All times GMT
The flat turf season wraps up this weekend with the November Handicap meeting, as is tradition. Normally run on bottomless ground, the soft (good-to-soft in places) going here should produce a more visually appealing spectacle. The lightly-raced Nobody Knows currently heads the market for the November Handicap (15:25) itself as he steps up in distance and he has the services of Ryan Moore, who will look to deliver another 12 furlong masterclass following Benevenuto Cellini’s win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf last weekend.
We have some Stakes races on the undercard, with the Wentworth Stakes at 14:10. This sees improving handicapper Coul Angel look to take the step up in class in his stride following a win at York in a fast time when last seen. Reliable old yardstick Montassib, who is relatively fresh, looks the main threat.
The Gillies Fillies’ Stakes (14:45) looks wide-open with bookmakers betting 11/2 the field. Felicitas is currently favoured having had a solid season and this class drop looks like it should suit her. I’m The One was heavily touted earlier in the season but comes here on a recovery mission having been beaten at 1/2 in a Novice last time out. She’ll tighten up for that and should be happier returning to grass.
The jumps season continues to ramp up in quality and we’re starting to see some of the better horses emerge now. Mydaddypaddy looks a leading Champion Hurdle contender having finished third in the Supreme Novices’ at the Cheltenham Festival and he was favourite to win the Molyneux Hurdle (13:45) at Aintree for the all-conquering Dan Skelton yard prior to his withdrawal the evening before the race. His absence should leave the way open for Alexei, who was fourth in the Champion Hurdle last season and represents a yard that has made a superb start to the season.
Skelton will look to gain some compensation for the disappointment of that withdrawal in the Rising Stars Novices’ Chase (14:25), where he sends out Talk To The Man, a talented hurdler who has already won over the larger obstacles. Standing in his way is No Drama This End, for Skelton’s mentor Paul Nicholls, who was a Grade 1 winner over hurdles last season and rates as one of the best chasing prospects in the country. This should be a fascinating clash.
Finally, and back on the flat, Sunday sees the Grosser Allianz Preis von Bayern (14:30) take place at Munich. This looks a good opportunity for Gethin to breakthrough at the highest level having chased home Ombudsman earlier in the year.
