This weeks racing on channel 4 takes place at Ayr, Newmarket and Newbury – here in this first of a series of channel 4 racing preview’s I will be giving my own thoughts and tips on the selected television races

Newbury 2:00 – A class 3 nursery to open the day on channel 4 ran over 6 furlongs sees some interesting 2 year olds battle for supremacy. Easy Ticket has a 50% strike rate so far with 2 out of 4 wins and runner up on the other 2 occasions, This class 2 winner was only 1 1/4 lengths behind subsequent hattrick winner and talented 2 y/o Wootton Basset. Regal Approval under Kieron Fallon is one with a chance in this, a 2nd in a class 2 to the classy Puddle Duck throws him in the mix – however he could get caught out by a quick finisher. Gold Pearl is open to plenty of improvement and had excuses after the 15th length defeat to a much better class of horse last time out.

My own pick – (2) Easy Ticket

2:15 Ayr – Big field handicap class 2 over 6 furlong this one, Several of these have excellent chances – Joseph Henry for the ever reliable Dandy Nicholls has patchy form, with only 5 wins from 60 previous races, however has won over course and distance and  usually runs a good race in big fields. Sea Of Leaves is a reliable sort for Jim Goldie, always seems to be thereabouts in big fields and class 2/3 races without ever really troubling the winners, a place is a great chance for this horse. Colonel Mak is a progressive sort with 8 placings in his 17 runs and if the ground eases will have place claims. Tiddlywinks has went close recently , but is yet to record a win on turf while Hajoum might just find the 6 furlongs too short.

My Pick (s) – (25) Joseph Henry (21) Sea Of Leaves

Newbury 2:30 - This group 2 race over 6 furlongs sees the return to the British track of Libranno after his poor performance at Deauville towards the end of August. This 2 year old Impressed over this distance when winning in class 1 race during the Goodwood Festival  which was his 3rd win in 3 outings before heading to France and flopping latest. Temple Meads is an interesting runner in this race, winner of a 5 furlong race at this track this season already, heading a 24 strong field, however he has not won a 6f race yet in his short career finishing 3 1/2 lengths behind the impressive Approve in a class 1 race on his latest outing. The Paddyman is one of interest in this race also, having finished 1 1/4 lengths behind Libranno in the class 1 race at Glorious Goodwood.

My Own Pick – (2) Libranno

2:45 Ayr – A 6 furlong Group 3 race with some unexposed and progressive sprinters in the mix. Barefoot Lady is one of note having won by 6 lengths on debut and then following up with a 1 1/4 length victory in a class 2 race giving a 100% strike rate and with leading jockey Paul Hanagan on board has a good chance. Ragsah for Godolphin is another of note, with 2 runner up spots in 2 class 2 races already in big fields he is certain to be in the mix. Finoon is seen as Godolphins second string and may push the pace for Ragsah early on  but was quietly impressive on debut with a 1 3/4 victory and will improve. Majestic Dubawi with a 7L win over 7 furlong already could find this too sharp but is worth considering.

My own pick – (1) Barefoot Lady

3:05 Newbury – A 1mile 2 furlong Class 2 handicap is next up Aattash is in with a good shot here having won 4 from 12 so far and winning his last race, a class 2 , by a cosy 1 length – this horse has been placed in 50% of his races so far for Mick Channon and has no problem with the distance. Fort dei marmi is one who interests me alot,  Luca Cumani and Kieron Fallon teaming up once more and this horse with 4 wins from 9 outings including course and distance, only problem I see with this horse is the weight, only thing to deny the weight is if he could be progressing even more. Senate for the in-form John Gosden and William Buick has 3 wins from 5 outings including a class 2 race 7 days ago winning by 1 1/2 lenghts, drop back in trip not ideal and im opposing him for that reason.

My own pick – (5) Aattash

3:20 Ayr – 6 furlong Ayr gold cup next and a few with a great shout here. Hawkeyethenoo has been in great form this term and has a great turn of foot in the last 200 yards, 6 wins from 19 with 2 in big field handicaps and his york form is impressive. Rileyskeepingfaith has been running well in big fields and class2 handicaps this term, with a 50% career placing and 4 wins from 18 runs, his recent record over class 2 and 6f is 4/4/2 and he should run in to a place. Poets Place ran well last week winning in a big field, his 2nd win in a similar race and goes for a hat trick today. Evens and Odds ran a blinder in his last race, winning on the line with a great timed run for his 1st win of this term, looks vulnerable however. Genki is one who has been decent form this term and has the ability but needs the race run to suit, don’t dismiss him.

My own pick(s) – (23) Hawkeyethenoo (9) Rileyskeepingfaith

3:30  Newmarket – Class 2 2m 2furlong race with a few runners not having won at this distance in there careers. Theola is of interest, back after a break to a good return finishing 5th and has the stamina having already won over this trip and more to come. Lady Heista has a good strike rate 6 out of 10 but most wins have come against poor opposition and is very vulnerable. Arab League has patchy form but did win 9 lengths over shorter and was 3 lengths behind a classy horse in Lady Eclair as well and cant be ruled out if handling the trip. Red Caddeux has a shout if he can handle the trip, also has a 50% placings history and has come close in recent races.

My own pick – (10) Theola

3:40 Newbury – Group 3 5 furlong sprint now and some real class horses here. Astrophysical Jet is a fast horse who has form to back it up, Group 3 win last time out winning by an impressive 2 lengths at the curragh and before that a 3/4 length defeat in a group 2 and much more to come with this horse. Group Therapy is a consistent horse who always seems to come up short, most of his races ending up in 2nd or 3rds and hard to win with. Prohibit is one with a 50% placing history on turf and his recent form looks good (1/2/1/3/4) and will run a good race. Hamish Mcgonaggal and Masamah come into this with some decent form and Mister Hughie pulled a shock last time out after winning with limited previous form.

My own Pick – (11) Astrophysical Jet

Good luck with your picks and I hope this small guide can be of use to you.

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