Saturday 5th October

Hermosa Can Blossom Again In The Sun Chariot

NAP – Hermosa 3:25 Newmarket 5/1

My NAP this weekend comes in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes in Hermosa. Aidan O’Brien’s dual guineas winner has disappointed slightly since those victories but it was much more like it last time in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown. It would be no surprise to me if Hermosa came on again for that race and she holds a lot of these on most of her form as well as being joint highest rated with Laurens.

Back at the scene of her 1,000 guineas win, In a race connections have been successful in recent years, I will definitely be a backer that Ballydoyle have this filly back to her absolute best.

NB (Next Best) – Makzeem 3:10 Ascot 20/1

My NB this weekend is at Ascot in Makzeem for the bet365 Challenge Cup. Roger Charlton’s son of Makfi won well on his penultimate start when he handled underfoot conditions well. He is still on workable mark on some of his old form and Thomas Greatrex’s claim takes off a healthy 3lb. I have always thought he would pop up in one of these big field handicaps at some point, and with Charlton’s horses in flying form I can see Makzeem running a big race.

20/1 each way seems fair value and I’d be very hopeful of him at least running into the money.