Hi all,
ITV4 are covering the best of the action from Newmarket & Ascot & Redcar on an eight race card this afternoon.
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking at the best of Saturday’s action starting at Newmarket.
Newmarket
Sun Chariot Stakes (Group 1) – 3:15
This Group 1 for fillies & mares looks at mercy of Inspiral who bids for fifth Group 1 success in this afternoon’s race. Her biggest rival looks to be French challenger Mqse De Sevigne who has won her last two starts both in Group 1 contests. She seems to be improving with racing, but today’s much quicker ground is an unknown for her. Meditate doesn’t have to face Tahiyra this time and will like a sound surface but she hasn’t been at her juvenile best this season. Heredia has won her last two starts in Listed and Group 3 company. She takes a big step up in class here but looks worth her place in the line-up. Likely needs a decent gallop to chase and if she gets it, can run a big race.
Ascot
Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3) – 2:25
Not a race that holds any interest to me from a betting perspective. It looks between the two Shadwell horses Al Aasy & Israr. The first named comes into the race in good form and should prove too good for seven rivals if he’s on a going day.
Bengough Stakes (Group 3) – 3:00
Commanche Falls won a Listed race at the Curragh and followed up in a Group 3 at Newbury in July. Back to winning ways in a Listed race at York last month. Even under his 3lb plenty looks the one to beat.
Trainer Michael Appleby has a couple of lively contenders in Annaf & Juan Les Pins. Annaf defied top weight to win the valuable Portland Handicap at Doncaster last month. Looks set for a big chance getting 3lb from Commanche Fall. Juan Les Pins is well suited to quick ground and has been a big improver in the last 12 months. The 6-year-old produced a career best last time when ¾ length 2nd of 8 to Commanche Falls in a York Listed race last month. He’s likely to be better positioned than most in a race that does seem to lack pace.
Both Escobar (25/1) & Orbaan (33/1) my ante post picks for the for the Howden Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap) have been declared. There seems to have been money around for Orbaan who is now around 12/1. I probably might regret it, but I couldn’t resist adding Bless Him at 20/1 but as I mentioned in Wednesday’s column, he does need a fast pace and he might not get it.
Redcar
William Hill Two Year Old Trophy – 2:45
The most valuable race run during Redcar’s flat season. Dragon Leader completed the hat trick when winning a valuable sales race at York’s Ebor Festival. Not quite at his best on easier ground when a 2 ¼ length 2nd of 17 in another sales race at Doncaster last month. Provided the ground hasn’t eased further from good on Friday he’s the one to beat. The short-priced favourite is a token selection in a non-betting race for me.
Saturday Selection:
Not the best of starts to the new month by your humble pundit so I could do with a big Saturday. With that in mind I’m going for one at Ascot that I fancied for the Ayr Gold Cup before he was a non-runner on account of the rain softened ground.
Ascot
3:00 – Juan Les Pins – 6/1 @ Coral.
There’s no Sunday column this week so I will be back in the hot seat on Monday with a look back at Saturday’s action.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John