Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece, I’m previewing Saturday’s International Stakes (Heritage Handicap) at Ascot. Plus, I’ve taken a look at the two Group races on Leopardstown’s Thursday evening card.
Ascot: International Stakes (Heritage Handicap) – 7f
Yesterday, I covered the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Today, let's shift focus to the International Stakes, a key supporting race on Ascot’s big card. This race is notorious for producing surprise winners, with past victors emerging at odds of 33/1, 50/1, 20/1, and 16/1. That said, it’s not always about long shots—three favourites have also won since 2016 at 9/2, 9/2, and 4/1.
All the last ten winners of the race shared the following traits.
Leading Contenders:
The Wizard Of Eye: Won the Victoria Cup over C&D in May and wasn’t disgraced in a Group 1 at the Royal meeting. Seven furlongs is his trip, but he’s had an injury and may not run. He’s been drifting in the betting, so while he has potential, I’m passing on him.
Carrytheone: Unlucky over C&D two starts back and in the Bunbury Cup. Now the ante-post favourite, his hold-up style makes him a hostage to fortune, but he's a major player.
Aalto: Won the Bunbury Cup last time, and despite a 3lb penalty, he’s still well-treated and is a big player if replicating that effort.
Northern Express: Consistently runs well in these types of races, finishing fourth in this race for the past two seasons. In good form this season and always a contender.
Billyjoh: Proved his stamina for 7f with a strong second-place finish at Royal Ascot. Worth considering, as is recent Newcastle winner Make Me A King, who benefitted from a patient ride last time.
Orazio: Finished strongly in the Wokingham Handicap and despite a 3lb rise in weights, looks worth a go at 7f.
New Image: From David O’Meara’s yard, this progressive handicapper was third at York last time and continues to improve.
Rebel Territory: Hasn't raced since winning the Victoria Cup over C&D last May. Despite being 8lb higher in the weights, he’s high on my ratings. The main concern is the quick ground rather than a 441 day absence (he’s won twice first time up).
For my International Stakes selections and previews of the ‘Glorious’ Goodwood & Galway Festival, you can find them here.
Thursday Racing
The Racing League returns at Yarmouth this evening, with all seven races live on ITV4. Sandown's afternoon card features the Listed Star Stakes (3:15). Over at Leopardstown, there are two Group 3 contests for juveniles.
Leopardstown
In the Silver Flash Stakes (5:50), Royal Ascot scorer Bedtime Story is a strong favourite against four rivals. The Tyros Stakes (6:50) looks more competitive, with six runners, including two from Aidan O’Brien’s stable. O’Brien has dominated this race, winning nine of the last ten editions with the likes of Point Lonsdale, Anthony Van Dyck, Churchill and Gleneagles.
While O’Brien’s Surpass and Swagman demand respect, I like the claims of Beckman, who impressed on his racecourse debut at the Curragh 27 days ago. Strong at the finish over 6f, the step up to 7f should suit him.
Selection: Beckman.
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John
I think Mr Appleby will be rating today’s 2yr old debut winner way above his previous, talking two.
B365 made an error in quoting 33’s for The Derby 30 mins after the race and that lasted 5 mins.
Well, I did ask where the classic 2 yr olds were and I would def say that Ruling Court sets the standard now.
Over to you Mr O’Brien.
(I’d be surprised if he didn’t have a 2yr old colt better than, The Lion in Winter).