Paul Hawksbee and Andy Jacobs were live again from Cheltenham racecourse for the second day of the Cheltenham Festival! They were joined by ... Read more
What a Saturday of racing ahead with the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, a super competitive card at Ascot, the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Down Royal and the final race day of 2021 at Newmarket.
The Champion Chase at Down Royal is a fascinating renewal, and it would be great to see Frodon come out on top here, however the Gold Cup winner Minella Indo is a worthy favourite. At Wetherby in the Charlie Hall Chase Cyrname is rightly favourite and goes well fresh but last season’s form figures of 1PP do not inspire total confidence and the exciting Shan Blue Unibet 11/4 could turn over the market leader here.
Enjoy whether #athome or on a racecourse.
Cheers
The Wine Tipster
2.10 Ascot – Bateaux London Handicap Hurdle Listed Race (1m 7½f)
Soaring Glory looked the real deal when winning Newbury’s big February handicap and then didn’t quite hit the level in the Supreme at Cheltenham when fourth to the top class Appreciate It. However, he is more than capable of striking here, having won on debut at Chepstow last season beating Bravemansgame and Soaring Glory has a bumper win at Ascot on his CV too.
Unibet 5/1 win
Global Citizen has plenty of top-class form with two Grade 2 Hurdle wins and two Grade 2 Chase successes. Of course, last season’s form figures aren’t enticing with PPP but he was racing in very competitive races and this nine-year-old cab bounce back. Global Citizen has dropped to a mark of 142 and was second in this race three years ago on seasonal debut. His trainer Ben Pauling has his yard in top form right now.
Unibet 18/1 each way
2.23 Newmarket – Handicap (1m)
Noble Dynasty had absolutely no luck in running at Haydock last time out when finishing fifth and surely is better than his current mark of 95. He has finished second on his two appearances on the Rowley Mile and can go one better day with cheekpieces fitted.
Unibet 2/1 win
3.20 Ascot – Bateaux London Gold Cup Handicap Chase Grade 2 (3m)
Sojourn (nap) looked impressive when winning a good Handicap Chase at Carlisle on seasonal debut last year with the placed runners having performed well since. He was then a good second to Sam’s Adventure (subsequently won Eider) in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock ahead of being pulled up quickly in the Grand National Trial, having suffered a wound in his right-hind leg. Whilst he is seen as a heavy ground performer, he won a bumper on good going, has a great record fresh and a breathing operation may help too.
Unibet 6/1 each way
One More Fleurie won four of his last five starts last season and looked so visually impressive at Ayr on Scottish Grand National Day when jumping impeccably to win the Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase easily on good going. He has to prove he is as effective going right-handed and he did win on soft at Warwick, with little rain forecast for today at Ascot ground should be fine.
Unibet 10/1 each way
3.55 Ascot – Stella Artois Novices’ Hurdle (1m 7½f)
Peking Rose is a very interesting hurdling debutant for Unibet Ambassador Fergal O’ Brien. Peking Rose won on debut at Carlisle and then on his last start in April finished second to Knappers Hill (won this month on hurdling debut) when doing all his best work at the finish in a hot bumper at Aintree.
Ground will suit and if he settles well he has a good chance here.
Unibet 100/30 win
As the final meeting of the racing season at Newmarket Racecourse, the Dubai Future Champions Festival 9th – 10th October 2020 is a special showcase of horses kickstarting their careers and a must for all racing fans. The Wine Tipster’s favourite race, Saturday’s Cesarewitch, is a spectacle to behold, and he especially loves the chance to see the top two-year-olds in The Fillies Mile and The Darley Dewhurst Stakes. The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing these top performers return next year in The Classics. Here, The Wine Tipster guides you through this great meeting and how to enjoy it safely.
The Gold Season – The Wine Tipster’s favourite time in the racing calendar – is off to a flying start and should be a great weekend of racing.
Dubai Future Champions Festival Friday – 9th October
As the final festival of the racing season at Newmarket, the first day of the Dubai Future Champions Festival features thrilling racing. The Wine Tipster is excited for a great Friday card with 5 impressive Group Races, and the historic Old Rowley Cup. The Fillies’ Mile is a hugely important race, with the two year olds going on to race in the 1000 Guineas – The Wine Tipster loves following them through their racing careers.
| START TIMES | RACE |
|---|---|
| 12.45pm | The Godolphin Under Starters Orders Maiden Fillies’ Stakes Div I – Racing TV |
| 1.15pm | The Godolphin Under Starters Orders Maiden Fillies’ Stakes Div II – Racing TV |
| 1.50pm | The Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes Group 3 – ITV & Racing TV |
| 2.25pm | The Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp Stakes Group 3 – ITV & Racing TV |
| 3.00pm | The Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards Challenge Stakes Group 2 – ITV & Racing TV |
| 3.35pm | The Fillies’ Mile Group 1 – ITV & Racing TV |
| 4.10pm | The Old Rowley Cup (Heritage Handicap) – ITV & Racing TV |
| 4.45pm | The Darley Pride Stakes Group 3 – Racing TV |
The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing how Indigo Girl, Isabella Giles, Shale and Pretty Gorgeous perform in a fascinating Fillies’ Mile, while Luncies looks very interesting in the Old Rowley Cup Handicap.
Dubai Future Champions Day – 10th October
The seven race card hosts three Group races including the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes. Often used by trainers to kick start a horses career, previous champions include: Frankel, considered the finest race horse of all time, 2000 Guineas winners Dawn Approach and Churchill, and 2018 July Cup winner US Navy Flag.
The Wine Tipster loves the Rowley Mile and especially the top class Cesarewitch which starts in Cambridgeshire and finishes in Suffolk showcasing over 30 horses thundering along the 2 mile 2 furlong course. The other Group races of the day host top class horses, and The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing the two year olds in The Darley Dewhurst Stakes before they return for the 2000 Guineas next year.
| START TIMES | RACE |
|---|---|
| 1.10pm | The Dubai Nursery Handicap Stakes – Racing TV |
| 1.45pm | The Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes Group 3 – ITV & Racing TV |
| 2.20pm | The Emirates Autumn Stakes Group 3 – ITV & Racing TV |
| 2:55pm | The Darley Dewhurst Stakes Group 1 – ITV & Racing TV |
| 3.35pm | The Together For Racing International Cesarewitch (Heritage Handicap) – ITV & Racing TV |
| 4.15pm | The Dubai British EBF Boadicea Fillies’ Stakes – Racing TV |
| 4.50pm | The Darley Stakes Group 3 – Racing TV |
A cracking Saturday of racing and look out for my selections in my Unibet Blog.
Races will be broadcast on ITV and Racing TV which is available on Freeview, YouView, Virgin Media, BT TV, Talk Talk TV, Plusnet TV and Apple TV. Racing Replays are available 20 minutes after winners cross the line so you’ll never miss out on the action.
At Home
The Wine Tipster would normally be presenting with Michelin Star Chef of Midsummer House, Daniel Clifford, at the Champs Gallery Restaurant. Although this won’t be possible this year, it’s a great chance for The Wine Tipster to try making Daniel’s recipes at home! He’s especially excited to try making Cottage Pie with Celeriac Mash and Kale, and a Watercress and Spinach Soup with Poached Hen’s Egg, Smoked Oil and Seeds for Starters. For more Autumnal food inspiration from Midsummer House, find all the recipes here.
For wine pairings with this fantastic Cottage Pie, The Wine Tipster recommends Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Villages 2018, Rhône, France available from Waitrose, or the Rioja ‘Selección Especial’ 2017, Ramón Bilbao, Spain available from Majestic.
For wine pairings with Daniel’s lovely soup dish, The Wine Tipster recommends Macon Charnay Les Chenes Domaine Manciat-Poncet 2017, Burgundy, France – a super white burgundy to enjoy as an aperitif and with the Watercress and Spinach Soup. Or why not try a lovely easy drinking Freixenet Pinot Grigio DOC 2019, Veneto, Italy
At Home – To Do
There are a number of interactive and fun activities to get involved with at home during the Dubai Future Champions Festival. Don’t forget to follow all the Social Media for Newmarket Racecourse and The Wine Tipster to share your celebrations! Use #GoldSeason to stay involved in the action.
- Calling friends and family to enjoy the day with? Why not use a Gold Season Video Background from The Jockey Club and feel as though you’re really there.
- The Raceday App is a must for the At Home experience. Get your own digital racecard, exclusive content, and access to the Raceday 5 Game with a chance to win a bottle of Coates & Seely Rosé NV and £10,000!
- Decorate your home with The Jockey Club Bunting which can be used throughout The Gold Season At Home.
- Need to brush up on your racing knowledge and jargon? Check out Racing Explained for all the confusing terms!
- Colour and fill in your own Sweepstake Sheet for each of the races.
- Put your knowledge of racing to the test with Raceday Quizzes.
- Don’t forget to keep up to date with the fantastic Competitions available.
- Set the scene for the Meeting with your very own Spotify Playlist.
- Get inspiration from others’ At Home Celebration creations here!
To keep up to date with The Wine Tipster’s blog, subscribe here, and don’t forget to follow him on Social Media for updates and coverage.
This weekend Newmarket, the HQ of flat racing, hosts the first two classics of 2019 with the Qipco 2000 Guineas on Saturday and Qipco 1000 Guineas on Sunday.
The 2000 Guineas Celebrates its 210th running on Saturday, the first winner back in 1809 being Wizard. The racing world will be watching intently hoping for the magic of another wonder horse to appear on the scene. Four of the last ten Derby winners ran in the Guineas to emphasise the class fields that assemble for the Guineas each year.
With the weather looking set fair for the majority of the week, good fast flat ground can be expected.
Not unsurprisingly the front of the market is dominated by the ever powerful O’Brien stable. Magna Garcia currently heading the market at 7/2, already proven over a mile winning the Group 1 Futurity Trophy Stakes last October, and looking all class.
Ten Sovereigns next in the market at 5/1 arguably has the best form in the book going into the race. All wins last year were over 6 furlongs, but with a mixture of speed and middle distance angles to the pedigree, and O’Brien rarely one to tilt at windmills, the assumption is that staying a mile will be within scope for Ten Sovereigns. Which ever horse is chosen by Ryan Moore sure to go off favourite.
Royal Marine from Godolphin a 2 year old Group one winner in France over 1 mile, albeit on slower ground, is currently an 8/1 shot, and can be marked up for his run in the Craven where he wasn’t seen to best effect.
Demonstrating long term profit from betting on horses is found from being a contrarian and looking for angles less seen by others, whilst accepting missing the obvious more frequently (and I wouldn’t put anybody off backing either of the O’Brien pair).
However, and with that in mind, a horse that interests me at huge odds of 40/1 is Emaratty Ana from the Kevin Ryan stable. A late foal by the sire Shamadal (who was a Newmarket Group one winner himself). Emaratty Ana during a light 2 yo campaign showed his class winning the Group 2 Gimcrack at York over 6F, and I’m happy to forgive his subsequent fifth at Newmarket behind Ten Sovereigns. Sharmadal came into his own when he tackled a mile plus, and the dam also brings stamina to the fore. There is good reason to believe we may see a stronger, more developed, and altogether different horse now going over 1m and at 40/1 each way makes for an interesting bet at such huge odds.
Monday morning saw Godolphin supplement Al Hilalee for the race at a cost of £30,000, following a key racecourse gallop in Meydan that clearly impressed connections. A Derby entry this unbeaten son of Dubawi described by trainer Appleby as “a unit” who handled the undulations on the July course last season, he should feel right at home on the galloping Rowley Mile come Saturday. At odds of 16/1 the hint should be taken each way.
On Sunday the 1000 Guineas takes centre stage for the fillies with Qubala heading the market at 7/2. The favourite winner of the key trial The Nell Gwyn in taking style, drawing right away from a good field. The Roger Varian filly looks sure to go very well.
Skitter Scatter from the John Oxx stable who trained the imperious Sea The Stars to 2000 Guineas success 10 years ago, is expecting a big run from this Scat Daddy offspring. Strong market support over the last 48 hours into 6/1 second favourite only further adds to the confidence behind this filly and is an interesting selection.
Iridessa from the up and coming Joseph O’Brien stable looks very interesting based on her Group 1 Fillies mile win over course and distance last October. Her seasonal appearance on face value might be viewed as slightly disappointing, however the soft ground may well not have suited as well as the fast ground she’s shown her best form on so far. At current odds of 8/1 she makes fair each way value against rivals whose prices have contracted more over the past days.
For those looking for a lively outsider likely to outrun her odds then Star Terms from the Richard Hannon stable looks sure to be suited by this testing mile, a strong gallop, and should run well.
Selections:
Saturday Qipco 2000 Guineas
Emaratty Ana 40/1 each way
Al Hilalee 12/1 each way
Sunday Qipco 1000 Guineas
Iridessa 7/1 each way
Star Terms 25/1 each way
Have a great, profitable, and enjoyable Guineas weekend.
Follow Jamie Beighton on twitter @TheWineTipster1
Three days of top class racing, luxury dining and Champagne: it must be Newmarket. This year’s racing culminated in the July Cup on the Saturday – won by Harry Angel who was given a great ride by Adam Kirby, beating the favourite, Caravaggio.
The Wine Tipster spent the festival presenting on Newmarket Course TV and ITV, as well as showcasing some wonderful wines in the Summer House Restaurant and at the daily Moët and Chandon Champagne paired lunches alongside a fabulous menu. 
The 2017 Festival marked the launch of this Champagne and Dining experience by The Jockey Club, which was a huge success. It was a great example of how well Champagne can be paired, with dishes such as the Fish Duo of Trout Mousse and Lemon Cured Salmon.
It was great to see so many familiar faces in the Summer House this year, as well as amazing support for English Wines, especially Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyard Pinot Gris, Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV and Chapel Down 
English Rosé.
The Wine Tipster also did well on the tipping front this year, with Tangled at 8:1 on the Friday, and Medahim at 12:1 on the Saturday, both trained by Richard Hannon.
Overall, the 2017 Moët and Chandon July festival was a massive success, with attendances up on last year. The Wine Tipster will be returning next year – don’t miss him!
This weekend saw the 2017 QIPCO Guineas Festival at Newmarket: the first two features of the five Classics for the three year old racehorses. The Wine Tipster attended both the 2000 Guineas on Saturday for the colts, and the 1000 Guineas on Sunday for the fillies, and enjoyed, like the other spectators, the excitement around this festival and the chance to discover the talent of the three year olds. After a fabulous weekend of racing, we are sure to have true champions for the 2017 season.
Saturday 6th May: The first day of the festival highlighted that Churchill, trained by Aidan O’Brien, has carried on from his two year old days and justified favouritism by winning the 2000 Guineas in impressive style. There were also strong form lines from this race with Barney Roy, Al Wukair and Eminent chasing him home. This leaves Churchill 7-4 favourite for the Derby, and we’ll have to hope he takes his place at Epsom.
Sunday 7th May: This race saw the favourite, Rhododendron, have a troubled passage, and failing to collar her impressive stable mate, Winter, who travelled superbly throughout the race, showing the potential to be a real champion. Despite her difficult run, Rhododendron showed a fantastic turn of foot and will definitely be winning races in 2017. The Wine Tipster fancied her to win not only for her amazing performance at Newmarket last year, but because, as Alan Titchmarsh says, May is the best month for Rhododendrons. The 1000 Guineas race day also saw good performances from Frontiersman and race debutant, Way of Wisdom. 
The Wine Tipster spent the weekend presenting in the Chez Roux Restaurant with fantastic dishes prepared by the legendary Albert Roux. Popular wines throughout the Guineas Festival included Bolney Estate Foxhole Vineyard Pinot Gris, and Prophet’s Rock Dry Riesling.
The Wine Tipster also presented on the course TV, promoting the ‘racecourse experience’ featuring the Purely Prosecco Bar with high quality and stylish Proseccos from the famous producer Bisol. As well as enjoying some bubbles, there were some very tasty Powter Sausages from Newmarket, who were established in 1881 and have been associated with the racecourse for 50 years; A delicious way to celebrate the Guineas.
The other three Classics coming up are Oaks and the Derby at Epsom in June, and the final Classic, The St Leger at Doncaster in September. The Wine Tipster is looking forward to seeing how the runners from the Guineas perform in the coming months.
The Wine Tipster joins Steve Elsom on his 100th and final show of The Business Hub.
Chuffed to be asked to join Steve on his final show. Top banter. Click here to listen.
The Wine Tipster/Sommelier presented at Newmarket’s Dubai Future Champions Festival on 9th and 10th October in the Champions Gallery Restaurant at the Rowley Mile Course.
Guests were treated to some top class racing from a fantastic vantage point. They enjoyed a high quality dining experience including
Venison Scotch Egg, seared Cold Fillet and Sticky Pineapple Upside Cake paired with delicious wines. Popular choices were Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial NV, Riva Leone Barbaresco DOCG 2011 Piemonte,
Jean Biecher & Fils Riesling 2014 Alsace and Chambolle-Musigny Domaine Roux 2012 Burgundy.
Stand out racing performances at the Dubai Future Champions Festival included the exciting Air Force Blue, Gifted Master and the remarkable Grumeti, who won the Betfred Cesarewitch, at 50/1. The Cesarewitch is one of the great flat races as a spectacle, with 34 runners racing over two miles two furlongs.
An ideal experiences for novices and regular racegoers alike.
The popular Shergar Cup day takes place at Ascot today and this year there are four teams battling it out over a six race card starting at 12.55.
Ascot 12.55 Les Ambassadeurs Casino Shergar Cup Mile The main question here is how Nine Realms will perform after a slightly lacklustre first run of the season. The Wine Tipster thinks that Nine Realms has too much to do and his siding with Andrew Balding’s Roserrow, who is certainly progressive.Selection: Roserrow win 8/1.
Ascot 1.30 Redcentric Shergar Cup Stayers 2m Sir Mark Prescott is renowned for the placement of his horses and his Mutual Respect, a winner last time at Ffos Las over this distance, looks open to improvement against some tough opposition including Broxbourne and Brockwell. Selection: Mutual Regard win 5/1.
Ascot 2.05 Barclays Shergar Cup Dash 5f Ahtoug looks well handicapped and his trainer Charlie Appleby’s stable is in good form so with a pull in the weights Ahtoug can reverse the form with joint favourite Steps when they last met on July 28th at Ascot. Selection: Ahtoug win 9/2.
Ascot 2.40 Keltbray Shergar Cup Classic 1m 4f Chesterfield, despite a six pound penalty after his determined victory over Lady Pimpernel over 1m 2f, looks sure to benefit from the longer trip of 1m 4f and give trainer Charlie Appleby a double, whilst Cathy Gannon’s mount Cardinal Palace looks good for some place money. Selections: Chesterfield win 11/4 and Cardinal Palace each way 12/1.
Ascot 3.15 Pagegroup Shergar Cup Challenge 1m 4f Star Lahib will relish the return to 1m 4f and his two wins this season have both been over this trip. Ustura is the main danger and if runs to his Royal meeting form then he is a big threat, although The Wine Tipster still takes Mark Johnston’s Star Lahib to just edge this tight handicap. Selection: Star Lahib win 7/2.
Ascot 3.50 Dubal Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint 6f Trainer William Haggas continues in cracking form and look set for another successful Saturday in televised races with favourite Noble Deed’s three wins all coming at this distance of 6f, this looks the horse to be punting your pounds on.Selection: Noble Deed win 5/2
Channel 4’s is also featuring these races with my The Wine Tipster’s tips:
2.20 Haydock: Educate 9/1 each way.
2.55 Haydock: Telescope 4/5 win.
3.35 Newmarket: Wedding Ring 7/2 win.
To celebrate a successful afternoon The Wine Tipster suggests some wonderful fizz from Champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaïque NV, £25, Great Western Wines or Laurent-Perrier’s delicious and expressive Laurent-Perrier Millésime 2004,Champagne, France £43.99. Stockists: Sainsbury’s, Oddbins
Cheers!
The Wine Tipster Blog
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