It’s a busy weekend on ITV with the racing action on Saturday warming us up for a nine-race extravaganza on Sunday, from the meetings at York, Newbury and the Curragh.
Let’s get straight to it and start at York. Here’s what has caught my eye.
York 13:55 – Ventura Rebel
We kick off with the Listed King Charles II Stakes over 7 furlongs. Boccaccio could be miles better than these, but he will have to be pretty good to defeat the Commonwealth Cup third VENTURA REBEL who has each-way claims at the very least.
The Richard Fahey-trained colt, ridden by Tony Hamilton, looked sure to enjoy another furlong on the back of a running on effort behind Golden Horde.
York 14:30 – Arecibo
Next at York is a handicap over 5 furlongs and this is tough. ARECIBO is very hard to catch right, but could easily land this on a going day for David O’Meara.
He was a real eye-catcher at Ascot last time behind Jawwaal, but he has been an eye-catcher many times before. Hopefully, he can be on his best form for Danny Tudhope.
York 15:05 – Breathtaking Look
Some class here with a Group 3 for fillies over 6 furlongs. This is a strong betting heat at the level with big odds up for grabs.
BREATHTAKING LOOK has each-way claims for Stuart Williams and Ben Curtis. My hope stays this trip strong and ran really well at Newmarket a couple of runs ago before being outclassed in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot.
Newbury 14:15 – Nahaarr
The action here starts with a handicap over 6 furlongs. The one who should take some beating is NAHAARR, trained by William Haggas and the mount of Tom Marquand.
A progressive type, Nahaarr ran well at Ascot last time when third behind Chiefofchiefs in the Silver Wokingham and should give us a strong shout here.
Newbury 14:50 – Get It
Next at Newbury is the big Super Sprint for youngsters over 5 furlongs. I always find this type of event a bit of a nightmare, but GET IT has every chance of losing the maiden tag.
The Clive Cox inmate gives Liam Keniry a big chance after a fourth in the Windsor Castle at Royal Ascot won by Tactical. That form looks strong and he only has 8st 9lb to carry here.
Newbury 15:25 – Prince Eiji
A Listed race here over 1m 2f and I want to give PRINCE EIJI another chance for Roger Varian and David Egan.
The lightly raced son of Dubawi was fourth of 13 at Ascot behind Mountain Angel in the Wolferton, and this is a slight drop in grade for me even though both races carry Listed class. There might be more to come.
Newbury 16:00 – Reshoun
Lastly, a handicap over an extended 2m and it’s a very competitive heat. RESHOUN might run well here for Ian William and Jim Crowley.
My selection was a good winner on the artificial at Kempton towards the end of last season, but goes well on turf and was not disgraced when fourth at Newmarket last time. Stamina is no issue and he should have an each-way chance.
Curragh 15:45 – A’Ali
The first Irish race to enjoy is the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes over 5 furlongs. This looks a match between the youngster A’ALI and Make A Challenge, proven across the Irish Sea.
I’d be very much with the former. The Simon and Ed Crisford runner was a hot juvenile and bounced back to form last time. He can pounce late under Colin Keane.
Curragh 16:15 – Ridenza
And finally, the Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes for fillies and mares over 1m 1f. I’m tempted to give RIDENZA an each-way chance here at decent odds.
Michael Halford’s runner was a winning juvenile who looked badly in need of further when running on strongly over a mile on seasonal debut. She looks useful and has Ronan Whelan on top.
So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You Hear me Paddy?
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Matt Chapman’s tips summary:
York 13:55 – Ventura Rebel
York 14:30 – Arecibo
York 15:05 – Breasthtaking Look
Newbury 14:15 – Nahaarr
Newbury 14:50 – Get It
Newbury 15:25 – Prince Eiji
Newbury 16:00 – Reshoun
Curragh 15:45 – A’Ali
Curragh 16:15 – Ridenza
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