Making hay while the sun shines: the penalty kings who can lead you to profits

The driest summer for decades has seen field sizes on the Flat suffer, resulting in less competitive races and high levels of success for favourites and horses running under penalties in handicaps.

Last month, a little over 90 per cent of British turf Flat races took place on going with firm in the description, and the average field size for these races of 7.5 runners per race dipped below the significant eight-runner threshold, reflecting how the combination of quick ground and hot weather is persuading trainers to keep horses on the sidelines.

Unusually, in July punters enjoyed a big edge from backing favourites blind in Britain, with £1 on clear market leaders yielding profits of £48.14 (43 per cent strike-rate, 420 winners from 985 runners).