Hi all,
Ascot’s two-day King George meeting kicks off this afternoon, and York hosts a competitive evening card.
Ascot
The feature is the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes (2.25). A Bit Of Spirit is 2 from 2, making all in a good time at Salisbury just 13 days ago. He looks professional and uncomplicated—ideal traits for further progress.
Reciprocated is also chasing a hat-trick after wins at Nottingham and Carlisle. The Havana Grey colt should stay 7f and still has more to offer.
Time To Turn ran out a 10-length Wolverhampton winner on his third start. He looked a smart type and is a serious contender if transferring that form back to turf. His yard has won this race three times since 2021.
Still, it’s York card that holds more appeal from a punting point of view with competitive handicaps and a Listed contest on a six-race evening card.
York
The feature is the Listed Lyric Fillies’ Stakes (7:48). Revoir was outclassed in the Oaks and may not have stayed 1m4f last time. The drop back to 1m2f looks ideal, and Ralph Beckett—who won this last year—rates her highly. Expect a bounce-back.
6:03 – Valley Of Flowers was back to form when a ½-length 2nd of 12 at Carlisle 20 days ago. She’s winless since October 2023 but was only beaten a head in this race last year off a 2 lb higher mark. Well-handicapped now and another bold bid looks on the cards.
7:13 – Juan Les Pins returned to form when 3rd of 18 over C&D last time. Didn’t get the clearest of runs 1f out the last day and looked unlucky not to win. He’s well treated and with a clear run can pounce.
Ingleby Angel, was a neck ahead of Juan Les Pins last time but got the run of the race that day. A previous C&D winner and prominent racer he’s well suited to a flat track. Should be bang there once more.
Noble Consort continues to progress—form figures of 21121 this season. Up in the weights and a notch in class after his win at Doncaster last time but clearly thriving. Could easily land another for a inform yard.
8:23 – Fifteen 3-year-old handicap sprinters close the card.
Luna A Inbhir Nis made all at Haydock 20 days ago. Up 7lb now but Oisin Murphy’s booking signals intent.
Diomed Duke impressed when winning at Lingfield. Well on top late and though 10lb higher, he’s on the up. Will go close if handling slightly easier ground.
Lady Roxby showed a sharp turn of foot to score at Beverley 20 days ago. She needs to improve again but is progressive and seems likely to get a good tow in the race from her low draw.
Tiva had traffic problems between the final two furlongs when a 2 lengths 2nd of 7 at Thirsk 10 days ago. A clearer run could have seen her win. Stall 13 is tricky, but she’s ready to strike off her present mark.
If you want my Friday selections and for the next month which includes Glorious Goodwood and York’s Ebor Festival you can get them here.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John
Ditto,Thomas!!