Summer Saturday's from now on are full of excellent races & excitement starting with a double bill from Newmarket & York The highlight of the final day of The July Festival is The Darley July Cup the premier sprint race of the summer.
The first race on Day 3 from Newmarket is a mile 3yo handicap which already looked tough without the ground turning soft on the Friday, even if its a dry day throughout Friday's action the ground on Saturday will be gluey & sticky after 27mm in 12 hours throughout Thursday day & evening.
A Godolphin duo head the weights Safety Check who ran without success in Meydan over the winter, he returns on the mark he was running off at the end of last season & will appreciate the recent rain. Golden Town is well regarded but has so far failed to fire in The Greenham & in a useful handicap back in May at the Guineas meeting, he is visored for the first time & has now been gelded, ground should be fine, he needs respecting. Hunter's Creek has been running well without really threatening, he is on a stiff mark with soft ground far from certain to suit. Championship came back to something like his best last time when a decent 2nd, overall he has been a disappointment since a good debut win last season & while he shouldn't mind the ground I would be far from confident about getting involved. Legend Rising will love the ground as he showed when winning at Chester 2 starts back, mark demands more but he ran a decent race in 8th in the Britannia last time. Roachdale House is another who will be fine on the ground but his stamina for the mile is a concern for he has yet to show he can last, anytime he has been off a mark in the 90's previously he has struggled as well. Idea was quietly fancied for the Britannia but failed to fire, that can be forgiven as it would have been a shock to his system, he has won on soft previously as a 2yo so that offers hope considering his US pedigree & he should have more to offer. Master Of The World looked rusty after his 2 month break last weekend pulling too hard early, he is a big horse so soft ground should be fine for him & his mark is now looking more tempting.
Token Of Love got her head in front last time out after some costly recent failures, she is well regarded but ground must be a concern for this daughter of Cape Cross.
Tanseeb represents the in form Mark Johnston outfit, ground is a major issue for this son of Royal Applause. Examiner had been steadily progressive but has come unstuck the last twice, this is tougher but ground will be fine. Lesha has been a consistent horse so far this year & is versatile regards ground, needs more in this better race but not out of it. Crystal Lake was 3rd to 2 subsequent Listed horses last time (Muteela 1st Sandingham & Pretzel just denied in a Listed event at Newmarket on Thursday), a quietly progressive horse he will love the ground & is a definite player.
You're Fired must confirm stamina for the mile after a tidy victory at 7f last time, ground should be fine but whether he is classy enough is at this point debatable.
Doctor Sardonicus looks quite harshly treated judged on his win in a very lowly maiden last time, ground will be fine but work to do. Mutawathea should stay & ran his best race to date last time out behind a ready winner at Sandown, chances from the bottom of the weights.
No bet race for me.
The first 7f 2yo Group race of the season so far over 7f is next up with Hugo Palmer's well regarded Aktabantay heading the field after breaking his maiden in in comfortable style at Newcastle 2 weeks ago, the step up trip in should suit & on what he has shown Group class should be fine, the recent rain is a plus.
Archie won nicely on debut at Haydock in a useful maiden, this requires more but it is not the best of Superlative's we have seen in the last few years.
Bossy Guest didn't get involved in the Coventry at The Royal Meeting & is worth another chance in a less competitive race this time around with the step up in trip expected to suit. Cock Of The North has failed twice upped in grade since a taking win in The Brocklesby at the start of the season, he missed the break at Sandown & never got involved in the Coventry, stamina not guaranteed.
Gleneagles won in the style of decent colt 2 weeks ago & makes the jump to pattern company now (his mother won The Cherry Hinton here in 2007) for which he will be a warm order, must go well.
Estidkhaar is a half brother to Toormore who won on his 2nd start over this trip at Goodwood when still looking green, worth a go at this level & can get involved. Lieutenant Kaffee represents last year's winning stable & brings very similar form lines to the table with 2 wins in minor company, not to be underestimated. Mister Universe was a head 2nd to Bossy Guest on debut & followed up next time out at York, clearly worth a go in this grade another with a chance, although recent rain may not be ideal.
Natural Order has run into 2 nice colts on his last 2 starts 3rd to Adaay at Yarmouth & most recently a 2nd to Limato at Kempton going up in trip looks to be what he needs but this is tough. Completing the lineup is Smaih who was impressive at Chepstow beating Windsor Castle 2nd Union Rose (well beaten since) & was a close up 2nd to Coventry Stakes 4th Justice Good on debut, worth a go in this grade but doesn't really strike me as a proper pattern performer as yet.
Another race I will be sitting out.
The big handicap of the day at Newmarket is the 7f Bunbury Cup a race some excellent animals over the years Tumbleweed Ridge '97, Atavus 2001, Patevellian '03 & the incomparable Mine who won 3 renewals across 5 seasons ('02 / '05 & '06).
Horses carrying over 9st have dominated in recent years with top weights doing particularly well, 4yo & 5yo's have been the age group to concentrate on with half the last 10 winners coming from the Royal Hunt Cup last time out.
Professor ran a huge race in The Wokingham last time & I see no reason why back over his favourite trio he cannot go well once more, a low draw could cause a problem though as could the rain softened ground. Sirius Prospect was behind Profesor last time & needs more for me from his current mark. Field Of Dream won this last year & won up first time out in The Hunt Cup last time, respected but does not put two races together.
Louis The Pious popped up huge odds in the Buckingham Palace at the Royal Meeting now on his highest ever mark he will struggle to win again but could easily run well in behind. Glen Moss was on the wrong side on The Wokingham last time & can be forgiven a slightly lacklustre run especially down at 6f which is an unusual discipline for him, ground looks to have gone against him now though.
Heaven's Guest has shown little all this season but the recent rain is a huge plus & it would not be the biggest surprise if he bounced back.
Absolutely So was a huge gamble in the Wokingham which ended in disappointment, he never got involved, career high mark to overcome here but the step back up to 7f should see him in better light with soft ground a plus.
Hoodna was not seen to best effect in a slowly run fillies conditions race here last month, previously she had just gone down under a big weight over 6f against the boys here, 7f will be no issue to her & is an interesting outsider.
Horsted Keynes acquitted himself extremely well in the Buckingham Palace his first taste of a proper competitive handicap & only just failed to catch Louis The Pious, ground is a complete unknown & at current odds I would look elsewhere, sure he will win a decent race before the season's done.
Louis The Pious popped up huge odds in the Buckingham Palace at the Royal Meeting now on his highest ever mark he will struggle to win again but could easily run well in behind. Glen Moss was on the wrong side on The Wokingham last time & can be forgiven a slightly lacklustre run especially down at 6f which is an unusual discipline for him, ground looks to have gone against him now though.
Heaven's Guest has shown little all this season but the recent rain is a huge plus & it would not be the biggest surprise if he bounced back.
Absolutely So was a huge gamble in the Wokingham which ended in disappointment, he never got involved, career high mark to overcome here but the step back up to 7f should see him in better light with soft ground a plus.
Hoodna was not seen to best effect in a slowly run fillies conditions race here last month, previously she had just gone down under a big weight over 6f against the boys here, 7f will be no issue to her & is an interesting outsider.
Horsted Keynes acquitted himself extremely well in the Buckingham Palace his first taste of a proper competitive handicap & only just failed to catch Louis The Pious, ground is a complete unknown & at current odds I would look elsewhere, sure he will win a decent race before the season's done.
Georgian Bay is held by the handicapper for me at present.
Loving Spirit doesn't know how to win.
Ertijaal has not been seen since getting outclassed in the 2000 Guineas, he remains with potential & should be up to this handicap mark for a horse who looks at least Listed class, recent rain may be an issue on what we have seen. Abseil was an expensive failure in The Hunt Cup when getting blocked a few times but in truth he pulled too hard, he is hooded for the first time & drops back to 7f, any appreciable rain would be against him, could easily figure. Mezzotint does like these big handicaps but has work to do on what he has shown recently from his mark. Best Of Order was 8th in this last year & will do well to better that this time around. Zanetto is out of form & can only be watched. Fort Bastion is struggling off this mark at present. Redvers has shown little in 2 starts so far this season, he was a decent 5th in this last year from a 2lb lower mark, needs rattling fast to be seen at his best & is being geared towards the International Handicap next week.
Ayaar didn't get the best of runs in the Hunt Cup last time staying on to finish a good 5th, has a decent draw & should be respected at the foot of the weights.
Hellishly competitive as you would expect, I might well chance Heaven's Guest (WON) 33/1 E/W Skybet / Boylesports at big odds.
The big race of the day has attracted a competitive field with the biggest trend being runners coming from The Diamond Jubilee at The Royal Meeting, 4 winners in the last 10 years (3 have completed the double).
With that stat being strong there in only one place to start to impressive Diamond Jubilee Stakes winner the excellent Slade Power who I have been a huge fan of since I saw him win a Fairyhouse Listed event in effortless style in 2012, he has really blossomed as a 5yo putting his 2 career best performances on his last 2 starts, 3rd in this last year he can go 2 places better this time around & gain a 2nd Group 1. He is versatile regards ground & 2 of his best performances have come on soft.
Stablemate the brilliant 5f sprinter Sole Power (doubtful runner with soft ground) tries once more at 6f a trip he has attempted 7 times & failed on 7, he is an out & out speedball who just does not get the 6f's.
Aljamaaheer has run 2 solid races in Sprints so far this season, every to me went to plan for him last time as he was on the side of the track that the majority went down down but he still came unstuck, he is a quality horse but at a mile (last year) & 6f (this year) he is just a fraction below top class. Ground will bring his stamina into play although he has yet to show anything like his best on soft ground.
Due Diligence was unlucky to be drawn on the side which had been dominant all meeting but in the Jubilee all the other runners ignored, he looked ungainly as he came across to join in getting up for 2nd towards the line, still unexposed he remains with potential to improve but for me he had a extremely hard race last time for a young horse & Slade Power was always holding him. As a son of War Front the ground looks problematique.
O'Brien also saddles fellow 3yo's Cougar Mountain & Fountain Of Youth; Cougar Mountain is a once raced winner in impressive style & a good time at Naas, related to nothing special he faces a tall order here. Ground a concern.
Fountain Of Youth is out of Champion racemare Attraction, he managed to beat the improving Extortionist last time in a strongly run race with blinkers on for the first time, as yet unproven on soft ground but being by Oasis Dream you would imagine he could handle it & he reminds me of O'Brien's previous winners Stravinsky 1999 & Mozart 2001.
Noozhoh Canarias is talented but massively overbet on what he has shown so far on his first attempt in a Top class sprint race, he ran a huge race in the 2000 Guineas showing good pace before fading badly late on to finish 6th, as we all know the Guineas has been a leading formline this season but was also a funny race in how it panned out, his best piece of form outside Spain has come in Soft ground so the recent rain looks a plus, I am just unsure that he is good enough.
Hot Streak ran a huge race in The Kings Stand but was just beaten by a sprinter at the top of his game that day, he has not won over 6f since his debut win on good to firm last year, he has tried it 3 times since (2 on soft ground & 1 on the AW), soft ground is his bag over 5f but it does stretch his stamina over 6f, if the ground stays on the fast side come Saturday then it gives him hope of lasting home but I have my doubts.
Stablemate Astaire is overpriced after one bad run where he did too much in The Diamond Jubilee & faded badly, on his previous start he had pushed the excellent Maarek all the way, he is young enough to be forgiven a bad run & has won at The July course before, place chance especially on the ground.
Gregorian is due to make his first start over 6f on Saturday, I cannot see him having the pace for it & has always been just below Group 1 class, his best form has come on no better than good ground so if the recent rain will be a real plus & it will bring his stamina into play which gives him a better chance than when I was first writing this up on Thursday.
Jack Dexter has his ground so that helps enormously but on all no form he should not be up to this grade.
Moviesta in the end missed the Royal Meeting after being taken out of the race I felt he could get involved with (Kings Stand), he returns here after a lacklustre run on soft ground at York back in May. The recent rain is hugely against him & I would be surprised if he ran now which is a shame as I feel he has a decent race in him.
Tropics has been badly out of form this season after an excellent season last time around, he reminds me of the stables Sirius Prospect who was excellent in 2011 but failed to deliver upped in grade for the next 2 seasons.
Undrafted comes from America for Wesley Ward, he is up to minor stakes company on the other side of the pond putting up the best performance of his career so far last time in a Grade 3 on Turf at Belmont in a good time, hard to know what to expect but the betting tells you not much is expected & over the years that has been a good guide to the Ward runners. Ground a complete unknown.
Justice Day bolted up in an uncompetitive Conditions race of soft ground at Haydock last Saturday, the recent rain is a help to him so who's to say he couldn't hit the frame in a race that has had its fair share of big priced winners / placed horses (Ashdown Express 2nd at 100/1 in 2004 (I backed him)) he wouldn't be a ridiculous shout e/w after that confidence boosting win.
Willie Haggas has been keen on Rex Imperator for one of these big sprints for a while now & he rarely makes mistakes in pattern races, he had been steadily backed in recent days but recent rain looks to have gone against him.
Willie Haggas has been keen on Rex Imperator for one of these big sprints for a while now & he rarely makes mistakes in pattern races, he had been steadily backed in recent days but recent rain looks to have gone against him.
Rain has brought a few more into contention but I still cannot see anyone beating the classy Slade Power (WON) who looks better than ever this season.
Justice Day at big odds could easily hit the frame at a big price.
Justice Day at big odds could easily hit the frame at a big price.
The first race at York on Saturday is highly competitive mile handicap, Santefisio heads the weights after an excellent run at Royal Ascot last time, he struggles to win though & this is no easier. Course specialist the excellent Navajo Chief also shoulders a welter burden after gaining a 2nd win in the Hambleton Handicap last time, he has not been seen since & that is the best tactic with this old horse who goes well fresh, cannot discount with Fallon on board again.
Hit The Jackpot took advantage of lower marks earlier in the season but now looks handicapped out of things. Similar comments apply to Brae Hill on the handicapping side, a thoroughly likeable old horse he has work to do even allowing for his good claimers 3lb. Capo Rosso came unstuck from his new mark last time & a similar outcome awaits here. Don't Call Me would be happier at Ascot but is on a very winnable mark.
Bronze Angel has been very disappointing recently & is best watched.
Common Touch remains higher than his last winning mark & is the type the stable will knock in toward the end of august at Yarmouth or Newmarket when he has been forgotten about. Royal Rascal stayed better than I expected last time out & is respected this time around. Marcret struggles to win as his record shows, could pop up but could easily finish in the first half dozen fading at the end.
Mabait hit form late last year after ages without a win, he has reverted to type since & similar awaits here. Trail Blaze could go ok now just a lb above his last winning mark when a tenacious winner at Ripon earlier in the year & with his young riders 5lb claim to consider he is basically off that mark here, chances if he gets on the lead.
Dusky Queen has been in good form so far this season & she didn't get the best of runs last time, she remains feasibly treated so should get involved.
Alfred Hutchinson has failed to reproduce his excellent winter AW form of higher marks, he will be in there pitching but others hold stronger claims.
Gramercy is a rogue & cannot really be trusted to run a race when you expect him, has ability but rarely shows it to his full potential.
Bartack is struggling at present & even with a claimer on board he cannot be fancied. Old Osteopathic Remedy has been a fantastic servant over the years & is now operating well below his best winning marks, younger legs have him these days.
Mujazif is a disappointing horse & has shown little so far for his new connections. Braidley steps up in class but has been in good form recently in behind 2 unexposed John Gosden types Wannabe Yours & Pretzel, should find this race to his liking & despite being a 3yo he could go well at decent odds.
Depending on prices I could well be tempted to back old Navajo Chief while Trail Blaze could also go well at decent odds.
The 1m6f Listed handicap which is next up tends to be used as an Ebor trial these days & has attracted an intriguing field this time around. Shwaiman ran ok in The Gold Cup last time, previously had finished 3rd in a similar race over course & distance he remains with potential but will need a career best from his harsh new mark.
Al Saham is on a hat trick after good wins at Ascot & Windsor, trip is within his compass so has to be respected given current form. Nearly Caught tries to run again for the 3rd consecutive Saturday on the trot, his trainer will be hoping York gets the rain that Newmarket has had, would have a serious chance if he is allowed to run.
Great Hall is not up to this class on what we have seen so far unless John Quinn can work the oracle, he should however make a useful hurdler.
Waila has a lot on at the weights against better colts & geldings than she took on last time, she should stay though. Moment In Time is out of form & cannot be fancied. Statutory needs further & has to show more than he has since his switch to Godolphin. Continuum couldn't cope in the end at Ascot last time, this however is the trip I have been waiting for him to run over all season & in a less competitive race than last time he is respected from a stable that know the time of day.
Deddebdeb is a decent filly who stays well but has been disappointing is lesser races so far this season. Body Language has work to do in this race & showed little in a similar event last weekend.
I have been waiting for Continuum (WON) 14/1 E/W to run at 1m6f so he will be the selection in this with doubts over the participation once more of Nearly Caught.
York's centrepiece on there Saturday card is £150,000 John Smith's Cup (or Magnet Cup to those old enough to remember).
As always a competitive field has been assembled, in years gone by a low draw had usually been favoured on the Knavesmire but since the course has been relaied in recent season's High drawn horses (Stall 12 or higher) have won 6 of the last 10 renewals. 4yo's have dominated the race recently & overall 12 have won since 1985.
Willie Haggas has been the go to trainer in recent season saddling 2 from the last 3 winners while Richard Fahey has 3 in total. Perhaps the most fascinating stat is those horses ridden by claiming jockeys have won 6 from the last 10 renewals.
Hit The Jackpot took advantage of lower marks earlier in the season but now looks handicapped out of things. Similar comments apply to Brae Hill on the handicapping side, a thoroughly likeable old horse he has work to do even allowing for his good claimers 3lb. Capo Rosso came unstuck from his new mark last time & a similar outcome awaits here. Don't Call Me would be happier at Ascot but is on a very winnable mark.
Bronze Angel has been very disappointing recently & is best watched.
Common Touch remains higher than his last winning mark & is the type the stable will knock in toward the end of august at Yarmouth or Newmarket when he has been forgotten about. Royal Rascal stayed better than I expected last time out & is respected this time around. Marcret struggles to win as his record shows, could pop up but could easily finish in the first half dozen fading at the end.
Mabait hit form late last year after ages without a win, he has reverted to type since & similar awaits here. Trail Blaze could go ok now just a lb above his last winning mark when a tenacious winner at Ripon earlier in the year & with his young riders 5lb claim to consider he is basically off that mark here, chances if he gets on the lead.
Dusky Queen has been in good form so far this season & she didn't get the best of runs last time, she remains feasibly treated so should get involved.
Alfred Hutchinson has failed to reproduce his excellent winter AW form of higher marks, he will be in there pitching but others hold stronger claims.
Gramercy is a rogue & cannot really be trusted to run a race when you expect him, has ability but rarely shows it to his full potential.
Bartack is struggling at present & even with a claimer on board he cannot be fancied. Old Osteopathic Remedy has been a fantastic servant over the years & is now operating well below his best winning marks, younger legs have him these days.
Mujazif is a disappointing horse & has shown little so far for his new connections. Braidley steps up in class but has been in good form recently in behind 2 unexposed John Gosden types Wannabe Yours & Pretzel, should find this race to his liking & despite being a 3yo he could go well at decent odds.
Depending on prices I could well be tempted to back old Navajo Chief while Trail Blaze could also go well at decent odds.
The 1m6f Listed handicap which is next up tends to be used as an Ebor trial these days & has attracted an intriguing field this time around. Shwaiman ran ok in The Gold Cup last time, previously had finished 3rd in a similar race over course & distance he remains with potential but will need a career best from his harsh new mark.
Al Saham is on a hat trick after good wins at Ascot & Windsor, trip is within his compass so has to be respected given current form. Nearly Caught tries to run again for the 3rd consecutive Saturday on the trot, his trainer will be hoping York gets the rain that Newmarket has had, would have a serious chance if he is allowed to run.
Great Hall is not up to this class on what we have seen so far unless John Quinn can work the oracle, he should however make a useful hurdler.
Waila has a lot on at the weights against better colts & geldings than she took on last time, she should stay though. Moment In Time is out of form & cannot be fancied. Statutory needs further & has to show more than he has since his switch to Godolphin. Continuum couldn't cope in the end at Ascot last time, this however is the trip I have been waiting for him to run over all season & in a less competitive race than last time he is respected from a stable that know the time of day.
Deddebdeb is a decent filly who stays well but has been disappointing is lesser races so far this season. Body Language has work to do in this race & showed little in a similar event last weekend.
I have been waiting for Continuum (WON) 14/1 E/W to run at 1m6f so he will be the selection in this with doubts over the participation once more of Nearly Caught.
York's centrepiece on there Saturday card is £150,000 John Smith's Cup (or Magnet Cup to those old enough to remember).
As always a competitive field has been assembled, in years gone by a low draw had usually been favoured on the Knavesmire but since the course has been relaied in recent season's High drawn horses (Stall 12 or higher) have won 6 of the last 10 renewals. 4yo's have dominated the race recently & overall 12 have won since 1985.
Willie Haggas has been the go to trainer in recent season saddling 2 from the last 3 winners while Richard Fahey has 3 in total. Perhaps the most fascinating stat is those horses ridden by claiming jockeys have won 6 from the last 10 renewals.
The weight range of the winners is compact with 8 of the last winners carrying between 8-8 - 8-12 which knocks out a big chunk of the field.
Educate is due to carry top weight of 9-12 on Saturday, he ran well on his UK return at Sandown last week but this a huge ask against improving types although he managed a similar task when winning last season's Cambridgeshire.
Farraaj surprised me when winning last time at Epsom, he is bordering on Group class & excels at 10f, highest draw could be problematique but apart from that needs respecting. Nabucco is the best son of Champion filly Cape Verdi to set foot upon a racetrack, this has clearly been the aim since a useful return in a tactical Listed race at Goodwood back at the end of May, even though he has yet to try 12f I have often thought he was made for it as he is a grinder more than quicker which will be against him in this 10f handicap, young Kevin Shoemark has been booked for the biggest ride of his career so far taking off a very useful 7lbs.
Clever Cookie has been a revelation since reverting to the level winning 3 on the spin including twice here at York, he dead heated in Listed company over 1m6f last time & before that had won a 10f handicap off a much lower mark in stylish fashion, he is up in the weights now in what is the toughest race he has encountered on the flat & that is enough to put me off.
Saxo Jack was a huge disappointment at Royal Ascot after pulling far too hard, he had an excellent winter campaign in Dubai so hopefully that run will have taken the freshness out of him & he rates a very useful 2nd string to Godolphin's bow in this.
Bold Sniper is a hard ride with plenty of ability, I feel this 10f is too short for him & is a false favourite for me. Sennockian Star is out again after not staying the 12f last week on the soft ground, he has to me an equal chance as Bold Sniper off the same weight here as they were at Ascot when he finished less than 2 lengths behind him, he has been on the whole in very decent form this year yet is over treble the odd of Bold Sniper on Saturday.
Old Tres Coronas returned in great form in the spring but now looks to have done his winning with ground against him. Two For Two had been running back into form before winning nicely last time, respected with that confidence behind him but in truth he has never been upto this quality of race before so I see no reason for that to change now. Queensbury Rules is the Haggas representative on Saturday who will be the subject of telephone tipsters come the weekend & probably pricewise but the horse who has been highly regarded has yet to ever fire in these top handicaps despite being gelded & having a breathing operation over the winter he still ran a shocker in The Hunt Cup, couldn't fancy. Pacific Heights bombed out at Ascot last time which can always be forgiven but is off a career high mark in a quality race over a trip that I don't think he will get.
Tahira is very short for me on what she has done, her form in Germany was just ok & despite showing promise on her UK debut behind Clever Cookie she failed to build on that at Chester last time looking laboured, she was harshly treated in the weights & perhaps that told but for me she is no better off in the weights on Saturday.
Energia Davos cannot be fancied on what he has shown so far in this country despite a rapidly sliding handicap mark. Chancery has been very well backed in recent days, for the life of me I cannot see why, he is still rated 6lbs above his last winning mark but due to the quality of the race he is only carrying 8-11 where normally he lumps around over 9st so that helps, he has won once at 10f at York but that lesser quality of race & all his other form is at 12f. Just do not see him being good enough. Ingleby Angel has to be a hugely doubtful stayer on breeding & on form, tough race to test it in as well.
Starboard has completely fallen out of love with the game while Red Avenger steps back up to a trip that he showed some of his best form over last year & has a useful 3lb claimer assisting him further, he has a decent handicap in but its the form of the stable that is the worry as they have only had 7 winners all year, Contributor was the stables last winner at Royal Ascot 22 days ago.
Tarikhi has been my idea of the winner of this ever since a highly encouraging return to action over 9f at York a month ago in a decent race where he was carrying top weight, he was badly in need of the run & got tired towards the finish. He was 2nd in a Britannia last year then followed it up with consistent runs in decent 3yo handicaps, he always looked the type to improve at 4 & improve for this distance this year. He has been working extremely well at home & has a perfect racing weight on Saturday.
Macbeth has shown little in 2 starts for the capable Mick Appleby & would be a surprise winner here. Zain Eagle has run once so far this season on the AW back in May behind an improver, he is lightly raced & entitled to have more to come but a lack of match practice is a concern for this type of assignment. Hi There needs soft ground to be at his best but has at least been given a realistic chance by the handicapper. Salutation bounced right back to form with a good display behind Thursday's Princess of Wales's Stakes winner Arab Spring at Royal Ascot, if he is the same form then he cannot be discounted.
Tarikhi is a strong fancy at decent odds 12/1 E/W generally available.
The York City Walls Stakes has attracted a decent looking field, Eton Rifles heads them but as we all know he is best on a softer surface.
Old Kingsgate Native must go well if in the same form as last week's good 2nd at Sandown. Lucky Beggar is not up to this class & will struggle.
Mirza needs the heavens to open to get competitive.
Monsieur Joe was 3rd in a good sprint last time & goes well at York, could easily get involved. Move In Time has his ground which hasn't been the case on his last 2 starts so he needs considering. Take Cover ran in the Kings Stand last time & actually ran ok, if he bring that back to Listed class then he could get involved especially as his trainer rates him highly. Whozthecat has his favoured fast ground & wouldn't need to find that much improvement to get involved. York Glory will get the fast pace he needs to aim at here after a bitterly disappointing run in defence of his Wokingham crown last time, assuming that was just a bad day at the office he must go well here.
G Force is an improving young sprinter in an ordinary Sandown Listed race last time, this demands more taking on his elders for the first time.
Graphic Guest is not in this class & will struggle to get involved neither is One Chance. Reroute has been beaten by her own age group the last twice & would need a big performance to get involved.
Non betting heat for me.
Over at Ascot Barnet Fair must go well in defense of the race he won last year the big 5f sprint handicap from the same winning mark with another excellent young rider (Cam Hardie) taking the same 5lbs of his back. He is now with David Nicholls & shaped really well on debut at Newcastle for him, he has been running into form on his last 3 starts so he has to go well with everything in his favour.
Dangers include recent Sandown winner Milly's Gift plus former Wokingham favourite Intrinsic, Robot Boy who beat him last time, the improving Demora & Sandfrankskipsgo plus Bogart who also shaped with a good deal of promise last time out.
The big race on Ascot's card is the Group 2 Summer Mile Stakes;
5 x 4yo's have won in the last 10 years.
2 x 5yo's have won in the last 10 years.
& 2 x 6yo's have won in the last 10 years.
It is won by horses just below Group 1 class who have contested some of the major mile / 7f races in the calendar.
Tullius has a good chance after some excellent efforts so far this season, ground is far from ideal but he has shown he can act on it & he has a penalty to carry. He was a disappointing 3rd in this race back in 2012 though. Baltic Knight came back to form in a decent Listed race at Windsor last time but does need to improve to be winning at this level. Empire Storm was 3rd behind Baltic Knight at Windsor & has been exposed as not being up to this class several times before. Graphic is a fantastically consistent animal who won a decent French Group 3 6 days ago in his usual determined style, sure to be involved. Guest Of Honour won a weak Listed race last time at York & has never been up to this grade before. Highland Knight will face a tussle for the lead with Graphic, he is more than capable in this grade & could easily get involved after a good return last time out. Long John was so impressive on his Dubian debut in the 2000 Guineas but was then hugely disappointing in the UAE Derby, from what I know he bounced after such a big performance first time up after a long layoff, his Australian form is top class as he was one of the best 3yo's & returns here an unpenalised Group 1 winner (Caulfield Guineas), stable are going ok & he has to go well around a track that should suit.
Mull Of Killough is capable but is a much better horse on The Rowley Mile & has his work cut out. Producer ran ok in the Queen Anne but I do feel he struggles to get a mile especially over Ascot's stiff mile. The Rectifier is worth a go at pattern company but is flying too high here. Zambucca remains hopelessly outclassed once more.
A race to watch rather than to get involved with, I hope Long John wins but as long as he runs a decent race with the promise of more to come that will be extremely encouraging. Graphic is the most solid alternative.
Tarikhi is a strong fancy at decent odds 12/1 E/W generally available.
The York City Walls Stakes has attracted a decent looking field, Eton Rifles heads them but as we all know he is best on a softer surface.
Old Kingsgate Native must go well if in the same form as last week's good 2nd at Sandown. Lucky Beggar is not up to this class & will struggle.
Mirza needs the heavens to open to get competitive.
Monsieur Joe was 3rd in a good sprint last time & goes well at York, could easily get involved. Move In Time has his ground which hasn't been the case on his last 2 starts so he needs considering. Take Cover ran in the Kings Stand last time & actually ran ok, if he bring that back to Listed class then he could get involved especially as his trainer rates him highly. Whozthecat has his favoured fast ground & wouldn't need to find that much improvement to get involved. York Glory will get the fast pace he needs to aim at here after a bitterly disappointing run in defence of his Wokingham crown last time, assuming that was just a bad day at the office he must go well here.
G Force is an improving young sprinter in an ordinary Sandown Listed race last time, this demands more taking on his elders for the first time.
Graphic Guest is not in this class & will struggle to get involved neither is One Chance. Reroute has been beaten by her own age group the last twice & would need a big performance to get involved.
Non betting heat for me.
Over at Ascot Barnet Fair must go well in defense of the race he won last year the big 5f sprint handicap from the same winning mark with another excellent young rider (Cam Hardie) taking the same 5lbs of his back. He is now with David Nicholls & shaped really well on debut at Newcastle for him, he has been running into form on his last 3 starts so he has to go well with everything in his favour.
Dangers include recent Sandown winner Milly's Gift plus former Wokingham favourite Intrinsic, Robot Boy who beat him last time, the improving Demora & Sandfrankskipsgo plus Bogart who also shaped with a good deal of promise last time out.
The big race on Ascot's card is the Group 2 Summer Mile Stakes;
5 x 4yo's have won in the last 10 years.
2 x 5yo's have won in the last 10 years.
& 2 x 6yo's have won in the last 10 years.
It is won by horses just below Group 1 class who have contested some of the major mile / 7f races in the calendar.
Tullius has a good chance after some excellent efforts so far this season, ground is far from ideal but he has shown he can act on it & he has a penalty to carry. He was a disappointing 3rd in this race back in 2012 though. Baltic Knight came back to form in a decent Listed race at Windsor last time but does need to improve to be winning at this level. Empire Storm was 3rd behind Baltic Knight at Windsor & has been exposed as not being up to this class several times before. Graphic is a fantastically consistent animal who won a decent French Group 3 6 days ago in his usual determined style, sure to be involved. Guest Of Honour won a weak Listed race last time at York & has never been up to this grade before. Highland Knight will face a tussle for the lead with Graphic, he is more than capable in this grade & could easily get involved after a good return last time out. Long John was so impressive on his Dubian debut in the 2000 Guineas but was then hugely disappointing in the UAE Derby, from what I know he bounced after such a big performance first time up after a long layoff, his Australian form is top class as he was one of the best 3yo's & returns here an unpenalised Group 1 winner (Caulfield Guineas), stable are going ok & he has to go well around a track that should suit.
Mull Of Killough is capable but is a much better horse on The Rowley Mile & has his work cut out. Producer ran ok in the Queen Anne but I do feel he struggles to get a mile especially over Ascot's stiff mile. The Rectifier is worth a go at pattern company but is flying too high here. Zambucca remains hopelessly outclassed once more.
A race to watch rather than to get involved with, I hope Long John wins but as long as he runs a decent race with the promise of more to come that will be extremely encouraging. Graphic is the most solid alternative.
@fttfracing
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