems getting the trip. 

17.40 Wolverhampton: Katmai River @ 10/1 Bet365 - 2pts win

Thought it was a very nice performance by Katmai River over course and distance last time out when he finished a fine 2nd behind impressive winner Tatting. He travelled really well for a long time and tried to kick away approaching the home straight, he soon brought some space between him and the rest of the field - bar the eventual winner. Tatting was just too good that day but Katmai River beat the rest of the field convincingly. He's on a quite long losing run of course but also down to a very low mark and tomorrows field isn't stronger compared to the rivals he encountered the last time. Also the 7lb apprentice looks capable, despite still looking for her first win, though. 

18.10 Wolverhampton: Tatting @ 9/2 Bet365 - 4pts win

I really can't understand this price, expected much shorter for Tatting. Yes, his most recent run at Kempton was disappointing, but if you can forgive him that performance and judge him on his penultimate run at Wolverhampton then he should be really hard to beat, particularly as being able to race of the same mark. In the mentioned race he travelled super strongly, and despite having to go wide all the way around the home turn as the widest travelling runner, he had loads in hand to win almost on the bridle. He couldn't quite follow up on this at Kempton for whatever reason, which was an unusual run for Tatting, but now back at the venue of recent success over the same trip he should be very competitive, even more so with decent 3lb claimer Da Silva in the saddle.

The Eye-Catcher: Thursday the 26th of September...

This game can be brutal from time to time. We all know that, and this blog has seen this in the early parts of this year in a quite dramatic way. At the moment it's one of these spells again as it seems. Our selection Mossgo was beaten only a neck at 16/1 by the favourite yesterday. Which is frustrating. Outbid was a non-runner as well Divea.

17.15 Pontefract: Mappin Time @ 14/1 Bet365 - 2pts win

Mappin Time looks extremely well handicapped on old form and while he has yet to win this year he showed a couple of nice eye-catching performances in 2013. I'm happy to ignore his most recent performance at York two month ago, which came in a big hot handicap. But if I look back to his penultimate performance at Haydock, which really caught my eye, as well as the two fine runs before that as well, I think it gets clear that Mappin Time is still well capable of winning, and with his mark dropping even further now, he looks really well handicapped. 

Actually he run really well on many occasions this season, just has been a shade unlucky. So it's not that he is really losing much of his ability due to aging. He is now down to a mark off 77 though, which is 4lb below his last winning mark and in fact it is a career lowest mark. Certainly he's a better chance than 14/1 tomorrow, even though Pontefract is a really tricky track, particularly for hold-up horses. But he has a good low draw, and might be able to get a decent position early on, and the fact that he acted on tracks like Beverly and Chester is encouraging in terms of him being able to run well at Pontefract.

Divea potentially well handicapped over extreme trip...

14.30 Lingfield: Mossgo @ 10/1 + Outbid @ 14/1 Bet365 - 1pt win each Bet365

 This is a shockingly awful race, which opens the door for the two 3yo Mossgo and Outbid, though. The filly Outbid was of interest for me quite recently already, when she ran at Kempton a pretty fine race, finishing second - followed closely behind by Mossgo - coming a good deal clear of the rest of the field. The winner was too strong and could go on to win a couple more races I think, but take her out, the field that day was probably as "strong" as tomorrow, which should give my both selections a chance tomorrow. Outbid came first to my attention on her penultimate run at Wolverhampton, which was way better than the bare form of that race suggest. She had the widest draw to overcome, what is always a negative there, yet she travelled very much the best turning for home, got then, however, badly hampered and had no chance to finish the race. Her best forms all came on the All-Weather, so it was nor surprise to see her beaten at Chepstow after that, even though she travelled nicely for a long time there as well, but didn't find much in the closing stages or simply didn't stay the extra furlong, and was eventually eased down. She won a maiden at Lingfield in good style at the beginning of the year, though, and finished a strong third less than a lengths beaten at Southwell later, so she has a bit of ability and with her low AW mark with decent recent form she can go close in this poor contest.

 Mossgo is a bit a frustrating sort. After his win at Lingfield last winter of a 9lb higher mark than the current one, he didn't show much and as a result the mark slipped down. But his latest run suggests he's turning the corner as he finished a good 3rd, less than half a lengths behind Outbid at Kempton two weeks ago. An interesting performance as he had a bit of a bumped start and was then very keen soon after, as well as short of room approaching the first turn and clipped heels as a result. Yet he travelled strongly until the 2f marker, switched then to the inside once approaching the false rail and finished well hands and heels ridden. With a repeat of that kind of performance he must go very close today. 

16.30 Lingfield: Divea @ 6/1 Bet365 - 3pts win

 Lightly raced filly Divea tackles 2 miles for the first time. She didn't show much in three maidens and two subsequent starts in handicap company on turf but responded well for the switch to the All-Weather and the step up in trip to 12f at Wolverhampton recently. She travelled really strongly in rear of the field for a long time, but got stuck in traffic when trying to make ground from 4f out around the home turn, while much in contrast the leading horses had the run of the race to kick on and fight it out. Once space opened up Divea went for it but had to turn widest of all to do so which cost ground. But once straighten up in the home straight she really motored home in good style to finish 3rd in the end. The way she stayed on is indication that she could cope well with the new trip albeit it is quite a severe step up of course. But she is lightly raced, down to a low mark, has every chance to get the trip and could potentially very well handicapped for this.

Catterick test can bring out best of Viva Ronaldo...

18.10 Catterick: Viva Ronaldo @ 6/1 Coral - 2pts win

Utterly disappointing year for Viva Ronaldo so far and as a result of that he slipped down in the mark, down to 60 now, while winning of 84 last year. There was a hint of form to see in his mist recent run at Musselburgh. He was pretty badly outpaced in rear, got then stuck in traffic in the home straight, switched widest over 1f out and stayed on well there. I feel he is very well handicapped now and judged on this run he should win a race any time soon again. Catterick is a difficult track but maybe it's this kind of test he might relish. It's a really poor race and the assistance of a 7lb claimer makes him super well weighted here. He would probably prefer a bit cut in the ground, but good ground is fine nonetheless and as Richard Fahey is in excellent form so I hope Viva Ronaldo can finally win a race again.

Master Carpenter to make the most of soft going...

16.05 Newbury: Master Carpenter @ 5/1 William Hill *BOG* - 3pts win

Master Carpenter is the highest rated horse in this field and on form the strongest contender anyway. He comes in this race after a very strong performance at Doncaster in a hot class 2 Handicap. He travelled really well that day, but got a bit stuck in traffic in a key moment of the race, when the horses in front had the chance to kick on while he had to delay his challenge. Once in the clear he took a while to hit top gear as he doesn't really look to have a decisive turn of foot, not over 7f at least, but it isn't easy for a young horse to demonstrate a sudden acceleration when it's stuck behind other horses and suddenly a gap opens. He finished the race super strongly then tough, to finish in 2nd place. I suspect he gets further and would be suited by a step up in trip to 1m but for now seven furlongs should be fine, particularly on soft ground. His sire Mastercraftsman absolutely relished these kind of conditions and as acceleration isn't really that easy on slow going this should play into Master Carpenter's hands and running style who will stay all the way to the line once he is in full swing.

The Eye-Catcher: Friday the 20th of September...

Good run by Baddilini today, not quite good enough to win, though. 2nd place...

14.20 Ayr: The Nifty Fox @ 18/1 Bet365 - 1pt win

The Nifty Fox doesn't appear to be too well handicapped, yet I feel he has conditions very much in favour tomorrow as well as he showed some fine performances recently. His most recent run at Hamilton in a hot sprint handicap really caught my eye as he was travelling very much the best of all, appearing to be on the bridle until 1f out. He didn't quite come home and finished 5th in the end but I do feel this was a big performance. The drop in trip back to 5f will really suit and The Nifty Fox absolutely loves cut in the ground, not to forget he's one from one over course and distance! He is drawn in 13 which should give Philli Makin every chance to go wherever he feels it is the best place to go, if the field splits into different groups. Of course this is a very strong race here tomorrow, hugely competitive and The Nifty Fox doesn't get any younger, but 18/1 looks pretty big and I expect him to run well.

The Eye-Catcher: Thursday the 19th of September...

17.20 Yarmouth: Baddilini @ 11/2 Bet365 - 3pts win

Baddilini showed a clear return to form at the same track only two days ago, when staying on strongly over 5f. He appeared to be pretty early on outpaced, and lost ground over 3f out, stayed on strongly in the closing stages though to almost catch the eventual winner. The step up in trip to 6f tomorrow will certainly suit as Baddilini best performances came over this distance anyway. Until Tuesday he didn't show much this year, even though he ran in better races and off higher marks, after a successful year 2012, which saw him winning a class 2 Handicap and running a blinder in a listed race. He's been once rated 93 and is now able to race of 82, a career lowest mark. As stated he looked very dangerous of the same mark only two days ago on same ground conditions as expected tomorrow, and therefore with the 6f trip better to suit, in an open race, Baddilini looks overpriced.

Wise Dan the best in the world?

Is Wise Dan the best horse in the world? Difficult question to answer of course, but on thing is for sure, he must come close to be the one. His win in the Woodbine Mile on Sunday was nothing but simply astonishing. Hardly off the bridle, easily dominating a decent field in a Grade 1 to win in track record breaking time! Sit back and enjoy:

The Eye-Catcher: Wednesday the 18th of September...

18.15 Kempton: Mawzoona @ 18/1 VC - 2pts win

Compared to many others in this field Mawzoona looks fairly exposed, but only at the first glance. In fact this is her first start over 10f tomorrow and all her other forms came over shorter. There is enough in her pedigree to suggest that the trip could suit and that she might able to improve a good bit. Interesting enough that this gets backed by her performances at the racetrack. She really caught my eye on her most recent run, here at Kempton over 7f, a trip way too sharp for her. Mawzoona is a one-paced filly, with not much speed and that was obvious in this race when she travelled well enough but was simply killed for speed when the race really unfolded after turning for home. She got badly outpaced, lost ground but interestingly stayed on well to finish 3rd in the end.

This was the first good performance in Handicap company for her, after she got allocated a pretty stiff mark in first hand as a result of a gutsy performance in her third maiden start, when she attempted to make all, got under pressure around 2f out, was eventually headed and overtaken, but came back with a strong challenge in the dying stages of the race to finish 2nd only a shoulder beaten. This was over 1m and the performance was a strong hint that even that kind of trip is too short and that she needs further. So all in all, down to a mark of 62, with likely improvement over the new trip, she must have a better chance of winning than the price suggest. 

The Eye-Catcher: Monday the 16th of September...

14.30 Wolverhampton: Olivers Mount @ 16/1 Bet365 - 1pt win

Olivers Mount produced a way better performance than the bare result would suggest last time out at Kempton and on that evidence he's certainly overpriced in my mind. He missed slightly the break, travelled then well enough in rear, while the pace of the race was pretty slow though and in fact the first five home, bar one exception, were all positioned close to the pace. Olivers Mount turned home well off the pace though, had to switch wide then in order to get a clear run and motored home in good style once straighten up. He was only one of very few horses from off the pace who have been able to make some kind of impression in the closing stages. He might get further than 1m according to his pedigree, so the extended mile at Wolverhampton tomorrow should be in his favour I suppose. He's also still lightly raced, down to a super low mark and has the assistance of a 5lb claimer. I think he can go well tomorrow for a big price.

Edit: Non-Runner.

Big Race Preview: English St Leger

15.50 Doncaster: Ladbrokes St Leger 2013

It looks an exciting and very competitive St Leger this year and you can make a case for many of the eleven runners. The betting market demonstrates this quite well, with the favourite being a 5/1 chance in general! Much in contrast to many I don't really fancy Galileo Rock today, though. I would have loved to see him at the Curragh, in the Irish equivalent tomorrow. I think the ground is not exactly what he wants today, despite the fact that it isn't as soft as feared. Yet I have the feeling he could be a horse that is knocking always on the door, running consistently well all the time, but find it hard to get the head in front when it matters. I really like the chances of the lightly raced Gosden horse Excess Knowledge, though, who was so unlucky at Goodwood and who should have so much more to give, with further improvement likely to come over the new trip. However I feel the improvement is already reflected in the price and therefore it's only a fair one, but not tempting for me. It's a bit the same story with Leading Light, who has excellent credentials to win the race, with no doubts over the ability to stay the trip, as well as having good, solid Group 3 form in the form book. He'll go very close if he can raise his game as he's yet to contest such a quality field. I'm not really fond on Foundry, who isn't sure to stay the trip and will find this tough on only the third career start, while Talent is a horse I find it difficult to get a grip on. If she bounces back after the dismal run at the Curragh she is in with a chance but the current price isn't tempting to find this out with my own money.

That brings me to Libertarian. When I made my tissue and compared to the offered prices this morning I couldn't really believe what I saw. Libertarian is a 15/2 chance at the moment, which looks really big in my mind - if you can forgive him the poor effort in the Irish Derby. But there might be valid excuses for it, as it was the third hard race against top class opposition in five weeks. Maybe just too much. Libertarian looked like a real stayer when winning the Dante Stakes in May, when he beat subsequent Irish Derby winner Trading Leather in good style. The step up to the Derby trip was clearly in his favour then, but even then he got outpaced around 4f out and it took him a while to get going. But when he got going, he was absolutely flying, finishing the best of all and came from an impossible position to finish 2nd on the line! It is clear that he needs further and that is what he gets today. If he has recovered well, is fresh and fit and doesn't get in trouble in-running then I find it very hard to look beyond him. Libertarian has the right profile to win the Leger, he has the form in the book, and he is a price too good to let go.

A second runner I feel is pretty overpriced is the Fallon mount Great Hall. Sure he has a lot to find on the ratings but he has every chance to stay the trip on pedigree and even more so he looks a real stayer the way he's usually finishing off his races. Always galloping to the line, finishing full of running and he looked to have a bit of class when winning at Haydock over 14f a class 2 Handicap in July. He is a tricky ride no doubt, still a bit green and was badly hanging in his last two starts, but he should have learned plenty in the meantime and I can see him really relishing the Leger trip. If he is good enough is another question, but he is lightly raced, entitled to improvement and can therefore be in the mix. The offered 28/1 look huge in my mind and on paper he has a better chance of winning.

Liberterian @ 15/2 Bet365 - 2pts win

Great Hall @ 28/1 StanJames - 0.5pts win

The Eye-Catcher: Saturday the 14th of September...

17.30 Kempton: Outbid @ 18/1 Bet365 - 2pts win

 On pure form this horse looks to have no chance but I thought her penultimate run at Wolverhampton was way better than the bare form of that race suggest. She had the widest draw to overcome, what is alway a negative there, yet she travelled very much the best turning for home, got then, however, badly hampered and had no chance to finish the race. Her best forms all came on the All-Weather, so it was nor surprise to see her beaten at Chepstow lto, even though she travelled nicely for a long time there as well, but didn't find much in the closing stages or simply didn't stay the extra furlong, and was eventually eased down. She won a maiden at Lingfield in good style at the beginning of the year, though, and finished a strong third less than a lengths beaten at Southwell later, so she has a bit of ability and with her AW mark slipping down a couple of pounds she might be able to take advantage of that tomorrow.

Nap of the day - Friday 13th of September!

17.30 Wolverhampton: Poste Restante @ 9/1 Bet365 - 3pts win

Plenty to like about this filly on handicap debut stepping up in trip to 12f for the first time. Poste Restante showed a bit of promise in her second career start at Lingfield, when she missed the break and was pretty early pretty badly outpaced. But it was eye-catching the way she stayed on in the closing stages, suggesting she definitely needs further. This is backed very much so by her pedigree, as there is plenty of stamina both on sire- as well as on dam side. So only for that reason she's very interesting as she should absolutely relish the new trip. Her opening mark looks high enough for what she showed so far on the other hand. But the Simcock yard is bang in form and why would they step up the horse on handicap debut to a trip that looks an excellent fit, if not having the hand break off? In addition to this the young 7lb claimer looks decent, rode a winner for Simcock at Kempton on Tuesday. Having all this in mind it looks to me as if Poste Restante is pretty good value at 9/1 in an otherwise horrible Apprentice Handicap.

3 lessons we've learned on Irish Champion Stakes Day...

My Titania - Like father, like daughter: The Sea The Stars filly My Titania was a huge eye-catcher on her debut run, without winning, though. So it was no surprise to see her being backed into the short 6/4 second favourite before the off of the opening race of Leopardstown's Irish Champion Stakes card. She justified all the money, travelling always prominent throughout and put the race easily to bed, quickening in good style approaching the home straight to win comfortably. Another Sea The Stars filly, Afternoon Sunlight, finished runner-up and could be also a rather promising sort. 

My Titania boosts a nice pedigree, being a daughter of the mighty Sea The Stars of course. There looks to be a good deal of speed on the dam side, as she is out of 7f Listed race winner Fairy Of The Night, who herself is by top-class sprinter Danehill. But - and this is a similarity to My Titania's father Sea The Stars, who had doubts about his staying ability to overcome as well. She might be well able to get 10 furlongs plus in time, as her father being a Derby and Arc winner, the dam's sire has been producing a Derby winner as well, despite his race record would suggest otherwise, and the dam's dam has been a winner over 13f. So that relativise what looked obvious at the first glance. My Titania could be a decent Guineas filly of course, but might be even better over further. Time will tell. She looks an exciting prospect anyway.

Australia is the best ever: Aiden O'Brien was quite bullish in the aftermath of Australia's impressive success in the Group 3 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Trial Stakes. The Son of Galileo beat 2/5 favourite and early Derby ante-post favourite Free Eagle easily by six lengths. He followed up two excellent performances in maidens before at the Curragh. This performance catapulted Australia to the top top of the Derby ante-post market, being a 6/1 chance for the classic next year. O'Brien after the race on Saturday: "Everyone probably knows we always thought he was the best horse we've ever had."

Australia is bred to be a superstar. He is by super-stallion Galileo and out of Cape Cross mare Ouija Board, who was a seven times Group 1 winner herself! He'll be much better over further than the 1m on Saturday, that is for sure and it'll be interesting to see where he pops up next. O'Brien will keep the colt at the mile trip this year I would assume, but will step him up gradually in trip next year. One word in regards of runner-up Free Eagle: It probably is way too early to give up on him. He looks still an exciting prospect. Sure, he didn't quite followed up the hype after his impressive maiden, but he didn't get a hard race and should have still a good deal of improvement left in him, particularly when stepping up in trip.

La Colina is back to her best: It was an emotional Matron Stakes success for La Colina. The four year old filly was never able to match her massive juvenile form, when she beat Ballydoyle's Power in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh - until last Saturday. She travelled well, got out in the clear right on time to produce a nice little turn of foot to win in good style in the end. This wasn't only her first Group success since Phoenix Stakes day - no - it was also her first ever win since then! This is more than two years ago, therefore no one really gave her a chance in the Matron Stakes. La Colina was tried over shorter than a mile and further, ran a couple of nice races, without ever coming close to win, though. So one could say this is a bit of a fairytale. Veteran trainer Kevin Prendergast gets a winner at the highest level, and talented jockey Chris Hayes finally won his first ever Group 1. Respectively he's been quite emotional after the race, with tears of joy running over his face. 

The question is now of course: Can La Colina repeat this success, is she really back to her best? She is always been a talented filly, and she always looked like a superstar in the parade ring. She's beaten some nice fillies on Saturday and there is no reason to think that this isn't a true form. It was a fair race, ran on a pretty strong pace - which might be key to La Colina's success. Wherever she pops up next, if it is a true run race, she'll be certainly in the mix.