12pm Nowhere to go for Paco Boy
Chris Cook: You can watch yesterday's Prix du Moulin here. Paco Boy did not seem to run up to his best and could perhaps have used a stronger pace. Richard Hughes had him well placed through the first half of the race, just behind the leaders, but it was a pity he ended up being trapped behind the front pair in the home straight, with nowhere to go.
11.55pm Reading matter for you Cathy Gannon fans
Chris Cook: Cathy Gannon, well established as the most popular jockey on Talking Horses, has a full page to herself in today's Racing Post. She shares the ups and downs of her week, starting with an emotional first Group win in Ireland and ending with an injury at Brighton. It's well worth a read.
Today's best bets, by Will Hayler
By the time you read this, I will hopefully be safely ensconced in a Bath boozer, supping gently upon a pint of Old Nettlethrasher.
Today marks the annual pilgrimage I make with a few friends down to the South-West's most unextraordinary racecourse. At the time of writing. it looks a painfully difficult card to unravel, but buoyed by a couple of soothing ales I'm sure to be brimming with confidence by the time that the first race ticks around.
With plenty of pace in the line-up, I'm hoping they go fast enough for Barons Spy's (3.10) stamina to come into play. His mark has come down 9lb from the rating off which he outstayed his rivals at Warwick last summer and his latest third at Chepstow in quite a well-contested affair hinted at a revival in form.
Whodathought (2.10) makes some appeal tried in blinkers for the first time and with Richard Hughes taking the reins ahead of stablemate Fly By White. On more than one occasion, Whodathought has looked a slightly tricky sort, travelling smoothly before pressure is exerted at which point he has quickly capitulated.
Soft ground wouldn't have suited last time and today's race represents a definite drop in grade. Even if he can't keep his head in front at the line, I would fancy him to trade short in running for those prepared to try and lock in a profit on Betfair.
Glenmuir (4.50) represents a stable who are all performing better now than when under a cloud earlier in the season and he could go well despite his big weight at Newcastle.
But the pick of today's rather meagre offerings could be at Newton Abbot. Off for two years with a leg injury, Maizy Missile (3.00) has returned in fine form, showing admirable determination to get the better of her main rival in a similar contest at Uttoxeter in July.
She has far fewer miles on the clock than most of today's rivals and in a similar contest, she can defy a 9lb hike in the weights and win again. Interestingly, Maizy Missile is the only horse trained by Evan Williams' mum, Mary Evans.
Tipping competition - a new week
For the second time in a month, JahLion came out on top last week. He had no winners on the final day but his closest pursuers fared no better and he held on with a score of £12.25 to nab the brace of tickets to the Ayr Gold Cup offered by William Hill.
This week's prize is a copy of the new book Rodders Of Arabia, the autobiography of the former trainer Rod "Nipper Reed" Simpson. "When you talk about the 'characters' in racing Rod Simpson is guaranteed to be in the top three," says John Francome in the press release. "On a different path he could have been a Sir Michael Stoute."
To kick things off, we'd like your tips, please, for these races: 3.20 Newcastle, 4.00 Newton Abbot, 4.40 Bath.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers.
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
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