The Eye-Catcher: Wednesday 22nd October

18.55 Kempton: Wentworth Falls @ 10/3 VC - 4pts win

Big scopy gelding, though still a maiden after three starts, however showed loads of promise in all his starts. Really caught my eye in his latest run when he tried to make all from the front at Wolverhampton.. He was put under pressure from 3f out but was really game kicked on approaching home turn. He soon was clear and looked like the winner. However over 1f out he suddenly started to hang badly to his left and almost crashed into the rails. This cost an awful lot of momentum and he got eventually caught. He looks well capable to win a maiden though, and the step up to 1m should suit perfectly, being by Dansili as well the fact that he is a full brother to smart miler Strawberrydaiquiri. The wide draw is a bit of a natural worry today, but he should be able to overcome it with his gate speed and should have not too many excuses in the end.

The Eye-Catcher - Wednesday 15th October

15.00 Lingfield: Gold Waltz @ 13/2 VC - 2pts win

Very competitive nursery. The first three in the market make all appeal and a couple from the bigger prices aren't out either. I feel the filly Acclamation filly Gold Waltz could outrun her price tag though. 

She won well over course and distance in August, and followed up with a strong performance in a decent Kempton Nursery when she didn't have things going her way. The eventual winner looked way better than his mark, and had the run of the race from the front, while Gold Waltz settled in the last third of the field and had a wall of horses in front approaching the home straight. She had to delay her challenge and made her way through the field, finally in the clear, she had to quicken instantly. She did all this very well and finished a strong 2nd under hands and heels eventually. This form looks very decent, with the winner one I fancy to win again, and the 3rd a subsequent winner already. Gold Waltz has a pedigree to do well as a juvenile and she could well be better than her current mark.

The Eye-Catcher: Friday 10th October 2014

20.50 Wolverhampton: Bosstime @ 16/1 PP - 2pts win

Big performance last time under top weight over trip that stretches his stamina here at Wolverhampton. He had a wide draw, and wasn't helped by a sluggish start. He made up the lost ground quickly though and was soon up with a good pace. Then he took over the lead from over 3f out and increased the pace, wile turning for home still going strongly. Eventually he didn't quite see out trip and hit the well known brick wall around the final furlong marker but still finished a creditable 4th. The winner of this went on to win his next subsequent start and another rival who finished a good deal beaten, though, went on to finished 3rd subsequently. So this for looks rock solid. Bosstime has some pretty useful maiden from Ireland on Dundalk's All-Weather from earlier this year, and now in the UK he is on a handy mark. He drops in trip now which seems ideal, together with cheekpieces fitted for the first time, he has an awful lot going for himself. Big run is on the cards. Only concern is the wide draw. But you can't have it all, and he certainly is overpriced. 

21.20 Wolverhampton: Palace Princess @ 5/1 PP - 2pts win

Still a maiden but clearly improved in last two starts. Eye-catching performance in the latest over course and distance. Settled in rear from a wide draw, while making gradually progress and travelling notably the best approaching the home straight. However she was stuck in traffic behind a wall of horses. She got out late and had to fight hard to get that space, but once out there, finished extremely well and giving the impression she is clearly on a good mark right now and well up to win a race. Concern is that she may well need a bit in-running luck with her hold-up racing style in this big field around tight Wolverhampton.

A fancy for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe

Had the most horrible day punting wise one can imagine yesterday. Just horrible. Well, that's the way the game works sometimes. You put in hours and hours of work, and you get absolutely nothing back... not even a run for the money. Anyway, something to look forward today of course, because it is the big one looming - the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. 

I'm not in the mood to write a mega big preview, also lacking the time. But for days now I have one horse in mind for this race, which I actually didn't fancy at all soon after he won his prep race recently. Which is strange. Obvious things aren't as obvious sometimes, if you not look properly. But initial thoughts aren't always the best. Because they are reactions, and thought through. It takes time to think things through, and sometimes perceptions can change. So happend in the case of this particular horse. I'm talking about Ruler Of The World.

He's not the sexy horse in the line-up. Far from it. That are Taghrooda and Ectot. The thee year old generation. For a good reason. They are top class horses and have a proven themselves this season. But they are shot enough in the betting, because every man and his dog are keen on their chance. And that is funny, isn't it? Ruler Of The World won his prep run in the Prix Foy really nicely from the front. Yet he appears to be the forgotten horse. Mind you, he is a former Derby winner. Some say, a poor one. And I thought so too for a while. Anyway, as said before, immediately after the Foy, I wasn't impressed at all. It was just a pure feeling, nothing properly thought through. I have a different perception now. 

Mainly, because I feel he is the horse that will most likely get the run of the race - exactly the way he wants it. From an inch perfect draw (6), he'll be able to track the pace which will ensure he is in the right position when it matters. He won't need to hope for luck, he won't need to use valuable energy travelling wide. Pilot Dettori can kick on whenever he feel it is right. And then whe know ROTW will stay and run strongly to the line. Once hitting the front, he may be very hard to peg back. Well, that is the ideal scenario and we know racing doesn't work always like that. But, taking all that into consideration, he is certainly a very big price at 16/1. One addition point to make. He is a fresh horse. It will only his third start this season. That is a difference to most of his rivals, which had a long, though season, where they have fought many tough battles. A fresh Ruler Of The World, with the potential of getting the perfect run - that makes him a huge chance in my mind.

Ruler Of The World @ 16/1 Bet365 -2pts win

PREVIEW: Joburg Spring Challenge (Grade 2)

15.25 Turffontein: Joburg Spring Challenge (Grade 2), 1.450m 

Interesting race that evolves around the three horses at the top of the market. Experienced No Worries performs often well enough in Graded company and was quite well in form in recent weeks. His 3rd behind Futura in the Champions Cup rates a big performance, however he was slightly disappointing last time out, dropping in class into Pinnacle Stakes with conditions in his favour, when he missed the break and finished only 3rd in the end, while being the class act. He'll have his way up on front most likely today and that could be a big advantage, but after all his overall record is not all that impressive and I'll take him on for that reason. Midnight Run is another one well fancied. He is a super consistent horse, never been out of the money. He tries the trip for the first time and that is a worry. Not sure he really stays it, even though a slow pace would help him of course. But if he is quite up to Grade 2 level remains to be seen. But then, this is a perfect chance to put doubts aside. Snowden goes well at this course and distance, so he is in with a chance. He is very consistent and will run his race. 

But all of them are well exposed, which brings me to Rake's Chestnut. He is the lightly raced sort in this race, and he is classy. He won only on debut a maiden over 1.400m so far, but has big performances to his name. He finished agonizingly close in the Group 1 Daily News, when he had an interrupted run but finished off like a train once finding back his stride and almost got up late to beat subsequent Durban July and South African horse of the year Legislate. Without a doubt that is the stand out performance in this field, even though it came over 2.000m. Drop in trip shouldn't be too much of an issue. Rake's Chestnut was slightly disappointing when well fancied in the Durban July, but finished well beaten. Excused can be made as he was extremely keen in a slowly run race, was hampered early on and lost position, and had no chance from the position he came from. A break since, and sure he won't be 100% today, bigger targets are waiting. But he should be fit enough to beat this sold, but far from top class opposition today. He gets half a kilo from the other fancied runners, and that should be an advantage. 

Rake's Chestnut @ 2/1 Bet365 - 4pts win

Wolverhampton Feature - Saturday 4th October

20.30 Wolverhampton: Class 4 Handicap, 9f

History Book: Very keen and hanging around home turn when last seen at Kempton. Rather progressive before on turf. Won maiden over course and distance in winter last year and better expected this time.

Oddysey: All-Weather debut, strong performance at Pontefract earlier this month, but up in mark again and doesn't appear to be well handicapped. Not sure trip suits either.

Waveguide: Progressive on the All-Weather this winter, didn't stop improving on turf in summer month either. Not so good in latest, but raced in better class. Back on AW now. Likely up with pace.

Polar Eyes: All-Weather debut, by top class AW sire who has excellent Tapeta record. Not too many miles on the clock, even though didn't appear to have anything in hand on turf. Slight drop in trip might suit. 

Water Queen: Lightly raced, won maiden in tight finish over 7f recently. Step up in trip to suit on pedigree. All-Weather debut. More required here but open to improvement. 

Fruit Pastille: Won very nicely with first time blinkers at Lingfield over 1m when prominently ridden. New career best required and this a hotter race but step up in trip could bring out further improvement.

Outbacker: Better over All-Weather but has to bounce back and trip is a big worry. 

Brisk: Won maiden at fourth time asking over 7f recently, strongly staying on to get up in the end. Step up in trip very likely to suit, nicely bred out of G3 winning mare. If she takes to the AW, she'll be a big runner. Potentially lenient opening mark.

Dalmarella Dancer: Southwell maiden winner ,not disgraced in last starts, drops in mark again but need to find a bit more to be competitive here. 

Verdict: Open enough looking contest with some promising sorts. The race looks likely to be dominated by the three year olds and Fruit Pastille appears to be a solid favourite after winning well in first time blinkers. She has to improve and defy a new mark but may be able to do so over the new trip. Water Queen was a fine maiden winner recently and may have more to offer now upped in trip from a fair opening mark. Polar Eyes looks exposed on turf but the switch to All-Weather could be a fruitful one. She has top class pedigree credentials for synthetics. Recent maiden winner Brisk looks by far the most interesting runner though. She is extremely well bred, and was impressive when staying on strongly over sharp 7f to win cosily eventually, eleven days ago. She shoud have much more to offer over the further trip and her opening mark looks lenient, if she can take to the surface, which is the only concern. But that is a risk worth to take considering her huge price. From the older generation, History Book is expected to do much better then when seen last time. She was awkward and not right that day at Kempton. Waveguide is very decent runner who should be thereabouts, but giving weight away to talented young horses might a tough task.

Brisk @ 12/1 Bet365 – 2pts win

PREVIEW: Sun Chariot Stakes (Group 1)

15.30 Newmarket: Sun Chariot Stakes (Group 1), 1m

Esoterique: Outstayed Integral in Dahlia Stakes in May, disappointing at Ascot subsequently. However won Group 1 Prix Rotshild in France then, beating 1.000 Guineas winner Miss France and Integral impressively. Strong performance against the boys when last seen in Group 1 company, while having way too much to do, when she was coming from off the pace and was asked for full effort too late. She finished strongly nonetheless in fourth.

Integral: Improving filly all year long, excellent Royal Ascot winner and followed up with impressive Group 1 Falmouth Stakes success. Not so good when third behind Esoterique when last seen, but then maybe she was a bit too early in front. She goes on any ground and is bound for a big run with conditions very much suit her. 

Sky Lantern: Not herself this season in two starts. Little break again since then and remains to be seen if she can be back to her brilliant best from last season. If so, she has a major say, for obvious reasons. She is a high class filly and connections gave her plenty of time to come alive again.

Etaab: Smart filly and a good Listed winner over 1m at Newmarket recently. her course and distance form gives her a chance here, but it is some step up in class and she has to improve a good deal to be a real contender.

Fintry: Improving all the time, excellent Group 3 winner at Sandown when last seen. Group 2 winner in native France this season. Has form on softish ground and remains one with huge potential. Has to improve again to be competitive against proper Group 1 opposition but every chance to be that good. 

Kiyoshi: Smart Juvenile and did well this season too, even though not quite as good as many would have hoped. Nonetheless she was a fine Group 3 winner at Doncaster last month. However she has never won over 1m and it seems the trip stretches her stamina a bit. 

Miss France: This years impressive 1.000 Guineas winner, didn't stay 10f in French Oaks, but better when runner-up behind Esoterique recently. However she was fair and square beaten that day and needs to find back to her brilliant best. She remains one with huge potential for obvious reasons and being back at her beloved Newmarket will surly help.

Verdict: Intriguing contest and wide open. It is a bit the clash of the young against the experienced. There is the up and coming star filly Fintry. She was mightily impressive this season on numerous occasions and she is expected to improve further to tackle Group 1's now. Integral proved her class this season on the highest level already, and she'll be up there as well, so should be Miss France, if back at her best. Etaab remains with potential too, while Sky Lantern goes well at Ascot and would be a major playing if bouncing back to form. The overpriced selection is the French filly Esoterique in my mind, though. She ran a big race against the boys in an extremely hot contest at Longchamp last month, and she travelled like the winner, though she had simply too much to do. Asked for full effort 300m out, the bird was long flown. But she beat some of todays rivals at Deauville impressively before, and there aren't too many reasons why she should run a big race once again. 

Esoterique @ 11/2 Paddy Power – 3pts win

PREVIEW: Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3)

14.40 Ascot: Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3), 1m 4f

Energia Fribby winning in Brazil

Pether's Moon: Big win in Turkey recently, consistently well throughout season against top class opposition. Ground independent. Sets very high standard. But gives also weight away.

Parsh Hall: Up in trip, first time over 12f. Chance on pedigree cause out of Montjeu mare. Needs quick ground to be seen at his best, rain at Ascot counts against him. Won G3 at the Curragh earlier this year.

Don't Stare: Progressive handicapper, looked potentially smart when winning conditions stakes at Doncaster in impressive style. Step up in trip, chance to stay on pedigree, though not entirely likely to suit. Obvious question is if he is good enough to compete on this level. Markedly step up in class and much more required today.  

Encke: Seem to be as good as ever. Good third in Irish St. Leger when last seen. Drops in class today. Collateral form with Pether's Moon when runner-up behind him at Goodwood. Fair and square beaten that day but was only back after long break. Gets plenty of weight from PM today and with that chance to turn form around. Trip potentially on sharp side. Rain not quite sure to suit.

Energia Fribby: A prolific Group 1 winner in her native Brazil. Made an excellent UK debut with Listed success at Chester. Travelled very strongly and made smart move on outside from over 3f out. Best form with cut in ground so any additional drop of rain would suit. Needs to take form to new level though, as this today is tougher. Gets plenty of weight from more fancied rivals.

Verdict: Encke has a good chance to turn things around with Pether's Moon as there is quite some swing in the weights. The former St. Leger winner seems to have retained his ability after a long break and followed up on his good comeback run, with a strong third in the Irish St. Leger. He's short enough in the market though, and this drop in trip with cut in the ground might not entirely suit him. Peather's Moon with his recent top run in Turkey sets the standard, he'll be happy on the ground and should go very close once again. He might find things a bit tough giving weight away, though. Parish Hall isn't one to trust on ground that is likely to come up soft. Don't Stare showed potential, but it remains to be seen if he is good enough here. Leaves us with Brazilian filly Energia Fribby. A multiple Group winner in her native country, including a Group 1 over 12f on softish ground. She'll relish any additional drop of rain today and she looked very promising on her recent UK debut run at Chester when she won quite nicely in Listed company. This is tougher today. But she might still be able to be a bit better and has a chance to run big from bottom of the weights today. I consider the prices available for her, as too big.

Energia Fribby @ 5/1 Bet365 – 3pts win

The Eye-Catcher - Thursday 2nd October 2014

20.15 Kempton: My Mo @ 4/1 Bet365 - 3pts win

Drops down to 6f after being piped on the line eight days ago. The trip wasn't an issue that day and won't be tomorrow. Whether six or seven furlongs, I think it doesn't make too much of a difference for this 2yo colt. He was pretty impressive in this latest run, incidentally his handicap debut. He didn't show anything in three maiden starts and was sent off a 50/1 no hoper. He had to overcome the widest draw in a 12 runner field and he did that nicely in fact. Obviously you need to use plenty of horse to make it from such a wide draw to the front before the bend in a big field, yet My Mo was travelling extremely well and kicked on from 2f out. He was put under pressure left and right but impressively pulled out more and more. Close to the line the eventual winner came on the wide outside to stay on and get the head in front on the line. I suspect that My Mo didn't see the horse coming and looked actually like doing enough to keep his head in front of the horses around him. 

He gets a massive chance to make amends, as he can race off the same mark again and he has a muck kinder draw this time. There are couple of unexposed horses in the field and that is always a worry, but it is proven fact for me that My Mo is a good deal better than a rating of 51. It also has to be noted that from a pedigree point of view he has it all going to be a decent 2yo sprinter over 6-7f.

---------------------------

We had a massive night at Kempton on Wednesday! Our very first eye-catcher from the newly introduced column won nicely. If you follow our blog, you got 5/2 last night, which looked big eventually, as First Rebellion went off the 6/4 favourite. He repaid all the faith with a very nice victory from the front. As we expected, he jumped well from his good draw, was in front, which is a big advantage over the 5f trip at Kempton, and held off his main rival. The night became even better when Daaree got up late to win the feature on the night. Our deep analyzes of that particular contest, a very intriguing one we mentioned beforehand, yielded in a profit as it turned out that Daaree had indeed too much in hand for his rivals. He didn't look an easy ride and was slightly outpaced approaching the home straight, but once hitting top gear, he always looked certain to get up on the line - what he did in the end. 

Race Of The Day - Wednesday 1st October 2014

19.45 Kempton: Class 4 Handicap, 1m 1f

Opera Box: Decent recent run over CD in better class, not quite clear run from well off the pace. On fair mark and this easier, so should be thereabouts.

Masterpraver: Progressive and strong runner-up when last seen over CD, form works out really well, but up five pounds for it and needs to improve again. 

Rosie Probert: Made a name for herself over hurdles, won maiden at Epsom last summer, not seen since December and hard to know what to expect.

Daaree: Generally lightly raced, won 12f Handicap at Wolverhampton lto, looked to have still bit in hand when staying on strongly. Not impossible to improve further, despite 5lb up. Might be found out for speed over this trip. 

Marzante: Good return to racing after long lay off when only narrowly denied at Epsom. Travelled really well and may be able to improve from there. 3Lb up but was higher rated earlier in career. Big question mark is the trip. Not entitled to stay on pedigree and never tried before. 

Kastini: Never won on the All-Weather but has some decent performance to his name. Won over 11f in the past. Looked well held on recent mark over CD a fortnight ago. Even though travelled wide throughout and with more energy conserving ride may finish closer. 

Collaboration: Not quite clear run lto but seemed to run out of steam late when in the clear. On high enough mark at the moment. Should be okay over trip and one from one on the All-Weather. Taking on the older horses may suit with WFO allowance. 

Topamichi: Progressive last year, poor showings this season. Slightly further trip may suit and down to more realistic mark, but needs to find sparkle again on first All-Weather start. 

Verdict: This seems a rather open contest, due to the fact that no horse is sticking out as a really obvious contender. It is easy to see why Opera Box is the favourite, though. She has the best form to offer as her 4th place in a hot class 3 Handicap is in fact a very decent piece of form. Dropping in class, she has a good chance to go very close if she can repeat to run to that sort of level. On the other hand, she is not the most consistent animal, and she appears to be only a fair price in my mind. From the others, I would like to think that Collaboration could be in for a good run, taking his recent decent performance into account as well as the fact that the WFO allowance counts for him. Otherwise, Kastini for a big price might be rather interesting, but of course is none to put too much faith in. That leaves - more or less - the Godolphin runner as the most interesting choice. Daaree looked an improving juvenile when he won a Wolverhampton Handicap in taking style back in September 2012. He was off for almost two years subsequently, but has improved with each run since being back. His Yarmouth run is a good piece of form, when he was found out for speed in the closing stages however. His most recent success at Wolverhampton over 12f was quite a decent performance then. He didn't have quite the run of the race, but looked always to get there once in the clear approaching the home straight. Five pounds up for that is more than fair and he could still be improving a bit. Whether the slight drop in trip suits, is another question. But I'd like to see him handily ridden, as he did in his 2yo career. I feel that of his current mark, he could have then too much to offer in this field. 

Daaree @ 10/3 VC – 4pts win