Newbury Saturday

1.25 Highclere TB Racing

Geoffrey Freer Stakes (Group 3) 1m 5f 61yd

Dubai Honour sets the standard on class but has something to prove at this trip, so Tabletalk makes more appeal at the prices for all he doesn’t win as often as his followers – many of whom are perched on the cliff-edge – would like.

Tom Clover’s gelding was beaten only a head by Mount Atlas in the Silver Cup at York last time, having finished in front of that rival earlier in the season, and he is now 3lb better off with Mount Atlas carrying a Group 3 penalty.

That swing should give him every chance of turning the tables and for those who have avoided having their fingers burnt in the past, now looks the best opportunity for backers to get with him.

1.55 D&H, Excellence In Nutrition Handicap 5f 34yd

Rhythm N Hooves won this race last year despite being drawn higher than ideal and looks to have been campaigned with a repeat bid firmly in mind.

He is now 9lb below that winning mark and shaped much better than the bare result when staying on late last time, so a return to Newbury could well see him bounce back despite what has been ostensibly a disappointing campaign.

The one concern for Rhythm N Hooves backers is that Robert Cowell is in moderate form, but he did end a losing run at Musselburgh last week and his horses are hopefully turning a corner.

2.35 TPT Fire Handicap 7f

Witch Hunter is not the force of old and his Haydock run last time needs forgiving, but he is worth another chance back at Newbury.

He won the Hungerford Stakes on this very card as a four-year-old and Seamus Cronin, who was aboard for his Thirsk win on his penultimate start, takes the ride again. Scoville should help ensure a strong pace and shaped better than the result in the Golden Mile at Goodwood after wind surgery.

He could well do better on his second start after surgery and ought to get a solo in front, so it would be no surprise to see him slip his rivals from the front now dropping in trip, but the betting already assumes and improved effort and he’s tight enough in the betting given he’s not been getting home in his races of late.

3.10 Visit Malta Hungerford Stakes (Group 2) 7f

Prince Of India is not straightforward, often needing cajoling along early in his races, but he caught the eye when keeping on well from the rear to finish sixth in the July Cup, where he was also short of room late on. That run strongly suggested a return to seven furlongs would suit.

Coppull finished in front of him in the same race and is also worth trying at this trip having previously looked a little short of pace in the Commonwealth Cup, but Prince Of India already has proven seven-furlong form and is preferred on that basis.

3.42 Darley EBF Novice Stakes 7f

This looks a race to watch rather than bet in. Mosheer is the obvious starting point given his entries in the Champagne Stakes and Royal Lodge, but San Jose also holds fancy entries, including in the Dewhurst, and while the stable’s newcomers often need a run, Brian Meehan’s colt makes plenty of appeal on pedigree and he’ll be keen to do well for new owner Marc Chan.

Ripon Saturday

2.55 William Hill Supporting MND Silver Cup Handicap 6f

This race used to be run as a consolation for the Great St Wilfrid but stands alone now and gets a full field as a result.

High numbers are expected to hold sway, but as usual with big-field sprints at Ripon, the low numbers can get an advantage by racing under the far rail and it will be interesting if any of the riders elect to do so. I imagine those drawn eight and lower will choose to stay on the far side.

Grant Wood is perhaps the most interesting of that cohort having run creditably over course and distance last time. That form isn’t good enough, but it was a big step up on his previous efforts and may signal a fuller return to form, so he’s not taken lightly.

Of the high draws, I fancy that Roach Power will have the speed to get a good position on the rail given he has plenty of form over five furlongs, including here.

Michael Wigham’s charge has been unplaced in four runs this term but hinted at a revival last time and is now back to his last winning mark.

All five of his wins last season came over the minimum trip but he stayed a mile when with Tim Easterby and a relative test of speed at this trip should still be suitable.

3.25 William Hill/MND Association Great St Wilfrid Handicap 6f

With a smaller field in the Great St Wilfrid, it will be harder for anything to get over to the far rail and therefore the high drawn horses ought to have a significant edge.

Dark Cloud Rising made all to win well over course and distance in June and probably should have been asked to put his race to bed earlier having travelled best here last time.

He faded late that day but still held second and is an improved performer since fitted with a visor. He didn’t please everyone with his response to pressure last time, but the time figure was still very good and my opinion is he’s a horse you don’t want to disappoint and I expect Danny Tudhope to have him in top gear earlier here.

He may have a quirk or two, but he’s clearly at home on this undulating track and has the talent to defy the handicapper granted the run of things from the best of the draw.

Recommended

Tabletalk 1.25 Newbury – 1.5pts win @ 3/1 (general)

Rhythm N Hooves 1.55 Newbury - 1pt win @ 6/1 (general)

Witch Hunter 2.35 Newbury - 1pt win @ 14/1 (general)

Prince Of India 3.10 Newbury - 1pt e/w @ 17/2 (Paddy Power; 7/1 general)

Roach Power 2.55 Ripon – 1pt e/w @ 14/1 (Hills – 5 places; 12/1 general)

Dark Cloud Rising 3.25 Ripon – 1pt e/w @ 7/1 (Ladbrokes, Coral – 4 places; 13/2 general)