Saturday’s racing action unfolds with fervor at Goodwood, Haydock, Beverley, and the Curragh, continuing an exhilarating week of ITV Racing. Former trainer Matt Chapman brings his wealth of experience to his horse racing selections, offering seasoned insights suitable for racing enthusiasts seeking value picks. Here’s a breakdown of Chapman’s insights for the Saturday races across these premier UK tracks.
Haydock 13:15 – Blue For You (each-way)
This mile-long handicap race is poised on a knife-edge, influenced heavily by weather conditions. Blue For You offers a promising each-way proposition, having shown versatility across different grounds. Oisin Orr and David O’Meara guide this hopeful, who, despite infrequent wins, shines under optimal conditions, particularly with a fierce pace driving the race.
Goodwood 13:30 – Best Rate (each-way)
The 7f handicap at Goodwood features a crowded field where strategic positioning is key. With jockey Hollie Doyle onboard for Richard Hannon, Best Rate emerges as a solid each-way contender. Last seen running second at York, this contender showcases improving form that, despite a 2lb rise, suggests further potential with just six runs under the belt.
Haydock 13:50 – Teroomm
Three-year-olds clash in this mile-long handicap where form horses abound. Teroomm, with a proven winning spirit, has capitalized on this energetic season, notably claiming victories at Bath and Thirsk. Under the adept guidance of Roger Varian and Silvestre de Sousa, this horse thrives on determination, rallying against adversity and poised for ascendant form heading into prestigious events.
Beverley 14:10 – Argentine Tango
Juvenile fillies compete fiercely over 5f in this conditions race, where Argentine Tango stakes her place. Following a strong showing at Pontefract, this filly, steered by David Allan and Tim Easterby, could make a breakthrough from a favorable draw, using her seasoned experience to command the rail and potentially lead the pack.
Haydock 14:25 – Secret Satire (each-way)
Contenders step up for the Listed Hedge of Oak Stakes spanning an extended 1m2f. Despite Running Lion being a hot favorite, Secret Satire provides enticing each-way odds. Trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Rob Hornby, she has displayed commendable staying power, raising prospects of outlasting competitors in scenarios unhampered by steeper market expectations.
Beverley 14:45 – Old Is Gold
A thrilling conditions race for juvenile males over 5f awaits where Old Is Gold shines amid promising newcomers. The 200,000gns breeze-up commendably performed at Ascot, indicating significant potential crafted under the direction of PJ McDonald and Andrew Balding. His prior third-place finish illustrates readiness to fend off formidable debutants.
Haydock 15:00 – Arizona Blaze
In the Group 2 Sandy Lane for three-year-olds spanning 6f, Arizona Blaze steps up. With a hint towards excelling at shorter distances, this horse nonetheless presents a robust case with a 111 rating, boosted by past strong performances including a notable finish to Magnum Force. Trained by Adrian Murray, and piloted by David Egan, the horse remains on the radar for high-profile contests.
Goodwood 15:15 – Perfect Your Craft (each-way)
Horses face a step up in class in this Listed event over 1m2f, designed for potential Oaks candidates. Perfect Your Craft, a lightly raced improver, catches the eye with Ralph Beckett’s training acumen behind her. She embarks on this race boasting a debut victory and conveys readiness for longer distances while navigating less-than-ideal ground conditions.
Haydock 15:30 – Washington Heights (each-way)
The prestigious Group 2 Temple Stakes tests speed over 5f where Washington Heights, ridden by Tom Eaves, emerges as an appealing each-way possibility. With Kevin Ryan training this racer to hang onto higher pack speeds, tactical positioning could aid in challenging fellow competitors and surmounting dominant rivals like Breeders’ Cup titleholder Starlust.
Curragh 15:40 – Field of Gold
All eyes turn to the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh, a mile-long spectacle where Field of Gold dominates the conversation. Guided by Colin Keane, this contender appears poised for victory, even against competitive past missteps. Trainer John & Thady Gosden carefully recalibrates strategy, placing pacemakers for optimal pacing, banking on the horse’s dramatic developmental strides heading into this Classic challenge.
