Horse racing fans were treated to a feast of expert insight and lively debate as top tipsters Katie Midwinter and Jason Weaver released their selections for a jam-packed Saturday of racing action on September 27, 2025. With major meetings at Newmarket, Haydock, the Curragh, and Southwell, the day was brimming with competitive fields, intriguing storylines, and the promise of upsets and breakthroughs.
Let’s dive into the key races and the horses that caught the eyes of these seasoned analysts, as well as the form lines and family histories fueling the anticipation around some of the day’s standout contenders.
Starting at Newmarket, all eyes were on the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at 13:50, where Andrew Balding’s Humidity was the subject of significant each-way support. Humidity, a brother to Group Three winner Holloway Boy, has already made a name for himself with two wins from four starts, including a stylish Chesham Stakes triumph over Thesecretadversary—who has since placed in a Grade One at Woodbine. Humidity’s near-miss in the Solario Stakes at Sandown was particularly eye-catching, as he was squeezed in a blanket finish, ultimately promoted to second after a bumping incident. According to Katie Midwinter, "It was a performance worth upgrading, and he could take another step forward in his fifth career start." Despite a less impressive showing in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood, where he met a future Group One winner in Zavateri, Humidity’s form suggests he could be a major player under James Doyle for Wathnan Racing.
Meanwhile, Jason Weaver looked elsewhere in the Royal Lodge, tipping Action, a horse closely related to dual Derby winner Lambourn. Weaver was impressed by Action’s physical and mental progression, noting, "He looks well capable of taking a dramatic climb up the ladder, both physically and mentally, and is sure to give them plenty to think about." Action’s stable is in hot form, and the colt is expected to build on a promising debut.
At Haydock’s 14:05, King Of Light was the focus for Katie Midwinter. This gelding, who scored over the same course and distance exactly a year ago, has switched from Karl Burke to Stuart Williams and comes in on a competitive mark. After rallying bravely at Chepstow and being narrowly denied, King Of Light now returns to his favored track with Silvestre De Sousa aboard. Midwinter highlighted his course form and noted, "King Of Light holds each-way claims in the hands of Silvestre De Sousa, and can put in a bold bid as he seeks a third career victory." Weaver, on the other hand, was keen on Woolhampton, who is chasing a hat-trick after wins at Sundown and Ascot. With a career-high rating and a guaranteed strong pace, Weaver expects another big run.
The Cheveley Park Stakes at 14:25 Newmarket was billed as a Ballydoyle showdown, with Aidan O’Brien fielding two strong fillies. Katie Midwinter leaned towards True Love, who boasts an exceptional pedigree and has already landed the Queen Mary Stakes and a Group Two Railway Stakes. True Love’s form has been repeatedly franked, with rivals going on to major Group One successes. Despite a recent setback in the Phoenix Stakes, where she was found to be slightly lame post-race, Midwinter remains bullish: "She makes the most appeal in any race across the cards on Saturday." However, Jason Weaver gave the nod to Beautify, O’Brien’s other runner, who recently secured her first Group 2 win over 6 furlongs. Weaver believes the drop back in distance will play to her strengths, saying, "Dropping back down in distance is going to see her in a better light again."
Elsewhere, the 15:00 Newmarket featured Wise Approach, a colt who has improved with each start since his debut in April and boasts an official rating of 114. Weaver expects him to set a strong standard, provided he isn’t held up too far off the pace.
Haydock’s 15:15 saw more divergence between the tipsters. Katie Midwinter was enthusiastic about Intrusively, a colt stepping up in trip and looking well-treated at the weights. After a solid juvenile campaign and a promising return from a long layoff, Intrusively could be ready to strike for Ed Bethell and Ryan Sexton. Meanwhile, Weaver recommended Tilted Kilt each-way, citing his unlucky run at Haydock last time and the advantage of a featherweight in this step up to Class 2 company. "He looks over-priced to get a slice of the action," Weaver remarked.
The ultra-competitive 15:40 at Newmarket drew a flurry of each-way plays. Katie Midwinter spotlighted Tribal Chief, Dutch Decoy, and Silver Sword. Tribal Chief, a son of Sioux Nation, has been knocking on the door in handicaps and holds strong claims if he gets a good start under Sean Levey. Dutch Decoy, the veteran chestnut with a dozen career wins, is proven at the track and could figure under Hollie Doyle, while the returning Silver Sword, fresh from a 140-day break, is considered a lively outsider. Jason Weaver, meanwhile, put forward Marhaba Ghaiyyath, noting his speed and resilience after a busy campaign. "There’s no reason why he can’t run a huge race in this ultra-competitive handicap under conditions that hold no fears for him," Weaver observed.
Across the Irish Sea, Flaming Rib made headlines at the Curragh’s 15:10. Now trained by Ado McGuinness after a switch from Hugo Palmer, Flaming Rib is a six-year-old with Group-level form and a career-high mark of 113. Though winless since his Doha success in early 2023, he’s been given a chance at the weights and could bounce back to form on yard debut with Adam Caffrey in the saddle.
In the evening, the 19:00 Southwell saw Rebel Empire dropping in class for the first time in months. The Richard Hannon-trained four-year-old, a course-and-distance winner, returns from a 58-day break and is now rated 4lb lower than his last win. With John Fahy aboard and freshened up, he’s expected to go close from a workable mark.
With so many intriguing storylines, Saturday’s racing delivered no shortage of talking points. The contrasting tips and detailed reasoning from Midwinter and Weaver offered punters plenty to ponder. As the dust settles and the results roll in, it’s clear that both form and pedigree played pivotal roles in shaping the day’s narratives, and a few surprises may still be in store as the action continues.
