3:50 – JLT Lockinge Stakes

Cityscape is the on to beat on form in the Lockinge and despite being a seven-year-old, he can have another day in the sun here

Best to deal with the favourite first and I’m at a loss, as so many are, at how Declaration Of War is favourite here. Yes he has potential but he hasn’t looked a colt of Group 1 capability for me at all even in a race that probably isn’t the strongest. That of course is because the top milers Excelebration and of course Frankel are absent but CITYSCAPE has the best form coming into the race and with little question marks surrounding him, I have no reason but to go with him. I think he is a big price for one that has such form in the book, which includes winning nearly £3 million in prize money. He is seven now but looked as good as ever and was always late maturing so there is no reason why he can’t run to his best and that should be good enough to win. Farhh is his main rival on form and had a great time of it last season at the highest level, form which is really strong. However I think he may come on more for this than the selection and he will have other big days this season whereas you get the feeling Cityscape’s day in the sun could be tomorrow. He also will be better seen over 10f. Beauty Parlour had a hefty reputation in France, winning her first four starts but she was beaten both times, firstly upped to 11f but going close and then flopping on her first try with Sir Henry Cecil, also the first time she faced a sound surface. That is a worry again but she is one of the better horses in this field. Fencing won nicely at Ascot last time but has to improve a lot to play a hand in this. You just get the suspicion that he, like Trumpet Major, who also won last time, are just not Group 1 class. There’s little else in the field even of the standard of those two though Penitent would be interesting for a place if rain came. German raider Amaron is harder to gauge but Aljamaaheer and Sovereign Debt lead the rest and don’t look good enough, especially when they seem to be better over 7f too.

Advice – Cityscape 3pts win @9/2 William Hill

Newmarket

2:55 – coral.co.uk Sprint Trophy

Guineas meeting winner Secretinthepark should go well to continue his unbeaten record but this requires more as that looked a pretty average race and this certainly isn’t. Four others come into this with wins on their back, the pick being Rivellino who does need to transfer his form to turf though. Jubilante gets in off bottom weight but needs to improve as too Bluegrass Blues and Lewisham. Plenty more are simply in good form coming into this too, mainly the already well backed Brazen who finished second behind the favourite last time but there is plenty to like about him overturning that form. Purcell and Hasopop have good e/w chances but the verdict goes to BURNING BLAZE on his seasonal return. I really think this horse will improve a lot this season and his juvenile form entitles him to a lot of respect. He was beaten on his last run in a muddling heavy ground nursery but that was never going to be his bag and he is better judged on his maiden win where he beat the 105 rated Cour Valant. I think 6f on good ground will be fine for a stable that are in decent form and at 11/1, he is the one I would like to be on.

Advice – Burning Blaze 2pts win @11/1 William Hill

4:05 – Best Odds Guaranteed On Racing At coral.co.uk Fairway Stakes

Jammy Guest is turned out quickly again upped in grade and trip

Eyecatcher JAMMY GUEST won well the other day at Lingfield and is quickly turned out again in better grade and though he has plenty to find on figures, he is very well regarded by his trainer and I can’t ignore him in this upped to this trip for the first time which should really suit him. Tha’ir sets the standard on last year’s form and is worth a chance to prove himself at this trip while Holy Warrior has already shown to be decent by his form in France. Mister Impatience was flattered the other day at Chester but sets the pace here. Rain would really suit him while Hoarding is a lot more exposed than most and though could improve again, he was flattered by how close he got to Windhoek last time and you’d be disappointed if one wasn’t too good for him.

Advice – Jammy Guest 2pts win @7/1 generally

5:50 – Coral Mobile Three Clicks To Bet Handicap

A good little handicap where none of the five can be ruled out at all. Brass Ring is probably a little short on that basis though he did win very nicely last time out though it wasn’t the strongest of races. Love Marmalade has won twice from the front at Nottingham and between that ran into one at Kempton and there’s more to come upped to 12f especially if getting an easy way out in front. Mark Johnston has form lines everywhere in this race, including with CAFÉ SOCIETY who had two Johnston horses in behind last time. He did find Red Runaway too good but that rival has since gone in again and I’d expect improvement from David Simcock’s horse. On a strict form line with Chancery, the favourite and Renew have little to find with each other though there’s probably more maneuverability in the marks of others than Renew, while Persepolis is probably the one I least like of them all but cannot be ruled out for a stable in such good form.

Advice – Cafe Society 2pts win @4/1 Bet365

Doncaster

7:00 – Park Hill Hospital Handicap

Cape Peron won well last time at Newbury and should be better than a mark of 87

Eyecatcher CAPE PERON is really interesting in this handicap and even though the runner-up didn’t run well at all in the Guineas, he was well on top in that race and I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t a lot better than his mark of 87. Saying that he is running in a pretty good little race which could work out well and though he is apparently quite a buzzy horse, his turn of foot should be good enough to take this. Goodwood Mirage won nicely on debut but is now with William Knight and is one who should improve with his racing this year, while Yourartisonfire and Art Emerald are vulnerable to the less exposed lot. The Maktoum pair Jelaa and Kerbaaj aren’t totally ruled out.

Advice – Cape Peron 3pts win @11/4 Bet365

3:50 – Betfred Victoria Cup

There could be more to come from Born To Surprise who should relish tomorrow’s test

A cracking renewal of the Victoria Cup with the good ground bringing out plenty of horses with potential. It’s 12/1 the field and rightly so and they’re led by Jamesie at the moment. David Marnane is such a good trainer in this sphere and has picked up prize money in good handicaps with his string in the UK, including with this one here at the Royal meeting last year. He also ran well last time and another bold show is likely even though he may not be that well handicapped. Plenty of these have strong form at the course in similar contests. Lightning Cloud has always threatened to win one of these and was very unlucky not to go closer in this last year when closest of all not on the far side. That test was very different to what tomorrow will be though in the ground. The form horses are Haaf A Sixpence and Tartiflette, the former winning the Spring Cup last time over a mile though the ground is quicker here. The latter is being represented by a bang in form trainer and has won her last two since getting better ground. A bold bid is likely and she is very likeable even off 94. But instead I’m opting for BORN TO SURPRISE who I don’t think has shown his full ability and though I am banking on improvement over the winter, I’d be really disappointed if he hasn’t come on a fair bit. He won his maiden in great style on his return last year, so much that the Guineas was considered but he went off the boil after that slightly (good run here at the Royal meeting) but it all clicked into place at Doncaster on his penultimate start over 7f when he won very impressively. The ground was wrong for him after that and with Darren Egan taking off a good 3lb, plus with this test of 7f on fast ground on a straight course and with plenty of pace about, everything is in place for him to run a big race. The far side is always where you want to be when it’s soft but when better ground, it is usually pretty even. In my opinion though I prefer to be stands side and with a good bit of pace tomorrow near side too, notably Highland Colori and Verse Of Love, I think that may be where the advantage lies. There’s more to come from the 4yo Dream Tune and so too of his age from Well Painted, Fast Finian, Khubala and Glen Moss. Loving Spirit meanwhile ran a huge race here on Champions Day but should be better for the good ground and is on the right side of the course though he’s not easy to win with. He nearly was the selection but there’s one at a bigger price I prefer and that is REDVERS. He has some great form here in the book already, notably winning in July and he backed that up with a massive run in the same race as Loving Spirit when last seen. Again he is drawn on the right side for me and will relish the decent gallop and with conditions right, a very consistent profile and also a good enough record fresh, he is a big e/w price.

Advice – Born To Surprise 1.5pts e/w @16/1 Bet365

                     Redvers 1pt e/w @28/1 Bet Victor

Lingfield

3:25 – Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Handicap

Horse to follow EDUCATE would have to have a massive chance here with his ideal conditions. I have always said 10f on good ground is what he wants and tomorrow he gets it. He impressed on his return at Doncaster but never got going last time at Nebwury in a race that never worked out for him (given a very average ride too). Tomorrow can hopefully see him continue his upward curve with Jamie Spencer also returning which is a real bonus for me.

Advice – Educate (Flat Horse to follow 2013) 3pts win @3/1 Ladbrokes

Assizes could have his ideal conditions and a race run to suit and he is a rock solid e/w price tomorrow

A good little handicap to open up with and whatever happens, this is a race with a number to keep an eye on this season. The in form horse is Beaumont Party who has won his last two starts, being well backed on both. That has seen him rise to a career high mark and in a better race he may be vulnerable for win purposes. Sir John Hawkwood could be much better than these by the end of the season but that doesn’t particularly means he wins tomorrow on his return from a wide draw, especially when 1m2f is always going to be a minimum. I would like to know why he didn’t run on Sunday as well. Voodoo Prince won nicely last time and is finally fulfilling some of the potential that his pedigree promised though again this may need more. I originally was going to give Eshtibaak another go but he does have a wide enough draw and Chester may not be his bag, so instead I’m giving an old friend from last year a go in ASSIZES. I have always said 1m2f on good ground is exactly what he wants and he gets that today off a mark that is slipping down to a very workable level. He has some brilliant form in the book last year, his best run at a tight, undulating track as well in Goodwood and with the plum draw in one as well, he should be prominent and very hard to catch with Joe Fanning on. The ground may soften slightly with rain possible but anything on the good side of good to soft is fine. Marwan Koukash has two entered with Halfsin having his first run for a year while Area Fifty One won the other day so may not be that well treated and will find it hard to dominate from a wide enough draw. Mijhaar has continually frustrated and is short enough for one who seems tough to win with from stall 10 too while Flying Power needs to prove his form on turf and this test is bit short for him. Benzanno has it to prove after a poor run on Saturday when the ground was too much for him and Tellovoi has a lot to prove too.

Advice – Assizes 1.5pts e/w @12/1 Ladbrokes

2:15 – Stella Artois Huxley Stakes (for the Tradesman´s Cup)

An intriguing race and though he hasn’t really proven me right yet, I really get the feeling tomorrow is the day that BONFIRE will show some kind of form that matches his 2yo Group 1 and Dante winner from the past two seasons. He has clearly had a troubled time of it, but a gelding operation would have made a different and he made a decent return to action at Newmarket a couple of weeks back. He needed that badly according to connections who have much higher plans than this for him and for me he is actually the one to beat with improvement to come and also rain, which will suit him according to Andrew Balding who is still not sure to run him. My other reason for backing him is that quite a few of his rivals have more notable question marks about them. Gabrial has been flying at home and made a great return at Doncaster this year but he still isn’t straightforward at all and I have major question marks about him relishing this trip. Connections of the selection also run Highland Knight who tries this trip for the first time and may be dangerous if getting an easy lead and they don’t go too quick. Danadana may not handle Chester as he’s a big horse who has flopped before on similar tracks, notably Goodwood where he really didn’t travel at all. This is also his first run back. The rest on form need to find more, with Miblish leading them but he has impressed on his last two starts, albeit on the all-weather. Dick Doughtywylie and Rewarded need to improve and I don’t think they will be good enough.

Advice – Bonfire 2pts win @10/3 Coral & Ladbrokes

Always a thorough speed test and the race can be won and lost in the first furlong or so. For that reason I’d want to back something that has a good draw, has shown good speed and has plenty of experience. All that leads to the David Evans SMUGGLERS GOLD who on the clock has really impressed so far this season and he ticks every box that I’d want. He broke his maiden tag  on his third start last time and his form looks solid all round. Add that Tom Queally, who has a 47% strike rate with this trainer so far this season, is riding, I think he will run a massive race. Also interesting, I see he has been given the oddschecker see of blue treatment already, but 6/1 is still a good price as I believe he should be the clear favourite. Connections of Quatour will be looking to take the race in which they sponsor and Sleepy Joe would have a chance but you get the feeling that this is a last minute plan. It certainly hasn’t been for Evans who loves to target this race and has won before with Star Rover. He also has Limegrove who ran on Sunday and Kodafine who could have done with a better draw.  M’Selle and Lilo Lil can run well from good draws but have to improve while Split Rock and One Boy are in the car park and would have to be well above average to win from there.

Advice – Smugglers Gold 3pts win @6/1 generally

2:45 – StanJames.com Chester Cup

There’s plenty in with chances in a race that is likely to be as messy as ever round a tight track. Countrywide Flame could well have plenty in hand still as he’s improved beyond recognition over hurdles this season and could well transfer that. He’s well drawn and deserves to be favourite. The Irish have regularly given this a go without much success so far and again Aidan O’Brien tries his hand, this time with the unexposed Justification, who looks pretty short but should go fine. Olympiad must have a shout too as he can be excused his Cesarewitch run but he is poorly drawn. I don’t really fancy Tominator who is now with Jonjo O’Neill while Simenon looks handicapped to his best, so too Thimaar who was bitterly disappointing over hurdles and now tries headgear, while last year’s winner Ile De Re also runs for Donald McCain and will do well to take this again in very different conditions. Buckland is progressive though may not be one to relish the stamina test. The same can probably be said for ADDRESS UNKNOWN but there’s so much else going for him that I think he can’t be overlooked solely on that. He has won over two miles but they went a crawl in that race and he has shown good form over shorter. But he’s worth chancing round this tight track from a good draw while he is also usually prominent and that will be where you want to be. I like the fact Jamie Spencer comes in to ride him now while Richard Fahey does well in this race and has said he is not light of work coming into this, on his first start for him with headgear off. This is his first run away from Ian Williams’ yard, which ironically was what happened exactly with Ile De Re last year. Adding in with Marwan Koukash’s obsession in winning this race, he would have had this planned for a very long time. Last year he didn’t go a yard in awful ground but the good to firm going is exactly what he wants and he’s not badly treated off his mark. All in all I think I have made more than a case for him and I do really like him. Elsewhere Investissement is hard to measure and has enough to prove while Theology is intriguing on only his second start for 14 months, so this may come a bit quick for him. Very Good Day may not be good enough and Good Morning Star loves it round here and would have been a selection if for soft ground. Instead I’m giving SURAJ a chance now he’s back with Michael Bell after an average spell over hurdles. I really think there is more in him this season, especially upped to this sort of trip which he should relish. He impressed me massively at times last season and though he has a wide draw, he’s held up usually so that should be fine to deal with and he could pick off plenty near the end in ground he should enjoy. He is one that could be a lot better than his mark and somehow he is virtually the outsider of the field and a saver is advised.

Advice – Address Unknown 2pts e/w @16/1 generally

                    Suraj 1pt e/w @28/1 Sporting Bet

2:05 - Qipco Supporting British Racing Stakes (Handicap)

Fennell Bay is handicapped to go very close again, having plenty in hand after a troubled passage last time at Beverley

A handicap that looks really strong on paper and whatever happens should work out well. Stencive is a strong favourite off top weight and on form probably deserves to be. He looks a possible group horse and his close second in a very good Ascot handicap when last seen is great form. Silver Lime was one place behind that day and also won at Glorious Goodwood earlier in the season. You get the suspicion that he, like so many from this yard, may need the run though. Instead preference goes to FENNELL BAY who also has some great handicap form to his name last season and has slowly been finding his form again. He was very well backed a week or so ago to win at Beverley and got a nightmare run before his class told and he got up on the line. That may have been a blessing in disguise as he’s only up 3lb and is no way handicapped out of this at all. All conditions are ideal and the yard are in great form. I’m disappointed Sir John Hawkwood doesn’t run but Opinion leads the Sir Michael Stoute charge but I prefer others. Willie Wag Tail needs to improve further this year to justify his mark but that’s not out of the question. Suegioo will come on for his last run but still doesn’t totally convince me while Rawaki and especially No Heretic will get wins some time this season but both could need this, especially the latter who is certainly worth keeping an eye on. Mubaraza needs further and the rest have a bit to prove.

Advice – Fennell Bay 2pts win @8/1 Ladbrokes

2:35 – Qatar Bloodstock Dahlia Stakes

No trainer has been in better form than Sir Michael Stoute and in DANK he has a filly that could well improve massively this season. She has a 3lb penalty for a win last season but that may not be a problem and she is the value to take this. I know she has always been very well regarded and you can certainly put a line through her last run when behind Thistle Bird and Chigun when it wasn’t run to suit her. Those two oppose again and should go well though Dank is taken to improve past both. If the form holds up then Shirocco Star should win this and she is the best filly in the field with the best form. However she struggled to get her head in front at times last season with a number of placed efforts and could well need this for a yard that had a disappointing runner in Coquet today. The ground should be okay but she did take a liking to cut at times last season. You’d be disappointed if anything else bar those won with Semayyel needing to cause a big shock again, while Bana Wu has to improve and Boonga Roogeta is an unlikely runner after winning today and would need to improve anyway.

Advice – Dank 2pts win @6/1 generally

3:50 - Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes

Moth quickened extremely well in breaking her maiden last time and with the ground key, she is taken to make the huge step up in class in her stride

The 200^th running of the Fillies’ classic and it’s a good one. It certainly would be fitting for Henry Cecil’s Hot Snap to win this. She is related to the very good Midday and could well be as good as her judged on the evidence we’ve seen so far. The vibes were good before the Nell Gwyn but it was still taking the way that she went from last to first on the stand’s side despite still being green and in beating Sky Lantern (better treated here but winner has more to come), the form looks pretty good. You couldn’t argue with her being favourite. What A Name, the French raider, has a hefty reputation too and won her trial nicely. Her 2yo form, including a second to Olympic Glory at Longchamp is rock solid and Mikel Delzangles knows how to train one for the English classics, albeit this is the first filly. The unbeaten Rockfel winner Just The Judge is also in there with a shout but her form doesn’t tie up as well so far and she is the one I least fancy of the top five. They are finished by the already mentioned Sky Lantern who is already a Group 1 winner and will love the ground, while Hannon also runs Maureen who won the Newbury trial for this but may need to step up.  But the selection is MOTH who was hugely impressive on her return at the Curragh. She seemed to dislike the soft ground as a juvenile and though she only won a maiden, she could not have done it in more taking fashion. It wasn’t the worst race ever (runner-up rated about 85 or so) but she put the race to bed off a crawl of a pace in a matter of strides and in the way of a very talented filly. She has been supplemented for this at a decent cost and on pedigree she will at stay the mile at the very least. In all honesty, she and Hot Snap have impressed me the most but I couldn’t split them and Moth is the bigger price. The ground will suit Rasmeyaa who is untried so far but her class got her through her last win, though a lack of a trial is a little worrying. She is a real dark horse for this. Winning Express was third in the Nell Gwyn but is less likely to improve for the mile than others and instead I have to have a small saver on AGENT ALLISON who will absolutely love this test. She looked to have the beating of Maureen in a trial last time but it wasn’t a great ride as she made her challenge on the softer stand’s side ground and I really think she is a lot better than what she’s shown so far. The ground is what she wants, I can see her relishing a mile and a good pace is right up her street, meaning she is worth a sneaky e/w.  Snow Queen has a similar profile to last year’s winner Homecoming Queen but this looks a better race and the ground isn’t soft so I can’t see it happening again while Roz and Ollie Olga are best of the rest but were no match for Certify when last seen and need to step up to make it at this level, though with Fillies you never know.

Advice – Moth 3pts win @9/1 Stan James

                 Agent Allison 1pt e/w @33/1 generallu

Dance And Dance has dropped to a decent mark and with conditions likely to suit, he could run well albeit in a handicapped full of unexposed horses

Danchai has by far the most appealing profile as he should be a lot better than his mark of 83. He looked a decent horse when winning his maiden but didn’t seem to see out 12f on soft ground when last seen at Goodwood. This is just his fourth start and though you do go a bit into the unknown with him, he has to go close. Basseterre is up slightly in trip and may have more to come while Sir Michael Stoute is in superb form and Rye House can continue that. Whispering Warrior is one to be wary of this season as he certainly hasn’t finished his winning yet but these conditions are very different to what he’s faced so far and the races he won on the a/w were poor. I did nearly stick him up at the prices though one that simply cannot be ignored off this mark and at the prices is the more exposed by talented DANCE AND DANCE. He has slowly been dropping down the weights but still last year he showed he has plenty of ability and a good pace here should be on for him to aim at. It’s just his second handicap in years and the rattling fast ground (unlike last time at Newbury) is what he wants. Off 100 and if back to best, for a yard doing okay at the moment, I think he’s overpriced and his class could see him go very well. Of the rest Benzanno is probably worth another chance, while Icebuster has solid claims in this form and Boonga Roogeta requires more in this grade. Memory Cloth was one I contemplated but the ground isn’t right for him.

Advice – Dance And Dance 1pt e/w @25/1 generally

2:35 – Pearl Bloodstock Palace House Stakes

With fast ground likely, this looks ideal for the class act SOLE POWER to confirm his Meydan form and win here. There isn’t many better sprinters than him in these conditions and he ran two cracking races in Dubai early this year. He seems absolutely fine fresh and in running like he did on his return last year at Haydock when second to Bated Breath in the Temple Stakes, then he is the one to beat and though he is favourite, he should without doubt be shorter for me. The main dangers are the Qatar Racing pair, Spirit Quartz and Pearl Secret. The latter is unexposed and is worth another chance to prove she is top class while the former finally got a win on the board but in a contest he should be winning and though he will without doubt he thereabouts and there’s nothing wrong with his attitude, he just doesn’t seem easy to win with. I’m not one to back 7/1 shots e/w but for people they do, he looks a certainty. The progressive Heeraat faces his toughest task to fate but won well off 101 last time. Tangerine Trees goes well here and started the season nicely though he may be found wanting in a good race while the 3yo brigade is led by Bungle Inthejungle but is well backed up by the speedy Fire Eyes and Hoyam. It’s always tough for them early on in the year though. There’s been money for Elusivity who went close in this last year and has joined the brilliant David O’Meara while Angels Will Fall and My Propeller lead the rest.

Advice – Sole Power 4pts win @9/2 generally

3:50 – Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes

The classy Toronado looks to have a massive chance of a first classic success for Richard Hannon since 1990.

An intriguing renewal of the opening classic of the season where Dawn Approach and Toronado lead the market and they deserve to do so. The former  was outstanding last year where he finished unbeaten after winning the opening juvenile races of the season. He then of course went on to take the Coventry in June and then after a break, the National and Dewhurst Stakes. Both times he looked like he would without doubt get a mile and certainly further than that too as he settles so well. He does of course take a bit of time to warm up and though he’s very talented and deserves to be that short, you couldn’t be surprised if he got found out in such a well run mile on reappearance. One who is most likely to find him out is Toronado who I think deserves to be the slim favourite. He is also unbeaten and has done it all in great style, showing versatility and speed. I particularly liked the report the other day about his gallop with Ninjago, who sluiced up at Ascot the other day. Apparently he gave  Toronado no sort of trouble the other day in a piece of work and the fact Hannon has such a good classic generation crop this year and he is still so highly regarded shows how good he really could be. His Craven win was particularly taking as he powered away from the front. It all showed he handles Newmarket well and he is by far the best chance ever of a Guineas win for Richard Hannon for many years (last won the 2000 Guineas in 1990). Looking elsewhere, Aidan O’Brien is well handed again, with Cristoforo Colombo being the choice of Joseph O’Brien. He finished behind Dawn Approach a couple of times last season and though the mile should be okay, it’s not on pedigree something that he will relish. I also think he hasn’t got the form to warrant that sort of price. Mars and George Vancouver are more interesting for me, and that’s not even considering their prices. The latter has shown a lot more for me as a 2yo, usually on ground he doesn’t really enjoy and tomorrow will be right up his street. Mars meanwhile has a hefty reputation and in some way reminds me of Footstepsinthesand who won this on his third start but he will have to be pretty good to win this on his second. Garswood won the Free Handicap in great style but this requires a big step up over a trip that he should get but I doubt is his optimum and I think he will do well to place. Van Der Neer is not one to totally discount as he has got a lot of ability and so too does Moohaajim who gets his ground and if staying could squeeze a place, which would be good for my antepost bets. I couldn’t recommend another bet on that though and it’s a race to enjoy and though I won’t be backing, I will be cheering on Toronado. The rest are comfortably opposed.

Already Advised – Moohaajim 1.5pts e/w @25/1 generally

Yankee

SOLE POWER is a strong fancy tomorrow so he is the first for a yankee tomorrow. My other selections include a couple in the final races at Newmarket. They include WINDHOEK who I was hugely impressed with when he won a big sales races here last time, on just his second start. I’d be disappointed if he couldn’t make it 3/3. COUNTY WESTERN has really caught my eye this season, particularly last time at Ripon where he seemed to have a load in hand and he deserves to be favourite for that handicap off just 5lb higher. For the last one, I’m going to Goodwood and COQUET has leading claims in the Listed race. I’m convinced she is better than her rating of 104 and even on that she is the one to beat. The ground and course are fine and trainer Hughie Morrison is in decent form.

Advice – Sole Power/Country Western/Sole Power/Windhoek 1pt win Yankee

Former Jockey James Millman is ready for new ventures

The former jockey’s new venture is to study law, a course he begins in September in Leeds and with so much else on his plate at the moment, Millman has no time to look back. He also admits that without racing, he may have gone to law as a career path already.

Millman said: “When I started secondary school, a lawyer was a potential career aim but as I became more interested in the riding and training of the racehorses, any career outside of racing seemed unlikely. Although I did my A-Levels, I was rarely at school and even turned professional half-way through my final year.”

All had been going well with Millman’s career as a jockey, which peaked in 2011 where he rode a career best 27 winners. But with the recession hitting the Millman camp as a whole, the time seemed right to hang up his boots at the end of last season.

“Up until last season, it looked like I had made the right decision as at the end of 2011, I was stable jockey and had ridden 27 winners that year and the yard had a solid 34. Unfortunately, the effects of the recession hit us hard going into 2012, we had few new horses coming in and despite working very hard on the Rod Millman Racing Club as well as the Tweet Lady initiative, not enough new owners were joining the yard. Winning horses had to be sold and I knew our string was going to drop from around 55 to 30.”

Millman admits he became slightly disillusioned with the sport as hard work and with only relative success, he felt to be getting nowhere.

“A lifetime in the industry didn’t seem such an attractive option. At the age of twenty-five, if I wanted a career in another industry, I really had to retire now and start university the following September. I could easily have ridden until 32 or 33 but I’d have few career options outside of racing once I retired,” he added.

A career as a lawyer for him became more of a reality after he was involved in overturning the stable’s Shahdaroba at a BHA hearing, when the stewards had originally disqualified the horse in a race at Leicester due to interference with the eventual runner-up.

“People at the inquiry suggested that I did a good job and should certainly consider doing that as a future career. With my background as a professional jockey, a career in Sports Law is achievable. “

Millman rode for the last time professionally in December 2012, leaving his tally on 137 career winners. His time in the saddle had several high moments, notably with Roi De Vitesse who gave him plenty of rides in big races across Europe, while Light From Mars is another fond moment to take away.

He said: “As I never planned to be a jockey and even when I turned professional, the aim was to do it for a season and then revert to amateur status before concentrating on training, so I’m pleased I managed to ride 137 winners.

My best moment in the saddle was winning on Light From Mars at York, it was my only winner on Channel Four. Also Roi De Vitesse throughout his two-year-old career. I was extremely lucky that his owner let me keep the ride in pattern company. I rode him in France (including in a Group 1 on Arc day) twice, Ireland as well as a second in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket’s July Meeting.

But despite those achievements, it’s still a case of what could have been for him as a jockey.

“I certainly wouldn’t say I was proud of my riding career, in fact I feel a bit of a failure as my spell as stable jockey coincided with numbers in the yard dropping considerably.

“I think most people thought I was pretty moderate as a jockey and while the economy didn’t help, my presence in the saddle could have put off potential owners.”

Millman’s last ride was also a winner when Ishi ran out with a length and a quarter success at Lingfield in December 2012.

“It was the perfect way to end my career, even more so as Ishi was the third of our homebred’s out of Chorus, who I’d learnt to ride on when I was fifteen and all three had now won.

Weight problems are a regular problem for most flat jockeys and Millman himself was at times blighted by being unable to ride significantly low weights.

“I once did 7st13 but from 20+ 8st9 was my minimum, but anything 9st2 in the sauna.

“Throughout my career I had weight problems. On my first ride as an amateur at sixteen, I weighed 8st10 and always thought I’d be too heavy to be an apprentice.

“I worked extremely hard to keep my weight down throughout my career and unlike most jockeys, my claim was more of a hindrance as it meant I couldn’t do the weight and I actually got more opportunities as a full jockey.”

He still keeps a strong involvement with the yard around his other commitments; the only difference is the name James Millman isn’t seen any more on the right hand side of a racecard.

Light From Mars winning at Windsor

“Apart from not riding them on the track, nothing has really changed this summer. I still ride out most mornings, help out with the entries and drive the box racing most of the time. I also keep the website up to date.  When I move up to Leeds, I will just concentrate on the website and race planning.”

Since December, Millman has as ever kept himself busy and in the winter he spent ten weeks travelling across South East Asia.

Said Millman: “I went to Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia. I was lucky enough to spend some time at one of our owner’s houses in Thailand on Ko Chang and used it as a place to have a break from travelling around.

“I really enjoyed Cambodia and watching the F1 in Sepang was another highlight. Although it was good to get away, that is enough travelling for me, in the near future anyway.”

He added: “I really enjoyed getting away this winter though, especially as the weather was so bad back in the UK. However, it was very important for me to get away as I hadn’t had a holiday in eight years and needed a break. Due to my weight, I could never take time off, even in the winter as I’d just get too heavy to resume race-riding.”

Since his return, he has gone back to one of his true passions, a different type of horse power in motor racing.

“Motorsport is my number one passion. I competed at Karting every other weekend from the age of 10-17 and my dream job would be a Formula One driver.  However, I lacked both the talent and funds to even consider a career and soon switched focus to the horses.

“But, as soon as I had saved enough money to buy a house, I bought my first racing car and have competed at Club level since August 2011. Even at the bottom level it’s a very expensive sport but something I really enjoy.”

Motor Racing had to take a back seat during his riding career but since retirement, the wheels have once again been turning.

Millman on Light From Mars

Millman added: “Motor racing is generally a weekend sport and often clashed with my race riding which meant I missed most of the meetings last year and when I did race, it was with poor preparation. At least this year I can do all the rounds, although finding the money to do it is now more of a problem.”

Along with motor racing, Millman has covered the Racing as part of the William Hill Radio team.

“I had been asked to do a few stints on William Hill Radio a couple of years ago but as it’s broadcast up in Leeds, I could never find the time to get away from Devon. However, when I was looking at potential degree options, I could study with BPP up in Leeds and the aim is to use William Hill Radio as a part-time job to help fund my studies.”

He added: “I have done four days in the studio since returning from my travels and really enjoy it. I have always studied the formbook closely and have strong knowledge about all aspects of racing so I find it quite easy to talk about a sport that I have been involved with since a young age. Whether people find me interesting and helpful, I’m not so sure but the feedback has been good so far.

In his own words it’s a shame he has to look away from Racing for a career but this is a bright, busy, articulate and still very young man, and with so many doors being opened, these times could not be more exciting.

Black Thunder has everything right tomorrow and should go well off top weight in his bid to gain a big race he deserves

Well, the amount of horses I have backed or followed at some point this season is virtually the whole field of this. Minella Forfitness won a similar race at Aintree in great style and is up 9lb but he’s on such an upward curve that he could win again. BLACK THUNDER though is a horse I know has a win in him in this grade and though he has run well on soft, I think he will be better with this sort of ground. The trip should be fine for him and with Harry Derham taking 5lb off, he is my main bet of the race. I’m not too keen on Mubrook or Seventh Sky at the bottom of the weights as both need to find a little bit more after good runs and aren’t priced at much. There is also plenty coming into this out of form, notably Ranjaan who really disappointed me at Aintree when well backed and I can’t back him now off the back of that. I also backed First In The Queue that day but he didn’t run any sort of race and the step up in trip won’t suit. Barbatos also was an Aintree bet but he was average there when there was little excuse for that run. One who could run a big race is Vendor who has flopped over fences and returns now to hurdles. The main factor could be the return of Wayne Hutchinson who has won both times when he’s ridden him. He hasn’t run this year though which is a worry. Mr Watson for me was flattered when winning at Cheltenham and has it all to do while the handicapper has definitely caught up with Quaddick Lake too. One that I couldn’t leave without having a small saver on is GRANDADS HORSE who ran well for a long way on his return at Aintree and could be a whole lot better for it. He nearly lost his life after winning at Haydock last year so it’s a miracle he’s even on the course but he definitely has the ability to go a lot better here and I can’t ignore just having a saver on him at a big price.

Advice – Black Thunder 3pts win @9/1 generally

               Grandads Horse 1pt e/w @25/1 generally

2:40 - bet365.com Celebration Chase

This has been the aim all season it seems for SANCTUAIRE and if they let him bowl along in front then he will take all the beating again. He was outstanding last year when thrashing Somersby (Wishfull Thinking further behind) and he has been begging for this sort of ground too. He should be very hard to beat. He is a fly in the ointment but so too is Finian’s Rainbow who has had a tough season on poor ground, though again he didn’t show much last time either in a ridiculously good Melling Chase. He also has a penalty to contend with but if on form he is a massive danger. Sire De Grugy is progressive but just below these while Oiseau De Nuit showed he was better than ever when winning at Aintree last time though again he is just below these even on peak form. French Opera and Tanks For That has place squeaks while Toubab on a going day isn’t totally dismissed but he does like to dominate.

Advice – Sanctuaire 2pts win @7/2 generally

3:50 - bet365 Gold Cup Chase

Saint Are is handicapped to go well if fine for his National exertions and the ground is perfect for him

Away We Go off near bottom weight is now favourite and he probably deserves to considering he’s very well handicapped due to this early closing race. Hadrian’s Approach has been mixing it with some decent novices and should stay but his jumping is still a massive worry, especially in this sort of field and that has to be taken with a lot of trust. Same Difference and Well Refreshed have been in good form, both also winning big prizes this year already, meaning this is tougher after long seasons and handicap marks which are getting steeper, while the front two Quentin Collonges and Mr Moss both fought out the Grimthorpe Chase finish at Doncaster last time but this is a stronger race while one who really did interest me was Hold On Julio as I still have his very impressive win round here last year in my head. He was average last time though and may need a bit more cut, but Hutchinson is on to sort his jumping out, or at least improve it in some way. GALAXY ROCK has been selected the last twice but he fell at the first at Cheltenham and was pulled out due to ground after that. I haven’t had the chance to back him then really and this is the time I will give him a chance. AP McCoy isn’t on but Richie McLernon is a fine replacement. He should stay the trip fine and relishes this sort of ground so he’s one to be on. His last good run was when just behind Balthazar King who would have a chance here as he stays all day and jumps like a stag but he had a really tough race in the National to overcome. I’m not totally convinced about Muirhead in these sorts of races while Dover’s Hill hasn‘t been seen since this last year and though the ground is better for him. The Rainbow Hunter has a chance if jumping well but I’m going to give a chance to SAINT ARE who didn’t take to the National fences last time out but he should stay and more importantly, the ground is perfect for him. He is well handicapped on last year’s form and his jumping has improved significantly since then meaning he has plenty in hand and he is worth chancing.

Advice – Saint Are 1.5pts e/w @25/1 generally

                Galaxy Rock 1pt e/w @14/1 generally

Latest Eyecatchers

Cape Peron

Henry Candy – OR 87

3yo – Beat Hollow – Free Offer

Cape Peron winning well on his reappearance. He looks a nice prospect

Made a nice debut at the backend of last year over 6f but a step up to a mile at least was needed as he duly obliged last week at Newbury in really taking style. That maiden looked pretty strong on paper, especially considering the well regarded runner-up looked to have the race in the bag but the winner did him for speed. It’s a maiden that should work out well (has done before with group winners coming from it) and this one should improve for a step up in trip and when filling out. He’s a lovely prospect.

Advice – Follow throughout this season

String Theory

Marco Botti – OR -

3yo – Medicean – Shebelia (GER)

The first one to catch my eye in the Wood Ditton and his run further proved that. He reared at the start after being hampered and that would have lit him up so considering he was beaten under a length, added with the fact he wasn’t given a hard time and didn’t get a clear run, suggests he is the one to take out of the race. He travelled beautifully throughout and though the form may not be anything special, he should pay his way.

Advice – Follow throughout this season

Galileo Rock

David Wachman – OR 97

3yo – Galileo (IRE) – Grecian Bride (IRE)

A well bred type who is a half-brother to Saddler’s Rock and he too wants a trip in time. He won nicely on debut and was very much talked about when fifth in the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. He made a lovely return to action stepped up in trip when a close third in the Classic Derby Trial at Sandown today, where he still seemed quite inexperienced and had to make up more ground than the front two off a modest pace. He needs 1m4f at least and races like the Queens Vase and maybe further on the St Leger, should be on his radar.

Advice – Should really improve this season when upped in trip, past 1m6f at least

Professor

Richard Hannon – OR 98

3yo – Byron – Jubilee

Did well as a two-year-old last year over these sorts of trip and though his form over 7f didn’t really work out last year, a strongly run race over that trip may be what he wants. Over 6f he has some strong form and he looked to have improved over the winter as his return at Newmarket last week was a great run from a good bit back where he seemed to have plenty in hand. Off 98 he may not be that well treated but I’m convinced he’s a Listed type who will consistently hold his own throughout the year

Advice – Worth another try at 7f, should be competitive at least at Listed level

Jammy Guest

George Margarson – OR -

3yo – Duke Or Marmalade (IRE) – Ardbrae Lady

A lovely debut from this clearly well regarded type at Newmarket in a maiden. He had been nibbled at in the market and apparently works like a 90 horse at home. He travelled beautifully into this but was given a very easy time of it at the finish. On breeding this is a minimum and it is interesting to hear that he has been given a St James’s Palace entry too. He’s entered to run this week and I’d fully expect him to win there before going on to much better things. Hopefully he will be well placed this year.

Advice – Worth keep an eye on his next few starts to see where they go with him. Could be aimed high.

3:50 – Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase

Grand National winner Auroras Encore was second in this last year but faces a tough task off top weight this time on softer ground than ideal

Always a tough race to find a winner in and this year’s is no exception. I noted the good record on front runners in this race, with the last four being prominent throughout. Some do make ground from the back but it’s tough and I wanted to concentrate on ones that will be near the fore. The market leader Rival D’Estruval certainly deserves to be just that. He has very good novice form coming into this and was also in the process of running a huge race in the four miler at Cheltenham before falling two out. He is off 142 but the fact he’d have run 150+ rivals close in that race suggests he has this in him and he deserves to be favourite if fine for the fall. Big Occasion also has to go well considering the way he won the Midlands Grand National but this ground isn’t as poor. He hasn’t been punished by the handicapper mind so he should go nicely. Nuts N Bolts caught the eye last time at Cheltenham but he needs to jump a lot better and needs a lot of luck too while Always Right isn’t on that bad a mark despite winning last time, where he took the scalp of Garleston who ran a good race here last year before possibly not staying even though he was up all the way with a strong pace. Monsieur Cadou looks progressive but needs a lot of luck from the back while you can’t say that for Rigadin De Beauchene and Godsmejudge, who both fought out the finish to the Classic Chase at Warwick in January. They also will be prominent which I like backing horses in this race but neither look well treated anymore. The latter is a bold jumper but his mark is about right and the former looked to be in need of a break at Sandown last time. Neptune Equester is very hard to gauge but may just not be a National horse while Our Mick is handicapped for me to his best too. Grand National hero Auroras Encore finished second in this last year but hasn’t improved since then and finds himself 5lb higher in ground that isn’t for him so he’s readily opposed. Bradley has disappointed of late but a return to better ground could see him run well though his jumping is risky at times and a 7lb claimer rather than Paddy Brennan is a little off putting for me. Fill The Power does have a squeak as he ran well last time at Uttoxeter while Rebeccas Choice was second in that but everything went right and others are preferred. The one I do like at a massive price, who also ran in the Midlands National, is COOL OPERATOR. Before that run he had progressed really well, notably winning at Carlisle over 3m2f, staying on really well on heavy ground. He ran no sort of race at Uttoxeter but that was his first in three months and he wasn’t able to dominate proceedings, which he loves to do. This may be the race for him as he jumps well, has a feather weight and will be prominent. Also with Phil Kirby having a couple of winners of late, he’s not a trainer to underestimate at the moment and with the talented Adam Nicol returning as well and taking off 7lb, I like his chances and 40/1 is an added bonus.

Advice – Cool Operator 1pt e/w @40/1

Newbury

2:20 – Berry Bros & Rudd Magnum Spring Cup (Handicap)

The Spring Handicap sees horse to follow EDUCATE run and the fact he comes into this after a surprise win (for me it was anyway) strongly suggests he is the one to be on again off just 5lb higher. I really like this horse as many know and I think he is potentially pattern class. The ground isn’t as soft here which will suit and he is so versatile that I think again he can run a massive race. He hasn’t escaped the bookmakers eye but he deserves to be that price and it’s one worth taking. Border Legend is a real danger and the one I liked most of the rest while last year’s winner Captain Bertie can go well. Lincoln second Global Village can go close while a number of other Lincoln runners take part, notably winner Levitate, third Brae Hill, fourth Justonefortheroad and arguably now the most interesting, Chapter Seven. But it’s Educate that is taken to give the rest a lesson again.

Advice –Educate (Flat Horses to follow List 2013) 3pts win @13/2 Coral

2:55 - Dubai Duty Free Stakes (Registered As The Fred Darling Stakes)

Agent Allison is an interesting Fred Darling runner

Rosdhu Queen is favourite but for me she has doubts of staying 7f never mind a mile on pedigree and with style, while the ground is softer than she’s encountered before. Thus she is there to be aimed at. Maureen looked talented at times last season and was unlucky to lose at Newmarket earlier in the season, though she was very poor when next seen behind the favourite and has a bit to prove. One who I think will love this trip, ground and have improved over the winter is AGENT ALLISON and she is the one to be on here. Her second to Newfangled is very good form (obviously don’t know how good she would have been) while next time she was seen four months later in the Marcel Boussac though the ground found her out over a mile. This is far more ideal and for me she is the one I would by far want to be on. Of the rest The Gold Cheongsam isn’t fully straight forward and now wears a visor, while City Image is best of the rest on 2yo form. Desert Image is a nice filly but she wants further and Melbourne Memories is not one to dismiss with improvement possible, especially upped to 7f.

Advice – Agent Allison 3pts win @17/2 BetVictor