Author: John Burke

Hi all,

Far and away the best race across Europe today is the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp (7:20).

Longchamp

7:20 – Grand Prix de Paris (Group 1) –  1m 2f

Irish Derby Winner Hurricane Ivor has been supplemented. He will be hard to beat if reproducing his Curragh effort. However, he did have a hard race that day and he might be worth taking on here.

The form of Alenquer’s Sandown Classic Trial win is working out well. He beat Epsom hero Adayar that day and hard Irish Derby runner-up Lone Eagle back in 4th. He’s since easily won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Deserves his place in Group 1 company although stall 11 could have been better.

The best of the home team on form are Saiydabad and Cheshire Academy. The pair finished 4th & 5th behind St Mark’s Basilica in the Prix Du Jockey Club (French Derby) last time. Cheshire Academy lost his unbeaten record in that race but it was still a career best on RPR’s from the colt. He was doing his best work at the finish form out wide that day and his pedigree suggests he can improve again for the step up to 1m 4f.   A best priced 7/1 with Sky Bet but you should be able to get a bit better on the exchanges.

1pt win – Cheshire Academy – 7/1 @ Sky Bet.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A good day yesterday but today is going to be much harder. It’s “Super Saturday”. You either love it or hate it. I have decided to embrace it.  It’s wall to wall racing with ITV covering a mammoth 11 races from Newmarket, York and Ascot this afternoon.  I’m just concentrating on the races that I have selections in.  

Where else can I stat but Newmarket? It’s the final day of the July Meeting with the feature race being a high-class renewal of the Group 1 Darley July Cup (4:25).

Newmarket July Meeting – Day 3

The weather forecast is predicting a mainly cloudy day with light showers. Hopefully the showers will be light and the going stays on the quick side of good.

3:50 – bet365 Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 7f

Ametist comes into the race having won all three starts this season. The latter of them came when getting up in the final strides over C&D 16-days ago. Has a 6lb penalty to carry but is progressive.

Perotto has won his last two. Last time he overcame a tardy start to weave his way through the field and quickened up a furlong out to win the Britannia Handicap (1m) at Royal Ascot.  Has a 6lb penalty to carry but the drop back to 7f shouldn’t be a problem provided he gets a good pace to chase.

Fundamental has been running in Listed/Group 3 company this season. Put in a career best when a 3 ½ length 5^th of 18 in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Jumaira Bay ran no sort of race when well fancied for the Victoria Cup but bounced back to form when putting a career best effort when winning at Chelmsford 24-days ago.  Back on turf but very much respected.

Karibana bounced back to his best when winning at Chelmsford two starts back, off 4lb lower, never got in to the race in the Buckingham Palace Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot. A C&D winner last season he’s better judged on his Chelmsford run and has each way claims if reproducing it.

Kimfive is a useful handicapper who normally gives his running in these big field handicaps. He finished 6^th in this race in 2018 and was an unlucky 6^th in it 12 months ago.  He didn’t get any sort of run two furlongs out but finished full of running. Beaten just a head in last season’s Goodwood Stewards Cup. Was a 1 ¼ length 5^th behind Ametist over C&D last time. The 6-year-old is nicely handicapped on the best of his form but hasn’t won for over 2-years.

Symbolize runner-up to Double or Bubble on the other course on his seasonal reappearance. Didn’t get the best of passages when down the field in the Victoria Cup but ran better when drawn on the wrong side in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Respected on his third in last seasons Jersey Stakes. Can go well albeit there are potentially some well handicapped runners in the field.

Verdict: Of those at the front end of the market who are in theory well in, I like Perotto the most. However, he needs them to go a really strong pace if he’s to gain the hat trick. Symbolize looks set for big run and Kimfive who is another who needs all the cards to fall right has each way claims.

1pt win – Symbolize – 12/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

1pt each way – Kimifive – 18/1 @ Coral (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

4:25 – Darley July Cup Stakes (Group 1) – 6f

Not only does the race brim with quality but its also attracted a big field of 19 runners.

Oxted won last year’s renewal and bounced back to his best when dropping back to 5f to win the King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot. Suited by a sound surface and won’t be far away.

Rohaan has been the most improved horses of 2021. Winning the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock, beating Dragon Symbol, before putting up a great weight carrying performance to win the Wokingham Handicap at Royal Ascot.

Starman a progressive sprinter in 2020 hewon the Group 2 Duke of York Stakes at York on his seasonal reappearance.  Missed the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot due to soft ground and better can be expected on a sound surface.

Dragon Symbol was first past the post in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup but was relegated to second by the stewards. Given his age his improvement may not have finished. Provided a hard race at Ascot hasn’t take its toll he won’t be far away.

Glen Shiel ran right up to his best when a length second to Dream Of Dreams in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes. This track should suit and he can’t be totally dismissed although stablemate Dragon Symbol could be open to more progress.

Art Power was a ¾ length behind Glen Shiel in third in the Diamond Jubilee. Should be competitive again but ground faster than good would be an unknown. Silvestre De Sousa opts for the 4-year-old instead of Chil Chil.

Chil Chil showed she remains a sprinter on the up when making the step up to pattern company a winning one in the Group 3 Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle. Needs to improve again to win this but will like the quick ground.

Creative Force a progressive sprinter maintained his improvement when stepping up to 7f to win the Group 3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. The gelding deserves his place in Group 1 company and should go well.

Supremacy won the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes last season. Last of 8 to Rohaan in a Group 3 at Ascot on his reappearance in May. Well suited to a sound surface and gets the first-time blinkers here. Questions to answer after his Ascot run but if the headgear has the desired effect he can’t be ruled out.

Method finished last in the Middle Park but that run can be forgiven as his saddle slipped. Finished 2 ¼ lengths behind Rohaan & Dragon Symbol at Haydock on his seasonal reappearance. Lacked race fitness that day and should be sharper here. Suited by good ground and has each way claims.

Miss Amulet was a top-class juvenile sprinter last year. Winning the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York and running Alcohol Free to ½ length in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes. Well beaten in the Irish 1,000 Guineas on her seasonal return. It was heavy that day and she probably didn’t stay the mile. Not given a hard race at the Curragh and is more interesting back at 6f. Another who get into the money at big odds.

Verdict: The strongest field for a July Cup in recent years. Oxted’s claims are clear for all to see. There could be more to come from Dragon Symbol on a quicker surface. There looks to be plenty of pace drawn high which will suit Rohaan. At a big price you couldn’t rule out the speedy Miss Amulet returning to her juvenile best.

1pt win – Dragon Symbol – 5/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Ascot

3:35 – Betfred Heritage Handicap (Class 2) – 5f

Just a 20-runner puzzle to solve here.

Significantly won a big field C&D at the Royal Meeting last time. It was heavy that day but he’s only up 4lb and won’t be far away if reproducing his last run today.

Makanah a smart sprint handicapper at his best. The 6-year-old ran much better than on his Chester seasonal reappearance when a 1 ¼ length 4^th of 12 at York 49-days ago. First time cheekpieces are applied and he he’s a got a good chance here although you would like the yard to be in better form.

Mondammej is clearly talented enough to win a big pot but he can be a tricky ride. Fourth in the Epsom Dash and was 2^nd of 14 in the Gosforth Park Cup at Newcastle last time. Needs a strong pace and for all the cards to fall right but if they do, he can win a race like this.

Boundless Power has improved on all four of his starts since joining the Mick Appleby yard. Both this seasons’ wins have come in small field handicaps on soft ground at Nottingham. Big field here but shapes like he could be suited by it. Only up 3lb for his latest success and likely capable of winning of his present mark but is up a couple of notches in class.

Hurricane Ivor dead heated at Sandown last Saturday on his second start since joining the William Haggas yard. Now 5lb higher but is a sprinter in form and could be capable of more improvement.

Verdict: Makanah is capable on his day and the first time cheekpieces could do the trick. Mondammej can win a race like this if the cards fall right and the progressive Boundless Power could defy a rise in the weights.

1pt each way – Makanah – 14/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

York

Plenty of big fields for punters to get stuck into on Johns Smiths Cup Day.

1:45 – John Smith’s Racing Handicap (Class 2) – 1m

Ajyaall progressed on his three starts as 3-year-old winning on good ground and the tapeta at Wolverhampton. Ran below market expectations on his return to action when only 4^th of 7 here over 7f back in May. Remains capable of better especially on a sound surface.

Jump The Gun put in a career best effort on RPR’s when coming from the rear to win at Hamilton last month. Up 8lb in a deeper race but shouldn’t be far away.  

Chichester won the Carlisle Bell 17-days ago. The first time cheekpieces and the drop back to a strongly run mile suited the 4-year-old last time. Up 3lb and may prefer better ground but he may not have reached his class ceiling just yet.

Eagleway finished ½ length 2^nd of 27 to Rivwr Nymph in the Victoria Cup on his first start in the UK and ran just a well stepped back up to mile when a ¾ length 3^rd of 6 at Newcastle 16-days ago. Goes well with ease in the ground and Jim Crowley (1-2 for the yard) is any eyecatching jockey booking.

Verdict: Ajyaall is likely better than he was able to show on his return here, Eagleway has run well on his last two starts and Jim Crowley looks a good jockey booking. Chichester might be a capable of better if he handles today’s easier surface.

1pt win – Eagleway – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

1pt win – Ajyaall – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

4:05 – John Smith’s Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2 ½ f

It doesn’t get any easier with a maximum field off 22 set to go to post for this historic handicap.

Astro King was no matchfor an easy winner when 2^nd of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup. It was still an excellent effort in defeat and a career best effort from the 4-year-old. Can race off the same mark here and the one to beat although soft ground would be an unknown for the likely favourite.

Surrey Pride was an impressive winner over C&D on his seasonal reappearance. He’s been raised 6lb which isn’t too harsh. Ideally suited by good or at worst good to soft ground and likely to go close here.

Lucander is 2-2 at the track and finished 2^nd of 27 in last seasons Cambridgeshire but was well beaten in the Royal Hunt Cup last time, may not have liked the quick ground at Ascot, any ease in the ground will suit and Laura Pearson takes off a handy 5lb.

Strait of Hormuz is just 3lb higher than when winning a Class 2 handicap at Doncaster.  The 4-year-old made a respectable return to action when 7^th of 15 here (1m 4f) in May. Sent off 5/1 for 1m 2f handicap at Epsom on Oaks Day but ran below expectations when only 6^th of 9. Trainer said he was unsuited by good to soft ground that day so his chance likely depends on the showers staying away.

Verdict: Astro King has solid claims but softish ground is a bit of an unknown. Strait Of Hormuz has claims but is another who may prefer a sounder surface. Lucander’s course form entitles him to respect and any ease in the ground won’t worry him. Surrey Pride is high on the shortlist.

1pt win – Surrey Pride – 8/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes is the feature race of day the Newmarket’s July Festival. There’s also a good supporting card of races. You can watch the best of the action from Newmarket and two races from York as part of six race programme.

I have got selections from Newmarket, York and Kilbeggan.

Newmarket July Festival – Day 2

1:50 – bet365 Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m 2f

Peter The Great is open to further improvement on his handicap debut and must be respected.

Dubai Honour caught the eye on his first start for 8 months when a 2 ½ length 4^th of 29 in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot. Stamina for 1m 2f not guaranteed but there is hope on the dam side of the pedigree that he will stay.

Mark Johnson has saddled the winner of this six times in the past ten years. He saddles King Frankel who finished a 3 ¼ length 4^th of 14 behind one of today’s rivals Foxes Tales. The going is likely to be quicker today and he does get 9lb from the easy winner. That said Foxes Tales is likely open to more progress.

Lord Protector won his first two starts this season at Windsor and Salisbury. Before seemingly not staying 1m 4f back at Salisbury last time. Drop back to 1m 2f makes sense and if he handles today’s likely quicker going can go close.

King Of Clubs shaped like a nice handicapping prospect when winning a Nottingham maiden two starts back. Improved again on his handicap debut when a ¾ length 2^nd of 9 at Sandown (1m 1f) 27-days ago. Same mark here and capable of bit more improvement for a step up to 1m 2f.

1pt win – Dubai Honour – 9/2 @ Bet365 & Coral

1pt win – King Of Clubs – 6/1 @ Bet365

3:00 – bet365 Trophy (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m 6f

Prince Alex was placed last season winning five times. Has run well on both starts without winning but was beaten a head into second at Goodwood last time. The winner has gone in again since Up 3lb for that effort but there must be doubt about whether he will be as effective on quick ground as he is on softer ground.

The lightly raced Live Your Dream has won two of his three starts in 2012. He’s improved with each start and last time ran out a comfortable winner at Wolverhampton over an extended two-mile last month. The drop back to 1m 6f shouldn’t be a problem. Up 10lb for his last win but he’s open to more progression and looks set for a good run.

1pt win – Live Your Dream – 7/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

3:35 – Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes (Group 1) – 1m

A classy looking renewal and surprisingly large field.  We have the 1,000 Guineas winner Mother Earth, the Coronation Stakes winner Alcohol Free and potential improving 3-year-olds in Snow Lantern & Primo Bacio.

Alcohol Free, Snow Lantern & Mother Earth finished first, second and third in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.  Snow Lantern has 1 ½ lengths to find with the winner but there is a decent chance that she can improve further and beat her old rival here.

Primo Bacio didn’t run in the Coronation Stakes on account of the soft ground. Prior to that she had shown an impressive change of gear to win a York Listed race. The better ground will suit and she could prove up to Group 1 standard.

Saffron Beach finished a length behind Mother Earth in the 1,000 Guineas. She failed to stay in the Oaks but the return to a mile makes her of interest and she’s not totally out of this.

Of the older generation Indie Angel looks the most likely to beat the 3-year-olds.  The 4-year-old put in an improved effort on RPR’s when winning the Group 2 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot. If she’s wasn’t flattered by her last success then she’s got each way claims and she was supplemented for this after her Royal Ascot win.

1pt each way – Indie Angel – 14/1 @ Bet365 (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

York

The highlight of a seven-race card is the Group 3 Summer Stakes which has attracted a field off 11 fillies and mares.

2:40 – William Hill Summer Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) – 6f

Vadream not disgraced when sixth in the 1,000 Guineas improved again when a 2-length 3^rd of 18 in the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. Travelled strongly through the race that day and looked to very chance coming to the final furlong. Drop back to sprint trips looks worth a try and has a favourite’s chance.

Light Refrain finished well beaten in the Jersey Stakes but she didn’t stay the 7f on testing ground. Prior to that she had finished a 1 length 4^th of 10 in the Group 2 Sandy Lane. The winner Rohaan went onto win the Wokingham and is a leading fancy for Saturday’s July Cup and the second Dragon Symbol finished first past the post in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. A reproduction of her Haydock performance would see her go close.

Final Song a Group 3 winner in Meydan before finishing a ½ length runner-up to Extravagant Kid in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint. Has struggled on both starts since returning to Britain but those came on softer ground than she probably likes. If the ground continues to dry out she would be of interest despite the fact that she has to give away a 3lb penalty here.

1pt win – Final Song – 10/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Kilbeggan

7:35 – Smart Farm Insurance Midlands National Handicap Chase – 3m 1f

Irish Grand National winner Freewheelin Dylan goes well here form figures 212711. The last of those wins came in this race last year off 11lb lower. Races off a career high mark but given his liking for the track he’s got a big chance.

The Big Lense was 2 ¾ lengths back in 5^th in this race 12 months ago.Was still in with every chance when making a mistake at the last and he also got slightly hampered by the eventual runner-up on the bend. Gets 13lb from Freewheelin Dylan today but hasn’t been seen in action since falling five out in the Galway Plate. Has failed to complete on three of his last four starts and isn’t the most reliable of jumpers. All three career wins have come on good ground so if it stays dry, he could run into the places at big odds.

1pt each way – The Big Lense – 20/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

1pt win – Freewheeling Dylan – 7/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

When my interest in horse racing began, Newmarket’s July Meeting still used to be run from Tuesday to Thursday. As ever things change and commercial demand mean it run from Thursday to Saturday.

The big difference between the July Course and the Rowley Course is that track isn’t as stiff at the finish. Depending on the going and the position of there can be faster strip on the far side.

ITV are covering four races from Newmarket and one from Carlisle as part of a five-race programme.  I have had a look at the four ITV races plus the mile handicap that concludes the card.

Newmarket July Festival – Day 1

1:50 – Bahrain Trophy Stakes (Group 3) – 1m 5f

Gear Up was the best of these as a juvenile but has yet to produce that form as 3-year-old. Needs the step up 1m 5f to have the desired effect. Ryan Moore booked and yard saddled the winner in 2014.

Yibir looked set for a good season when finishing ¾ length 3^rd of 10 to Alenquer with stablemate Adayar in second. Hasn’t built on that performance but a returned to a sounder surface could suit. Has been gelded since his last run.

Stowell a winner at Ascot on his second career start. Improved on that effort when coming from off a slow pace to finish 3^rd of 13 in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot last time. Looks sure to win more races but the forecast slow pace may not suit.

Mandoob looked a useful middle-distance prospect when winning a Haydock novice (good to firm) last month. The gelding is 2-2 and should be open to more improvement.

2:25 – Tattersalls July Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings) – 6f

Eldrickjones built on the promise of his Thirsk debut when a much improved, running on 2^nd of 17 in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Project Dante a winner at York on his racecourse debut. Improved again when a ¼ length 3rd of 15 in the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal meeting. He would have gone for close to winning but had to wait for a gap between the final two furlongs. Should improve again and should stay today’s extra furlong. Runner-up Go Bears Go has since boosted the Norfolk form when winning a Group 2 in Ireland.

Ryan Moore has been booked for the Kevin Ryan trained Aleezdancer. A winner of his last two starts at Beverley and Carlisle. Both those two wins came on good to soft ground so needs to prove he’s as a effective on quicker ground.

On a quick going Dig Two could be the pick of the Hugo Palmer pair. Runner-up in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot last time. He will be suited by the return to 6f and should go well again.

3:00 – Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) – 6f

The first of the big field handicaps and its first chance to see if there in any draw bias.

Boomshalaa is in stall 7. The Roger Varian trained colt won his first two this year at Kempton & Windsor and improved again to finish a head 2^nd of 19 in the 5f Handicap at Royal Ascot. Up 3lb but lightly raced and could yet be Group colt. A return to better ground shouldn’t inconvenience and the step back up to 6f looks a positive.

Popmaster was three lengths behind Boomshalaa at Royal Ascot. You can draw a line through that run as the he didn’t enjoy the soft ground. Today’s quicker ground, a big field and a strong pace are all positives and he’s on a competitive mark.

Blackrod and Jadwal where 2^nd & 4^th respectively in a big 6f handicap at York last time. Blackrod has arguably the more scope for improvement of the pair and will races although he has to give Jadwal 4lb here.

Recent C&D winner Akkeringa bids for the hat trick. He’s up 7lb for his last success but is going the right way, goes well on quick ground and Franny Norton off 8-0 is an eyecatching jockey booking.  

Just Frank returned to form when 2^nd of 9 at Chester 12-days ago. Best form has come on soft ground though. Not handicapped of it if he’s as good on good to firm.

No ground concerns for Abduction who looks to have improved for an off-season gelding operation. Took on the older sprinters when coming from off the pace to finish runner-up at Pontefract on his seasonal return 18-days ago. Up 2lb but remains on a winnable mark and yard won this in 2013.

Verdict: Plenty in with a chance in this competitive sprint handicap. Boomshalaa looks a worthy favourite after his Royal Ascot second. However, on quicker ground Popmaster can get closer this time. Blackrod will win races and the progressive Akkeringa is at the right end of the handicap. There was plenty to like about Abduction’s recent reappearance and he’s got each way claims.

1pt win – Popmaster – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

1pt each way – Abduction – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

3:35 – Princess Of Wales’s Tattersalls Stakes (Group 2) – 1m 4f

Hard to look beyond recent Coronation Cup runner-up Al Aasy here.  A slight concern about really quick ground for the 4-year-old but is the one to beat. The front running Sir Ron Priestley seems likely to get his own way out in front and a return to a sound surface suits the 5-year-old. He could be the one to take advantage if the favourite under-performs.

4:45 – John Deere Handicap (Class 3) – 6f

Legendary Day has improved from two to three, winning his last two starts at Nottingham & Leicester. Overcame a modest pace to win last time and although he’s 6lb higher now he’s and improving 3-year-old.

Migration returned from a mammoth 641-day absence when a 1 ½ length 4^th of 12 at Salisbury 15-days ago.  Unlucky not to land a gamble as he was hampered a furlong out and finished his race strongly in a slowly run race. On a good mark if backing up his last time effort.

Global Spirit is a useful handicapper on his day as he showed when a neck 2^nd of 15 in the Carlisle Bell 15-days ago. Nudged up 2lb but has each way claims.

Epic Endeavour improved to win three of his last four starts last season. The 4-year-old put in a career best effort on RPR’s when 2^nd of 9 at Windsor last month and has claims.

Power Of Darkness has to be considered nicely handicapped on his winning form in 2019. The 6-year-old wasn’t the best away when a ¾ length 3^rd of 7 at Bath 8-days ago. Needs quick ground and a strongly run mile suits.

Verdict: Migration and Legendary Day deserve their places at the front of the market. Plenty have each way claims no more so than the well handicapped Power Of Darkness.

1pt win – Power Of Darkness – 10/1 @ Bet365

1pt win – Migration – 4/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportbook

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Just the one selection today to finish off the weekend.

Limerick

4:30 – Shamad improved to win four races in the summer of 2019. Has struggled since but there were signs two starts when he finished 2^nd of 12 here (good) that he remains capable of winning races off a declining handicap mark. Has to bounce back from a poor run at the Curragh last time but if he does, he’s overpriced.

1pt each way – Shamad – 20/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook ( paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s Coral Eclipse Day at Sandown. The race itself has only attracted four runners but it’s a quality field despite the small number of runners. Not a betting race for me but I hope St Mark’s Basilica can win for the classic generation. ITV are covering the best of the racing from Sandown & Haydock as part of a seven-race programme and its Sandown that I start this shorter than normal Saturday Preview.

Sandown

2:25 – Coral Challenge (Handicap) (Class 2) – 1m

Montatham hasn’t been seen since finishing 1 ¼ length 3rd of 11 in a Listed race at Doncaster on the first day of the flat season. A touch of class and won this race 12 months ago but is 7lb higher this time around.  Useful apprentice Adam Farragher takes off a handy 5lb.

Acquitted finished last in this 12 months ago. He’s a very in and out performer but he was on a going day when a 1 ¾ length 2nd of 11 at Chelmsford 17-days ago. He’s on a competitive mark if building on his Chelmsford performance. 

Magical Morning was having his first start for 9 months and his first since a gelding operation when a promising 9 ½ length 8th of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup. Looks on a workable mark and although he did win up first time up last season. He might have needed the run at Ascot.

Trais Fluors took advantage of lenient handicap mark when winning a C&D handicap two starts ago. The 7-year-old maintained his good form when a 9 ½ length 10th of 30 in the Royal Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot last time. He wasn’t the best away at Ascot and didn’t get the best of runs 2 furlongs out. Not subjected to hard race after his jockey realised his chance had gone.

Verdict: Whilst Montatham wouldn’t want the ground too quick. The top weight is very much in the mix with a good 5lb apprentice on board. Magical Morning should be sharper for recent reappearance in the Royal Hunt Cup and the talented but inconsistent Acquitted is on a mark he can win off.

1pt win – Magical Morning – 6/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

1pt win – Montatham – 6/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportbook

Haydock

The Lancashire Oaks (2:40) and the Old Newton Cup Handicap (3:15) are the features race of a seven-race card at the Lancashire track. The first race doesn’t really appeal from a betting perspective but I have a couple of fancies in the Old Newton Cup.

2:05 – bet365 Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 6f

Dhushan bids for the hat trick after winning on his handicap debut at Musselburgh last time.  A strongly run race will suit the 3-year-old who is open to more improvement for the step up to 1m 6f.

Trainer Mark Johnson has saddled four of the seven winners – 4 winners from 13 runners 30% +0.8 7 placed 54% or 67% of the winners from 27% of the total runners. He’s got three entered at the five-day stage: Harlem Soul, Kondo Isami & Soapy Stevens and the first two look the most interesting.

Harlem Soul won on his handicap debut at Ripon last time. The son of Frankel is 4lb higher than for that success but is open to more improvement stepped up to 1m 6f.  Silvestre De Sousa has been booked for the ride and if top weight Law Of The Sea stands his ground he will race off a nice light weight (8-3).

Kondo Isami a 1m 4f winner at York in May. He just got touched off at Doncaster on his first start at 1m 6f. He never got involved in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot. Finishing last of the 17 runners. That surely wasn’t his true running and the yards runners can often bounce back straight away from a poor run.

Reverend Hubert handled soft ground when winning at Salisbury two starts back and was in the process of running well behind Kondo Isami at Doncaster last time. Was holding every chance when not getting a clear run a furlong out that day and could get into the frame.

Verdict: I wouldn’t put you off likely favourite Dhushan. The Mark Johnson pair of Kondo Isami & Harlem Soul are high on the shortlist. Whilst Reverend Hubert won’t have an issue, if the ground eases before post time and has each way claims.

1pt win – Harlem Soul – 6/1 @ Bet365

1pt each way – Reverend Hubert – 16/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

3:15 – bet365 Old Newton Cup Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 4f

Dark Jedi twice a winner in the early part of last season. Took his form to an even higher level in defeat when stepped up to 1m 4f+ in August/Sept. Runner-up at York the 5-year-old put in a career best effort on RPR’s when a 1 ¼ length 2^nd of 17 behind Euchen Glen here over 1m 6f. Fifth of 11 on his first start for 9 months at Windsor 7-days ago. Swift return to action here but wasn’t subjected to hard a race when his chance had gone. Quick ground would be a bit of an unknown, winning form on good, but thunderstorms are forecast.

Midnight’s Legacy won his first two starts here last season, including one over C&D. Not as good on subsequent starts but bounced back to winning form at Epsom 28-days ago. The handicapper has raised the 4-year-old 8lb for that win which looks a bit harsh but he can’t be totally ruled out after the ease of his last time out win.

Longsider is a fascinating contender on his turf/handicap debut. The 4-year-old has only had three career starts and bids for the hat trick today. A big scopey gelding he needs to improve again to win a race like this but such improvement looks likely. Interesting that that Sir Mark Prescott throws in him in at the deep end for his first run since February.

Verdict: Longsider and Dark Jedi are my picks in a competitive renewal of the Old Newton Cup.

1pt win – Dark Jedi –10/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

1pt win – Longsider – 8/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A couple of selections today from Sandown & Doncaster.

Sandown

2:00 – Mojomaker takes a step up in class after winning a C&D novice last time. Needs to improve again to win this but does tick the all-important going, distance and course boxes.

1pt win – Mojomaker – 6/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power.

Doncaster

2:45 – Celsius returns from a 225-day break. A previous C&D winner the 5-year-old is on a competitive mark and won first time up last year. No issues with a sound surface and set for a bit run but he does need to settle better if he’s to take advantage here.

1pt win – Celsius – 9/1 @ Bet365 or 8/1 – Gen.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s not quite “Super Saturday”, we have that to look forward to the following week, but we do have Group 1 action with the Coral Eclipse at Sandown (3:35). We also have a potentially good card at Haydock with the Lancashire Oaks (2:40) and the Old Newton Cup Handicap (3:15) the highlights of a seven-race card. You can see the best of the action from both courses on ITV Racing.

I have a selection running in one of the sprint handicaps at Thirsk this afternoon.

Thirsk

3:55 – Commanche Falls made it 2-3 this season when winning at Ripon (good to firm) 28-days ago.  Take away his three poor runs on heavy ground and he’s got a likeable profile of 6 wins from 10 runs. He’s now 6lb higher than for his last win but could yet rate a bit higher. Stall 1 isn’t ideal and they may not go the strong pace he needs but he’s the one to beat.

Wentworth Falls returned to form when 2nd of 11 two starts back. The 9-year-old didn’t run to that form at Nottingham last time but wasn’t well placed racing towards the stand side. Goes well on quick ground and is below his last winning mark. 

Verdict: Commanche Falls is hard to ignore but stall 1 is a shade off putting. So at the prices I have gone with the well handicapped Wentworth Falls.

1pt win – Wentworth Falls – 9/1 – Gen

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A disappointing end to what was otherwise a fantastic weekend profit wise.

This week looks likely to be quiet on the tipping front until Friday. However, do keep any eye on your inboxes for any selections before then.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

We had to wait for the lucky last at the Curragh to get a winner on Saturday but it was worth the wait as Dalton Highway got his nose in front where it mattered. Even better if you were on BOG as he was surprisingly weak at the off being returned at a generous 12/1.

It’s been a successful couple of days at the Curragh. Hopefully we can end the weekend off with another winner or two. It’s the final day of the Irish Derby Festival at the Curragh with the feature race being the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes (3:40). There’s also a good race this side of the Irish Sea with the latest running of the bet365 sponsored Summer Cup, a handicap chase over 3m 2f, at Uttoxeter. And it’s at the Midlands track that I start Sunday’s preview with a look at the Summer Cup.

Uttoxeter

3:35 – bet365 Summer Cup (An Open Handicap Chase) (Listed Race) – 3m 2f

An open looking race with sixteen handicap chasers set to meet the starter for a winners first prize of £36,576.

Hard to disagree with Landofsmiles being the overnight favourite. The 8-year-old made it 4-8 over fences when winning at Perth three weeks ago. He’s been raised 5lb for that win which is fair and although he must prove his stamina for 3m 2f he stays 3m strongly and there’s a good chance he will get this far.  Talkischeap was a neck back in second. He gets 1lb from the winner today and although stamina he doesn’t have the upside of Landofsmiles.

Minellacelebration won this race 12 months ago off 3lb lower. He ran well when 4^th of 8 at Aintree last month and would have finished closer but for a mistake three out. Well suited to a sound surface the 11-year-old should make another bold bid to retain his crown.

Fox Pro remains a maiden after seven starts over fences. He put in another solid effort when 2^nd of 7 at Ffos Las 24-days ago. Needs to find a bit more improvement for the step up 3m 2f if he’s to win a race as hot as this.

Lock’s Corner made it 4-6 over fences when beating two rivals at Stratford last time. That win came over 2m 1f. Best performance over hurdles on RPR’s came over 3m at Cheltenham last autumn so he could stay 3m over fences. Goes well on good ground and if his stamina holds the 7-year-old won’t be far away.

Verdict: You can never rule out last year’s winner Minellacelebration around here. Lock’s Corner is interesting on his step up to 3m 2f. There shouldn’t be much between Landofsmiles and Talkischeap on their Perth running but the former may not have reached his ceiling just yet.

1pt win – Landofsmiles – 6/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

Curragh

2:30 – Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Handicap – 6f

The 3-year-old Bellagio Man is the bookies early bird favourite. A winner of a 7f Gowran Park (soft) maiden two starts ago. Improved again when third at Fairyhouse last time. Dropped back to 6f for his handicap debut and open to more progress.

Rough Diamond is also lightly raced for his age. A winner of C&D maiden on his racecourse debut last season. Put in a career best when a strong finishing 3^rd of 14 at Tipperary 26-days ago. Just 1lb higher and will be suited by the return to 6f. Looks set for big run.

Independent Missy a winner at Navan two starts back improved again when a head 2^nd of 16 at Fairyhouse 16-days ago. In good form and the mare is just 1lb higher than last time. Another strong contender.

Blairmayne, a two-time C&D winner, was only beaten ½ length by Mr Lupton in a valuable C&D handicap last September. Runner-up on his seasonal return at Naas. Didn’t get the clearest of passages a furlong out when a ¾ length 10th behind Independent Missy at Fairyhouse last time and did well to finish a close as he did at the finish. The 8-year-old must be respected back here.

Verdict: I ‘m happy to let Bellagio Man win at around 9/2. Of those at the front of the market Rough Diamond & Independent Missy both appeal with a slight preference for the former. Given his C&D form Blairmayne is also on the shortlist.

1pt win – Rough Diamond – 11/2 @ Bet365

1pt win – Blairmayne – 12/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

3:05 – Paddy Power Rockingham Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 5f

David Barron brings over Zarzyni who was beaten a short head by Jabbarockie at Musselburgh when last seen in action 85-days ago. Up 4lb but provided the going is good he’s got a good chance with Sam Ewing booked to take off 5lb.

Mrs Bouquet has run well on all three starts in 2021.  She finished a ¾ length 3^rd of 16 at Fairyhouse 16-days ago. The drop back to the minimum trip is a positive and the 4-year-old remains on a fair mark.

Only Spoofing a winner over 5f at Navan two starts back matched that form when a 1 ½ length 2^nd of 16 in the Epsom Dash last time. He’s only been raised 1lb for that effort and Luke’s McAteer takes off a handy 5lb.

Pretty Boy Floyd twice a winner here last autumn over 5f & 6f. The 6-year-old returned to winning ways at Haydock last month. Up 7lb and his best form has come on testing ground. It was heavy for his two win here last year and soft at Haydock.

Strong Johnson won twice over C&D last June including this race off 7lb lower. Bounced back to something like his best when a head 2^nd of 14 at Tipperary 260 days ago. Up 2lb but Cian MacRedmond takes off 7lb which brings the 5-year-old right into the mix.

Jungle Jane was a short head behind Strong Johnson in this race 12 months ago and is just 1lb higher this time around. The mare hasn’t hit form on either start this season but the yard is among the winners and a reproduction of last year’s best would see her go close.

Urban Beat twice a winner here over 6f. Was beaten just a head in this last year and is just 2lb higher now. Has been running in Group & Listed company and won a Group 3 on the all-weather last October. Back in handicap the top-weight is on a workable mark provide the ground isn’t too quick.

Verdict: There’s a valuable spring handicap in Zarzyni. Mrs Bouquet will like the ground and the return to the minimum distance. Only Spoofing was runner-up in the Epsom Dash last time and is another who will like underfoot conditions. Strong Johnson and Jungle Jane were first and second in this last year and have chances again.

1pt win – Zarzyni – 4/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook

1pt win – Mrs Bouquet – 12/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

3:40 – Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes (Group 1) – 1m 2f

It’s crunch day for Santa Barbara. Beaten favourite in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Oaks. She remains with potential and today’s drop back to 1m 2f could see her returning to winning ways.

Cayenne Pepper won a Group 2 over C&D last September. Runner-up in last year’s Irish Oaks this is her trip and she goes well on a sound surface. Ground would have plenty soft enough for her on her seasonal reappearance over C&D in the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month.

Thundering Nights was 5 ½ lengths behind Cayenne Pepper here last autumn but she’s improved since. Runner-up on her seasonal return to Broome she put in a great effort when only beaten a nose in Grade 2 at Belmont Park 23-days ago. Provided this doesn’t come to quick she can go close.

William McCreery saddles Epona Plays has returned to action in the form of her career win a Group 3 at Naas and a Group 2 here last time. Both those wins have come over a mile but she stays 1m 2f. May be better on slightly easier going but should go well if in the same form as last time. His other runner Insinuendo has only had three career starts. The 4-year-old has won two of them and comes into this on the back of a win in the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes (1m 2f) last month. There could be more improvement to come from here and she’s not dismissed easily.

Verdict: Today’s feature race. It’s now or never for Santa Barbara.  Cayenne Pepper and Thundering Night are good older fillies and William McCreery has a couple improving fillies in Epona Playa.

2pts win – Cayenne Pepper – 7/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

4:45 – Irish Stallion Farms EBF “Ragusa” Handicap (Premier Handicap) – 1m 4f

Mosala a maiden winner at Dundalk in January.  The 4-year-old put in a career best effort back on turf when a neck 2^nd of 18 at Leopardstown last month. Only having his second start in handicap company today but his stamina for 1m 4f will be tested.

Aesop a winner at Cork on his reappearance bounced back from a poor run here to finish a close-up 3^rd of 12 at Cork last time.  Good ground is a positive and there is a race in the 4-year-old off around his present mark.

Vultan was a head back in 4^th behind Aesop at Cork. That was a career best effort from the 4-year-old and Dylan Browne McMonagle’s 5lb claim could make all the difference.

Irish Poseidon twice a winner in Germany and a three-time winner at Dundalk in Nov/Dec. Returns to the flat after three runs over hurdles. The 5-year-old is 13lb higher than for the last of his wins but was an improver when last seen on the level and he shouldn’t be far away.

Cheers

John