Sly Man's Horses to Watch — Friday 11 September 2026
Nothing shorter than 5/1 makes my book. I'm looking beyond the obvious — but they still have to earn their place.
Five worth watching today. Read the rating, read the angle, then make up your own mind. I'm the wiry one in the silks reading form on a tablet while the favourites warm up — here's what's caught my eye.
Adalida
Marco Ghiani is landing one in five at the moment and the market has already clocked it — money's moving in on Adalida with nothing pushing the other way. Four signals lined up behind this one, and 7/1 still on the board looks like an opportunity the layers will close down fast.
- Marco Ghiani — 22% strike rate last 30d (20/89)
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
- 4 independent signals aligned
Everyoneknowsadave is running at SR 83 — one tick off his career best of 84 — and the money is coming in with no drifters pushing back, which is the kind of quiet market confidence worth paying attention to. Top of the card on speed ratings at 6/1, this is the one to watch at Doncaster's 17:20.
- SR 83 — near career best (84)
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
- SR 83 — top of the card
Money is moving on Caragio with no drift anywhere in the market, and an SR of 80 puts this one at the top of the card at Doncaster. The market rarely lies when it speaks this clearly, and 5/1 looks generous for something the books are already nervous about.
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
- SR 80 — top of the card
Marco Botti is firing at 27% over the last 30 days and has handed the reins to David Egan, who's been no slouch himself at 24% in the same window. Golden Muse is also running at a career-best SR of 83 — everything in this yard is clicking right now, and 12/1 looks generous.
- Marco Botti — 27% strike rate last 30d (11/41)
- SR 83 — near career best (81)
- David Egan — 24% strike rate last 30d (22/93)
Peter Smithers is firing at 27% over the last 30 days and the market is already onto Mastertown Miss — money coming in, no drifters, strict majority steamer. Top SR on the card at 153 seals it: this one is on the list.
- Peter Smithers(2) — 27% strike rate last 30d (3/11)
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
- SR 153 — top of the card