God, I love a massive Saturday of racing. There's something about waking up knowing you've got a day of potential winners ahead that just hits different. Coffee tastes better. The morning paper feels weightier in your hands. Even my wife noticed I was whistling while making breakfast—"You must have some good tips lined up," she said with that knowing eye-roll.

She's not wrong.

The Dubai Destroyer Who's About to Own Newmarket

Let me cut straight to it. RULING COURT in the 3.35 at Newmarket is my absolute banker of the weekend. This is the hill I'm willing to die on today, folks.

I watched his Dubai run three times last night (yeah, I'm that sad) and the way he stretched clear in teh closing stages was something special. William Buick knows exactly what he's sitting on—that's why he's chosen this one from Appleby's squad. The stable's won two of the last three 2,000 Guineas, and I'd bet my last tenner this makes it three from four.

What impressed me most? The way he handled the mile. Some horses just hit a wall, but this one was still finding extra. Quick ground won't be an issue either. Class act.

Quick Hits That Could Fill Your Pockets

MORE THUNDER (1.45 Newmarket) caught my eye 18 days back when absolutely bolting up over course and distance. My mate Dave (who's notoriously tight with his cash) even had a rare fifty quid on him that day. The 5lb penalty shouldn't anchor him with the form he's in.

HAND OF GOD looks a potential Group horse masquerading as a handicapper. I was at Ascot last October when he won—standing by the rail in the pouring rain like an idiot—and he gave me the impression of a horse with serious talent. If he's anywhere near ready first time up, they'll struggle to lay a glove on him in the 2.20.

The TV Races: Where Your Remote Should Be Pointed

Listen. I've spent way too many hours this week studying these races. My wife threatened to hide my Racing Post if I didn't come to bed before midnight on Thursday. Worth it though.

The 1.45 at Newmarket could get tactical with several front-runners. Lethal Levi showed glimpses in Group company and might sneak into the places. Aramram is the definition of consistent—three seconds in a row at this track suggests he likes the place, just not winning there! Woodhay Wonder will try to make all again... he nearly pulled it off last time before his legs turned to jelly in the final furlong.

I've already banged on about HAND OF GOD for the 2.20, but Arabian Light is interesting after that Meydan win. Carries a ton of weight though. Approval could be anything this season—his Goodwood win last backend had substance. Galeron ran better than the bare result in the Lincoln and might be one for each-way thieves.

Is This Finally No Half Measures' Moment?

The 2.55 looks tailor-made for NO HALF MEASURES. She was mixing it with the big boys in the L'Abbaye last autumn, which takes some doing. The ground was like a bog that day in Paris (I remember because I ruined a perfectly good pair of shoes trudging across the course). Better ground today should see her in a different light.

Beautiful Diamond progressed nicely as a three-year-old. Seven Questions won this very race last year, which is a massive tick in the box. Tropical Storm gets weight from the older horses and could be anything this term.

The Big One: Guineas Glory Awaits

Back to RULING COURT for the 3.35 Classic. Charlie Appleby must be licking his lips at the prospect of another Guineas. I bumped into one of his work riders at Newmarket last week (small world) who just smiled knowingly when I mentioned this horse. Says it all.

Field Of Gold is the obvious danger after demolishing the Craven field. Gosden claimed he was only 85% fit that day, which is frankly terrifying if true. But... and it's a big but... the Craven-Guineas double is like finding a unicorn these days. Over 20 years since it last happened.

Shadow Of Light and Expanded filled the Dewhurst places, but the fact Buick's jumped ship speaks volumes. Never discount an O'Brien runner, but they seem to be playing second fiddle here. Scorthy Champ is the dark horse who could make us all look silly.

Away from HQ: Goodwood & Thirsk Gems

BRIGHT THUNDER caught my eye at the Curragh. She traveled like a dream before blowing up late on—classic signs of a horse needing the run. With that blow-out behind her, she'll be much sharper at Goodwood (2.00).

Up at Thirsk (2.35), MR KING looks primed for a big run. I've followed this horse since 2021 when he won me enough for a slap-up dinner (which I promptly spent on more bets the next day... I never learn). They've freshened him up at Redcar, and with plenty of pace-setters in the field, the race could fall perfectly for a closer like him.

Obelix is another who'll be flying late if they go too hard up front. Rhythm Master nearly did the business at Redcar recently and has solid claims again.

The Verdict: Where My Money's Going

RULING COURT (nap) - 3.35 Newmarket - I've already backed him at 5-1 last week and would still play at 4-1. Genuine Classic contender.

MORE THUNDER (nb) - 1.45 Newmarket - Progressive sprinter who should handle the penalty.

HAND OF GOD (treble) - 2.20 Newmarket - Class act who could be Group-bound after this.

NO HALF MEASURES - 2.55 Newmarket - Moore booking speaks volumes.

BRIGHT THUNDER - 2.00 Goodwood - Will strip fitter for recent run.

MR KING - 2.35 Thirsk - The pace setup looks perfect for his late charge.

A Final Word on Keeping It Sensible

I learned the hard way back in 2018 after a particularly brutal Cheltenham Festival (still makes me wince thinking about it) that gambling needs boundaries. Set your limits before you start, only play with what you can genuinely afford to lose, and never chase losses—that's how the real damage happens.

If you're feeling low or angry, the betting slip can wait for another day. The races will still be there tomorrow.

For support, check out Gamcare or Gamble Aware—both excellent resources if things ever feel like they're getting out of hand.

Now, I'm off to convince my wife that today's "essential gardening trip" actually means a detour to the bookies and then the pub with the racing on. Wish me luck with that one!