Machine Learner can teach rivals a lesson in Newbury handicap

Machine Learner has a cracking chance of winning a nice prize at Newbury.

The four-year-old gelding has been in grand order since his transfer to Joe Tuite in April and should be considered a leading contender in the one-mile-five-furlong handicap.

Machine Learner provided new connections with immediate dividends as he won well at Sandown in June on his debut for the Tuite.

He only got home by a nose that day, but the son of Sir Percy was doing all of his best work at the finish in the style of a horse on the upgrade.

And so it proved back at the Esher circuit last month as he only went down by three-quarters of a length to the highlyrated UAE King, who has since won a big pot at Ascot.

Machine Learner did not have the cleanest of runs on his last outing but once daylight appeared he fairly flew home under Ryan Moore, who has happily agreed to renew their association at Newbury.

One Minute looked the part in a hot novice stakes at York in mid-july and can make a seamless graduation into Listed class for the St Hugh’s Stakes over five furlongs.

The William Haggas-trained filly banished memories of an odds-on defeat at Yarmouth on her penultimate start when she impressively accounted for Abel Handy by a length and a quarter on the Knavesmire.

That rival has subsequently bolted up at Thirsk, so the form looks strong enough.

Champagne Champ should go well in the Close Brothers Colwick Cup Handicap at Nottingham. Rod Millman’s stayer has been a touch disappointing this season, but he has now fallen a little in the weights and runs on the same mark off which he finished a close second in a big handicap at Newbury in April.

Bint Dandy will not be too far away in the concluding onemile handicap at Newmarket this evening.

Bint Dandy has been kept busy this year, but looks to be thriving judged on her latest narrow reverse at Brighton.

She is feasibly handicapped on her best form and the booking of Silvestre de Sousa can only be a plus.