Hi all,
Today kicks off two days of racing at York, Sandown, and Chester — but the most valuable action comes from Cork, where the standout races are:
€100,000 Mallow Handicap (5:25)
€60,000 Group 3 Munster Oaks (7:44).
Holding Fire Before Royal Ascot
The big question this weekend? How much ammo to save for Royal Ascot.
The weather could make or break this weekend’s punting. Forecasts have shifted, and the expected rainfall at York, Sandown, and Chester — Saturday’s three ITV Racing venues — has now been downgraded.
Who knows how much rain will fall? For now, it’s a waiting game. Stay flexible.
We’re just days away, and the six-day entries are already out for Tuesday and Wednesday’s cards
Tuesday’s confirmations landed Wednesday.
Wednesday’s came through yesterday.
The forecast points to dry weather from Saturday — but there’s a chance of heavy rain hitting the track on Friday evening. The big unknown is whether the “taps get turned on” and, if they do, how much is put on the track.
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Now — On to Friday’s Pointers
Let’s dive into the day’s strongest races and value angles…
York
1:50 – Apprentice Handicap (Class 4) – 7f
Tolstoy won this race last year and is returning to a winnable mark. He’s been out of form in three runs this season and whilst I like his chance 9/2 look a bit skinny to me.
The Caribbean hasn’t won for this yard yet but ran well when third over 6f at Ascot. The step up to 7f is a plus. Yard is in form — big player.
Feel The Need was drawn wide when 7th of 21 in a C&D race he won last year last time. Now back below that winning mark. Strong claims with a better setup.
4:10 – Handicap (Class 2) – 1m2f,
Burrito impressed when winning on handicap debut at Newbury last time. Up 10lb but remains unexposed and open to improvement.
Sea The Storm just missed out on a five-timer when a nose second in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar. Up 4lb but remains progressive.
Liberty Coach won the Zetland Gold Cup and is up 5lb. Also, progressive and he looks set for another big performance.
Sir Busker hasn’t fired this year but loves York. Four of his five best RPRs have come here, and he’s now 1lb below his C&D win from last August. Needs a sound surface and whilst vulnerable to progressive rivals shouldn’t be far away.
4:45 – 3yo Sprint Handicap (Class 4) – 5f
Dothan looked progressive when winning at Doncaster two starts back but didn’t handle the step up to 6f at Hamilton last time. Back to 5f should suit — better expected.
Luna A Inbhir Nis goes for a five-timer after blitzing Musselburgh last week. Has speed, form, and just a 6lb penalty. Strong chance if transferring her Musselburgh form to York.
Sandown
2:40 – Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 2f
Due To Henry needed the run at Kempton on reappearance. Has won on good ground but may want it softer. Oisin Murphy booked — watch the market.
Andaleep is 4 from 11 over C&D and a normally reliable performer. Just 2lb above his last win. Jim Crowley’s 18% strike rate with the yard is a plus. Can go well again, even thought he’s yet to win from a mark 90+.
Cork
5:25 – Mallow Handicap – 7f
Kings Time won this race last year and comes off a close 2nd over C&D last month. Ground is key — softer conditions might hurt his chance of a repeat success in the race.
Barbapapa ran well when third at the Curragh over 6f on seasonal return. Back to 7f is a plus, and although he might need better ground, he’s very much a player.
Dunum hasn’t won since last August but shaped as if needing the run at Naas. Suited by soft and looks well handicapped on his best form. Has Galway Festival winning form but may be ready to strike now if the forecast rain has arrived. Each-way value.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John