John Burke

Good morning all,

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced yesterday that Stage 4 of the road map out of lockdown would likely go ahead on July 19^th. Step 4 would if it takes place mean that the 4,000 limit on attendees would go and racecourses can once again host capacity crowds. So far this only covers English racecourses we shall have to wait and see what is decided in Scotland & Wales.

Johnson’s announcement is potentially great news for racing. Its 16 months since we had capacity crowds at a race meeting. The sport has the Qatar Goodwood Festival, York's Ebor festival and the Cazoo St Leger Festival at Doncaster to look forward over the next couple of months.

Fingers crossed this awful virus, doesn’t scupper plans once again.

Inside today’s main piece. I have a couple for the tracker and a selection from this afternoon’s meeting at Pontefract.

Good morning all,

As expected, we had a small field for Saturday’s big race the Coral Eclipse, with just four meeting the starter. Down on quantity but not quality, as three of the four runners came into the race with an Official Rating 120+.

Inside today’s main piece. I put the focus on Saturday’s stand out performances. Plus, you'll find a selection from today's meeting at Nottingham.

Good morning all,

Yesterday’s selection Wentworth Falls drifted like a dog on a raft. Returned at 16/2. The 9-year-old didn’t run too badly in finishing 5^th but the horse clearly wasn’t on a going day.

Good morning all,

It’s not quite “Super Saturday”, we have that to look forward to the following week. However, we do have Group 1 action with the Coral Eclipse at Sandown (3:35). We also have a potentially good card at Haydock with the Lancashire Oaks (2:40) and the Old Newton Cup Handicap (3:15) the highlights of a seven-race card. You can see the best of the action from both courses on ITV Racing.

Inside today’s main piece. I'm looking ahead to Saturday's action and a 12/1 shot in the mile handicap at Sandown. Plus, I have a few of interest running at Thirsk this afternoon.