I wasn’t able to squeeze writing a newsletter into my busy schedule yesterday, so instead I’m doing a Saturday Special (as I have literally nothing planned today). There’s plenty of horse racing action on this hectic Saturday though, with the Irish Oaks taking place at the Curragh and meetings at Newbury, Market Rasen, Newmarket, Ripon, Cartmel, Doncaster and Haydock.

Let’s get straight into it!

Headlines

The going at the Curragh has officially changed to soft. That should suit 5/6 Oaks favourite Savethelastdance perfectly in the Classic. It would seem pretty stupid to oppose her now and she’s definitely worth adding to a Saturday acca.

Aidan O’Brien is responsible for half the entries in the Oaks at 15:45 and should he get a seventh win, he will surpass Sir Michael Stoute as the most successful trainer in the race’s history.

William Buick is absolutely flying at the minute. He’s operating off a strike rate of 26% in the last 14 days and his double at Newmarket last night was pushed him 14 wins clear of Hollie Doyle in the Jockeys’ Championship.

2021 Ascot Gold Cup winner Subjectivist has been retired after he finished lame following a piece of work earlier this week. He won six of his 20 races and earned more than £890,000 in prize money for Charlie Johnson.

One to watch

By this stage, everyone knows how much I love Aidan, Ryan Moore and Coolmore, and I’m excited to see this Ballydoyle juvenile at the Curragh this afternoon.

The horse in question is Henry Longfellow in the opener at 13:30. He’s the 15/8 joint-favourite with fellow Coolmore-owned horse Mythology, who already has two runs under his belt for Joseph O’Brien but is yet to get off the mark.

This is Henry Longfellow’s first time out, but he’s beautifully bred by Dubawi and Minding. He’s his dam’s second foal and while she was second first time out, his sire won a 6f Maiden at Goodwood on debut and won over today’s distance of 7f twice before the end of his 2YO season. Ryan Moore takes the ride and Henry has an entry in the G2 Futurity Stakes back here next month.

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Newsletter exclusive tips

The first exclusive is Sobegrand (11/10) in the 4:25 at Market Rasen. He ran well to pick up a first win of his career by over four lengths at Stratford last month and he’s open to further progress over this longer trip today. Jockey Sean Bowen is in form as well with a 48% strike rate and so is trainer Olly Murphy with a 63% strike rate.

The next exclusive is Unequal Love at 13/8 in the 15:20 at Ripson. She was fourth on debut over 7f at Thirsk in June, but was dropped to 6f at Leicester lto and was much better suited to the distance — winning by almost two lengths. She’s can improve again today for William Haggas despite a penalty.

It’s a Saturday Special so I might as well chuck in another one — Highland Avenue (9/4), 13:50 Newbury. The Godolphin horse hasn’t won a race since 2021, but was second in G3 at Epsom and placed in a Listed contest at Royal Ascot, so looks like the top contender on that form in this race. Buick has been picking up winners everyday for the last few days and Appleby is operating off a 27% strike rate.