3:00 Ascot
Betfred Heritage Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+)
BURNING CASH (8) recorded two narrow margin victories over this distance recently. Progressing quickly and can complete a hat-trick. TABDEED (4) was well beaten tackling 1m 2f at this track last time however had previously finished third in two Listed races. Cannot be ruled out. ZARZYNI (1) finished fourth in the G3 Palace House Stakes when last seen and is respected back in a handicap. EQUALITY (11) finished third in a competitive handicap last month and might be involved.
3:35 Ascot
Fred Cowley MBE Memorial Summer Mile Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+)
MUTASAABEQ (4) managed second in the G2 bet365 Mile in April before finishing third in the G3 Diamond Stakes next time. A strong contender in this contest. CHINDIT (2) was beaten 8L fourth in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes here last month. Might find things easier. MY OBERON (5) returned from a break scoring in a Listed event and is worth another chance at this level. MODERN NEWS (3) was narrowly beaten by My Oberon when they last met and may reverse form.
1:45 York
John Smith’s Racing Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-100)
YOUNG FIRE (1) went well on the soft going at Haydock and with conditions now more to his liking could have a role to play despite giving weight to all. SCOTTISH SUMMIT (3) holds claims on best form though did fail to fire at Redcar when last seen and might bounce back. EILEAN DUBH (7) won at Hamilton and this circuit but failed to show much at Pontefract when last seen. Will need to provide more. BLUE FOR YOU (5) is a stable-mate of the main selection and with Danny Tudhope booked could be in the mix.
2:20 York
John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes (Group 3) (Class 1) (4yo+)
A disappointing turnout for a G3 with just the three competitors. WITHOUT A FIGHT (3) is the main selection having come good over course and distance in latest under this jockey. Replicating that effort might be enough. JOHN LEEPER (1) can again chase him home having produced a solid effort when they met in the aforementioned contest. THUNDEROUS (2) is likely to make the running and try to battle on from the front
2:55 York
John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap (Class 4) (4yo+ 0-80)
DANNI CALIFORNIA (3) holds her form well and again ran with credit when second at Thirsk. Steps up considerably in trip and looks capable of running a huge race under Danny Tudhope. WITHAM RIVER (6) is coming along nicely. Produced a good performance at Ripon and holds claims in this open looking contest. FLINT HILL (7) finished second at Pontefract the past two outings and might be in the mix on the back of those efforts. GIFT OF RAAJ (8) scored well when last seen at Doncaster and is another who may prove competitive.
3:30 York
John Smith’s Nursery Handicap (Class 4) (2yo 0-85)
This could go to SANKS A MILLION (8) who ran with credit in his opening two races. Managed to score at Chester subsequently and can continue to show progress in this. JAXTA (7) holds claims under Silvestre De Sousa. Won well at Ripon when last seen and could be thereabouts. EXPLICIT (4) provided enough in recent starts to suggest he might be in the mix representing Mark Johnson. ROCK OPERA (2) warrants thought.
2:05 Newmarket
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) (3yo 0-100)
William Haggas won this last year and may well do so again with KIDWAH (3). Unbeaten in both outings to date he impressed striding clear for a 4.5L success at Redcar and is taken to make light work of this opening mark on handicap debut raised to 1400m. Hat-trick seeking TRUELY ACLAIMED (2) arrives in great condition and might provide the main danger following a head victory at Ayr. MISS CAROL ANN (1) is interesting now handicapping on the back of a fair seventh among Listed company at Carlisle. GOLDEN SPICE (4) could return to form.
2:40 Newmarket
bet365 Mile Handicap (Class 2) (3yo 0-100)
BAY OF HONOUR (4) represents last years winning connections and is considered in this competitive three-year-old handicap. The Charlie Appleby colt battled on at Thirsk over this trip and holds strong claims now handicapping for a stable going well. LAASUDOOD (3) created a nice impression giving weight to all making a winning handicap debut at Doncaster. Form of his Nottingham second prior is solid and it’s hard to envisage him not being involved up 3.5kg. JIMI HENDRIX (5) was a good third in the Britannia Stakes (Handicap) at Royal Ascot and must be respected. BE LUCKY MY SON (8) is also noted.
3:15 Newmarket
bet365 Superlative Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (2yo)
Charlie Appleby has won a staggering four of the last six renewals of this 1400m G2 for two-year-olds and it looks telling he relies solely on VICTORY DANCE (5). This well built son of Dubawi showed an excellent attitude to narrowly beat a more experienced rival over course and distance on debut and looks an exciting prospect. LION OF WAR (4) impressed winning by 10L under a penalty at Newcastle and is clearly a colt with talent. ISAAC SHELBY (3) produced a smart winning debut at Newbury and is considered. DARK THIRTY (1) wasn’t disgraced managing fifth in the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Rates next best.
3:50 Newmarket
bet365 Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)
Five of the last six winners of this competitive handicap have come from stall thirteen or higher and with that in mind a chance is taken on ROPEY GUEST (13) at a nice each-way price. Big-field handicaps often bring out the best in him and may go well following a good 1L second in the Buckingham Palace Stakes (Handicap) at Royal Ascot. Claims by SAMBURU (17) are there for all to see as he is due to go up 4kg for a good seventh in the G3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. MONTASSIB (10) produced a fair fifth behind the main selection at Royal Ascot and is worth considering granted better luck in running though will have a low draw to contend with. IL BANDITO (16) and STAR OF ORION (9) hold place claims.
