Greta to Rumble

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The Handicap Ratings and Speed Ratings combined top three strike rate for Thursday was 75% following Wednesday's 71%, Tuesday's 71%, Monday's 70% and Sunday's 81% (an ongoing weekly average of just under 74%). If a horse isn't in the top three rated of the handicaps or the speed ratings, then it is highly likely it won't win. You can see an explanation of the Handicap Ratings HERE and an explanation of the Speed Ratings HERE. The Speed Ratings are an addition to the handicaps at no extra cost and you can subscribe HERE. There has never been a better time to join us.

The twelve (4) and (5) UK graded races Thursday performed similarly to Wednesday . Four were won by the clear top rated horse, and four won by the 2nd top rated - two of them joint. The other four races were unsuccessful.

I have had a small handful of emails again asking me to come right out with it and tell them which I prefer: RacingUK or ATR. My final say on the matter is this: ATR have Zoey Bird and Claude Duval; RacingUK have Lydia Hislop and Steve Mellish. Make your own mind up which I prefer......

Well, when you get it wrong, you get it wrong............

Patkai was put firmly in his place by a seasoned stayer, Pipedreamer is always going to be vulnerable to a classy progresser, and Racketeer looks to have been flattered by his easy previous win - though he shouldn't be completely written off just yet.

On Friday, Bollin Greta (8-10 Haydock) is given one last chance to prove she is a staying handicapper with a future. She hasn't looked right on her two runs this term but with her trainer's other horses beginning to run well, she now should be ready to show her best. She progressed well last backend and it will be disappointing if she isn't involved in the finish.

David Arbuthnot has his limited string in fine form and his recent winner Rumble of Thunder (4-10 Goodwood) looks a good bet to follow up under a penalty. He beat Mabuya with some authority at Bath and though that rival will probably finish closer today, Rumble of Thunder should confirm the form with the excellent William Buick retaining the ride.

Have a good day.