ITV Racing Tips: Saturday 20th September 2025

ITV Racing takes in both Ayr and Newbury on Saturday, with the Ayr Gold Cup being the feature race at the Scottish racecourse, while the Group 2 Mill Reef takes the prime slot at Newbury. 

Here, I cast my eye over all nine races aired on ITV this Saturday.

1.15 Ayr – 1m Handicap

Bottom weight LEADENHALL is worth an each-way flutter in the ITV opener, especially given Tim Easterby’s current form in handicap events.

The five-year-old hasn’t finished out of the first four in his last four outings, and picked up a nice handicap at Haydock. Horse racing odds of 18/1 look too big for him.

1.30 Newbury – 5f Trophy Stakes (Group 3)

KERDOS put in his best run for some time in the Beverley Bullet and can build upon that showing.

The former Temple Stakes winner may finally be rediscovering his form and can be of interest in this Group sprint.

1.50 Ayr – 1m2f Listed Doonside Cup

Almeric will be hard to beat here, but CERTAIN LAD has been crying out for this type of softened ground and has some decent form on it.

You only need to look back on the nine-year-old’s previous outings and all his best efforts have been on the soft stuff.

2.05 Newbury – 1m5½f Handicap

BEYLERBEYI was only just denied in the Mallard Handicap at Doncaster racecourse last week and can keep up the good strike rate of the Ian Williams yard at present.

The five-year-old is an eight-time scorer already and rarely runs a bad race. He’s also a placepotters dream horse.

2.25 Ayr – 6f Ayr Silver Cup Handicap

Course and distance winner CANDY can give owner Phil Cunningham another big race winner in the Silver Cup.

Fourth in a 19-runner handicap a fortnight ago at Ascot, the omens look good for another bold show in another large field.

2.40 Newbury – 1m2f Handicap

Form figures of 4-3-2, surely have to be followed in by a victory for DEFIANCE don’t they?

The Camelot-gelding ran second at Hamilton and third at Goodwood behind Westridge, who is a decent yardstick.

3.00 Ayr – 6f Firth Of Clyde (Group 3)

Odds of 20/1 for the Karl Burke-trained LAM YAI seem rather generous, considering the purple patch the yard is enjoying.

The filly won well at Carlisle over five furlongs on the soft in June, and that will have hardened her up for today’s test.

3.15 Newbury – 6f Mill Reef Stakes (Group 2)

On paper, ROCK ON THUNDER (NAP) looks the one to beat following his second to Lifeplan in the Gimcrack Stakes at York.

Just thwarted in the final strides on the Knavesmire, the youngster won’t get caught this time around.

3.35 Ayr – 6f Ayr Gold Cup Handicap

Never in a month of Sunday’s should the Kevin Ryan-trained BERGERAC (E/W) be a 40/1 shot in the betting.

The seven-year-old was very close in the Silver Cup last year, and he’s run his usual game races again at York this season.

Rated 93 and carrying just 9st, he can be give punters a decent each-way run for their money.

*Odds accurate at the time of writing – prices subject to change*