Can City Of Troy Take Del Mar By Storm?

Hi all,

My operation went well and apart from a sore throat and some slight issues with my neck’s flexibility I’m feeling a lot better than expected. Not saying I am ready to write reams of words. I’m going to ease myself back over the next couple of weeks.

The Breeders' Cup wraps up Saturday night, and it’s looking to be a thrilling evening at Del Mar, with the Classic (9.41) showcasing City Of Troy’s bid for stardom. ITV Racing brings live coverage from Wetherby, Ascot, and Down Royal’s Champion Chase on a packed ten-race lineup on ITV4. The action doesn’t stop there. ITV4 will also feature three races from the Breeders’ Cup, including the Turf and Classic from Del Mar on Saturday evening.

While Saturday is a big day for jump fans, my eyes are firmly on Del Mar. The Breeders' Cup may not be for everyone, but it’s pure competition, and everything's trying. I’ll be on a few bigger-priced picks, so if favourites dominate, it will be a tough Saturday for me. For those interested, you can find my Breeders' Cup selections here.

Wetherby

The Grade 2 bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (2:58) is Saturday’s highlight in the UK. You have to feel sorry for Wetherby. A couple of weeks ago they set for soft ground for their flagship day's racing, now it's going to be good.

Grey Dawning will tackle this with a penalty following his Cheltenham Grade 1 win. The 3m should suit, but he’d prefer softer ground. Bravemansgame, the 2022 victor, has ground conditions in his favour, but his finishes last season left questions. French Dynamite, from last year’s winning stable, has the fitness advantage but will need others to falter. Conflated, the highest-rated runner, is a contender if his jumping holds.

Each of the six runners has question marks, making it a tricky betting prospect. Despite a long losing run, Conflated might offer the best value.

N.B. Grey Dawning is a now a non- runner due to the ground.

In the bet365 Hurdle (2:22), Kateira makes a strong case after a career-best at Aintree last April. She needs to prove her 3m stamina but should be fine with it on decent ground. With her yard’s success in 2020 and 2022, she’s my pick in an otherwise underwhelming card due to the drying ground.

Down Royal

The Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase (2:40) sees five lining up. Last year’s winner, Gerri Colombe, faces Hewick, who’ll appreciate the good ground. Envoi Allen, the 2022 winner, also returns but was ultimately disappointing last season. If Gerri Colombe is as fit as he was last season, he’ll win. Like Wetherby’s feature, it’s more a watching race than a betting one for me.

Ascot

Ascot’s ITV races have drawn good field sizes, thanks to generous prize money, with two handicap chases offering £56,950 to the winner. This has kept the card competitive despite good ground, and most of my Saturday picks are from here, so here’s hoping non-runners stay at a minimum.

Good luck with Saturday’s bets!

I’ll be back Monday with a recap of Saturday’s action.

John