Friday’s racing boasts quality in depth, with Listed action at both Ayr and Newbury, as well as the Ayr Bronze Cup, the first of three significant sprint handicaps north of the border.
GG tipster Joe Napier selects our Friday lucky 15 tips, with selections at both above meetings.
Ayr Racing Tips (Friday 18 September)
The Ayr Bronze Cup occurs on Friday, the day before the Silver and Gold Cups take place at the Scottish track. We have a selection in that handicap, as well as one each in the two Listed contests.
2.30 Ayr – Mussab (1pt win – 10/3)
Hickory Lad returned to form last time, but he is surely vulnerable to Mussab. Richard and Peter Fahey’s charge only got off the mark at the fourth attempt last time out. However, he had already been third in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot at 66/1. He was well-beaten in sixth at York over 6f last month, but back at 5f, he bolted up back in novice company at Newcastle. The minimum distance looks the optimum for the son of Ten Sovereigns. As such, he can graduate to Listed honours in a relatively weak renewal.
3.05 Ayr – Luna A Inbhir Nis (1pt win – 11/2)
Beautiful Diamond had Luna A Inbhir Nis behind in this race last season. The 2026 contest may prove different for Katie Scott’s filly though. The four-year-old did not show up on return, but was then a close third at this level against the boys at Carlisle. She was then unlucky over course and distance in June when clearly drawn on the wrong side of the track, yet still finishing just two lengths behind the winner. Her second in Group 3 company at Sandown last time out has been franked by the winner since and she deals with cut in the surface. There is plenty going for her here.
3.40 Ayr – Francisco’s Piece (1pt win – 10/1)
On efforts this summer, Francisco’s Piece should still be capable of his mark of 84. A useful juvenile, who won at Listed level, he declined at three, dropping 12lb from a mark of 97, but did show signs of reviving his form when on soft going. After two mid-division efforts to start 2026, he won again at Musselburgh off 81 at the end of July. He then finished second after a gelding operation at Beverley on good ground last month. The son of Mayson is up another 1lb, but will be at home in slower conditions, stays 6f, and may be progressing again.
Newbury Racing Tips (Friday 18 September)
There is also Listed action at Newbury on Friday, with our tip at the track running in that race.
4.07 Newbury – Catullus (1pt win – 7/2)
Spy Chief is the likeliest winner at his best, but he is difficult to trust as a headstrong racer. Preference is for fellow Godolphin runner Catullus for Charlie Appleby. The ownership’s primary trainer can do little wrong in September, scoring at a sensational rate. Catullus struck readily at Goodwood, when the yard were not firing, in May, before disappointing at Royal Ascot. The royal meeting was also a difficult one for Appleby, but the selection was then a gallant third at Glorious Goodwood at Group 3 level. He did not appear to quite see out 1m that day, but should be very dangerous back at 7f. As a three-year-old, he has more room for improvement than his main market rival.
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Ayr – first race 13:20
- Newbury – first race 13:47
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Friday 18 September, which include selections at Ayr & Newbury.
When were Friday’s Lucky 15 tips for Ayr & Newbury published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Friday 18 September were published at 4.22pm on Thursday 17 September.
Who is Joe Napier?
Joe Napier is the deputy editor of GG who gives tips and opinion throughout the week. He has been writing for GG for over four years and is hugely passionate about racing.
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