I have said before that when (what was) the Whitbread and the Punchestown days have gone, apart from good days at Auteuil, it’s time to put up with flat racing until the decent jumps races start in October. Every year I start looking in September and go deep into October until it really gets going. I’ve seen a few decent candidates at Chepstow and Wincanton but now, at last, we have a really decent day’s racing tomorrow.
I’ll look at Ascot (flat) first. I’m very pleased that RUK share the coverage so I don’t have to put up with adverts just before the off from Dick Fosbury and meerkats! Don’t get me wrong. I generally like the ATR presenters and both Matt Chapman and Sean Boyce are excellent (some of the others are a bit iffy). I suspect that RUK will be allowed coverage of the races but not on site presence so we’ll have to see. I’m assuming that Channel 4 will have Clare Balding at the helm (needed for decent interviews) so channel hopping is the order of the day.
So, rather skimming through it, these are my selections from Ascot’s stellar card.
1.45 Long Distance Cup 2m The Queen’s Estimate (15/8) seems too short to me but, on softish ground and laid out for this, she cannot realistically be opposed.
2.20 Sprint Stakes 6f I’m strongly in favour of Slade Power (6/1), a consistent top performer at the highest level who now has his chance.
2.55 Filles and Mares Stakes 1m 4f Enormous money for these contenders. I take Dalkala (18/5) to beat Hot Snap (11/2) for the forecast/exacta.
3.30 QEII Stakes 1m A £1m plus race deserves top candidates and they are here. Dawn Approach (12/5) should win but, looking for value and with more than a little form analysis I’m with Olympic Glory (9/2) plus a forecast with Soft Falling Rain (11/2).
Champion Stakes 1m 2f £1.3m deserves a stunning horse. I’d all but abandoned Cirrus des Aigles (5/4), a previous winner, until last time out, when previous class was confirmed. A confident choice.
Recommendation Dalkala win, Olympic Glory win, Cirrus des Aigles win.
Now on to Cheltenham’s card, where I feel much more at home, notwithstanding the risk of early outings. I take the view that trainers who think that their horses are serious candidates for later in the season don’t give them outings at Cheltenham unless they are likely to win. I may be proved comprehensively wrong but I’m going to take the horses directly on their merit and assume all are ready.
2.00 3m Novices’ Hurdle When it’s early in the season it’s sometimes important to take a view. I have with three times winner Kilbree Kid (7/1). This is my first big bet of the day. Contrary to my introduction some of these are here for the day out. Excellent value.
2.35 2m 4f Handicap Chase This is a mix of summer and winter chasers. There are some former top performers in this one but I’m with Tony Star (12/1) with recent form and fitness. I know that this contradicts my introduction to Cheltenham but I think that this one is, on a level, good enough.
3.10 2m 110y Hurdle Sametegal (2/1). This one will breeze in. A confident selection at what should be an odds on price.
3.45 3m 110y Handicap Chase If you are doing the placepot this is the worrier. This is a challenge and one to take a firm view about. Balthazar King won a cross country at Craon last month and that’s a real challenge but surely that’s with an eye to what’s to come. I’m with Sire Collonges to dominate this at am appealing 12/1. Tour des Champs and Mister Grez (possibly ahead of the handicapper) are respected.
4.25 2m 5f Handicap Hurdle Church Field is a stand out in this race at 10/1. Forget the last race and this one is all in. Bet of the day at the odds.
5.00 2m Novices’ Chase It’s unusual to get such a good race so late in the card. I was very impressed with the recent win of the highly regarded Balder Success (6/4) and this is a gift at the price. Get on now!
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