Weekend Racing Preview – 3rd October 2026

He looks particularly well set up for Saturday’s Group 1 Epsom Handicap. He gets 55.5kg, has drawn barrier 1, and James McDonald rides. He also comes into this after finishing second last start.

The one I’m most wary of is Well Written. She has a lovely draw in barrier 3, carries 55kg and brings an unbeaten profile into the race. This is a significant jump in grade, though.

Rating 6 out of 10

For the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes on Saturday, I’ve gone through the field and the latest form, and my win selection is Sir Delius.

He won this race last year, is 3-from-4 at 2000m, and his first-up fourth in the Makybe Diva Stakes looks a strong setup for the step back to his preferred trip. Craig Williams rides from barrier 9. 

The horse that worries me most is Aeliana. Her second behind Autumn Glow last start was a substantial improvement, she’s drawn beautifully in 2, and her previous Group 1 wins include the Ranvet over 2000m and Tancred over 2400m.

Rating 7 out of 10

There’s quite a bit to like. He comes in off a dominant Belmont Newmarket win, and then won his 1000m Belmont trial comfortably in preparation for this race. 

The 1200m is ideal too: he’s 5 starts for 3 wins and a placing at the distance. Lucy Fiore retains the ride and barrier 6 looks perfectly workable.

My main dangers would be Lord Shiva, who arrives in excellent form after consecutive wins, and Rissoles, whose latest run suggested she’s going very well and should be strong late.

Rating 5 out of 10

I prefer St Lawrence to Air Assault here. He comes off a win at Flemington, has an excellent barrier 2, and Noel Callow rides. That draw could be a major advantage compared with Air Assault carrying 59.5kg from barrier 18. 

Rating 4 out of 10

Last weekend’s win from Letsfacethemusic kept the ledger ticking over, so there’s a bit of breathing room heading into Saturday. For anyone building their own racing tips file, the Epsom Handicap and Turnbull Stakes tell two different stories. Autumn Boy finished second last start and has barrier 1 at Randwick, while Sir Delius won the Turnbull twelve months ago and is three from four at 2000m. Both have a threat to watch, Well Written and Aeliana. Reading barriers, trip and last-start form is where most horse racing tips come together, and Saturday’s cards give plenty to chew on.