Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece you can read my thoughts on the best of Saturday’s action.
I always enjoy the start of a new month, especially when the previous one hasn’t gone to plan. That’s been said far too often in 2025. I didn’t get too heavily involved in last Saturday’s racing, and aside from a couple of seconds, it was another blank. The exception was a well-judged lay on Sans Bruit at Ascot, which kept things ticking over. Truth be told, returning to laying has kept me afloat in recent months.
Breeders’ Cup Brilliance
All that changed on Championship Saturday at the Breeders’ Cup thanks to Ethical Diamond and Forever Young. What looked like another poor Saturday turned into a highly profitable one and arguably my best Breeders’ Cup yet.
Many punters are still picking themselves up after Ethical Diamond’s shock success in the Turf. I’m still not sure I believe it myself. My decision to back the Willie Mullins runner each-way was pure hunch — quick ground, likely strong pace, and a trainer who always finds improvement when it matters.
The race unfolded just as I’d hoped in Friday’s column. He was dropped in, switched off beautifully at the rear, and then ridden for luck. Only he didn’t just pick up the pieces. He swept down the outside to take the crown.
It was a first Breeders’ Cup win for Willie Mullins. I suspect Aidan O’Brien’s quietly grateful Willie hasn’t turned his full focus to the Flat, the man is simply extraordinary.
It was an excellent Breeders’ Cup for my subscribers too. The only regret was watching Classic winner Gezora go off 9/1 in the Filly & Mare Turf without a penny on. In Friday’s column, I’d written:
“Gezora had a poor draw and soft ground against her when down the field in the Arc. Better judged on her Prix Diane (French Oaks) win, that form arguably makes her the one to beat. It could be a big night for her trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.”
No complaints from me as the rest of the card more than made up for it. Hopefully some readers also helped themselves to the winners identified in the preview.
The good run of form continued yesterday as Lonesome Boatman made all to land the Cork Grand National, advised to subscribers at 11/1 that morning.
Charlie Hall Day Recap
I’m focusing on the best of the Wetherby and Down Royal action. The Ascot card was handicap-heavy, so I’ll look back at that meeting on Tuesday with the future in mind.
Golden Ace Falters
Dysart Enos was a morning scratch from the Listed bet365 Mares’ Hurdle, leaving just Golden Ace and Kateira to line up.
Golden Ace, the Champion Hurdler, and long odds-on favourite was expected to make a winning return but came under pressure three out and soon weakened. That left Kateira to coast home.
It later emerged that Golden Ace had scoped dirty, which explains her dismal effort.
Strong Leader Prevails
Strong Leader made a winning return in the Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle. The surprise was that he wasn’t favourite, despite his liking for a flat track and good record fresh.
Potters Charm headed the market but stumbled and fell at the fourth, ending his race early. We still don’t know whether he stays three miles, but he’ll get another chance to prove his stamina for the trip.
Take No Chances jumped neatly and looked the winner after the last, but she was outstayed close to home.
Sean Bowen had to work hard on the winner, using every ounce of strength to get him up late. Given Strong Leader’s lazy racing style, cheekpieces seem likely to be applied for his next start.
Djelo Delivers
The Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase, Wetherby’s feature, lost Protektorat to a morning withdrawal on account of the good ground but still produced a cracking contest.
Djelo, carrying a penalty for last season’s Peterborough Chase win, edged out Pic D'Orhy after a stirring duel to the line.
Pic D'Orhy proved he stays three miles but was just worn down by younger legs.
Favourite Hewick wasn’t able go the early pace and could never get involved, while last year’s winner The Real Whacker was denied the easy lead he got 12 months ago and faded three out. This was a much stronger renewal than last year and he’s not up to winning a race like this. Nor do I suspect is Hewick.
Djelo is likely to head for the Peterborough Chase again before a King George VI Chase tilt at Kempton. He could face Pic D'Orhy at Kempton but should be able to confirm form if they do renew rivalry.
Vintage Envoi Allen at Down Royal
Spillane’s Tower was a morning non-runner from the feature race after the rain failed to ease the ground. That left just five to face the starter.
Envoi Allen, now an 11-year-old, rolled back the years to claim a third Grade 1 Champion Chase. He looked as good as ever in victory, though sterner tests lie ahead once the big guns return. He’s still dangerous on genuinely good ground, but it’s hard to see him adding another Grade 1 this season.
Found A Fifty was sent off favourite on his first try at three miles but could only plug on for fourth. It’s not fair to say he didn’t stay but the ground may have been a tad lively for hi or he simply needed the run more than the market expected.
Envoi Allen’s win was another reminder of why National Hunt fans keep coming back to see these old warriors in action.
Monday Preview
Three good races on the all-weather at Kempton this afternoon — including the Listed Unibet Floodlit Stakes (3:00) and the Unibet London Middle Distance Series (Final) Handicap (3:30).
It might be the Floodlit Stakes, but it’s run in daylight. Just six line up, yet five of them are rated 100 or higher, so it’s a deeper contest than last year.
Shader Seeks Class Win
The Gosdens have won the last two editions and rely on Shader. The 4yo hasn’t been easy to train, just four runs in total and only one this year, when finishing close up in a Haydock handicap in May. He’ll need a step forward again, but he’s unbeaten in two runs on the synthetics, including over this C&D last autumn.
Sarab Star Short
Earlier on the card, Sarab Star heads the market for the Bet 20 Get 20 With Unibet Handicap (2:30). The 3yo quickened smartly to win a novice here in August after an 11-month absence. He’s back from another short break for his handicap debut and looks open to progress, but at 2/1 he’s short enough in a competitive race.
Back to Black caught the eye when a close second at Goodwood (1m) 22 days ago, having to wait for a gap. The drop to 7f looks ideal, and he’s interesting on his all-weather debut, for a yard that won this race with a 3yo last year.
The Wizard Of Eye ran well on his stable debut when third at Newcastle. A return to the form that saw him land the Victoria Cup at Ascot would make him a big player here. The cheekpieces return, and his odds look fair.
Fox to Strike Again
The Unibet London Middle Distance Series (Final) Handicap (3:30) and favourite Teumessias Fox looks the one to beat. The 6yo is three from five at Kempton and has never finished outside the first three here. He shaped well at York after a short break last time and should be spot on now.
The Kubler yard run Andaleep and Londoner. Andaleep has been second in the last two renewals and looks primed for another big run. Londoner doesn’t have the best of win records but arrives in good form and should be in the mix from a handy low draw.
Power Of Destiny returned to form over C&D last month in first-time cheekpieces. A strong pace would help her.
Last year’s winner The Glen Rovers improved again when scoring at Lingfield in February. He returns for the first time since from 7lb higher. He could be capable of defying his new mark. James Doyle has been booked which suggests a bold run is expected, though stall 10 isn’t ideal.
In Tuesday’s column I’ll be looking at Ascot’s Saturday card and interesting card at Carlisle on Sunday.
Good luck with your Monday bets.
John