Our Director of Racing Paddy Desmond stepped into Frank Hickey’s gargantuan shoes on this week’s From The Horse’s Mouth podcast to help Ruby Walsh and Paddy Power preview another stellar weekend of racing on both sides of the Irish Sea.
You can check out the whole podcast below which features tips for all the big races coming up over the next few days. But first, we thought it was only right to put Mr Desmond through his paces as we bring you his best bets and a NAP for Saturday and Sunday.
13:50 at Ascot on Saturday – Twaasol, Chindit (e/w)
I think there’s two of interest in this race. Twassol, who was really impressive first time up at Windsor, put in a fast time when carried across the track and then followed up at Epsom.
The other one is Chindit for Richard Hannon. That yard’s absolutely flying at the moment and they always seem to come on for their first run. This one actually won on debut so I’ll take Chindit each way and Twaasol for win purposes.
14:25 at Ascot on Saturday – Mutamaasik
I like Mutamaasik. He went off favourite at Newmarket after running at Ascot. That day at Ascot he was drawn on the wrong side and I thought he looked like a horse to keep an eye on next time. So I think, with him back at Ascot, I’ll go Mutamaasik.
15:35 at Ascot on Saturday – Enable
There’s a lot of talk around how tactics will play a big part here. I think that’s a bit overplayed. There was a similar field size when Enable won the Yorkshire Oaks when she was up against Magical.
I don’t think that’s an issue here. Either Sovereign will make it or Enable will make it. I think every time you look at Enable’s form, it suggests she should win this.
It’s pretty well documented that she wasn’t fit first time out whereas Japan had had a run and Japan still couldn’t finish in front of her. I think Enable should be shorter and I think she’ll win.
14:40 at York on Saturday – Elarqam (NAP)
This is still one of my strongest fancies for the weekend with the price. I think it should be closer to 6/4 and probably will go there. Elarqam’s form here stands miles out.
When you look at his runs at York, he was actually quite unlucky not to win the Juddmonte last year. Japan was in there and that’s a much bigger, better standard than this race.
I think Telecaster is the only danger so I’d be very strong on Elarqam.
14:55 at the Curragh on Sunday – Magical
I think Magical’s just streets ahead of these here. Her form stands out a mile and to be honest it’s a pity she isn’t at Ascot.
15:05 at Ascot on Sunday – Shimmering (e/w)
If Billesdon Brook runs I’ll probably be against her. She never runs well at Ascot. Miss O’Connor may not get declared because we’re going to softer ground.
I’d be prepared to give Shimmering a chance for John Gosden. Ran poor enough in the 1,000 Guineas at a very big price. She’s only had three runs and at the price, maybe Shimmering each way may be the play.
Paddy’s From The Horse’s Mouth best bet of the weekend
Elarqam in the York race on Saturday.
Paddy Desmond’s Tips for this weekend’s racing
Saturday
13:50 Ascot Twaasol, Chindit (e/w)
14:25 Ascot Mutamaasik
14:40 York Elarqam (NAP)
15:35 Ascot Enable
Sunday
14:55 Curragh Magical
15:05 Ascot Shimmering (e/w)
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