Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I'm previewing two of Friday's big races and there's a selection from Newbury.
Thursday’s procedure was painless, though I’m grateful for the local anaesthetic. In just under three weeks, I will meet with the consultant to discuss the biopsy results, and I’m hopeful for positive news.
Friday Racing
We have a Classic weekend of racing ahead, headlined by the Juddmonte Irish Oaks on Saturday. But first, Friday offers plenty of racing action on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Hamilton
The most valuable race on Friday is the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Glasgow Stakes (7:10) at Hamilton, with £28,355 for the winner.
Kalpana: A worthy favourite after a good 2-length 3rd in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. She’s the one to beat.
Rouge Sellier: Impressive winner of a Kempton novice on her seasonal reappearance 15 days ago. If she can replicate that form on turf, she poses a threat.
Caviar Heights: Hasn’t matched his improved Newmarket Listed success in subsequent starts, but the ground has been too quick for him and he could be a danger if the forecast rain arrives.
Newbury
The withdrawal of the likely favourite, Symbol Of Honour, from the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes (4:10) makes the race more open.
Jungle Drums: Trained by Karl Burke, this juvenile overcame a slow start to win a Hamilton maiden (5f) on debut. He’s open to further improvement and can go well.
Calyxoh: Finished third in the far-side group when 8th of 27 in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes (5f) at Royal Ascot. The return to 6f will suit, and he prefers quick ground. Jane Chapple-Hyam has booked Tom Marquand, and if stall 10 isn’t an inconvenience, Calyxoh can get into the money.
Calyxoh – 11/1 or bigger.
Smart Bash 2024
I’m off to Smart Bash 2024 in London on Friday, a gathering of betting enthusiasts for a day of seminars and panels. Betting can be a solitary pursuit, so I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded people. Let’s hope the day lives up to the hype.
Due to the event and ny subsequent late arrival home there won’t be a Saturday column this week. I’ll be back on Monday with a review of the weekend’s sport. For Victor Value subscribers, I will send out my selections on Saturday morning which you can get here,
Good luck with your Classic weekend of racing bets.
John