Live Sun Chariot Stakes meeting blog from Newmarket: Video replays, reaction, tips, bookmaker offers and more

• Kyprios stuns rivals in Prix du Cadran
• Fonteyn dances to Group One Sun Chariot glory
• ParisLongchamp review: Al Qareem strikes for Burke and Moore
• Newmarket review and replays: Imperious Imperial
• Ascot review and replays: Rohaan enhances course record
• Redcar review and replays: Cold Case solves Trophy puzzle
• France Galop to 'investigate' Soumillon

All times BST, please refresh for updates

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Handicap

1643: It's the last from Ascot and the last for the blog today but we will be back tomorrow for coverage of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

I thought Whenthedealisdone would run well in the Portland, he didn't but I'd be prepared to give him another chance at a course he's run well over. He's no great price given that Town Moor flop though. Significantly has come down a fair way in the weights and is on the short-list while the favourite is Tarhib for Haggas and Atzeni.

I'm told it's raining at Newmarket but I don't know if it will be heavy enough to affect the ground ahead of the last. It is 'lashing it down' apparently.

King Of Stars leads at Ascot. Significantly is the only runner to go far side, all the others on the stands' side. It looks quite hard work but I don't suppose it will have felt that way to Mollie Phillips who has partnered Dream Composer to victory for James Evans.

That's a first winner at Ascot for Phillips and one that she will remember for a long time, I'm sure.

That's all for today folks, thank you for your company. I hope you'll be able to join me again tomorrow for the Arc, it should be a cracking day.

Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein

1633: It's no surprise that The Revenant is proving popular in Paris given the conditions.

Raadobarg will also like the ground but doesn't have the same level of form in the book. I keep expecting him to run well though. I may have to wait a while longer.

Erevann is the favourite and he's ridden by a man in the headlines, Soumillon. Erevann was just half a length behind Inspiral in the Group One Jacques le Marois last time, that form is good enough to win this obviously.

Kevin Ryan's Triple Time is 5/1 having won his last three and it's double figures and up the remainder, including William Knight's Checkandchallenge who has to prove he can handle these conditions.

Off and away and Ian Bartlett has the call.

Ryan Moore has Glounthaune in a prominent position, sharing second. Erevann is moved towards the inside running rail and is almost running a solo. Checkandchellenge goes well, The Revenant finishing strongly but he can't get to Erevann.

A good ride from Soumillon who was alone in heading to the rail. He may well have been on the best horse but it's still sometimes easier to follow the crowd.

The Revenant was second with Checkandchallenge a fine third for Knight and his team.

A royal winner?

1623: The Newmarket field are making their way to post for the British Stallion Studs EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap and an awful lot of attention is on Mellow Yellow whose jockey, Buick, will wear the colours of The King.

She is trained by Haggas and is the 5/4 favourite.

The action heads fairly quickly from Newmarket to Paris for the Prix Daniel Wildenstein, another belting Group Two.

At Newmarket, Lydia Hislop and (possibly) Chris Dixon nominated Whimsy as the biggest threat to the favourite but everyone seems reasonably keen, or at least respectful, of Mellow Yellow. They're going behind.

It's been a while since I've heard from my mate at Newmarket but he told me earlier that Arabian Storm (ran well in the maiden) 'ran a cracker as he was as fat as you'. One for the My Stable tracker perhaps.

He also had good words for Charlie Appleby who took a lot of time out to sign an autograph for my mate's son. It's nice when you hear good things isn't it?

Anyway, they're running and there's a difference of opinion about the best track position. Whimsy leads from Mellow Yellow and Swoon. The favourite needs to respond. She does but she can't get there. Madame Ambassador wins a thriller.

Poorly named given the favourite! Another winner for the Johnstons, this time under Richard Kingscote.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro British EBF Stakes

1609: The race below at Fontwell Park passed me by, there's quite a lot going on today, but certainly produced some excitement. We should have more excitement to come from France as well as domestically and the runners for a Listed race registered as the October Stakes are going behind at Ascot.

Soft Whisper is penalised but I quite like her; she's been knocked off her perch at the top of the market by Nizaaka. Some support (at prices) for Love Interest very much takes the eye. Queen Aminatu is 5/1 and attempting to bounce back from a bad run at York, I think you can forgive a below par effort on the Knavesmire and she's interesting for Haggas and Atzeni.

They're already at the four pole. Soft Whisper prominent and making a beeline for the rail on the far side. She's taken a couple of lengths out of the field. Queen Aminatu powers home but was never getting there.

Nice ride from David Probert aboard Saeed bin Suroor's filly. Her form entitled her to win that but he stacked them up behind and quickened clear, top work and lovely to watch if you were with her; rather more frustrating viewing if you weren't. Romantic Rival was third.

Qatar Prix Dollar

1556: The Straight Mile Final at Redcar will be underway shortly and so, too, will be the Group Two Prix Dollar from ParisLongchamp.

The French race is a cracker and has Owen Burrows' Anmaat as the 2/1 favourite from Botanik at 5s.

Addeybb should love the ground but that would be a worry, for me, for West Wind Blows. I'm more interested in Junko who has run well in defeat at this level the last twice.

Closing stages at Redcar.

A narrow victory goes to Belhaven and Hayler Turner with Harry Eustace's runner returned at 17/2. Pisanello, Spirit Catcher and Copper And Five were next across the line.

Loading quickly at ParisLongchamp.

Grocer Jack is in second as they turn for home. West Wind Blows and Addeybb in behind him. Addeybb ridden strongly. Anmaat has picked up well but so, too, has Junko and the two go to the line together.

Ooh, I think Jim Crowley has got Anmaat home in front. West Wind Blows was third, clear of Grocer Jack. The result has been called and the 15/8 favourite has been confirmed. Sugar.

One brings two

1550: There's been one impressive debut winner for Godolphin at Newmarket and there could be another in a few moment's time as Military Order has been odds-on for quite some time.

Enfjaar is second favourite at 7/2; he's trained by Varian whose horses often improve considerably from their first visit to the racecourse.

They're off.

Military Order is in midfield, against the rail. Bodorgan who was nibbled at at big prices leads. The favourite is being ridden and has plenty of work to do. He's not going to win. Enfjaar does, just getting on top from Arabian Storm with Bodorgan third and Military Order (whose run was not without promise) fourth and they were nicely clear.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Challenge Cup

1537: Time for a competitive handicap and I'll wager the winning distance is less than the Cadran.

Fresh is the 11/4 favourite from Symbolize at 11/2 and Safe Voyage at 8s after that big run behind I'm A Gambler at Leopardstown. All set.

Safe Voyage is prominent. Symbolize has plenty of room as the field gravitate towards the inside of the track. Fresh elbows his way out. Escobar bursts through and beats Mum's Tipple.

It's nice to see the old boy win again (at 20/1! gah) and that's another decent prize for David O'Meara. Track position appeared to be important there with the first three home (Asjad third at 22/1) all coming through on the inside, fairly close to the rail. Having raced against it, the field eased back towards the middle but only River Nymph made any real progress in the centre of the track and his run in fourth can be upgraded.

Symbolize and Fresh may well have been the last two home.

Winning jockey Andrea Atzeni has a big smile on his face as he talks to Chapman. Atzeni answers every question from Chapman with the straightest of bats; I'm a fan - of the jockey - and it's nice to see him among the winners.

Apparently Escobar could be back at Ascot for QIPCO British Champions Day.

Qatar Prix du Cadran

1528: Kyprios is 4/7 with the last two or three to load.

They are on the final circuit with Quickthorn in second, just ahead of Kyprios and Princess Zoe with Tashkan fifth. While typing that, Kyprios and Princess Zoe have passed Quickthorn. Lismore leads.

Quickthorn being ridden to stay in touch. It's hard work for everyone except Kyprios. He eases a length clear at the top of the straight. He's five or six clear in no time. He's won by half the straight. Extraordinary.

He's hung the whole way across the track but still won by about 5 seconds (whatever that equates to). I think Almacado Gree was second. He was. Tashkan was third.

"He was the length of the Champs-Elysees clear," was the line from the Sky Sports Racing presenter. Facile.

Gambler rewarded and William Hill Two Year Old Trophy

1514: I was trying to keep track of where we were heading next and as far as ITV Racing is concerned, it will be Redcar for the Two-Year-Old Trophy.

The Listed Guisborough Stakes was the preceding race at the track and a shade unfortunate not to be live on terrestrial telly. It was won by I'm A Gambler who has enjoyed the most remarkable season for Mark and Charlie Johnston. I don't know how they do it but he's the sort of horse that I get wrong time after time. He's had 14 starts this season and won six of them. He started the campaign rated 85 and went into this Listed race with a rating of 110.

Incidentally he beat Safe Voyage in Ireland prior to today and that one runs in the next at Ascot. Loading at Newmarket for a maiden and a mate at he course tells me they are 'a lovely bunch'. The Godolphin runner was favourite the last I saw but today has not gone to plan for his jockey, William Buick, thus far.

The well supported Leadenhall has played up and been taken out of the stalls. That's a shame.

Imperial Emperor hit the front over two furlongs from home but quickened again on the rising ground to stretch clear for an impressive debut success at 13/8. It's another for Buick and Appleby. A Dublin Lad was well beaten off eventually but showed more than enough to think he's useful.

Loading underway at Redcar where Cold Case is the 11/8 favourite from Funny Story at 6s and she has been backed.

Cold Case wins easily to justify strong support (11/8 favourite). Somewhat irritatingly, Holguin got up late to collar Washington Heights for second while Barefoot Angel came from a long way back to finish fourth.

The winner was trained by Burke who is having quite a good day, as is owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.

John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes

1457: A Group Three sprint coming up from Ascot.

ITV Racing have just shown an interview with Callan and you can click on the link on the top of the page for all of the reaction to the Sun Chariot. They also passed on Buick's view that Saffron Beach ran 'flat' and may have been feeling the effects of a long season.

Rohaan has enjoyed his biggest days at Ascot and 3/1 doesn't seem to be an unreasonable price.

Al Suhail leads through halfway. Rohaan needs room and has to barge his way between rivals, he bursts through and wins easily under Adam Kirby. Photo for second between Summerghand and Commanche Falls.

There was a moment or two when you wondered whether he might get the gap that he needed but Rohaan was brave when he needed to be and made room fairly easily and burst clear; his lead was slightly eroded in the closing stages but the race was over by then. He's been an absolute star for David Evans and was returned the 3/1 favourite.

"A big thanks to David Evans and all the connections involved in him for letting me get back on him late. This is a very special moment to get one for the father-in-law," Kirby tells Chapman.

"He's a top man and his horses are in great form, his statistics say it all you know. He's a good trainer alright. It might even cheer the missus up as well!"

Haras de Bouquetot - Criterium Arqana

1449: A juvenile conditions race from ParisLongchamp but one in which Britain and Ireland have a strong interest.

The form of Denmark's debut win hasn't worked out well and I thought he could be taken on at a short price but I am scared by his strong connections and he's getting shorter all the time.

David Menuisier won this race in 2019 and saddles second favourite Munch but it's 10/1 bar the top two.

Denmark will need tome running room in the straight. Hugo Palmer's Nammos leads. Munch sadly broke down just as he hit the front. That's awful for connections and, of course, the horse himself.

Souzak (10/1) wins from Denmark who flew home but that's all rather by the by given the sad events that preceded the closing stages. The winner is trained in France but carried the familiar silks of Nurlan Bizakov.

Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes

1433: There was a nice sideshow at Ascot with a young man called Hamish Reid there to watch Hamish (the horse) run after his mother had emailed the Haggas team to say Hamish had always followed the horse. Maureen Haggas responded very quickly and invited them to Ascot and there they were in the winner's enclosure. A day they will all remember.

There have been a lot of day's to remember for Saffron Beach and her connections, including the corresponding fixture last year; I'm rather hoping she can repeat the feat but it's definitely hope not expectation with Homeless Songs in opposition. This should be a cracker.

They are 13/8 and 9/4, it's then 7/1 Prosperous Voyage and 15/2 Laurel. It really would be a surprise if something outside the big two won this Group One. They are loading.

I did try to make a case to myself for Fonteyn at a bigger price as she was fairly close up in the Nassau but that probably flattered her. It's not beyond the realms of reason that a similar scenario develops and she could take third.

Saffron Beach is quickly into stride but out on the wing towards the middle of the track. She's got Prosperous Voyage for company with Fonteyn against the rail as they move inside the final four. Homeless Songs shifts right looking for room, Saffron Beach is eased down.

Homeless Songs runs no sort of race either as Fonteyn beats Laurel who ran an absolute blinder. Grande Dame in third.

When was Neil Callan's last domestic Group One? Fonteyn was returned at 16/1 for trainer Kevin Ryan.

A good finish between two decent horses and there's a huge amount of encouragement from the run of the second, Laurel, who was having just her third start and first out of novice company but there's no doubt that some gloss is taken off the race by the performances, or lack of, of Saffron Beach and Homeless Songs. Perhaps that race in Ireland left a mark?

It will be interesting to hear what their trainers say over the next few days.

Peroni Nastro Azzurro Cumberland Lodge Stakes

1417: Hamish is a decent price isn't he?

He was a close second to Kyprios last time and 5/4 doesn't seem too bad to me even if you don't want to take a literal view of that form. The biggest threat, according to the market, is Cresta who wasn't far behind New London at Goodwood before winning at Windsor. He's respected but that form doesn't match up.

Chapman has just expressed his surprise that Hamish isn't odds-on. He highlights the morning money for Third Realm who had his supporters for the Epsom Derby last year. The ability is there but he doesn't boast a very solid profile and consequently doesn't make any great appeal to me.

One who does have a solid profile is Euchen Glen and although the short Ascot straight won't play to his strengths, I can see him staying on to finish third.

Can we place lay High Definition too? I wonder where he will be next season.

"Although to be fair, giraffes are probably quicker than High Definition," says Chapman.

Freddie Meade is interviewed about Cresta: "I think he's got a good chance, coming here off a career best, and he's in great form."

This will be Cresta's last run of the season before going overseas, to Doha I think he said.

Hamish and Third Realm are prominent and race ahead of Get Shirty. Turning into the straight and little change in the order.

Hamish canters all over them, very cool from Pat Dobbs. Third Realm kept on well and Cresta showed up nicely but it was all about Hamish.

Cresta and Candleford chase him home. Third Realm fourth and Euchen Glen may have snatched fifth.

"It was very easy for him Matt," Dobbs tells Chapman. "He relaxed for me, got into a nice rhythm, that was super. He settled nice there.

"Al Suhail is a very good horse on his day and it will be interesting to see how he goes over six, he shows plenty of pace in his races."

Tattersalls October Auction Stakes

1401: Back to Newmarket and the valuable sales race.

A few of these are being nibbled at but Amichi is solid at the top of the betting and looks to have a favourite's chance. He was well backed to win another Tattersalls race last month and duly did so; he is penalised for that but the form is strong.

Trainer Ed Walker tells ITV Racing: "They're great pots and we're trying to be greedy but it's a good opportunity for him. He was very colty on debut and we very quickly fixed that. He's got a little warm in the paddock which he didn't do last time and it's not a boiling hot day so that's a little bit of a concern."

A worry for connections and supporters of Amichi. He is one of two runners for Walker who talks up the chances of his other runner, Union Court, as well.

They have raced past halfway and the groups merge.

Amichi wins as the 5/2 favourite.

California Gem (80/1) was second with Uffington (50/1) third, Georgiava and Union Court. Prairie Falcon was way back but stuck out on the wing away from the action and may have been a shade unfortunate.

Anyone pick up the tricast?

Oakman Inns Rous Stakes

1345: The weather looks lovely at Ascot and I'm rather jealous watching Leonna Mayor stride round the paddock in the sunshine. Ainsdale was the runner that caught her eye and she points out that the son of Mayson will be suited by yesterday's rain. Ainsdale is a Value Bet selection.

There's a five furlongs Listed race to start a strong card and Manaccan is a deserving favourite and would be a deserving winner in my book. He's been running consistently this season, has run well on both visits here and has plenty in his favour. The ground may not be according to trainer John Ryan but Jason Weaver doesn't believe that it will be a problem.

King's Lynn carries The King's silks and Andrew Balding tells ITV Racing: "The ground should be to his liking and he's run well here in the past."

Prior to that Balding pointed out that King's Lynn has a 7 lb penalty to carry and conceding weight will be no easy task.

Ainsdale has jumped well but the commentator doesn't believe the gallop is 'frenetic'.

It was strong enough for Manaccan to come from almost last to first and he's won well enough at 4/1 joint-favourite.

Photo for second between a rallying Ainsdale and Method with King's Lynn a staying on fourth. Ainsdale confirmed as second.

Everything is ticking along fairly nicely for the fancied runners at present but I don't suppose that will last.

Winning rider Stevie Donohoe tells Matt Chapman: "He's a real nice little horse. The ground was probably a bit of a worry but he was well on top at the end. It's soft and getting a little bit tacky, best ground is in the middle, but they're getting through it.

"Both have great (Tiber Flow and Candleford) chances. Tiber Flow should give his running and will like the ground, he's been running well all year. They'll hopefully both run very well."

Oli Bell was with trainer John Ryan in the winner's enclosure and a delighted Ryan said: "That was a very gutsy ride, the ground was always going to be slightly against us.

"That was a ballsy ride but fair play to him, they've done the job well. He was probably a bit unlucky at Newbury last time but I think he's a serious horse over five and will do better on faster ground."

British EBF Premier Fillies' Handicap and Qatar Prix de Royallieu

1328: Runners at the post and there's a little support for Kings Joy and the bang in-form Bellstreet Bridie at around 20s. I'll Be There is a little weak on course.

They're racing. Al Husn wins.

She did it a shade cosily in the end I would say but it certainly wasn't easy as she came from off the pace, took a while to get into her stride and wandered off a straight line momentarily. There was a big run from Something Enticing in second with Bellstreet Bridie third from Kings Joy, I think, in fourth.

The winner was returned as the 7/2 favourite.

The irritatingly spelled Verry Elleegant is favourite for the Group One in France. They're racing.

Sea La Rosa is fairly prominent in third, ahead of Aidan O'Brien's pair and the Australian runner against the rail behind them. They are running downhill and approaching the straight; the Aussie mare needs room but appears to travel well. Sea La Rosa is on the shoulder of the leader and Emily Dickinson is asked to close but under a ride.

Sea La Rosa wins under a good, 'simple' ride. She was returned at 7/2.

Jannah Flower second ahead of long-time leader Ottilien.

Verry Elleegant didn't get out until far too late in the straight and the response wasn't immediate when she did although she did make up some late ground. Fair to say that it's been a trip to write off for her and her connections.

Value selection

1307: The first of three selections for Value Bet runs in the opening race at Newmarket and Kings Joy wasn't a filly that I alighted on but there are some very good reasons why Matt does that job and I do this one.

There doesn't appear to have been any money for Crystal Estrella at this stage and I'd be keeping it simple with Al Husn.

ITV Racing are just running through their market movers and White Willow appears on the graphic at 10/1 from 20s.

Movers in their other races are Prairie Falcon, Red Treasure, Third Realm and Cold Case.

Back to Al Husn and the case is pretty obvious as she's won her last two, represents and in-form yard and is bred to relish this longer trip. Things are rarely that straightforward but there's a lot to like about this course winner.

This race is due to go off just a couple of minutes before the Group One in France and five minutes before the opener from Redcar. It will be a fast and furious few minutes.

Sky Sports Racing have just shown their market movers and they were Nizaaka (at Ascot), Liberated Lad and Betweenthesticks (both Wolverhampton) and Who Is That and Fortuna Liga (at Fontwell).

The Paddy Power movers from early this morning (well, around 10am) featured two runners in this opening contest and they were Buick's mount I'll Be There and Zenga. The others on the tweet were: "Prairie Falcon 4 fr 15-2, 242 Homeless Songs 2 fr 9-4, 317 Imperial Emperor 13-8 fr 2, Leadenhall 5-2 fr 7-2, 352 Bodorgan 35 fr 50, 427 Mellow Yellow 5-4 fr 11-8, 503 Tarrabb 7-4 fr 2 "

Verry controversial

1238: Al Qareem was returned at 13/2.

Moore rides Emily Dickinson in the Group One Qatar Prix de Royallieu which is due off at 1333. She re-opposes Sea La Rosa who had her back in third when winning the Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood in July.

A lot of the focus in the race will be on Australian mare Verry Elleegant who was put in training with Francis-Henri Graffard in France in order to contest the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. It seemed unlikely that she was going to get a run in Sunday's prestigious contest and her trainer was very upset as listeners to Nick Luck's Daily Podcast heard.

"I'm very, very upset about the French authorities and French handicapper and my racing country in general. We try really hard as young trainers to try and promote our sport and try to make it competitive worldwide. We try to open our doors all the time and play the game, (but) France Galop try to make it difficult at every single stage," Graffard said.

"This filly has been a very good example of how unopen the French are. Every step has been difficult for her and for the owners and they have made our life very difficult right until the end. It's very upsetting and not good for the sport in general, I think. I'm very angry against my racing country and I have to apologise to all the Australian racing fans."

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones obviously yet.........it's quite nice to know we're not the only racing authority capable of shooting ourselves in the foot.

If she's stuffed out of sight I suppose many will say her lack of a run in the Arc is a moot point. All concerns should be put aside when it comes to finding a bet on the race.

Lady Bamford's Love Child ran Sea La Rosa close at Deauville before disappointing last time but the form of that run ensures she's worth a second look at a double figure price. Emily Dickinson's stablemate, Perotan, is interesting at similar odds as she finished strongly behind Duke De Sessa last time. She has a Japanese owner and has never been ridden by Moore so it may be preference that she'll have Yutaka Take on board rather than Moore.

That pair aside, Sea La Rosa looks progressive and solid and she can ensure that the visitors' domination of this race continues for a fifth year.

Warming up in Paris

1217: The jockeys are in the saddle and making their way to post for the Qatar Prix de Chaudenay.

The going on the screen is very soft which is somewhat softer than given earlier when it was described as soft, good to soft in places.

I'm perplexed by the latest TurfTrax tweet (an hour ago) which carries the very soft description but also gives an unchanged GoingStick reading of 6.8 which is followed by 'soft, good to soft in places'. Above it is a penetrometer reading of 3.9 and Very Soft. I'm sure all will become clear in the fullness of time.

There's under a minute until the post time of 1223 but they won't go off as scheduled; plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose as they say. They are behind the stalls though and will soon be loading. It may not be the weather for flip-flops but we've got flip-flopping favourites with La Mehana 6/4 and Duke De Sessa 15/8.

They're off.

Whileuweresleeping leads from Al Qareem. Soumillon and Duke De Sessa track La Mehana who races in a share of fourth. Duke De Sessa is last turning in but they're closely bunched.

It looked hard work but Duke De Sessa really motored home in the last 100 yards but he took too long to get into his stride and was only third. Al Qareem and Sober in a photo for first.

The first two home were in the first three throughout; there was very little to choose between the pair for much of the straight but it was Ryan Moore and Al Qareem who were called home in front by the judge and that's a fine start to the weekend for Moore and trainer Karl Burke.

Fresh take

1150: Fresh would have featured in the now defunct each-way double(s) with Cold Case as I could see no reason why he wouldn't run his race in the Peroni Nastro Azzurro Challenge Cup.

Again, the price is a bit 'meh' with Fresh generally available at 7/2 (from 11/2 and 6s) but he's won his last two over course and distance and is delivering what has long been promised. As often seems to be the case, James Fanshawe is finishing the season quite strongly and he just seems quite hard to knock.

Symbolize was second in last year's renewal and races from the same mark. It's no great surprise, therefore, that he's as low as 9/2 (from 8s) to go one better but he was a 22/1 shot in that renewal (third home Fresh was 11/2) and his price leaves me as cold as a northerly breeze.

Safe Voyage was a big eyecatcher from off the pace at Leopardstown (winner I'm A Gambler goes in the Listed race at Redcar) and is priced accordingly and I was struggling to latch on to anything at a price (although I always give Escobar a second and third look) which is just as well that you've got the likes of Value Bet, Simon Holt and ITV Racing Tips to read.

An interview with Hughie Morrison on Sky Sports Racing broke that trail of thought (luckily for you!) but he wasn't giving much away ahead of Quickthorn's run in the Cadran.

"We always thought he'd be better on softer ground, we'll find out later hopefully," he said.

"He seems fine (since York). We've tried to spread his races out. He's a clean-winded horse, we don't do that much with him between races, he seems fine.

"It's (the trip) beyond what we've run over before and it could turn into a war of attrition. Tom (Marquand) has ridden him the last two times so I don't have to say anything."

We are less than 20 minutes away from the Group Two Qatar Prix Chaudenay where Soumillon rides favourite Duke De Sessa for Weld. They are 5/4 with La Mehana at 2/1, Al Qareem at 6s and 14/1 bar.

The tempo of races in France is often different to that in Great Britain and Ireland but it's still a concern for me that Duke De Sessa is stepping up another three furlongs in trip having tried, successfully, a mile and a half for the first time when last seen. Chris Hayes, who is at Newmarket for Homeless Songs, expected Duke De Sessa to pick up more quickly at Leopardstown and perhaps the fact he didn't suggests he'll have no problem with this further test of stamina but Al Qareem should ensure this is an honest test and I prefer the claims of La Mehana who seems progressive.

Big Red letter day

1121: Big Red Letter Day was an album by Buffalo Tom which I'd all but forgotten about prior to typing those words. It's been a week of nostalgia, I heard a song by Red House Painters at the start of it; those were the days.

That diversion aside, the Tattersalls contest is not the only sales race this afternoon with Redcar staging their feature meeting which includes the Listed Guisborough Stakes and the Straight Mile Final but also the William Hill Two Year Old Trophy.

It's a contest I always liked from a betting perspective as there always appeared to be some fairly clearcut criteria for success. Obviously that was reflected in the price of the winners and there have been five winning favourites in the last decade with the three biggest SPs just 8/1, 10/1 and 12/1.

It usually pays to side with a runner that races close to, or on, the pace, those drawn in single figures have fared best in recent seasons and form, as the SPs indicates, usually comes to the fore.

It's pretty boring but Cold Case ticks all of those boxes and he has been backed accordingly and is now just a general 7/4 having been as big as 4/1 yesterday which rather scuppers plans for each-way doubles.

Richard Fahey saddles one of the leading rivals in Barefoot Angel and told his Sporting Life column 'you’d have to be excited about her' but I was a little more interested in Jumbeau and Washington Heights at double figure prices.

Washington Heights hasn't run in pattern company but he did push a pattern winner close at York and I think he can hit the frame. Jumbeau has been off since finishing a three length fifth in the Windsor Castle Stakes and that form alone makes her of keen interest given it's worked out so well; she obviously has her well-being to prove as well as tackling a new trip but she's shaped as though she could improve for a sixth furlong.

Fillies often fare well in sales races (it seems, I haven't crunched the numbers to back this up) and Ralph Beckett won this prize with a filly in 2020. He saddles Funny Story and any support for her would be encouraging but she does have more to prove than some having only contested a maiden and a novice either side of finishing last in a Listed race (for which she was sent off at just 5/1).

Big bucks for Buick?

1102: Well, you'd rather have a buck than a pound at the moment wouldn't you?

The champion jockey elect has a good book of rides, including Saffron Beach on whom he is a perfect three from three; his first ride aboard her saw them collect the Sun Chariot Stakes last year.

She's the star of a strong book of rides. Buick rides two unraced juveniles for Charlie Appleby and both Godolphin runners currently head their respective markets and they're followed by another favourite in Mellow Yellow who could take the headlines away from Saffron Beach (she'd have to win of course) as Buick will be carrying the familiar royal colours.

Mellow Yellow could become the first winner for The King and she should justify her short price from a rating of 88 if her entry in a Group One on British Champions' Day is a fair reflection of her ability. As punters know all too well though, it doesn't always work out as planned against gnarly handicappers.

Buick is also on board the current favourite in the finale, Tarrabb for Owen Burrows, the gambled on Prairie Falcon in the sales race and a fancied runner for George Boughey in the opener. It could be a very big day indeed.

A friend has told me that he got 18/1 on Prairie Falcon for the £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes yesterday morning - he spent a long time boring me in the pub the other week about how good Michael Dods is - which was no mean feat given there's not a lot of 5/1 left available on the Oddschecker grid.

Here comes the Sun

1045: The Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes is the feature race, domestically at least, and Newmarket's Group One has attracted a decent field with two stand-out fillies in Saffron Beach and Homeless Songs.

The pair were second and fourth behind Pearls Galore in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown last month with connections of both feeling that neither filly was shown in their best light.

Dermot Weld's stable was emerging from an unusually quiet spell that saw him saddle just one winner in July (at 2%) and three in August (at 8%) but September saw Weld reap a better harvest with eight winners from 34 runners at 24%.

In the race preview (click on the image above) Fiona Craig said: "I think she’s in great order, it’s probably the right race and we’ll give it a crack. She was a bit short (of fitness) going to Leopardstown."

Jane Chapple-Hyam reports Saffron Beach to be in good order and also expects her to be better suited by Newmarket, saying: "The ground won’t be like Leopardstown, where she couldn’t extend and stretch like she normally does."

We're set for a fascinating clash, all being well, and we can throw in the completely unexposed Laurel into the mix on just her third start with her first two races being in novice company - that's some step up and I don't think it's any surprise to see she's a little weak in the betting.

Going concerns

1029: The going at ParisLongchamp is soft, good to soft in places with a dry day forecast which connections of a number of runners, including Kyprios, will be hoping is fairly accurate or, if it's not, overstates the amount of cut in the ground. I've seen at least one trainer quoted this week suggesting that soft in France doesn't equate to soft in the UK. Something to bear in mind perhaps.

There was a wee bit of rain around Britain yesterday - which will have been music to the ears of many - and that has led to some changes in underfoot conditions around the tracks.

Newmarket received 9mm and the official description is good to soft with Ascot the same but with the addendum of good in places. It's a similar story at Redcar which is being called good to soft, soft in places.

Non-runners you ask?

There are a few with Primo Bacio a notable absentee from the Peroni Nastro Azzurro British EBF Stakes at Ascot which is rather a shame as I quite fancied taking her on given that she appears to need everything to drop right in order to get her head in front. Heh ho. It appears to be a fairly open Listed race with the new favourite, Soft Whisper, penalised for this summer's win at this level.

Soumillon clash: should he stay or should he go?

1016: Good morning and welcome to today's blog.

On scanning the headlines, I didn't get any further than the news that David Redvers believes Christophe Soumillon shouldn't be riding at ParisLongchamp this weekend.

"It is enormously regrettable that if Christophe rides at Longchamp, the principal focus of a wonderful meeting will be on him, therefore placing him under increased pressure," Redvers told the Racing Post.

"Having discussed this with my partners in Malavath, we therefore feel the best course of action would be for Christophe to voluntarily stand himself down in order that he can properly consider his actions or for him to be stood down for his own good and for the good of the sport."

My immediate reaction is the owners should take whatever action they feel is fit with regards to riding arrangements for their runners and leave the rest to the authorities.

But at least it will give us all something to talk about over the next two days, it adds a little extra spice to the mix, and we can do so in the comfortable knowledge that nobody was, thankfully, hurt in the incident.

A clip of the incident can be viewed via the link at the top of the page.

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