Hi all,
Saturday feels like the calm before the Royal Ascot storm. But if you’re not keeping your powder dry, there’s still good racing to build the betting bank.
Seven races live on ITV Racing:
York (4 races)
Sandown (2 races)
Chester (1 race)
And don’t forget Sunday’s bumper 11-race ITV4 programme, featuring the Sky Bet Sunday Series at Hamilton and four from Salisbury.
The weekend’s richest race? Sunday’s Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly — the perfect warm-up for Royal Ascot.
Let’s start with Saturday’s ITV action at York, where it’s Macmillan Charity Day.
York
1:50 – Handicap (Class 3) – 7f
Palmar Bay returned from a break and posted a career-best RPR when winning at Chelmsford 13 days ago. Up 3lb but unexposed at this trip and no reason why he can transfer his improved form back to the turf. The one to beat.
Blue For You hasn’t built on his promising reappearance at Haydock but is a three-time course winner (all over a mile). Warrants respect given his course from
Yanifer has run poorly this season but has strong C&D form and was second in this race last year. Handicapped to be competitive on his best from especially if the rain arrives.
Glenfinnan is well treated but hasn’t been seen to best effect on three starts this season. Trainer Michael Dods is 0/81 in the last 43 days — that’s a concern.
Diligent Resdev ran well when fifth in the Victoria Cup and has solid C&D form. Wide draw (stall 15) is a hurdle.
Tolstoy bounced back to form with a C&D second yesterday. Won this race last year and will make a bold bid to follow up if the rain comes.
2:25 – Queen Mother’s Cup (Female Amateur Riders) – 1m 4f
Born Ruler was fourth in the Zetland Gold Cup last time. Ground-versatile and should be in the mix with Gina Andrews booked.
Chillingham was too keen over 1m6f on return at Musselburgh in April. Back in trip and with a break — chance if settling better. Might prefer some more juice in the ground.
Saratoga Gold ran well when third in a C&D last time but hasn’t won in a while. On a handy mark and appreciates quick ground.
Maghlaak ran to form when a neck runner-up in a C&D handicap (Saratoga Gold, third) last month. Nudged up 3lb but should be bang there with Jody Townend coming over to take the ride.
3:00 – Grand Cup Stakes (Listed) – 1m6f
Absurde ran well when third in the Group 3 Ormonde at Chester and has Listed win at around this trip. If Tudhope times it right and can utilise his turn of foot, he’s the likeliest winner.
Not a betting race for me.
3:35 – Macmillan Sprint Handicap (Class 2) – 6f
Max field of 22 and £64k to the winner. I looked at the race in Wednesday’s column.
Key trend: horses with only 0–1 handicap runs are 0/74 in the last 10 years. Stick with experienced handicappers.
Maelstrom is chasing a four-timer after a gritty win at Haydock last time. Still improving — big chance and likely ground versatile.
Marchogion was a ready winner at Newmarket. Up 7lb, but his action suggests he’ll go well again if the rain arrives.
American Style was second to Marchogion last time and is 5lb better off. Holds good claims of reversing form with the winner.
Hucklesbrook is progressive and made all to win at Leicester 19 days ago. Could outrun odds from the front at track that suits prominent racers.
Easy Peeler a close third to Maelstrom at Haydock after a 10-month break. Won a handicap here (6f) on Friday looking well suited by the track. Has the upside to do a lot better and she has a good chance if turned out quickly.
One to Note if the Rain Arrives – York 4:45
Pisanello hasn’t hit form yet this season, but he won this race last year and is now running off a 7lb lower mark. He needs cut in the ground, so if the forecast heavy showers hit, he’s well treated to strike again.
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The excitement is building — Royal Ascot is now just three days away.
Thursday’s final declarations are in, with 11 runners confirmed for the Ascot Gold Cup, including Aidan O’Brien’s Illinois and Jan Brueghel. That said, I’d be surprised if Jan Brueghel runs so soon after his recent Coronation Cup win.
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Stop Press: Feel The Need 14/1 (early priced advised) wins at York on Friday!
Good luck with your Saturday bets.
John