Chris Wright

Chris Wright previews Saturday’s racing at Newbury, Ripon and Newmarket, identifying Never So Brave as the main selection for the Group Two Hungerford Stakes at Newbury. Manila Scouse is named as the nap for Ripon’s Great St Wilfrid Handicap, while Mount Atlas, Wheels Of Fire, Addison Grey, Strike and several other horses are tipped in races across the three meetings. The recommendations are based on recent form, race conditions, distance suitability, handicap marks and trainer performance.

Calendar Girl returned from an extended absence to win the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Dick Hern Stakes at Haydock Park by a length and a quarter. The Owen Burrow-trained filly, ridden by Callum Rodriguez, overtook 11-8 favourite Fallen Angel, with Pacific Mission finishing second. Burrow said health problems had delayed her campaign but that patience had been rewarded. Calendar Girl is now likely to target the Group One Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, with a possible Breeders' Cup appearance also under consideration. David O'Meara's Pellitory won the Betway Ashton Heath Handicap.

Chris Wright tips Benvenuto Cellini to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, arguing that the Aidan O'Brien-trained three-year-old can exploit good ground and a weight-for-age allowance against established international rivals. The column also recommends horses for Group races and handicaps at Ascot, York and Chester, including Touleen, Glorious Game, Completely Random, Royal Champion, Red Spells Danger and Right And Exact, with additional selections for meetings elsewhere in Britain and Ireland.

Zigazig Ah is tipped to win the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes at Newbury, with trainer Richard Spencer expected to field a strong pair of contenders. Symbol Of Honour is backed to return to winning form in the Hackwood Stakes, while Persica, Baileys Khelstar, Manaar and other runners are highlighted as likely winners across meetings at Newbury, Ripon, Newmarket and the Curragh. Several trainers are positioned for strong performances, with multiple horses cited as potential scorers throughout a busy racing schedule.