Hi all,
All eyes on Ascot where the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is the weekend’s feature race. I previewed the race in Wednesday column.
The big three Calandagan, Jan Brueghel and Kalpana were all declared on Thursday. I have gone with Calandagan but if there’s ease in the ground, I can see Kalpana going close.
In today’s main piece instead of looking at Ascot races I am looking the three live ITV races from York.
York – Saturday Preview
2:00 – Sky Bet Dash Handicap (Class 2) – 6f
Elmonjed won a similar race over C&D last August and looks to be peaking again. He ran a career best at Windsor last time and likes good or quicker ground. Solid claims from stall 10.
Pocklington caught the eye on his return from a 10-month break. He was just touched off at Newcastle and remains unexposed for a 4yo. Another step forward would make him tough to beat.
Jubilee Walk bounced back to form when third behind Alzahir at Chester last time. He ran on well and is weighted to turn the tables. If building on that effort, he’ll go very close.
Alzahir has thrived since dropping to sprint trips. He completed a hat-trick at Ascot over 5f and won decisively at Chester before that. He’s 11lb worse off with Jubilee Walk but he’s thriving and hard to dismiss.
2:40 – Sky Bet York Stakes (Group 2) – 1m2½f
This is a deep renewal of this Sky Bet sponsored contest.
Almaqam beat Eclipse runner-up Ombudsman at Sandown in the Brigadier Gerard and has had a freshen-up since. He’s the one to beat if the ground stays no quicker than good.
Stanhope Gardens ran with credit in the Derby, finishing fifth behind Lambourn. This trip suits better and he still has untapped potential. He can make his presence felt.
Green Impact, was sixth in the Irish Derby at the Curragh. He stayed but didn’t look to improve for the extra distance and should be happier back over 1m2f. He looks to have a similar chance to Stanhope Gardens.
Bay City Roller has run well on both this season’s starts including finishing. runner-up in Group 2 at Saint-Cloud last time. He proved he stays the trip last time He’s genuine, consistent, and versatile ground-wise. But he may need one or two rivals to underperform to win.
3:20 – Sky Bet ‘Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe’ Handicap (Class 4) – 5f
It’s hard not to get involved in this novelty contest.
Air Force One shaped well on stable debut here over C&D earlier this month. He should come on for the run and has a workable mark if stall 15 isn’t an inconvenience. He would be my pick but watching the races yesterday I think lower drawn horses maybe favoured.
Birkenhead won this race in 2022 under today’s rider, Jonathan England. He’s drawn better in stall 9 and usually gives his running. He scored off a 2lb lower mark in April and appeals again.
If you want my final Saturday selections and for Glorious Goodwood and the Galway Festival. You can get them here.
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John