TV TIPS (SATURDAY)

All the live ITV action from Newbury and Ripon as the team previews every race.

13:50 NEWBURY

This is not a strong version of the Group 3 Geoffrey Freer unless a 3yo steps up and shows some St Leger credentials. Pinhole won a small field race off 98 and there is still hope after only five runs that he can live up to the grade of previous attempts at Group company.

Candleford may attempt to control the pace again and Epic Poet amongst others could be unsuited by the small field and tactical race. That may not suit the strong-pulling Ambiente Friendly either and it goes against my nature to put him up here but the current double-figure and beyond odds look far too big against less than compelling opposition at the prices. A final chance is given on the back of his second run after gelding to be more amenable and being ridden by the same jockey for two consecutive rides!

AMBIENTE FRIENDLY (E/W)

(Alan Morris)

14:05 NEWMARKET

The race excluded to only Grey horses will see Binhareer, a winner last time out and likely favourite hold the strongest form, that said the form has come with cut in the ground so he could be opposed here. Addison Grey ran on smartly to finish third in the racing league when last seen, the stiff nature of Newmarket could play to his strengths. Sensorium is one likely to go under the radar after only beating one home on his return when starting in the racing league, that came on soft ground however and his form as a two year old is pretty strong on fast ground. He finished third in an ultra competitive Goffs sales race at York with recent Group 1 second and Group 2 winner Arizona Blaze one place ahead, that form is the strongest by a long way in this field and should be a nice each way price. 

SENSORIUM (E/W)

(Liam Hall)

14:25 NEWBURY

A solid third placed effort at Ascot was encouraging after King Of Stars returned from a lengthy stint on the sidelines. It’s likely he’ll be much fitter for his recent outing and more can be expected today.

Top-weight Getreadytorumble has been a model of consistency this term and another bold bid looks likely for this progressive three-year-old.

Of the remainder Sugar Hill Babe and Faustus look best of the rest.

KING OF STARS (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

14:45 RIPON

Former course and distance winners It Takes Tim and Fortamour demand upmost respect, as would Bay Breeze if the rain had fallen.

However it’s yet another course and distance winner who gets the nod. Ziggy’s Aerial has never finished outside of the top two in all of her previous course starts and clearly relishes the conditions at this venue. Off a fair mark and with an additional allowance taking weight off her back she looks primed for another bold course performance.

ZIGGY’S AERIAL (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

15:00 NEWBURY

After a decent performance at Ascot Cogitate could outrun their odds and might be an option for punters hunting for a bit of value.

Fellow course and distance winner Jumby has a good course record and returns here off an attractive mark. Sure to go close once more and looks the obvious selection.

The Richard Hannon trained Classic deserves a mention after what’s been a stellar season so far.

JUMBY (E/W)

(Rory Paddock)

15:20 RIPON

A highly competitive race. Fivethousandtoone is a classy act and has to be respected for top connections. He could be a danger if the ground softens. First Folio struggled with a bad draw when last here but had previously placed second over course and distance. This should be more suitable and be could go close. Rock Opera looks to be hitting his stride just in time for this race. He goes from a good draw and should have no issues with the firm ground. His trainer, Richard Fahey, won this last year.

ROCK OPERA (WIN)

FIRST FOLIO (E/W)

(Kieran McHugh)

15:35 NEWBURY

The Johnson Houghton stable have had some notable Saturday winners this season, including with Rage Of Bamby who won the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at a price of 33/1 here at Newbury last month, beating the reopposing Kings Gamble by almost two lengths. While she won’t be that price today, she does look to have plenty in her favour for a follow up – she’s two from two at the course, should have optimum conditions and has also won over this longer trip earlier in her career.

More Thunder has impressed since switching to the William Haggas team, posting results of 1121 all with Tom Marquand in the saddle. He proved himself at the trip when finishing strongly to win the Bunbury Cup last time out and although today sees a step up in class he’s progressing well so looks the main danger, with class-dropper Spy Chief also likely to be in the mix.

RAGE OF BAMBY (E/W)

(Dean Kilbryde)