TEMPLEGATE tackles a simply brilliant Saturday of racing confident of knocking the bookies for six.
The big race of the day is the Group 1 Dewhurst at Newmarket at 3pm, followed by a belting Cesarewitch renewal at 3.40pm – both live on ITV1.
Back a horse you fancy simply by clicking their odds below.
MORDOR (3.40 Newmarket, nap)
Looks a big price to take the Cesarewitch. Gordon Elliott’s gelding stayed on powerfully when second at Goodwood over this trip latest and a patient ride from Jamie Spencer could see him pick off rivals late.
ZAVATERI (3.00 Newmarket, nb)
Bids to crown a flawless season with Dewhurst glory and looks well up to the task. Eve Johnston Houghton’s colt has progressed with each of his four runs, building from novice success at Salisbury to Group 2 wins in the July and Vintage Stakes before producing a career-best in the National Stakes at The Curragh last time out.
BINHAREER (3.15 York, treble)
Can make up for a luckless run in the Ayr Silver Cup by striking gold here. The William Haggas grey was much better than the bare result there, suffering interference early before being shuffled back and forced to switch wide, yet he still finished powerfully for sixth. That effort confirmed his progress through the ranks this season – a campaign that’s seen him win impressively at Ayr in July and run with credit in top sprints since.
Templegate’s TV verdicts
NEWMARKET
1.15
GLADIUS looks the answer to this trappy opener.
The Night Of Thunder colt has progressed sharply through the ranks, winning at Sandown and Goodwood before shaping better than the bare result in the Strensall Stakes at York, where he was caught too far back.
He’s proven at this trip, handles quick ground and has a lot more to offer for Andrew Balding, who continues in top form.
Damysus arrives off a Listed success in France and is the obvious danger, though the form of his York second to Pride Of Arras suggests he’d prefer a slightly longer trip.
He still has plenty of quality and hasn’t finished improving yet.
First Conquest is talented but can miss the break, although he shaped well in this grade when beaten two lengths at Haydock last time. He needs to improve on that.
Liberty Lane would be dangerous if there’s a shower or two because softer ground seems to suit.
Torito and Mister Rizz both have plenty to find after being held in lesser company.
1.50
ENDORSEMENT can give Aidan O’Brien his first Zetland win since 2018.
The Wootton Bassett colt has shaped like a thorough stayer in two Irish runs, comfortably landing his Tipperary maiden over 1m1f on softish ground after finishing second on debut.
He travelled smoothly and powered clear late, marking him out as one crying out for this longer trip.
The extra furlong here on a sound surface should only help and he can take another step forward.
Stablemate Pierre Bonnard impressed when scoring at Dundalk and is open to plenty of progress over a trip that should suit on breeding.
Look To The Stars brings has done little wrong in his past two wins, though both came at 1m and he meets stronger opposition now.
Allegresse is a likeable colt from the Balding yard and should stay. His best has come on the sand so far but this trip should be fine.
Spyce and Del Maro are nice prospects but need more in this company.
2.25
AL ZANATI can give Charlie Appleby his fifth Autumn Stakes win in six years.
The Dubawi colt created a striking impression on debut here in August, beating a good field despite clear greenness – and that form has worked out well.
He travelled strongly, quickened smartly and shaped like one who’ll relish this extra furlong.
With the yard in fine form and the promise of more to come, he looks a high-class prospect capable of taking this step up in grade in his stride.
Hankelow sets a fair standard after narrowly missing out in Listed company at Doncaster and rates the main threat if settling off what may be a modest pace.
Straight Up was impressive at Listowel and looks another fine Ballydoyle colt.
It will be interesting to see how he goes on this much quicker ground.
New Zealand and Archer Royal are both improving types who could run into the frame, while Glacius and Pathein need a leap forward.
3.00
ZAVATERI bids to crown a flawless season with Dewhurst glory and looks well up to the task.
Eve Johnston Houghton’s colt has progressed with each of his four runs, building from novice success at Salisbury to Group 2 wins in the July and Vintage Stakes before producing a career-best in the National Stakes at The Curragh last time out.
That victory came at the expense of Gstaad, whose own form ties in strongly with the top juveniles in Europe and the pair again look the big two for this race.
Zavateri showed grit as well as class to get up on the line in Ireland, travelling smoothly and finding generously when challenged — all the hallmarks of a colt still learning but clearly top-tier.
He’s proven on fast and easy ground, has won on the July course here, and brings a perfect mix of speed and stamina for 7f.
Gstaad is the obvious danger again after their Curragh ding-dong. He was so impressive when winning the Coventry at Royal Ascot.
Distant Storm impressed in the Somerville here last time and remains unexposed for Charlie Appleby. Quick ground is right up his street too.
Oxagon looks a lively outsider after his Champagne Stakes second at Doncaster and Gewan could be overpriced for Andrew Balding if finding the form of his Acomb win at York’s Ebor meeting over this trip.
3.40
MORDOR can score in the £175,000 Cesarewitch (3.40 Newmarket, nap).
Gordon Elliott has a fine chance with this stout stayer who ran a cracker over this trip at Goodwood last time.
Beylerbeyi has a big chance stepping up in distance too for canny Ian Williams.
Willie Mullins has a strong hand with Bunting heading his team, while last year’s winner Alphonse Le Grande is in the mix again.
Read my guide to every runner and .
YORK
1.30
COMICAL POINT can make his class tell.
The Blue Point colt has already shown ability this season, finishing fifth in the Norfolk and then a solid fourth in the Gimcrack over this course and distance.
He shaped as if still learning there, travelling well but not quite getting through the gap when needed.
He looks the type to progress again with experience, and a strongly run six furlongs on good ground should play perfectly to his strengths.
Division is the obvious danger. He’s unbeaten in two easy novice wins for William Haggas and now takes the step up to Listed level with plenty of upside.
Flying Comet also commands respect after an excellent third in the Mill Reef at Newbury, while Group 2 second Flowerhead could bounce back if handling the trip better on this sound surface.
Boston Dan was a good second in a Sales race on his last run here and has each-way claims at a big price.
2.05
ERZINDJAN can finally gain a deserved big-race success after ‘winning’ the Cambridgeshire on the wrong side of the track.
The Lope De Vega gelding has been threatening one of these all summer and shaped like the best horse in the race when fourth in that Cambridgeshire, finishing a length and a half off the winner but well clear of his group.
He’s been running with tremendous consistency since joining Tony Kent and now gets the strong pace and extra furlong he’s been crying out for.
Tom Marquand takes over in the saddle and his patient style should be a perfect match given how this race is likely to unfold.
Insanity is an obvious danger after two excellent York runs earlier in the year, including a close second over further, while Per Contra has been thriving for Tim Easterby and looks set for another bold showing if reproducing his Doncaster win.
Tony Montana also makes plenty of appeal after running a cracker at The Curragh last time.
Mustazeed won well at Newbury last time and is another to consider with Teumessias Fox who has had a break and goes well fresh.
He can be hard to catch right but has plenty of ability and looks on a fair mark.
3.15
BINHAREER can make up for a luckless run in the Ayr Silver Cup by striking gold here.
The William Haggas grey was much better than the bare result there, suffering interference early before being shuffled back and forced to switch wide, yet he still finished powerfully for sixth.
That effort confirmed his progress through the ranks this season — a campaign that’s seen him win impressively at Ayr in July and run with credit in top sprints since.
Drawn well in stall 6, he’s ideally positioned for a race where early pace and track position should be key and the strong gallop should set things up perfectly for his late burst.
With Tom Marquand taking over, he looks ready to cash in.
Eye Of Dubai rates the main threat after his determined Ripon win and he’s another who thrives in big-field handicaps on good ground.
Northern Ticker loves it here and ran well in the Ayr Gold Cup last time, while Hammer The Hammer appeals as a three-year-old with further improvement to come after a solid fifth in that Ayr Gold Cup.
Eternal Sunshine is in flying form and shouldn’t be underestimated from 4lb higher than his Portland Handicap win at Donny.
Templegate’s tips
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our .