2-y-o ratings saturday 24 October

It’s been a real struggle the last week and I’m glad the flat turf is drawing to a close. I certainly endorse Dave’s view about abstaining from nurseries at the moment, certainly on the turf. Although I did have a 9/1 winner at Wolverhampton last night. Saturday’s racing looks very tough with big fields and likely significant going changes at Doncaster and Newbury just to add another conundrum to punting and meaning that I have to look a bit closer than the bare ratings.

I like the top two rated in the Racing Post Trophy but it is likely to be a real slog this afternoon and I really like St Nicholas Abbey (2/1) in the race. He looks to have a touch of class, is likely to be a a decent middle distance performer next season and has form on heavy ground and has to be today’s banker.

In the Conditions event at Donny (2:55), also a scoop six race, top-rated Citrus Star only has fast ground form but progressive Lalya’s Hero (2/1) likes a bit of cut and has to be the call with Corporal Maddox (5/1) the biggest danger.

The Horris Hill (Newbury 2:05) looks an even harder puzzle and is likely to be won by something that acts on soft ground but is yet to encounter it, so anyones guess. Iver Bridge Lad (11/1 Coral) is top-rated and has run well with cut in the ground and if he stays 7f he has the form to colllect today with Cadley Road (14/1) a real danger.

Doncaster 1:15
Goodwood Maestro 96 (20/1)
Subtefuge 90 (14/1)

Newbury 1:30
State Fair 78 (11/2)
Sir Pitt 56

Newbury 2:05
Iver Bridge Lad 110 (11/1)
Cadley Road 97 (14/1)

Doncaster 2:55
Citrus Star 101
Corporal Maddox 99 (5/1)
Layla’s Hero 98 (2/1)

Doncaster 3:30
Al Zir 113
Elusive Pimpernel 106
St Nicholas Abbey 102+ (2/1)

Newbury 3:45
Snow Fairy 93 (4/1)
Electric Feel 92
Plume 92

Newbury 4:20
Blissful Moment 76 (5/2)
First Fandango 64

Kempton 7:10
Highland Quaich 66 (8/1)
St Ignatius 60 (7/1)