Sly Man's Horses to Watch — Wednesday 23 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.
Mister Bluebird
Four signals aligned and the market already moving on a 10/1 shot tells its own story — this isn't noise. Mister Bluebird has won here twice before, and someone clearly thinks Goodwood suits him just fine again today.
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
- 4 independent signals aligned
- 2 prior wins at Goodwood
Darragh O'Keeffe is firing at 21% over the last 30 days and he's climbed aboard the highest-rated runner on the card. At 15/2, Granlahan is the one to watch at Listowel this afternoon.
- Darragh O'Keeffe — 21% strike rate last 30d (8/38)
- SR 85 — top of the card
Money is moving for Dontspoilasale at 18:30 Kempton — strict-majority steam with no drifters tells you this isn't noise, it's a yard sending a message. Jim and Suzi Best's runners don't get that kind of market support by accident, and 5/1 looks generous if the money knows something.
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
Dolly Dior is posting an SR of 109 — fractionally above her career best of 106 — and she sits top of the entire card at Perth today. The money is coming in one direction only, no drifters, and at 17/2 that steamer is worth respecting.
- SR 109 — near career best (106)
- Money coming — strict-majority steamer, no drifters
- SR 109 — top of the card
Harry Skelton at 34% over the last 30 days is the kind of form you don't ignore, and when the trainer's clocking 31% in the same window you're looking at a yard that's fully loaded right now. Etalon tops the card on SR 137 and the Skelton operation doesn't waste ammunition at 6/1.
- Harry Skelton — 34% strike rate last 30d (15/44)
- Dan Skelton — 31% strike rate last 30d (15/49)
- SR 137 — top of the card