After five days of Glorious Goodwood on ITV the terrestrial network is back busy as ever this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday.
Let’s get straight into the Saturday action, with four races from Ascot, a couple from Haydock and one from Newmarket to enjoy.
Here’s what has tickled my fancy:
13:50 Ascot – Dazzling Dan
First up is a handicap over 6 furlongs. DAZZLING DAN will be reasonable each-way odds and might go well for Pam Sly and Adam Kirby.
My hope has a big weight to carry, but he’s come down the rankings a few pounds and was not disgraced at Newbury last time. He has one good run at Ascot in the past.
14:25 Ascot – Shelir
In handicap company again here, but this time over 1m. I’ve tipped SHELIR a couple of times recently and there’s no doubt in my mind he’s a well handicapped horse ready to win something.
David O’Meara is the trainer and Danny Tudhope takes the ride. If he repeats his fifth in the Buckingham Palace Stakes, he’ll take some stopping.
15:00 Ascot – Australis
This is another handicap but up to 2m this time. AUSTRALIS has a huge chance in this after his second in the Northumberland Plate and success at Wolverhampton.
He’s up another 6lbs on this occasion, but he’s improving fast for Roger Varian and David Egan and might be hard to stop if going well on the grass. He does have turf form.
15:25 Ascot – Look Closely
The finale at Ascot is a handicap over 1m 4f. LOOK CLOSELY has gone up 8lb in the handicap for a fine success from the front last time and he might be able to repeat this trick even off a higher mark. Varian trains again and Andrea Atzeni rides for his retainer.
14:05 Haydock – Veracious
Listed company for this event for fillies and mares over 1m. I’m being dull here, but there’s no doubt VERACIOUS is the one to beat for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore.
My hope is easily the best of these on ratings and while she makes her seasonal debut, she should be too good. Last term she was fourth in the QEII with Mohaather behind!
14:40 Haydock – Global Giant
A Group 3 to enjoy here over 1m 2f and there is another favourite who is hard to get away from in GLOBAL GIANT.
Trained by John Gosden and the mount of Frankie Dettori, the selection was impressive when Dettori’s only ride of the day at Newbury last time. He looks a progressive horse and stays well.
15:20 Newmarket – Dubai Fountain
Just the one race from Newmarket, but it’s a decent Group 3 for youngsters over 7 furlongs. Some lightly raced types open to improvement like Fly Miss Helen and Spirit of Bermuda.
But, they will have to be pretty good to catch DUBAI FOUNTAIN, who will be tough to crack from the front. Mark Johnston’s juvenile ran green at Sandown last time, but Silvestre de Sousa can make her mind up here.
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:
13:50 Ascot – Dazzling Dan
14:25 Ascot – Shelir
15:00 Ascot – Australis
15:25 Ascot – Look Closely
14:05 Haydock – Veracious
14:40 Haydock – Global Giant
15:20 Newmarket – Dubai Fountain
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