Friday 2nd October, 2026

We have declared Talking Bear in the 7pm at Southwell tomorrow evening in the seven furlong novice.  Once again Jonny Peate will ride and hopefully he will be able to get a lead on this occasion and with eleven runners this will be a help.  It is a competitive event but after this race he will have a handicap mark and more options going forward.

Fighting Poet is entered at Brighton on Tuesday where he has been successful three times in the past.  He has had a break since his last run and we look forward to him going back to Sussex.

Manton Road ran with credit at Wolverhampton on Tuesday finishing third, beaten just over five lengths by a well handicapped winner.  He might have run a little bit flat on this occasion as he didn’t travel as well as he normally does in the race and we will freshen him up and find another opportunity in a few weeks time.

A fascinating Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday – a race that is always a highlight in the calendar.  A hot favourite in last year’s winner Daryz but plenty of in form opposition and perhaps the favourite’s stable mate, Varandir is the best value bet in the contest.