1.55 York, Friday, August 25

In the opening Sky Bet First Race Special Handicap (1.55) at York on Friday, Mukhayyam failed in his hat-trick bid when only fifth of 10, beaten 1¾ lengths, in the Shergar Cup Challenge at Ascot two weeks ago but, faced with a less rigorous test of stamina, may be able to resume winning ways. A course and distance winner in May, the Dark Angel gelding followed up in good style at Ripon eight days later and, although 6lb higher in the weights here, his Ascot run suggested that he remains feasibly weighted. Reunited with winning jockey David Allan, it would be no surprise to see him lead this field a merry dance and, at 16/1 with Ladbrokes, his price is just too generous to resist.

Selection: Mukhayyam to win

Yarmouth Races

I enjoyed a day at the races last week. We do tend to go to Yarmouth race track from time to time, as it's not so far away from us, and of course there's the casino nearby too (and of course the beach too!).

Funnily enough I didn't even have a bet at the track this time around. I did get to witness the impressive performance by 2 year old Mandarin Princess in the 13:40 though (27th June) and the delight of Charlie McBride directly after. Only of course though, there was a mix up and it was actually his other horse Millie’s Kiss that won the race. What a rare sporting mess up to witness in person. There's a William Hill bookie on course and credit to them they decided to pay out to those who bet on the odds on favourite - which came second (and was really the rightful winner, even though the result stands). I'm sure a lot of people will have binned their ticket by the time this error as discussed though, so a gutting day for some.

The above picture was taken by myself as I stood near the parade ring. Someone had scrawled 'fidling twats' on there. Juvenile I know but I couldn't help but smile. All in a day at the races!

4.00 Wolverhampton, Thursday, March 23

In the 32Red.com Handicap (4.00) at Wolverhampton on Thursday, Lord Cooper is unbeaten over 6 furlongs on the all-weather – including over course and distance – since being gelded in November and looks to have been found another decent opportunity. The son of Sir Percy steps up in grade off a 3lb higher mark than when edging out Jet Setter over course and distance last month and, while the placed horses on that occasion have done little to advertise the form, he is clearly going the right way. He’s already been raised 15lb since December, but may be progressive enough to complete a hat-trick. Jockey Renato Souza is 4-16 for the yard on the all-weather in recent seasons.

Selection: Wolverhampton 4.00 Lord Cooper to win

4.00 Musselburgh, Wednesday, March 1

Spiculas, an 8-year-old gelding by top-class jumps sire Beneficial, made a highly promising debut for Malcolm Jefferson at Sedgefield in December and may have suffered the dreaded ‘bounce’ when only fourth of 10, beaten 28 lengths, over the same course and distance last month. Twice a winner for previous trainer Keith Reveley, Spiculas had been off the course for over two years prior to his debut effort, where he was only caught close home after taking a three-length lead jumping the last. He’s been raised 4lb but, having been restricted to just eight career starts, could be open to further improvement even at this late stage and doesn’t look overburdened in any case. He looks the one to be on in the Totepool Betting at Betfred.com Handicap Hurdle (4.00) at Musselburgh on Wednesday.

Selection: Musselburgh 4.00 Spiculas to win