Although the big racing action comes from across the pond on Saturday, the meetings in the UK shouldn’t be ignored, especially as there are good cards taking place at Ascot and Haydock among others on a big day for the sport.
There are six afternoon meetings across the UK and Ireland on Saturday and then there is also an evening card under the lights at Wolverhampton. After scouring the cards we’ve picked out four bets to get stuck into throughout the day.
3.05 Ascot
Preview
A group of excellent middle distance 3 year old handicapper’s go to post here, with the market headed by the consistent but frustrating Kipps. 2nd in the King Edward V behind Hukum has been backed up by good runs in a pair of Heritage handicaps including when 3rd in the Melrose last time up. From the opposite end of the spectrum is My Frankel who’s won his last 2 but steps out of novice company for the first time.
Betting
The one at a bigger price who could upset the market leaders is William Haggas’ Al Qaqaa. As a 2 year old, he was 4th on debut in the race won by Kinross that was the most talked about juvenile performance over the winter. He then won a Newmarket novice event over this trip earlier this term by 8 lengths, staying on strongly and good value for more than the winning margin. He was then sent off a well backed 5/4 favourite when moved into a handicap race at Goodwood. He failed to settle, raced wide & very free, yet travelled sweetly into contention & hit the front before fading inside the final furlong where his early exertions took their toll. First time cheekpieces are reached for today & assuming they have the desired effect, he looks the most likely winner of a very competitive heat.
Tips
Back Al Qaqaa (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 8.50 Skybet BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
3.25 Haydock
Preview
The big race of the afternoon is the Group 1 Sprint Cup, a race dominated by the classic generation in recent years. However, the market is headed by 6 year old Dream Of Dreams but his most eyecatching performance was last time out when over a furlong further at Newbury and this race is all about speed so he’s not a bet here.
Hello Youmzain, last year’s winner, is hard to keep out of the frame. He has a great record at the track, has been running well & has been aimed at the race. The Tin Man has a super record in the race and, despite being an 8 year old, is sure to run his race again. There are a trio of 3 year olds; Lope Y Fernandez is the Aiden O’Brien representative but probably lacks the pace for this whilst Art Power is well touted having progressed rapidly through the ranks. However, his price is skinny given his best bit of form was when winning a Group 3 by over 2 lengths from Millisle, a filly that has since been beaten further by Glen Shiel who is a 25/1 shot here.
Betting
Golden Horde, bidding to give Clive Cox his second winner in the race, is the pick of the 3 year olds and is our selection here. He won the Commonwealth Cup in fine style, recording a quick time & winning comfortably in a 16 runner field. That’s his Group 1 credentials proven. Since then, he was 3rd in the July Cup at Newmarket when running about a bit, yet not beaten far by Oxted who would have gone off a warm order for this if he’d not been taken out earlier in the week & was then 5th but close up in the Prix Maurice De Gheest when the half furlong beyond the bare 6 didn’t help. He’s all speed &, on the basis of his form (as a 2 year old too), he looks the best value in a decent renewal.
Tips
PLACED – Back Golden Horde (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 8.50 William Hill BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
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3.40 Ascot
Preview
Over the straight 6 furlongs, there’s another good handicap at Ascot with Maysonic a questionable favourite despite winning his last 2. He’s back on turf having won last time on the all weather & is up 9lbs for that win. That said, he’s progressing at a rate of knots. Jonah Jones has been well backed but is one of those that flatters to deceive, often finishing well. His yard has a good record in the race but is not in the best form right now. Spanish City & Kimifive both have claims too and shouldn’t be discounted.
Betting
Top weight Gulliver is the pick here. He’s a solid handicapper who is rated 7lbs higher than his nearest rival & over a stone better than over half this field. On the face of it, he’s put in a pair of average performances on his last 2 runs which has seen his price drift to double figure odds but it’s easy to ignore his last run when racing in Group company. Previous to that, he ran a good race in the Stewards Cup but, previous to that, his run is as good as any in this field. 4th in the Wokingham here was a cracking run considering he broke slowly and was still out the back at the 2 furlong pole and this smaller field should see him get a better early position and he followed that up with a desperately unlucky 2nd in the Scurry handicap at the Curragh when he went 2 lengths clear half a furlong out before being collared on the line. That extra half furlong certainly didn’t help so back to the bare 6 will help as will a return to the track. He’s off a decent mark & that’s made better with his useful jockey’s 5lb claim. O’Meara doesn’t send them down from the north for no reason & it’s very likely he’ll put in a big performance and be bang there at the finish.
Tips
Back Gulliver (e/w) for a 0.75/10 stake at 12.00 Skybet BOG (⅕ odds 1-4)
4.15 Ascot
Preview
Yet another competitive handicap with this having the biggest field, 17 going to post. Blue Mist won the International Stakes last time out over course & distance so could be hard to beat but is 6lbs higher whilst Via Serendipity also won here on his most recent run and is 7lbs higher. Willie John has been disappointing but will strike at some point whilst Raising Sand is a standing dish here when the ground is on the easy side.
Betting
There are many in with chances here but none more than the massive priced Almufti. This 4 year old is yet to win on turf but I’m hoping today’s the day he puts that right. On his seasonal reappearance, he ran 4th in the Silver Hunt Cup behind horses who have improved since in Sir Busker, Salayel & Alternative Fact. He hasn’t matched that form since but he’s had excuses on each run. He struggled to get home on slow ground at Newmarket over a mile before running well in the Golden Mile when not getting a clear run; he would have finished closer. Last time out at Chester, he was given a strange ride sat out the back at the furlong pole, failing to get a clear run & then finishing with a late rattle when his chance had gone. He shouldn’t have the same issue at a track like Ascot & he’s already proved his liking for the track with his run at the Royal meeting. A falling mark, racing over what I feel will be his optimum trip & with his yard in form (4 winners from last 12 runners & his only runner of the day), he holds good claims at a superb each way price.
Tips
PLACED – Back Almufti (e/w) for a 0.5/10 stake at 21.00 Skybet BOG (⅕ odds 1-5)
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