A Group 1 winner returns, a bumper horse to note and an in-form trainer - punting pointers for Saturday's action

Punting pointers from some of Saturday's race meetings . . .

Newcastle: Group 1 winner Dubai Honour returns

It's not often a three-time Group 1 winner contests a Listed race but that is exactly what will happen on this card as Dubai Honour heads the betting for the Churchill Stakes (3.15).

The admirable six-year-old struck at the highest level in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June, adding to his Australian wins in the Ranvet and Queen Elizabeth Stakes last year.

He is rated 7lb superior to Peace Man – which is the difference between them in the weights here – and this race will act as a prep run for the Hong Kong Vase next month. Dubai Honour finished fourth in the 2021 Hong Kong Cup over this 1m2f trip and has been third and seventh in the QEII Cup in further trips to Sha Tin.

Dubai Honour15:15 Newcastle (A.W)

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Jky: Adam Farragher Tnr: William Haggas

Uttoxeter: John Barbour a bumper hope to note

Fergal O'Brien means business in bumpers. He is operating at a 17 per cent strike-rate in the sphere this season, having sent out five winners from 30 runners.

O'Brien's John Barbour (3.38) is naturally of interest in the finale, and he has the benefit of experience having finished third at Huntingdon in May when trained by Tom George.

The five-year-old wears a tongue-tie for the first time and ought to improve as he is from a smart jumping family that includes Grade 2 winner Gidleigh Park, St Barts and G A Henty.

"He's a lovely horse," O'Brien said. "He's been with us about four months and he's been working very well and is straightforward, so I've been pleased with him.

"It's probably a deep enough bumper, with the Kim Bailey horse [Draco Malfoy] looking very smart and Olly Murphy's [Karonacho] looking nice as well, but we're looking forward to getting him on the track to see where we are. This should inform us whether we stay in bumpers or crack on over hurdles."

John Barbour15:38 Uttoxeter

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Jky: Jack Hogan (3lb)Tnr: Fergal O'Brien

Uttoxeter: Ez Tiger set to pounce

A £1 level stake on Alex Hales's runners this season at the track would earn you a £45.50 profit, with three wins from six runners. He saddles last-time-out winner Ez Tiger in the 2m handicap hurdle (3.03).

Ez Tiger15:03 Uttoxeter

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Jky: Kielan Woods Tnr: Alex Hales

Wetherby: Hamilton out to continue hot form

Ann Hamilton does brilliantly with her small string and will be hoping to land another decent contest when Pay The Piper lines up in the 2m3½f handicap chase (1.35).

The Northumberland yard has had a winner from just three runners in the last fortnight and the seasonal tally looks even better at five from 14 (36 per cent strike-rate).

The consistent Pay The Piper has won twice at Kelso this season, with a good second to the exciting novice chaser Primoz at this track sandwiching those successes.

Hamilton said: "He really enjoyed himself last time at Kelso, where he stayed on well, and came out of the race nicely. His handicap mark will stop him eventually, but he's under top weight here again and just has to get on with it.

"He seems well in himself and, although this is an extra two and a half furlongs, I'm hoping he'll get the trip. He'll have a good chance if he does."

Pay The Piper13:35 Wetherby

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Jky: Danny McMenamin Tnr: Ann Hamilton

Wolverhampton: well-bred Johnston newcomer for the notebook

Ghaiyyath's progeny have come to life in the autumn and he could have another useful prospect in Marhaba Ghaiyyath, who makes his debut in the 1m½f restricted maiden (6.00).

The Charlie Johnston-trained colt has a strong distaff side of his pedigree too, as his dam has already produced black-type performers Fujaira Prince, Nichols Canyon and Bright Approach. One of those made a winning debut and the other two went close.

That bodes well for Marhaba Ghaiyyath's first appearance against horses with more experience like Bulletin, Precision, Westlain and Northwest Passage.

Marhaba Ghaiyyath18:00 Wolverhampton (A.W)

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Jky: Billy Loughnane Tnr: Charlie Johnston

Wolverhampton stat: chance for Channon

Jack Channon has a smart record at the track with three-year-olds and older in handicaps, with a 40 per cent strike-rate in that sphere this year from eight runners. He saddles Majestic, whose previous race was voided due to a Chelmsford stalls incident last week, in the 1m1½f handicap (8.00).

Majestic20:00 Wolverhampton (A.W)

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Jky: David Probert Tnr: Jack Channon

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