Best Of Bets

Tag: frankie dettori

  • Breeders’ Cup | Frankie 66/1 punt tops Santa Anita triple

    Breeders’ Cup | Frankie 66/1 punt tops Santa Anita triple

    As glamour dates on the racing calendar go, it doesn’t get much bigger for thoroughbred horses than the Breeders’ Cup and the 2023 edition takes place this weekend in the shadows of Los Angeles at Santa Anita.

    With the best field from around the globe descending on the Golden State, the chance for the rest of the world to take on the North American set on their own patch remains hugely inviting.

    No less than 18 races take place over the two-day event across Friday and Saturday, with 14 Grade 1 contests on the slate on both Dirt and Turf.

    The best horses, jockeys and trainers are in town, with the likes of Auguste Rodin, Mawj and Elite Power on show, but the Breeders’ Cup is also a chance for stars to emerge.

    With that in mind, here at BestofBets we’ve studied the form, going, track and playbook from Santa Anita and picked out THREE big price e/w punts.

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    *All race times GMT/PT

    Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf (Friday, 22:20/3:30PM)

    Giv’ Frankie a punt – 66/1 BoyleSports

    First up, we turn to the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf over 1m on Friday and look to an old favourite.

    Frankie Dettori may have ridden his final race on European turf, but a first Breeders Cup at Santa Anita in four years presents further chances for a gold-tinged twilight of his career.

    With a total of nines rides across the weekend in Arcadia, by far, the veteran’s longest price hope is on Leonard Powell’s rank outsider, Mo Fox Givin.

    But despite his huge antepost, punters should give this youngster a shot.

    Over the mile, the 2yo won on debut at Colonial Downs in Virginia, and though runner-up last out at Churchill Downs, that contest was over this trip, pointing to a preference for a longer trip.

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    With the ground suitably firm, the quicker turf will suit the sprinters and in Mo Fox Givin, not only is there a quick filly, but one who will push late on.

    Dettori has not ridden a Breeders’ Cup winner since 2018 on Enable, and never won this race before.

    However, after Ryan Moore’s heroics on Meditate last year, could Frankie pull one out of the bag here in his new adopted home?

    This race is also worthy of backing two other names in the field, Buttercream Babe and Danny Eplin’s unbeaten Dreamfyre.

    The two finished 1-2 in the Surfer Girl Stakes on the same course last time out, with the latter a winner by a neck.

    Though this is plainly a more elite field, both are in excellent form and both fetching long odds of 20s+.

     

    FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (Friday 23:00/4:00PM)

    A nice tipple – 18/1 William Hill

    We go with back-to-back races for number two, and to a colt who can put on a show for Bob Baffert in the Juvenile Alliance.

    Wine Me Up, like many this weekend, comes to Cali with little experience, but after winning on debut two months ago, made the trip to Santa Anita last time out, finishing a 9/1 runner-up behind Muth – a 7/2 shot here.

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    On the dirt, Wine Me Up, the son of Vino Rosso – a Breeders’ Cup Classic victor in 2019 – has the pedigree to make a statement with Ramon Vazquez on board.

    In the American Pharoah Stakes, the colt was beaten by almost 4L and will need to really turn it on, but could leave the Pegram, Watson and Weitman ownership team with the bubbly flowing come Friday.

     

    FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (Saturday, 20:30/1:30PM)

    In Exaultation – 25/1 Betfred

    As Saturday rolls into view, our final big punt of the weekend goes on the Turf Mile, and to a horse who, frankly, we are stunned to see so far down the markets.

    Yes, Mawj is expected to bring a third win on the bounce for Godolphin, but Exaulted could spring a surprise.

    Exaulted comes into the contest from a Del Mar runners-up spot at the beginning of September, but before that, had won four on the spin.

    All four came at Santa Anita, for a horse who remains unbeaten on turf.

    Having made the step-up in trip from 7f without success, Peter Eurton’s progressive 6yo Bay has proved a liking for not only the trip but is very much at home in Arcadia.

    Indeed, with the ground firm and fast this weekend, the bay is yet to taste defeat Santa Anita, most recently winning the Shoemaker Stakes back in May – a first Grade 1 win.

    That win was further evidence of a growing reputation, and though by far and away a toughest field to date, punters could do a lot worse than with an e/w flutter.

     

    The 2023 Breeders’ Cup begins on Friday at Santa Anita Park, with the Qatar Golden Mile Stakes at 18:30/11:30AM.

  • Four To Follow: British Champions Day

    Four To Follow: British Champions Day

    Today’s the day. It’s the finale of the flat. Ascot awaits. And with all the issue with the rain in the last few days, the markets have been changing from minute to minute. In an ever-fluctuating market, here are four horses I think can turn up on the biggest British racing stage.

     

    Stocking-Filler

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    2:25 – British Champions Filles’ And Mares’ Stakes (Group One) – Bluestocking @ 8/1 (Boylesports)

    Bluestocking was in my notebook at the very start of the season and she hasn’t done too bad in her races. A decent second in the Irish Oaks was probably the highlight, when she finished half-a-length behind Savethelastdance on soft ground.

    She’s acted on good-to-soft ground as well as losing by a neck last time out at Chester. The victor, Al Qraeem, came out and won at Ascot next time out so the form stacks up. Ralph Beckett won’t mind the move onto the inner track and has a live chance.

    An each-way angle into this would be Henry de Bromhead’s Term Of Endearment. The move onto the inner track may mean that she won’t get her desired proper soft ground, but she has acted on yielding ground, finishing a narrow second to Lafayette in the Martin Molony at Limerick. She’s still backable at 14/1 (General)

     

    A Rock & A Nash-Place

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    3:05 – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group One) – Nashwa @ 4/1 (Boylesports)

    This is probably the race of the day. We’ve waited all year for a match-up for Paddington and Tahyira, but both are not my pick. Instead, I think Nashwa represents the true value of the race. The soft ground over a mile is a perfect combination for John & Thady Gosden’s filly, and with plenty of pace in the race it should suit.

    Paddington won’t be too far away and will certainly be up at the finish, but more questions surround the Matron Stakes winner.

    Big Rock is quite clearly a big talking point and should turn up today. Whilst everyone is talking about the form behind Ace Impact, I’m more bothered about his performance in the Prix de Guice in May on French ‘heavy’ ground.

    It would be similar to today on the straight track and puts him in a position to challenge. He’s up there on ratings and the French aren’t too bad at turning up on Champions Day either. Big danger at 7/1 (William Hill).

     

    King’s Got A Point

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    3:45 – Champion Stakes (Group One) – King Of Steel @ 4/1 (General)

    Mostahdaf is the current favourite due to the movement of the course, but I still think King Of Steel is the one to beat. He’s has been so good, but always been beaten by a better horse on their day.

    I think Mostahdaf, whilst the highest rated, won’t perform on the ground; Horizon Dore has never looked like a favourite in my eyes; and Bay Bridge has come back too soon from the Arc.

    King Of Steel has been prepped and aimed for this race, and Frankie will want the farewell he wants.

    But an overpriced horse is Point Lonsdale. He’s Aidan O’Brien’s only runner in the race, but he still commands respect. His wins on soft and heavy earlier on in the season can’t be overlooked and was a pacesetter for his previous two runs.

    The course movement is not ideal, but there’s still enough juice in the ground for him to be up at the finish after setting the fractions. 28/1 (BetUK) for an overpriced outsider.

     

    A Testing Issue

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    4:25 – Balmoral Handicap (Heritage) – Migration @ 9/1 (BetUK)

    Heavy is the way to go on the straight track tomorrow, and with a field of 20 only some few are likely to have form on the most extreme ground. Migration, despite top weight, is one of those.

    He won the Lincoln on heavy ground at the start of the year but couldn’t follow up in Group company. Since then, he has been rested and has been waiting for the heavens to open and today, regardless of top weight, he’s got it.

    As I have mentioned several times when tipping handicaps on the straight course at Ascot, David O’Meara loves them. Having put one of his horses up for one of these races has never yielded anything. The last time had a winner over the straight course in a big Ascot handicap was last year’s Balmoral.

    Bopedro is their main hope this year, two pounds well in, and with a good draw. Near to the pace, he can act on ground he doesn’t prefer, but has acted on before, and deliver at 16/1 (BetVictor, BetUK) for O’Meara after a poor season.

    The Gatekeeper is interesting at 50/1 (General) for the Johnston team. He acts really well on soft ground and is only two pounds higher than his latest win at Goodwood (won in the Stewards’ room). With testing conditions, and pace on his side, he can cause another barmy Balmoral upset.

     

    The very best of luck!

  • St. Leger Festival | Four To Follow: Classic Charge

    St. Leger Festival | Four To Follow: Classic Charge

    The winners have kept coming and coming for us in this year’s St. Leger Festival, and let’s hope the page can end on a high today with the big race itself the centrepiece of Doncaster’s season. Here’s Saturday’s Four To Follow plus St. Leger fancy.

     

    Rose Champagne

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    1:50 – Betfred Champagne Stakes (Group Two) – Rosallion @ 4/9 (William Hill)

    Down the years the Champagne Stakes has always been a good looking contest, but today it’s more of an open and shut case. Rosallion annihilated the field in the Pat Eddery at Ascot on his last start, and the form got a major boost with Dancing Gemini winning yesterday. Bred by Blue Point, he has the ability to go on softer ground and Richard Hannon’s record in recent years is also key to this horse’s chances.

     

    King Of Town Moor

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    2:25 – Betfred Portland (Heritage H’cap) – King’s Lynn @ 10/1 (Betfred)

    The Portland is always an interesting race, and this year’s renewal looks more open than ever. I’m siding with King’s Lynn, formerly of Royal ownership, for his record on soft ground. He hated the bottomless ground at Goodwood, but has better record on soft ground. He has won two Doncaster sprints before, including the 2-Y-O sales race and the Wentworth Stakes (soft) in 2021. Despite not winning a heritage handicap, the ground may play a factor to other horses who will prefer it firmer, and King’s Lynn can use the far side rail to his advantage.

    Sticking with the soft theme, Live In The Moment could make it a momentous year for De’Lemos’. The owners who won with Live In The Dream have an outside chance with this one who won a class four handicap at Goodwood last time out. He’ll want a better race here, and with the ground to a likeable soft, and with experience in top level handicaps, he can spring a surprise. Each-way shout at 16/1 (William Hill)

    One more to consider is Dakota Gold. Although you would rather be seeing him up at York, Dakota Gold and Michael Dods have a liking for any Yorkshire track. Despite Dods not winning the race, he has won a class two handicap with Dakota Gold before at their November meeting. The soft ground is to Dakota Gold’s preference, and is back to a winning mark of 100. And old reliable at 22/1 (Betfred)

     

    A Softie Spy

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    3:00 – Betfred Park Stakes (Group Two) – Spycatcher @ 6/4 (Betfred)

    There’s only two horses that have reliable soft ground form in the race. Spycatcher and Biggles. It would be worth having those two in a reverse forecast, but outright Spycatcher has the form to go on, after been beaten by a head in a French Group One last time out. His season started brilliantly with a win of seven furlongs at Thirsk on soft ground, and was placed in the Victoria Cup in May. It’s those kinds of results that make him the pick of the bunch here.

     

    Another Frankie Fairytale

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    3:35 – Betfred St. Leger Stakes (Group One) – Arrest @ 9/2 (William Hill)

    A lot of people are saying that Frankie Dettori has made the wrong choice in the St. Leger. He should have Gregory who has the ‘Group One form’. Gregory hasn’t run in a Group One, and, for me, he didn’t look like the St. Leger winner in the Queen’s Vase. He ran his worst race in the Great Voltigeur and looking back on the Queen’s Vase, he still looked quite green and inexperienced.

    But Arrest, for me, holds all the aces. He was disappointing at Epsom, because he didn’t handle the ground. The one thing we haven’t seen Gregory do is act on soft ground. Four winners in the last ten years ran in the Epsom Derby and went to win here. Arrest is the only horse in the field to have done so. His run at Newbury was a step up in distance and, albeit a warm-up, it shows that he relished the step up in trip and has more than a chance to win the final classic of the season. I say Frankie’s judgement is perfect.

    You can have a more in depth look at the St. Leger here

    The very best of luck!

  • York Ebor Festival Day Four: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day Four: Selections and Naps

    Some big winners yesterday, with Marhaba The Champ and Coltrane in the first two races. Highfield Princess just couldn’t catch Live In The Dream, and the gamble failed on Kevin Ryan’s two-year-old. But today’s a new day, and we aim to end on a high. Some interesting handicaps, plus the returns of Kinross in the City Of York Stakes.

     

    A Frankie Flourish

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    NAP: City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Kinross @ 2/1 (BetVictor)

    Kinross is starting to get into the swing of things once again. That Lennox Stakes win proved that he is the best top-class seven furlong specialist, even if Isaac Shelby posed a threat. But last year he produced his most eye-catching win on the Knavesmire before snaffling Europe’s big prizes over 1400 metres. Trainer Ralph Beckett has said that he suits York, and the similar firm conditions won’t be a problem, much like last year. It will be a perfect send-off for one Llanfranco Dettori at one of his favourite meetings, aboard, surely, one of his favourite horses.

     

    From South To North

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    E/W Bet: Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – Chichester @ 33/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    Nostrum is the pick, but Chichester is intriguing. Trawling through the form of each of the six runners that enjoys the firmer ground, with three wins on it in his career. And with some handicappers coming into the race, Chichester can improve on his Listed win over C&D in June, when winning by almost two lengths. He has the Group form and the ground and he could sneak a surprise second, not the first at York this week.

     

    Going for Hat Trick Gold

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    Handicap Best: Constantine H’cap (Heritage) – Aberama Gold @ 8/1 (General)

    Six furlong sprints are what it’s all about at York. And Aberama Gold knows all about it. In a breakout year he’s won a class two handicap by a neck, and then the Stewards’ Cup. Manila Scouse has backed up the form twice, disappointing earlier in the week however, and has claimer on board to take the heavy five pound rise in the weights down to a mere two. There has been no bias in the draw, if slightly mid-to-high, and can do the business of the rail from stall one.

    The Green Man finished third to Aberama Gold at York a month ago and has been kept fresh for the race by trainer Joseph Parr. A winner on firm ground lower down in the classes, he produced a career best with Danny Muscett on board to finish within two lengths of the winner. With the form backed up, and a five pound claimer who knows the horse well, expect the green man to cross the line in the places at 10/1 (General)

    And spare a thought for Anthem National who pulled out of the Great St. Wilfrid due to the soft ground. But at least we know he should get the ground here. Second last time out to Commanche Falls, who followed up again at Newbury, he shouldn’t be discounted just because he’s running for Philip Kirby for the first time. He can outrun his odds at 28/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – Nostrum @ 11/10 (Betfred), Chichester (E/W) @ 33/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    14:25 – Melrose H’cap (Heritage) – Lordship @ 4/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Vaguely Royal @ 11/1 (888Sport, BetVictor), Fox Journey @ 14/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)

    15:00 – City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Kinross (NAP) @ 2/1 (BetVictor)

    15:35 – Ebor H’cap (Heritage) – Live Your Dream @ 10/1 (General), Adjuvant @ 12/1 (Boylesports, BetUK), Berkshire Rocco @ 25/1 (Boylesports)

    16:10 – Constantine H’cap (Heritage) – Aberama Gold (HB) @ 8/1 (General), The Green Man @ 10/1 (General), Anthem National @ 28/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    16:45 – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Purosangue @ 7/4 (General)

    17:20 – Finale H’cap (Heritage) – Astro King @ 6/1 (888Sport, BetVictor, Betfred), Killybegs Warrior @ 16/1 (General), Marie’s Diamond @ 40/1 (BetVictor, Unibet, Betfred)

    Best of Luck!

  • York Ebor Festival Day Two: Selections and Naps

    York Ebor Festival Day Two: Selections and Naps

    We are off to a winning start, sort off, at York. Continuous put us in pole position ahead of Paddington. But Frankie had other ideas, and delivered a ride to finally knock Paddington off his perch. Today we focus on the ladies as the Yorkshire Oaks takes centre stage. Aidan O’Brien holds a strong card, and we’ll be delving into more detail below.

    Ready to Rally

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    NAP: Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Relief Rally @ 2/1 (General)

    Relief Rally raised a few eyebrows when she went to the Weatherbys Super Sprint, instead of going down a group race route. But William Haggas has come to the Ebor and has directed Relief Rally to go down the top level route. She makes the step up to six, but she won’t mind it given her breeding. And, even by her win at Newbury when she just waltzed away from the opposition. Haggas didn’t have a winner at his boyhood track, on his birthday, yesterday but will have his best chance with this daughter of Kodiac.

    Heating Up at York

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    E/W Bet: Yorkshire Oaks (Group One) – Warm Heart @ 6/1 (General)

    Savethelastdance may hog the headlines, but Warm Heart has a real chance going into this. She might not be the number one for Aidan O’Brien but she’s won on firm ground, unlike her stablemate. Her run in the Irish Oaks didn’t suit, namely the ground but it was quite slow. Expect plenty of pace up front and for Warm Heart to pick her rivals off one by one, and may even get the better of her stablemate too.

    O’Meara Of Course

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    Handicap Best: Clipper Logistics H’cap (Heritage) – Orbaan @ 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports)

    David O’Meara loves a good handicap, whether it’s at Ascot or York. And Orbaan is one of those horses that keeps cropping up in these types of races. He’s been campaigned thoroughly and has found himself dropping to a 5lb lower mark than in last year’s race, where he finished a good fourth. That drop in the handicap, plus ideal ground conditions and drawn next to Spirit Catcher who will want to be prominent, points him as the ideal candidate.

    As I explained in yesterday’s column, Northern trainers love the Ebor meeting. And Ed Bethell looks to have campaigned Point Lynas with this race in mind. His best result this season came over C&D, losing by a head to Croupier. He’s been given a break since disappointing at Royal Ascot which may play into his hands. A career high mark of 96 doesn’t put me off backing him at 12/1 (BetVictor), as he’s finished second twice at York.

    La Trinidad was in my tracker right at the start of the season and has had a very light campaign so far. Only three runs, including a win on firm ground at Doncaster, gives him a mark of 94. But with Jonny Peate claiming three pounds, he’s only on a 2lb higher mark than his previous win of 89. Which came over C&D. He has to overcome an outside draw in stall 20, but drawn next to pace may prove to be a stroke of luck. A nice big price at 28/1 (General)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Relief Rally (NAP) @ 2/1 (General)

    14:25 – Premier Yearling Stakes – Dapperling @ 12/1 (William Hill)

    15:00 – Clipper Logistics Handicap (Heritage) – Orbaan (H’cap Best) @ 10/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports), Point Lynas @ 12/1 (BetVictor), La Trinidad @ 28/1 (General)

    15:35 – Yorkshire Oaks (Group One) – Savethalastdance @ 9/2 (General), Warm Heart (E/W) @ 6/1 (General)

    16:10 – Galtres Stakes (Listed) – Sea Theme @ 4/1 (General)

    16:45 – EBF Stallions Nursery – Aragon Castle @ 5/1 (General), Expert Choice @ 6/1 (General)

    17:20 – Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage) – Unequal Love @ 100/30 (General)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2023 | Free Wind can blow Dettori to Yorkshire Oaks glory

    Ebor Festival 2023 | Free Wind can blow Dettori to Yorkshire Oaks glory

    As the Ebor Festival rolls on to Thursday, the Pertemps Network Yorkshire Oaks takes centre stage on the Knavesmire.

    The second of four British Champions Series races and the second Group 1 at York this week, the fillies and mares get their turn to show some of their own Yorkshire grit.

    For Frankie Dettori, having ridden four winners in this race, the veteran will be keen to sign off in style at Ebor, and Free Wind is his big hope.

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    Riding the Wind

    Initially, Dettori’s decision for who to ride in Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks was not an easy one.

    However, after both Epsom Oaks winner Soul Sister and Coronation Cup victor Emily Upjohn opted out, it was clear sailing.

    As the 52-year-old continues on his swansong tour, Dettori looks to snag another Group 1 this summer.

    Free Wind may not have the best of form after disappointing runs at Glorious Goodwood and Royal Ascot, but York is a track she very much likes.

    A winner of the Middleton at the start of the flat season, the 5yo would also relish a return to good ground, which is currently slated for Thursday.

    With three wins in similar conditions and with victory over a preferred trip in her only run last term, Free Wind might be timing things perfectly.

     

    O’Brien, Varian threats

    As another contest has seen its field sizeably reduced, 10 runners go to post on Thursday.

    In the antepost, Savethelastdance may well jump off the favourite for Aidan O’Brien.

    Just one blot stands on the 3yo filly’s card – June’s loss to Soul Sister – but save for that, it’s been a 100% record this season.

    With both the Cheshire and Irish Oaks in the youngster’s nose bag, the 1m4f distance looks to be her wheel-house.

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    There is just, though, the slightest question of capability on the good.

    Bluestocking, the runner-up to Savethelastdance at the Curragh last time out, also lines up to take revenge.

    On the heels of a hugely impressive 2023, Ralph Beckett still waits to see her first win of the campaign.

    As Rossa Ryan jumps on board, can the star of Amo Racing have some magic rub off?

    Of the leading contenders, perhaps though, Al Husn is the one to watch closely.

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    Arguably, silent assassin Roger Varian might fancy his chances of a big win more than the other three trainers.

    Dropping into York with three wins on the bounce, in the last eight contests, the 4yo has been beaten just once – the Dahlia Stakes.

    If punters can shop around, a 7/1 price can still be had.

    A winner in all conditions, the step-up in trip shouldn’t prove too much of an issue. Al Husn looks to be real value.

  • Four To Follow: Glorious Goodwood & Galway – Day One

    What a Saturday for Four To Follow.

    Three winners, at big prices, it couldn’t have gone much better. It sets up a fantastic week for both Glorious Goodwood and the Galway Festival, a midsummer’s treat.

    Here are four to look out for from both sides of the Irish Sea.

     

    Goodwood

    Hot Hot Hot

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    3:25 – Vintage Stakes (Group Two) – Iberian @ 9/2 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    The Vintage Stakes is always throwing up some useful two-year-olds.

    Highland Reel, Expert Eye and Pinatubo have all won this race in recent years. But the best thing is not one outfit has dominated the race, which makes the betting heat wide open.

    I’ve chosen Iberian because I liked what I saw when he won on debut, travelling smartly to the two pole when everyone around him was being hurried, and looked very professional.

    Charlie Hills isn’t going well at the moment, but he seems to have a knack with his two-year-olds, who have delivered a £27.50 profit to a £1 stake. The horse itself is out of Lope De Vega, so shouldn’t have a problem getting the seven furlong trip.

     

    Keen On Ross

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    4:00 – Lennox Stakes (Group Two) – Kinross @ 5/4 (General)

    I love Kinross. I loved him at the back-end of last season when he won three seven-furlong races on the spin. It is his true trip.

    He won the Lennox two years ago, fending off Creative Force by a neck, on soft ground. He then got chinned himself when losing to Sandrine last year on good ground.

    With the ground expected to be soft, and Frankie on board, I’m expecting another big performance from Kinross, and maybe we might see a repeat of last year’s feat.

     

    Don’t Rane On His Parade

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    4:35 – Goodwood Cup (Group One) – Coltrane @ 10/3 (Unibet)

    Courage Mon Amis was extremely impressive at Royal Ascot. Extremely impressive.

    He’s unbeaten and is ridden and trained by that familiar partnership of Dettori and Gosden. He’s also won at Goodwood this season in preparation for the Gold Cup.

    Why am I against him? Purely on experience and ground. He’s 4/4 and, like the Gold Cup, he’s up against some experienced rivals.

    Coltrane is his nearest challenger and just couldn’t produce over the 2m 4F trip last time out. This time it’s a fairer two-mile trip and Coltrane loves a bit of juice. It’s hard to know what the favourite likes as his two wins on turf have come on good-to-firm ground. Coltrane represents far better value, and can finally show off his Group One potential.

    To follow him in, I’m expecting Giavelloto to be up there. Marco Botti deliberately avoided the Gold Cup and has decided to come here. He’s versatile with the ground, so that’s not a problem and Andrea Atzeni is no jockey to be sniffed at, given his two wins on Stardivarius here.

    He won the Yorkshire Cup, which is always a good early season test, and that little loinger lay-off will have him in good nick for the contest. 14/1 (William Hill) is a perfect price.

     

    Galway

    A Nice Cup For Joe

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    6:40 – COLM QUINN BMW Mile (Premier H’cap) – Joe Masseria @ 9/1 (William Hill)

    The first big highlight of the Galway Festival is the mile handicap, which is 1m 123yds.

    Last year’s winner, Soaring Monarch is rightly at the top of the betting for being set up for this race again, but I’ve decided to go down a more active route.

    Joe Masseria is a soft ground specialist and a Galway C&D winner. He finished third on yielding ground, but that was after a break of the track since the early spring. It was a good set up for this race which looks tailor-made for him. Colin Keane is back on board, and he has a 2/3 record aboard him so looks set for another big performance.

    Gavin Cromwell has a runner in the race that looks as though he has been targeted since the end of the jumps season. Mister Wilson is a C&D winner and also loves the soft ground. A mark of 83 shouldn’t trouble him at all, after narrowly losing to twice winner of the Mile handicap Saltonstall, at Tipperary. He looks a big price at 16/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Betfred, 10Bet)

    And it wouldn’t be an Irish premier handicap without a battalion of Adrian McGuinness’ taking up nearly half the field.

    Celtic Crown catches the eye with claimer James Ryan aboard, who has a 12% strike rate which isn’t bad for a jockey with a seven-pound allowance. That takes his mark down to 84, which is a big winning mark for after he won the Emerald Mile at the Curragh in 2022 off the same mark.

    Conditions might suit, although if the ground stays heavy on the West Coast of Ireland, be wary. Small stakes at 22/1 (William Hill)

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Huk, Line And Sinker

    Four to Follow might not be in the best of form, but last week Savethelastdance, saved our blushes and this week we start anew. It’s a cracking card at Ascot, with a King George to savour, and York is also in the limelight too. Let’s see if we can Prosper for Gold up North and Huk a Bara-load of money at Ascot. Here’s this week’s four to follow…

     

    Ascot

     

    PURPLE REIGN

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    3:00 – Moet & Chandon International Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – Baradar @ 7/1 (William Hill, 888 Sport, BetVictor, Boylesports)

    As soon as I looked at the declarations on Thursday morning, my attention was immediately on him. Baradar has been one of the handicap horses to follow this season, but he’s not paid the dividends. But this looks like the race for him to do it. He’s finally off his mark of 97 and dropped a pound to 96 and has first-time cheeckpieces on, which is always a positive. Conditions are ideal, given how well he ran in the mud in the Lincoln. Plus a wide stand-side draw is boosting his chances further.

    Further down the market, our old friend Escobar is in this race for David O’Meara. The man from Malton (well Upper Helmsley) loves a big Ascot handicap and has the eye-catching booking of Frankie Dettori. He’s been dropping in the weights since his last win over C&D in October, and is down to his last winning mark. Ground conditions will be similar and a good each-way play at 16/1 (William Hill)

     

    LET’S HUK’EM

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    3:40 – King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (GROUP ONE) – HUKUM @ 5/1 (William Hill, Unibet, Betfred)

    My colleague Neil Levrett has given you a comprehensive guide to the big race, and mentioned that Hukum won’t like the ground too much. But with little rain forecast, and a prevailing wind I think the ground could dry out to good ground by the off time. But to win this race you need stamina, and what the two three-year-olds lack is stamina. Hukum has won over further, and on similar goings. Ratings go out of the window, and the form that Hukum has can put him over the rest of the field.

    Hamish is another horse I can fully get behind in the each-way market. Hamish has plenty of stamina, winning over a mile-and-six last time out. And, as mentioned before, stamina is crucial. C&D winner back in October is also a tick. But he isn’t a Group One horse, and his best success can often be found around Group Three. But with stamina, ground and trainer in form, there’s nothing stopping him causing a shock at 50/1 (General)

     

    York

     

    GIMME GIMME THE GOLD

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    2:40 – Sky Bet Dash H’cap – Aberama Gold @ 6/1 (William Hill)

    Aberama Gold has been supremely well handicapped and can build on her fifth last time out up at Ayr. Mark Winn is one of my favourite jockeys at the moment, and his crucial three pound claim can make the difference. With three pounds taken off, a winning mark of 85 comes into play. O’Meara will know that and also will know that he can perform on any sort of ground. A wide draw will help too and puts Aberama Gold closest to the money.

    Tim Easterby is another who likes to get involved with the big handicaps and has a decent hand here. Hyperfocus is the one that I’m intrigued in, as he’s great on anything with soft in the going, and a mark of 94 is doable, particularly when he finished second in a York sprint on the same mark two years ago. 16/1 (Boylesports) is too bigger price to ignore.

     

    WALKING AWAY, WITH IT

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    3:15 – Sky Bet York Stakes (Group Two) – My Prospero @ Evs (10Bet, BetUK)

    William Haggas will have has this race lined up more than seven days in advance for My Prospero. We’ve seen the Haggas team have a bit of a rise and fall this season, not producing winners at Ascot, but starting to get back on track. He ain’t giving up. You have to rewind back to 2013 when he last won this race, but York is in his DNA. My Prospero will love the ground, and can build on his two Group One runs this season, by dropping down a grade. If he doesn’t win, I shall be suffering from Insomnia for weeks.

    In other news Craig David is performing afterwards (spot the references above)

    The very best of luck!

  • 14/1 Irish Oaks Weekend Pick – Ante-post Analysis

    I think it’s fair to say that we have two horses to really look forward to following the Newmarket July Festival.

    With City Of Troy and Shaquille, Flat racing eagerly awaits both of their next moves because right now, there are two promising stars in two different divisions at two different ages. What a brilliant sight.

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    Therefore, to walk out of last week with this marks a good time for horse racing, irrespective of backing winners or losers.

    Now, with that covered, the Irish Oaks takes centre stage this weekend from the Curragh, but away from there, it is two horses running in the UK that have grabbed my attention for this week’s ante-post analysis.

     

    Return of Lanfranco

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    Frankie Dettori is set to leave the sidelines this weekend as horse racing’s most famous jockey is back in the saddle at Newbury Racecourse, and at 4/1 with William Hill, LEZOO is an interesting betting angle into the Group 3 Hackwood Stakes at 3:00.

    Firstly, she is the second-highest rated horse in the race with just Garrus one pound ahead of her, however, she receives 11 pounds from Charlie Hills’ runner and Tiber Flow, eight pounds from Curragh winner Commanche Falls, and six pounds from fellow three-year-old Cold Case.

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    That puts her clear at the weights by a good margin, partly due to being a three-year-old filly as well as being without the hindrance of a penalty in the race, something that is different for Cold Case as he shoulders a three-pound penalty for winning a Group 3 in May.

    Furthermore, a look back at her two-year-old form, specifically that Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes where she beat Mawj, Meditate, and Swingalong, reads extremely well in this Group 3 setting who are yet to break it onto the Group 1 stage.

    Hopefully, this Zoustar filly can give the returning Dettori a win this weekend in what is her easiest test of the last 12 months.

     

    Long live summer jumping

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    This weekend marks one of the feature events of the summer jump racing calendar, Market Rasen’s Summer Plate Day.

    Despite the competitiveness of the feature event, it is the race directly before that has piqued my interest, however, as LUTTRELL LAD at 16/1 with BetVictor is an interesting runner in the two-mile handicap hurdle.

    Trained by Tom Lacey and ridden by stable jockey Stan Sheppard, the seven-year-old’s first run of this year occurred at Kelso in March before his defeat by only seven lengths in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival off a mark of 133.

    Fast-forward to this weekend and following three runs since jump racing’s Olympics, his rating is officially 123, a full 10 pounds below his mark in March.

    That is a big swing in the weights for a horse who was finishing close to the likes of Pied Piper, Filey Bay, Sharjah, Ballyadam, and Highway One O Two.

    Furthermore, this weekend’s conditions could suit him better than others in the field as the ground could be riding on the softer side of good, something he has previous form with.

    At 16/1, I’d be willing to take a chance that he can still run to his County Hurdle ability off a very lenient mark.

  • Royal Ascot Day Five: Selections and Naps

    Royal Ascot Day Five: Selections and Naps

    Day Four was an up and down day at Royal Ascot. Tahiyra, tipped up by me three times, won in a messy race. And King of Steel proved his run in the Derby wasn’t a fluke. Today is the final day of what has been an incredible meeting, let’s finish on a high. Here are my Day Five picks.

    Scroll down for Selections on all seven races, live on ITV Racing and Sky Sports Racing.

    ROYAL REPEAT

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    NAP: Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes (GROUP ONE) – ROHAAN @ 10/1 (10Bet, William Hill, Boylesports, BetUK)

    Rohaan always seems to come alive at the Royal meeting. Two Wokingham’s, two wins. But now he’s too high for the handicap, but those two were just as good as Group One performances, and shouldn’t’ have trouble here. People may say that he is punching above his weight with the likes of the Aussie Artorius, and the Hong Kong raider Wellington, but I think he holds his own, especially when he’s at Ascot. His record is 4 wins out of six at the Berkshire track, and he finished fourth in a Group One last year. And, dare I say, the draw might suit him.

    Watch out for Kinross, who had a stellar season last year with many trips over the seven furlongs. He dropped back to six in the Champions Sprint Stakes here and wowed with an eye-catching performance. He’s been overtaken in the market by the two international raiders, and Highfield Princess, but he shouldn’t be discounted, particularly now with Frankie on form. Fourth-best in the market at 7/1 (Unibet, 10Bet, Betfred, William Hill).

    PYLE IN TOP GEAR

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    E/W BET: Hardwicke Stakes (Group Two) – Pyledriver @ 13/2 (Unibet, BetVictor)

    I can’t accept that Pyledriver is at that price, at course he loves, on ground he loves. He hasn’t been seen since winning the King George last year due to injuries and various setbacks, but William Muir and Chris Grassick love this horse, and won’t have run him unless he was 100% fit. He’s has lost to Hukum before, but he bounced back in the King George last year. He has some sketchy form when coming back of a break, but recently he’s been winning, and there’s no reason to say he can’t here.

    HAGGAS IN THE HANDICAP

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    Handicap Best: Wokingham Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – Khanjar @ 11/1 (BetVictor, William Hill)

    Looking at the pace map, it’s all over the shop, so draw may not matter. There is some pace coming out of stalls 25-28, and Khanjar can lock on to it from 24. Haggas has only sent out three runners, and ended up with a winner in Desert Hero. And the combination of Haggas, Crowley and Shadwell in a handicap should strike fear into their rivals. Plus his form makes for good reading; ran a good race at Hamilton (stiff track) and finished a length behind the winner. The cheek-pieces are on to sharpen him up, which is always a good sign. Plus a bit of C&D can’t go amiss.

    Looking further down the market First Folio for James Ferguson makes appeal at 25/1 (General). He has won a heritage handicap, the Macmillan Sprint at York in 2021 and finished sixth in last year’s Wokingham. He’s been given the same handicap rating as he did, but Taylor Fisher takes 5lbs off him and might give him a chance to finish a bit closer than he did last time.

    Another big price fancy is Kape Moss, who could provide a first Royal winner for Billy Loughnane. He rides for his father David, and claims a crucial 3lbs. Kape Moss may not have top class handicap form, but her last two races have been in listed company, and couldn’t just get to the winner at Haydock last time out. She’s well handicapped, and with a talented rider on board, she could spring a surprise at 28/1 (General).

    Selections:

    14:30 – Chesham Stakes (Listed) – La Guarida @ 7/1 (Boylesports)

    15:05 – Jersey Stakes (Group Three) – Olivia Maralda @ 6/1 (10Bet, Betfred, Boylesports, BetGoodwin)

    15:40 – Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (GROUP ONE) – ROHAAN (NAP) @ 10/1 (10Bet, William Hill, Boylesports, BetUK), Kinross e/w @ 7/1 (Unibet, 10Bet, Betfred, William Hill)

    16:20 – Hardwicke Stakes (Group Two) – PYLEDRIVER (E/W) @ 13/2 (Unibet, BetVictor)

    17:00 – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage H’cap) – KHANJAR (H’CAP) @ 11/1 (BetVictor, William Hill), First Folio e/w @ 25/1 (General), Kape Moss e/w @ 28/1 (General)

    17:35 – Golden Gates H’cap – Lion Of War @ 6/1 (General)

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    18:10 – Queen Alexandra Stakes – Stratum @ 5/2 (Unibet, Betfred, BetVictor), Falcon Eight e/w @ 15/2 (Unibet, BetVictor)

    Best of Luck!