Global Weekend Preview: September 29/30

There is plenty of Graded action to savour from Belmont Park on Saturday, a card so high in quality that it has been dubbed 'Super Saturday'. Timeform's American expert Graeme North has previewed six of the best contests from Belmont and you can read his take on events HERE.

There is a strong European presence in the Flower Bowl Invitational, as familiar names such as Nahrain and I'm A Dreamer contest the valuable prize. I'm A Dreamer was a recent winner of the Beverly D Stakes, whilst Nahrain shaped a lot better than she had been when third at the Curragh. Later on the card, Aidan O'Brien sends over Treasure Beach to contest the Joe Hirsch Invitational, as he bids to follow up last year's success with Cape Blanco.

One of the star performers on show will be Shackelford. He will have to prove his well-being following a disappointing effort when last seen flopping at Saratoga in August. Reports tend to suggest that he has been working well of late and it will be interesting to see if he can confirm that in the Kelso Handicap.

TVG Analyst Simon Bray and Timeform's Head of Research and Handicapping Simon Rowlands discuss upcoming big races at Belmont in the US, Newmarket in the UK and Longchamp in France in the latest edition of 'Fact or Fiction'. Shackleford's chances are one of the topics discussed so be sure to give it a read.

The third and final day of the Newmarket Cambridgeshire meeting forms the highlight of the domestic action this weekend, with the prestigious Heritage Handicap supported by two Group 1 contests. Timeform's Chief Correspondent Jamie Lynch touches upon the best of the action, as well as providing you with a bit of trivia, and you can read his weekend preview HERE.

As you might expect for a 35-runner Cambridgeshire, there are a whole host of likely challengers, with Mijhaar, Chil The Kite and Mukhadram just a few that are entitled to the utmost respect. King's Warrior landed the John Smith's Cup in emphatic fashion and is another that has to enter considerations. If you are struggling to make your selection don't forget that our Free form site provides Star Ratings and Verdicts for all runners in Britain, Ireland, Australia and America.

Beauty Parlour, who is making her first start for Sir Henry Cecil, is a fascinating contender in the Sun Chariot Stakes. Her main rival would appear to be Elusive Kate, twice a winner in Group 1 company and a highly creditable third to Excelebration in the Prix Jacques Le Marois. Throw in Chachamaidee, a recent top-level scorer at Leopardstown, and you have a quality contest. In order to help you make your selection, Timeform provide you with a runner-by-runner guide.

The best of the two-year-old fillies are also in action at Newmarket, as Rosdhu Queen, Maureen and Ceiling Kitty are just a few interesting contenders in the Cheveley Park Stakes. Rosdhu Queen has already achieved plenty, having won the Lowther Stakes at York last time, and must rank high on any shortlist.

The Beresford Stakes, run at the Curragh on Sunday, has been used as a stepping stone by future stars such as Azamour, St Nicholas Abbey and Sea The Stars. Any of this year's crop will be doing well to emulate that level of success, but Battle of Marengo has created a good impression in his career and is likely to take this en route to greater things.

There are two pattern races at Milan on Sunday, the Group 1 Premio Vittorio di Capua (15:55) and the Group 3 Premio Sergio Cumani (15:20), both over a mile. Timeform's Chris Williams takes a look at both contests and provides you with analysis and Timeform ratings to help you make a verdict.

There is plenty of Australian action to get excited about this weekend as the Group 1 Rupert Clarke Stakes is the feature race on Caulfield's Sunday card. Gary Crispe, Head of Timeform Australia, has previewed the big race and you can read his thoughts on the seven-furlong affair. Gary also provides you with his three best SmartPlays on the card, whilst you can also check out individual Star Ratings and Verdicts on each runner.

Also, remember that you can listen to the Timeform Radio Global Weekend Podcast. Listen to Gary Crispe's thoughts on the Spring Festival from Australia as well as the latest news stories, including confirmation of a possible racing return for Black Caviar. Chris Barnett reports from last week's Newmarket open day, while the feature interview this week is with Luca Cumani. Finally, TVG's Joaquin Jaime takes us through a star-spangled card at Belmont Park this Saturday. Remember, all Stakes races will be live on Timeform Radio.

Get FREE Timeform Star Ratings & Comments for the US & Canada at https://www.timeform.com/free/.