As the flat racing calendar accelerates toward its climax, the Weekend Winners panel has turned its attention to a few long‑term bets for some of the sport’s marquee events – the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the St Leger and the Ayr Gold Cup. With the forecast finally promising rain, pundits and form analysts alike are gearing up for a splash of unpredictability that could reshape the landscape of these classic contests. The discussion was hosted by Kate Tracey, who was joined by her regular contributors Declan Rix and Sam Boswell.
Together they dissected the form, the conditions and the strategic positioning of several horses that could become value picks well before the races are officially declared. **Arc Ante‑Post – Bay City Roller (14/1)** "I’ve been waiting to see what George Scott is planning with Bay City Roller," said one of the panelists, noting the trainer’s recent hints that the colt is earmarked for a Paris trip.
"The reports are pointing to the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as his ultimate target, and I think that’s a fascinating prospect, especially if the weather turns and the ground softens – conditions that suit his running style." The horse’s recent form has been on an upward trajectory. After a dominant victory in the Coronation Cup, Bay City Roller has shown a marked improvement with each outing, suggesting he is peaking at the right moment. "He’s one of the few Arc contenders that has been given a relatively quiet prep schedule, which often translates into a better price for punters," the analyst added. "Given his progressive form and the likelihood of softer ground, I’m confident he offers excellent value at 14‑to‑1." **St Leger Ante‑Post – Enceladus (11/4)** Turning to the British classic, the panel highlighted Enceladus as a serious contender for the St Leger.
"My pick for the St Leger is Enceladus," the speaker declared, noting that many of the traditional St Leger hopefuls have been diverted to other targets this season. "He’s been on the radar since his Group Three win over a mile and a half at Goodwood, and his form at Royal Ascot has been consistently strong." Enceladus’s pedigree and race record suggest he will thrive over the extended distance of the St Leger, a test that often favors horses with stamina‑rich backgrounds.
"Everything about his recent performances points to him handling the longer trip better than a typical handicap runner," the commentator explained. "He reminds me of Joseph O’Brien’s previous St Leger winner, Galileo Chrome, in terms of his progressive improvement and ability to stay on strongly in the final furlongs." At odds of 11‑to‑4, Enceladus presents a compelling blend of form, stamina and a relatively untested edge in a classic that rewards late‑running stamina. The panel believes his chances are further enhanced by the fact that several other leading three‑year‑olds have been redirected away from Doncaster, leaving a clearer path for a horse of his profile. **Ayr Gold Cup Ante‑Post – Dance In The Storm (Odds Unstated)** The discussion then moved to the sprinting spectacle of the Ayr Gold Cup, where the panel’s choice was Andrew Balding’s Dance In The Storm.
"He’s a little younger than the typical Ayr Gold Cup winner, but that actually works to his advantage," the analyst noted. "He’s relatively unexposed at this level, and the softer ground we expect later in the season should suit his running style." Dance In The Storm has already shown a high level of ability this year, including a solid performance at Chester during the May meeting. "He’s guaranteed to make the field, having proved his class this season, and his recent runs suggest there’s still room for improvement, especially when he steps up to the larger, more competitive fields that the Ayr Gold Cup attracts," the commentator added. "Given his age, his untapped potential, and the likely ground conditions, he represents a strong ante‑post bet." **Overall Outlook** The panel’s selections reflect a strategic focus on horses that are either quietly prepared for a big day or are poised to benefit from the anticipated softer ground.
Bay City Roller’s quiet prep and improving form make him a value pick for the Arc, while Enceladus’s stamina and lack of competition in the St Leger field give him a distinct edge. Meanwhile, Dance In The Storm’s youth and untested potential in a sprint environment provide a fresh angle for bettors looking to capitalize on the Ayr Gold Cup’s unpredictable nature. As the season draws to a close, the rain‑laden forecasts add an extra layer of intrigue, ensuring that form analysts will have plenty to discuss and that punters will have ample opportunity to find value in these ante‑post markets. Whether you’re backing a proven Group winner, a rising stayer, or a youthful sprinter, the upcoming classics promise excitement, and the Weekend Winners team believes their selections offer solid foundations for a winning betting strategy.