Jason Weaver: A magnificent seven from Saturday at Ascot and York

13:50 Ascot

Royal Intervention was very impressive when bolting up at Newmarket in unlisted company, winning by a long-looking four-and-a-half lengths. A touch awkward leaving the starting stalls, she quickly got into stride and just about made all. Each of these contenders are open to improve but she clearly sets the standard.

14:05 York

Culturati returns from a 413-day absence and has also had the gelding operation. On five racecourse appearances is yet to finish out of the first two, winning on three occasions. He also has winning form at York and the fact they are persevering with him as a five year old suggests he is not at his ceiling yet.

14:25 Ascot

Corrosive has excellent course-and-distance winning form and his overall profile is that of a horse still very much on the up. He only failed by the head at Newmarket last time and was nailed right on top of the winning line. The hottest jockey at the moment, James Doyle, gets the leg up and with plenty of pace in the lineup patient tactics will be applied.

14:40 York

Tommy Taylor brings in some very solid course-and-distance form on the Knavesmire. From just three outings so far this season the handicapper is giving him every opportunity, having dropped him 9lbs and that sees him sit on a very attractive handicap mark of 98. There hasn’t been a massive bias high or low so his middle draw is not a problem.

15:00 Ascot

Shady McCoy ran an absolute cracker to be beaten by only half a length in the Bunbury Cup. At the July meeting, he was first of a group of five racing alone against the bulk of the field. The champion jockey also takes over in the saddle and the selection can prove how well-treated he is running off the same mark.

15:15 York

Admittedly, Elargam is on a recovery mission after disappointing in the Irish 2000 Guineas. His return to action this year at headquarters was an excellent effort, beaten only by two-and-a-quarter lengths behind Saxon Warrior. Dropping slightly in grade and going up in distance all look positives to get him back on the right road, and this could launch him back into the big time.

15:40 Ascot

Cracksman is only going to take his opportunity provided that the rain arrives and if it does he’s going to look an incredibly big price at around 5/2. Let’s not forget his reappearance run over in France when he was absolutely spectacular. However, if the rain does not arrive this could be a match up between the two Sir Michael Stoute trained runners and preference goes to Poets Word in the big one of the afternoon, but let’s hope it rains and Cracksman fights back.