Sean Levey Friday rides blog: 'He’ll definitely appreciate the step up to 7f'
Ladbrokes ambassador Sean Levey previews his five rides at Salisbury on Friday in his latest blog.
Sean Levey Friday Rides blog - September 12, 2025
Sean Levey Friday rides blog - September 12, 2025
Orion's Belt - Salisbury - 3.25 race odds
Night Patrol - Salisbury - 4.03 race odds
French Affair - Salisbury - 4.35 race odds
South Shore Island - Salisbury - 6.15 race odds
Catherine's Gift - Salisbury - 7.15 race odds
3.25 – Ire-Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes – Orion’s Belt
The weather forecast is changing a lot with all of these mounts, so there’s every chance the ground could become heavy again. Orion’s Belt was pulled out on those grounds last time, but everything else is what she needs.
She’s been dropped back to 6f because we tested her at 7f last time at Goodwood, and she was far too keen. And she’s a filly we’ve always liked and who’s showed a lot of promise. We’re only hoping she can upgrade – she’s maturing and improving with every week. We’re just struggling to get the ideal conditions at the moment.
4.03 – Skytree Restricted Novice Stakes – Night Patrol
Night Patrol misbehaved first time out and was withdrawn in Newmarket. He’s since had a stalls test, and he ran a nice race last time. He’s improved from that run mentality, and hopefully he can run another good race. I imagine he’ll find himself competitive.
4.35 – Andy Hardwick & Clive Leonard Memorial Nursery Handicap – French Affair
French Affair ran a real good race last time, placing after winning in Newbury over 6f on good-to-firm. He was on a very workable on that occasion, but he struggled with the ground in Ffos Las a little bit. So he’s a little question mark on how he’ll fare on the ground, especially carrying top weight on a stiff track like Salisbury. But at the same time, we’ve always thought he’s on a workable mark, and he’ll definitely appreciate the step up to 7f.
6.15 – World Horse Welfare Handicap – South Shore Island
He’s well treated as far as the handicap is concerned, and he’s looking to take a step in the right direction here. None of he, his siblings and dam have ever ran on heavy ground, so that’s a massive question mark. It’s going to be a test of stamina, but that will suit him because he likes a fast-run race. There’s no doubt that under the conditions it will be a stamina test, so you’re hoping that will help him.
7.15 – Drew Parker 30th Birthday Handicap – Catherine’s Gift
Trainer Harry Charlton’s been in great form of late. His horses are running very well. It’s going to be my first time riding Catherine’s Gift, but it looks as though she has every chance of being competitive.
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