John Musker Listed Stakes Preview (Wed 16th September 2025 )

 The John Musker Fillies' Stakes is a Listed flat horse race in Great Britain open to fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Great Yarmouth, over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 23 yards (2,033 metres) and it is scheduled to take place each year in September. It was first run in 1993. The race is named after John Musker (died 1926), a racehorse breeder from Norfolk.^[1]

Leading trainer (6 wins):

• John Gosden – Saafeya (1998), Dance Partner (2006), So Mi Dar (2016), Fanny Logan (2019), Majestic Noor (2020), Shaara (2022)

race conditions  £55,000 guaranteed For  3yo+ fillies & mares, which are EBF eligible, which have not won a Group 1 or Group 2 Pattern race after March 31st, 2025 Weights  3yo 8st 13lb; 4yo+ 9st 4lb Penalties  after March 31st, 2025, a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Group 3 race 5lb Weight for age  3yo from 4yo+ 5lb Entries  19 pay £275 Penalty value  1st  £30,921.00 2nd  £11,770.00 3rd  £5,890.50 4th  £2,937.00 5th  £1,474.00 6th  £742.50 7th  £368.50

Great Yarmouth's feature race of the season .The 32nd running of  £55,000 John Musker Fillies Stakes over 10 furlongs on ground described as Good/Soft .

KEY STAT : Three-year-olds have won the race (24 out 31 ) (77% strike rate ) 

John & Thady Gosden have three runners in the race (Running Lion ) (Life Is Beautiful ) (Rainbows Edge) , including the likely favourite RUNNING  LION , who is top rated in the race on official BHA ratings of 110 , though has got plenty to prove on this years form , including finishing (last of 5 in G1 Nassau Stakes )& (last of 8 in G1 Falmouth Stakes) Takes big drop in class here into listed company, though is only (1 out 3) (221) in listed company, first time blinkers may help and does have winning form on soft ground, though not for me at around 5-2

The Night Ot Thunder three-year-old filly LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, looks interesting after finishing creditable second in G3 company at Deauville last time , that was decent effort, finishing under lengh behind decent French filly Cankoura ,who had previously finished third in G1 Prix de Diane.Unraced on soft ground, though has real soft ground pedigree (Night Of Thunder ) ( 2 out 2 ) on soft, the dam (Beautiful Morning ) winning this race back in 2017 on soft ground. Looks open to further improvement and three-year-olds have excellent record in race.Odds 4-1 or bigger look solid each-way value .

Of the others BEAUTIFUL LOVE   has to be respected on pick of her form , including finishing distant second in G2 Middleton Stakes at York behind See The Fire in May , had also finished good fourth in last years G1 Breeders Cup Filly's and Mares turf at Del Mar, only beaten lengh , been slightly disappointing this season, though does take drop in class.However all winning form has been on quick ground.

York listed winner CHARLOTTES WEB is very consistent filly, looks sure be in mix ,though won't find it easy under 3lb listed penalty.

The Royal runner RAINBOWS EDGE  will be suited returning to 10 furlongs, having appeared not to stay 12 furlongs at York last time , can't be ruled out if handling this easier ground .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RECOMMENDED BET :

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL 4.00 YARMOUTH JOHN MUSKER  LISTED STAKES 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 4-1 WILLIAM HILLS .888SPORT 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Irish Champion Stakes Preview (Sat 13th September 2025 )

The Irish Champion Stakes (Irish: Curadh-Dhuais na hÉireann) is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to horses aged three years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs (2,012 metres), and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.

The event was established in 1976, and it was initially held at Leopardstown as the Joe McGrath Memorial Stakes. It was named in memory of Joe McGrath (1887–1966), the founder of the Irish Hospitals' Sweepstake and a successful racehorse owner.

The race was transferred to Phoenix Park and renamed the Phoenix Champion Stakes in 1984. Its present title was introduced in 1991, when the event returned to Leopardstown after the closure of its former venue.

The Irish Champion Stakes became part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series in 2009. The winner now earns an automatic invitation to compete in the same year's Breeders' Cup Turf.^[1]

race conditions  €1,250,000 guaranteed For  3yo+ Weights  3yo 9st 3lbs; 4yo+ 9st 9lbs Weight for age  3yo from 4yo+ 6lb Allowances  fillies & mares 3lbs Penalty value  1st  €712,500.00 2nd  €237,500.00 3rd  €112,500.00 4th  €50,000.00 5th  €25,000.00 6th  €12,500.00 

8 runners declared for Irish Champion Stakes over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown on soft ground .

2024 Ascot Champion stakes winner ANMAAT  should go well with ground conditions in his favour.Lightly raced this season , though finished excellent second in Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot in June ,behind the top class Ombudsman on ground that would been too quick. Goes well fresh and has excellent record on soft ground .Odds 4-1 look solid each-way value in this eight runner race .

Eclipse winner DELACROIX  looks the main danger ,after finishing good second in Juddmonte International at York last month , though not match for impressive winner Ombudsman on the day, that was still fair effort in messy race .Has to be respected back at Leopardstown, though is unproven on ground this soft. 

Of the others soft ground specialist WHITE BIRCH  can't be ruled out on pick last seasons form , including winning the G1 Tattersals Gold Cup .Also Goes well fresh ,each-way claims .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommended Bet :

ANMAAT 5.30 LEOPARDSTOWN IRISH CHAMPION STAKES 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 4-1 LADBROKES 

(SECOND SP 4-1 LOSS 0.20 PTS )

Royal Ascot Day Five (Sat 21st June 2025 )

Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £141,775 12 runners 1m3f211y Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Inside)

 

race conditions  £250,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ Weights  colts & geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st Entries  18 pay £2,500 Penalty value  1st  £141,775.00 2nd  £53,750.00 3rd  £26,900.00 4th  £13,400.00 5th  £6,725.00 6th  £3,375.00 

 

12 Runners declared for good looking G2 contest on fast ground .

 

The likable 7-Y-0 Gelding REBELS ROMANCE is 5lb clear on offical ratings, having won 7 times in group one company. Clearly the one to beat on form, though only just scrambled home in Yorkshire Cup last time over 1M 6F last time .The Charlie Appleby stable are struggling for winners this week at Ascot (0 out 10) .So not for me at around 5-2 .

 

AL RIFFA looks interesting in first time blinkers, had some decent form last season, including finishing second in the Eclipse behind City Of Troy .Finished creditable third in 1M 2F G2 Neom Turf  Cup in February behind Shin Emperor. Will be suited returning to 12 furlongs. Solid each-way claims at around 5-1 or bigger .

 

SPACE LEGEND looks best of the rest, ran well in G2 company last season, including finishing 5L second in this race last year behind Calandagan .Place claims .

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT : (1) AL RIFFA (2) REBELS ROMANCE (3) SPACE LEGEND 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Jersey Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £85,065 15 runners 7f Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Centre)

 

race conditions  £150,000 guaranteed For  3yo Weights  colts & geldings 9st 3lb; fillies 9st Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Group 3 race 3lb; of a Group 1 or Group 2 race 5lb Entries  26 pay £1,500 Penalty value  1st  £85,065.00 2nd  £32,250.00 3rd  £16,140.00 4th  £8,040.00 5th  £4,035.00 6th  £2,025.00 

 

15 Runners declared for 7 furlong Jersey Stakes  

 

The Donnacha O'Brien trained COMANCHE BRAVE , should go well returning to 7 furlongs after finishing fair fifth in Irish 2000 Guineas last time , had previously finished good second to French 2000 guineas winner Henri Mateste in the Red Rocks stakes over this trip. Will be suited returning to G3 company with Ryan Moore booked for first time .Odds 4-1 or above look fair value .

 

The main danger looks to be Andrew Balding trained MAVELMAN , has shown progressive form this season , including finishing good second in listed company in King Charles 11 stakes at Newmarket last time, behind the Irish 2000 guineas runner up  Cosmic Year . Looks open to further improvement .

 

Of the others Irish 1000 guineas runner up CALIFORNIA DREAMS is consistent sort, no match for Lake Victoria last time , though drop back to 7 furlongs should suit, not best win record (1 out 11) though fair place claims in this lesser race .

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT : (1) COMANCHE BRAVE (2) MAVELMAN (3) CALIFORNIA DREAMS 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

ROYAL ASCOT DAY FIVE SELECTIONS

AL RIFFA 3.05 HARDWICKE STAKES

1PT EACH-WAY @ 5-1 BET365

1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 

(SECOND SP 4-1 LEVEL ) 

 

COMANCHE BRAVE 4.20 JERSEY STAKES 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 9-2 BET365

1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 

(THIRD SP 11-4 LOSS 0.05 ) 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1/4 PT EACH-WAY DOUBLE @ 32-1 BET365 

(SECOND & THIRD PROFIT +0.45 )

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Royal Ascot Day One Preview Tue 17th June 2025

Day One at Royal Ascot, the best quality card of the week , featuring three group one races and group two Coventry Stakes .

Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £450,065 11 runners 1m Good ITV

race conditions  £750,000 guaranteed For  4yo+         Weights  colts & geldings 9st 2lb; fillies 8st 13lb Allowances  Southern Hemisphere 4yo 1lb pay £3,285 Penalty value  1st  £450,064.73 2nd  £170,629.38 3rd  £85,394.05 4th  £42,538.30 5th  £21,348.51 6th  £10,713.94 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS : (1) 

 

Interesting contest with the first four home in the Lockinge stakes, all set to renew rivalry in this top class group one mile contest. I'm hoping today is a lucky one, as after the racing its good to relax a touch and visit https://au.crazyvegas.com/online-pokies for a go on the slots. A great way to sit back with a rum and coke and a bit of casino action.  

 

The Richard Hannon trained 4-Y-0 colt ROSALLION has been put in clear favourite at around 11-4.Won five of his 8 starts, including winning the G1 St James Palace Stakes here at Royal Ascot last year.Made promising reappearance in Lockinge stakes at Newbury last month, finishing 2.5L third behind Lead Artist.Should improve for his first run of the season, though looks short enough in market in such strong race.

 

Lockinge winner LEAD  ARTIST , should go well for new combination Colin Keane & John & Thady Gosden, landed big gamble at Newbury last time 25-1 into 17-2, beating three of todays rivals.All his best form has been on fast ground over mile , including winning Lockinge & Thoroughbred stakes over the trip .Will be suited by this stiff straight mile .Solid each-way claims at 5-1 or above , especially with bookmakers paying 4 places .

 

2024 Guineas winner NOTABLE SPEECH  can't be ruled out on his best form , finished fair fourth in Lockinge stakes on his reappearance last month, had some useful form last season ,including winning 2000 guineas at Newmarket & Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, though was well beaten in St James Palace stakes at Royal Ascot last year behind Rosallion .

 

DANCING GEMINI  has been in great form this season, winning twice and finishing close second in Lockinge , though seemed to just get outstayed in closing stages at Newbury. This stiffer track and fast ground not sure to suit.All his winning form been on easier ground .

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT : (1) LEAD ARTIST (2) ROSALLION (3) NOTABLE SPEECH 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

King Charles III Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo+) Winner £411,573 23 runners 5f Good ITV (STALLS Centre)

 

race conditions  £725,750 guaranteed For  3yo+. Weights  3yo colts & geldings 9st 1lb; fillies 8st 12lb; 4yo+ colts & geldings 9st 7lb; fillies 9st 4lb Weight for age  3yo from 4yo+ 6lb pay £2,845 Penalty value  1st  £411,572.82 2nd  £156,036.24 3rd  £78,090.70 4th  £38,900.20 5th  £19,522.68 6th  £9,797.63 

 

JBB FORM RATINGS :

 

Last Years winner ASFOORA has to be respected returning to Ascot, won G3 contest in Australia in April , though was bit disappointing in group one company last time over 6f at , finishing seventh of 14.The return to this stiff five furlongs should suit, though hasn't had prep race in Uk this year .Runs in first time blinkers .

 

At the prices the consistent 7-Y-0 gelding REGIONAL should go well at decent odds, finished good second last year, just lengh behind Asfoora. Made promising return in April finishing close third in G1 Al Quoz at Meydan behind Believing .Looks well drawn in stall 17 , high drawn numbers often favoured in big field sprints at Ascot on fast ground.Goes well fresh, Solid win & place claims at 8-1 or bigger .

 

Of the others AL Quoz winner BELIEVING  has to be respected with Ryan Moore booked , ran some excellent races last season , including finishing second in Nunthorpe at York & third in Prix De l 'Abbaye at Longchamp, though has yet to fire at Ascot in three starts, finishing only fourth in this race last year.Stall one also looks negative . 

 

Former French trained mare MGHEERA  looks best of the rest, has shown improved form this season since switching to Ed Walker stable , winning both starts , including winning the G2 Temple Stakes at Haydock last time. Has bit to find on official rating , though looks open to further improvement.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT : (1) REGIONAL (2) ASFOORA (3) MGHEERA 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

 

 

St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (Colts) (Class 1) (3yo) Winner £368,615 7 runners 7f213y Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Inside)

 

race conditions  £650,000 guaranteed For 3yo colts:Weigh ts  9st 2lb pay £2,845 Penalty value  1st  £368,615.00 2nd  £139,750.00 3rd  £69,940.00 4th  £34,840.00 5th  £17,485.00 6th  £8,775.00 

 

FIELD OF GOLD  will be difficult to beat, looked unlucky loser in 2000 Guineas when given lot to do, made no mistake in Irish Guineas when winning impressively at Curragh under Colin Keane, can reverse form with Ruling Court.This stiffer track will suit .As expected bookmakers are not giving much away at top price 4/5 . NO BET RACE . 

 

2000 Guineas winner RULING COURT, looks the only danger, though looked fortunate winner at Newmarket, getting first run  though can chase home Field Of Gold  . 

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT : (1) FIELD OF GOLD (2) RULING COURT 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

Wolferton Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (4yo+) Winner £68,052 16 runners 1m1f212y Good To Firm ITV (STALLS Inside)

 

race conditions  £120,000 guaranteed For  4yo+ which have not won a Group 1 or Group 2 Pattern race after August 31st, 2024 Weights  colts & geldings 9st 5lb; fillies 9st Penalties  after August 31st, 2024, a winner of a Listed race 3lb; of a Group 3 race 5lb Entries  30 pay £600 Penalty value  1st  £68,052.00 2nd  £25,800.00 3rd  £12,912.00 4th  £6,432.00 5th  £3,228.00 6th  £1,620.00 

 

16 runners go to post for competitive listed contest over 10 furlongs for Wolferton Stakes .

 

 The four-year-old Harry Charlton Gelding KINGS GAMBIT  looks intresting taking drop in class, had some decent form last season , including finishing good second in G3 Hampton Court stakes over C&D at Royal Ascot last year .Also finished creditable second in G2 Sky Bet stakes at York behind Alflaila.Will need bounce back after poor run last time in Aston Park Stakes, though was too free in first time blinkers ,though the return to 10 furlongs with no headgear will suit .Odds around 9-1 look fair win & place value. 

 

Last years second HAUNTED DREAM can't be ruled out, ran career best last time finishing excellent fourth in G2 Neom Cup at Riyadh behind the useful Japanese colt Shin Emperor last time .Goes well fresh on fast ground, place claims at around 14-1 

 

ENFJAAR  has been put in clear favourite at around 9-2, showed progressive form last season winning twice in handicap company, though ran his best race when finishing second to Persica in listed company at Ayr .Only fifth in G3 company on reapperance at Sanown, though should improve for that run for stable that has good record in the race .

 

Of the others Jersey Stakes winner HAATEM, had some useful form in better company last season over 7 & 8 furlongs, obvious claims if staying this trip though far from certain to stay 10 furlongs on pedigree .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VERDICT : (1) KINGS GAMBIT (2) HAUNTED DREAM (3) ENFJAAR

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

 

ROYAL ASCOT DAY ONE SELECTIONS :

 

LEAD ARTIST 2.30 QUEEN ANNE STAKES 

1PT EACH-WAY @ 5-1 PADDY POWER (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )  

(UNPLACED SP 4-1 LOSS 2.00 PTS )

 

REGIONAL 3.40 KING CHARLES 111 STAKES 

1PT WIN @ BSP 12.25 

1PT TOP 5 FINISH BSP 2.14

(THIRD SP 9-1 PROFIT +0.14 

 

KINGS GAMBIT 5.35 WOLFERTON STAKES 

1PT  EACH-WAY @ 7-1 BETVICTOR (1/5 ODDS 1-2-3-4 )

(THIRD SP 4-1 PROFIT+ 0.40 PTS) 

Royal Ascot History

Over its 300-year history, Ascot has established itself as a national institution, with Royal Ascot being the centrepiece of the British summer social calendar.^[1]

The racecourse was founded in 1711 by Queen Anne. When out riding from Windsor Castle, she came upon an area of open heath that looked, in her words, 'ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch'.^[2] Her plans for a new race meeting were subsequently announced in The London Gazette of 12 July 1711. 

That first meeting was held on 11 August 1711, the original date (and a race scheduled for 6 August) having been postponed for reasons unspecified, although it has been speculated that the course was simply not ready.^[4] The Queen and a "brilliant suite"^[4] drove from Windsor Castle to witness it, with the first race being a seven horse £50 plate, won by a horse called Doctor owned by the Duke of St Albans.^[4] The original racecourse was laid out by William Lowen for the first meet.^[2]

Queen Anne's gift to racing, founding the Royal Racecourse, is marked by the tradition of opening Royal Ascot with The Queen Anne Stakes run over the straight mile. 

Royal Ascot evolved from the first four-day race meeting held at Ascot in 1768, although the meeting as it is known today only really started to take shape with the introduction of The Gold Cup in 1807.^[17] Until 1939, Royal Ascot was the only race meeting held at the racecourse. The Gold Cup remains the feature race of the third day of Royal Ascot, traditionally the busiest day of the week. During the racecourse's redevelopment in 2005, the Royal Meeting was held at York Racecourse. 

Each of the five days of Royal Ascot begins with the Royal Procession at 2pm, when the monarch and other members of the royal family arrive down the straight mile in the royal Landaus, accompanied by the playing of the National Anthem and the raising of the Royal Standard. This tradition was started in 1825 by George IV. 

Royal Ascot is Britain's most valuable race meeting, with millions of pounds in prize money (just over £10 million in 2025 ).^[18] About 500 horses race across the five days. Eighteen Group races, eight of them Group 1, are staged each year, and are broadcast to audiences in almost 200 territories around the world.