There is racing at a high level on Saturday in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes from Newbury, as well as historic handicap action in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap at Ripon. Those two contests are among eight live on ITV, with competitive racing across multiple cards.
GG tipster Joe Napier has tips at three tracks for our lucky 15. They race at Newbury, Newmarket and Ripon throughout the afternoon.
Newbury Racing Tips (Saturday 15 August)
Newbury’s is the meeting of the day on Saturday. Across competitive Group and handicap action we have two tips at the track as part of our lucky 15.
1.25 Newbury – Gamrai (1pt e/w – 7/1)
Dubai Honour’s record on home turf does not translate to his international success as yet. With his nearest market rivals Tabletalk and Mount Atlas only par operators for this level, Gamrai looks a worthwhile bet to go well. He is not bred to stay, but the four-year-old has proven a middle distance performer. He won very easily over 1m3f to begin this campaign and has followed it up with two seconds to Daiquiri Bay, including one by a head at Royal Ascot upped to 1m6f. Both of those efforts represent strong form and signal he is ready for Group races. Although he has something to make up on ratings, his purchase by Victorious Forever is a positive, with that ownership group generally reliable at spotting talent. Gamrai has moved to George Scott, a trainer having a good season, and he could surprise here.
2.35 Newbury – Stellar Sunrise (1pt e/w – 9/1)
Though his season has taken some backward steps, faith can still be placed in Stellar Sunrise. Andrew Balding’s charge progressed at two until encountering unsuitable soft ground over course and distance last October. That suggests he can improve with his racing, even though evidence this term suggests he goes well fresh. It is strong evidence though, as he won comfortably over track and trip in April. The runner-up, who he was conceding 5lb to, has won since and finished second in Listed company, going up 13lb in the process. Stellar Sunrise is up just 5lb here and that win shows he can sparkle at the track. He has to rebound, but cheekpieces go on which could also help spark the revival.
Newmarket Racing Tips (Saturday 15 August)
The once-a-year spectacle of the Grey Horse Handicap headlines Newmarket’s Saturday card. We have a tip in that contest at double-figure odds.
2.10 Newmarket – Secret Guest (1pt e/w – 14/1)
Having plummeted down the weights, it might be time to catch Secret Guest at a price. The Havana Grey gelding runs here off a mark of 73, a whopping 13lb below his last winning mark. He has mostly regressed now aged six, but there have been some decent efforts in the past year. Twice he placed off marks in the 80s on the all-weather, while he was only beaten a little over a length at Hamilton three starts back off 5lb higher. He was subsequently drawn on the wrong side at York and his Southwell effort can be forgiven most recently; his form on artificial surfaces, despite some promise in the past 12 months, is generally inferior. Secret Guest was desperately unlucky in this race three years ago when competing off a mark of 83. Amends may now be made off his declining rating.
Ripon Racing Tips (Saturday 15 August)
Ripon’s feature handicap of the season, the Great St Wilfrid, occurs on Saturday. Our tip at the Yorkshire venue comes in that contest.
3.25 Ripon – Fast Track Harry (1pt e/w – 6/1)
The second of Fast Track Harry at Ascot last time could not have worked out better. He finished behind Amazing Journey that day, a three-year-old who has won again since. The winner was clearly a blot in the handicap that day, but the selection travelled as well for much of the race. He finished tamely after racing keenly, but the handicapper has kept him on the same mark. That rating of 95 is the same off which he last won back in March. Similarly, his form figures back on turf this term (700) do not tell the full story, as he has competed in fields of 22 or more the last twice, including at Royal Ascot. He is trending in the right direction and should be drawn well too.
Today’s Meetings & Start Times
- Newbury – first race 13:25
- Newmarket – first race 13:35
- Ripon – first race 13:45
FAQs: Today’s Racing Tips
What are today’s GG Lucky 15 tips?
Joe Napier provides the GG Lucky 15 tips on Saturday 15 August, which include selections at Newbury, Newmarket & Ripon.
When were Saturday’s Lucky 15 tips for Newbury, Newmarket and Ripon published?
GG’s Lucky 15 tips for Saturday 15 August were published at 1.45pm on Friday 14 August.
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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