ITV Racing Tips Today – Royal Lodge & Cheveley Park Picks for Saturday 27 September

Today brings two of the most compelling juvenile features at Newmarket as well as a big handicap in the shape of the Cambridgeshire: the Royal Lodge Stakes and the Cheveley Park Stakes. ITV will showcase all three races and more, and punters will be scanning intently for value and class in those fields. The straight mile and 6f sprints demand speed but also the ability to cope under pressure and Billy Grimshaw's ITV picks both come from these classy races...

13:50 Newmarket - Royal Lodge Stakes

The Royal Lodge Stakes is often a stepping stone to the 2000 Guineas, so it pays to take it seriously. Bow Echo comes here off a striking Haydock Listed success where he travelled smoothly before idling late, a sign of a colt with much more in the tank. His trainer has been bullish about his progress at home, and the way he’s handled good ground bodes well for conditions on the Rowley Mile. Unlike some of his rivals, he’s already proven at this trip, which gives him a crucial edge. The pedigree also suggests stamina won’t be an issue, and his professional demeanour makes him a solid favourite.

The main danger could be Action, a regally bred son of Frankel who has shown flashes of brilliance at shorter trips. He represents powerful connections who traditionally target this contest with some of their best juveniles. The concern is the unproven mile — but if his class kicks in, he could loom large in the final furlong. Daytona is another intriguing contender, still learning but blessed with a strong finishing kick. He shapes as though extra distance will unlock further improvement, making him a live each-way play at current prices.

This race promises an even gallop, and that could bring stamina reserves into play. With Bow Echo already showing he can see out a testing finish and still have more to offer, he looks the right profile to thrive. Action and Daytona both warrant respect, but proven form at the trip is invaluable at this stage of a career. For me, the horse most likely to progress and take a major step toward Classic company is BOW ECHO.

14:25 Newmarket - Cheveley Park Stakes

The Cheveley Park Stakes is one of the most prestigious juvenile sprints of the season, and it rarely disappoints. True Love lines up with an appealing profile, having been kept to top company all season and proving her consistency with big runs in Ireland. She’s looked sharper with each start, travelling sweetly and finding more when asked. That progression, combined with the fact that she should be ideally suited by the stiff six furlongs of the Rowley Mile, makes her a huge player. Aidan O’Brien has a strong record in this race, and this filly fits the mould of one who could make the leap to Group 1 glory.

The obvious dangers include Royal Fixation, who looked every inch a star in the Lowther Stakes at York. She controlled the race and showed both early pace and determination late on. She is rightly respected as the market leader. America Queen also deserves consideration — she was second in the Lowther and shaped as though a fast six furlongs might suit her even better. Her connections believe she can bridge the gap with a cleaner start, and she could prove a thorn in the side again here. This trio are clear on form, but each brings a slightly different angle to the contest.

The pace will likely be frenetic, with several fillies keen to make use of their speed from the stalls. That could set the race up perfectly for a strong traveller who can sit just off the leaders and pounce late. True Love ticks that box, and her improvement curve suggests she hasn’t reached her ceiling yet. While Royal Fixation is a formidable opponent and America Queen could easily make her presence felt, the bet here is that O’Brien’s filly peaks at the right time. My verdict for the Cheveley Park Stakes is TRUE LOVE.