Headlines

Fergal O’Brien scooped Third Time Lucki at the Goffs UK August Sale for £190,000. His team outbid Irish powerhouse Gordon Elliott by 10k for the experienced chaser.

On-course bookies are to cover the cost of entry for everyone to Saturday’s Phoenix card at the Curragh. I’m a very big fan of that!

Inspiral and Frankie Dettori will team up again for the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Sunday. The Gosden filly, who was recently last in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, is the 11/4 favourite. Big Rock, second to Ace Impact in the Prix du Jockey Club, will also feature.

Champion 2YO Little Big Bear has been retired by Coolmore after sustaining an injury. It’s a shame, but he didn’t really seem to be improving in his 3YO season imo and he’s off to the stud.

Racing League

The Racing League feature is back. Who are we going for this evening at Chepstow though? Manila Scouse looks more than capable of following up his win over 5f at Haydock on Sunday and he’s not carrying a penalty for that success — meaning he’s going to take all the beating off the same mark. His 11/10 odds reflect that in 20:00.

Saffie Osbourne is the queen of the Racing League and she’s looking to follow up her fine opening night with another win on Chinese Knot. The Millman horse was knocking at the door, with a second at Windsor two runs ago and she got off the mark by a neck under Osbourne at Yarmouth lto. The pair go again tonight and the step up to 6f should be no concern as they look to strike at 5/2 in the 18:00.

There are also a lot of whispers of support for Shabaz (7/2) in the 19:00 at Chepstow. He’s placed his last two and arguably should have won at the last Racing League event under Frankie Dettori, but was short of room and had to switch right. Same mark and the extra two furlongs should suit.

One to watch

The one-mile Maiden Stakes at Sandown tonight (18:45) has produced some fantastic horses in recent years, including Too Darn Hot, Westover and Arrest, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on that race tonight.

Preference is for Godolphin’s State Of Desire at 85/40. The son of Frankel was third when fancied at odds-on at Yarmouth when he made his debut back in May and improved at Haydock when second behind stablemate By The Book. On that basis, he’s the one to beat and should be able to go one better for Charlie Appleby under Will Buick.

One worth considering at a longer price in that race is Defiance. He’s a Camelot colt out of eight-race maiden Alouja and a 190,000gns yearling. His Dam is half-sister to G3 winner Magic Artest and out of a half-sister to Leger winner Mastery. Roger Varian can win first-time out and there's plenty of appeal in the breeding. 11/1.

X NAP

Newsletter exclusive tips

The first pick also comes from Sandown. Tough Enough at 6/4 in the 19:45. Good form as a 2YO, going one better in his three races (321) and he returned with another victory on reappearance at Windsor in June. Upped in class when sixth of 16 runners at Newmarket in July. Up to 7f, but trip shouldn’t be an issue and he can return to winning ways in this weaker field.

The other selection is Sassy Belle at 3/1 in the 14:40 at Nottingham. She’s been third and fourth last two runs on good ground and the conditions being on the softer side should suit her today. Cheekpieces have been added and that could also help her pick up a second win. Ed Walker in form (29% strike rate), but need more from Oisin Murphy (12%).

You know what? Let’s take a trip over to Ireland for the world of jumps at Sligo as well. Weseekherthere has plenty of appeal at 6/5 in the 19:05. This will be her third attempt over hurdles for Elliott, but here 453 form suggests a win is coming. Step back up to trip to 2m4f should suit as well as was 4th from 40/1 on debut when last seen over this distance. Jack Kennedy rides.