Tom Stanley recaps what he, Declan Rix, Charlie Poste and Steve Jones are backing for this weekend’s marquee live races on ITV
Another quality Group 1 weekend and this before a week at Goodwood and Galway. Incidentally, two podcasts for you next week – Monday at 17:00 and Thursday at 13:00.
A couple of big field handicaps make plenty of betting appeal this Saturday, and we start with an intriguing renewal of the King George.
15:35 Ascot – King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes
A process of elimination here has Steve arriving at Westover off the back of his Irish Derby romp. I think he’s a bit of value against the field at 2.64 at the time of recording.
Rixy thinks the run of this and potential lack of pace (compared to last year) will suit Mishriff, whilst Charlie feels Broome will have the run of this and he’s the value. He also has a price in mind to lay Westover, which he touches on below.
- Tom – Westover
- Steve – Westover
- Rixy – Mishriff
- Charlie – Broome (w/p)
13:50 Ascot – Princess Margaret Keeneland Stakes
Charlie thinks the favourite has the best form in the race and is the one to be with. Rixy isn’t against Lezoo as such but thinks Glenlaural is underestimated based on her Thirsk run.
I’ll chance Kinta win and place given how well all-weather form can translate to the straight course at Ascot, whilst Steve feels Royal Charter is worth supporting given William Haggas is willing to pitch her up in grade so soon.
- Tom – Kinta (w/p)
- Steve – Royal Charter
- Rixy – Glenlaurel
- Charlie – Lezoo
14:05 York – Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe Handicap
Not a betting heat for Rixy or me. Charlie is with Tom Scudamore, who has the best record of the jumps boys in this. Steve makes a decent case for Leodis Dream on form and has the strongest opinion of all of us.
- Tom – No bet
- Steve – Leodis Dream (w/p)
- Rixy – No bet
- Charlie – Val De Travers
Bet Now
14:25 Ascot – Longines Valiant Stakes
The consensus here is that Zanbaq will be tough to beat. She’s drawn 1 so a cutaway wouldn’t go amiss, but either way, I’d rather be there than very wide. Rixy rates her pretty highly. Charlie is with likely leader Kind Gesture, and she could provide a trading option if travelling well on the speed.
- Tom – Zanbaq
- Steve – Zanbaq
- Rixy – Zanbaq
- Charlie – Kind Gesture (w/p)
14:40 York – Dash Handicap
Charlie and Rixy are with the in-form Gale Force Maya. It won’t be easy off 104, but she likes the track and is one of the most likely pace angles.
Aberama Gold likes it here too, and I’ll chance him (perhaps for the last time) at 9.2 win and place. Steve argues course winner Atomic Lady is overpriced at 17.5.
- Tom – Aberama Gold (w/p)
- Steve – Atomic Lady (w/p)
- Rixy – Gale Force Maya
- Charlie – Gale Force Maya
Bet Now
15:00 Ascot – International Stakes
Not much pace, argues Rixy, and he wouldn’t want to be drawn low. Dark Shift is drawn 10, and his form is working out well.
Steve is risking the sometimes unfortunate Tactical back in trip, while Charlie thinks Ropey Guest has run two good races before this and is overpriced.
I think course and distance winner Raising Sand is a monster price and Top Secret is worth a go, drawn highest of all.
- Tom – Raising Sand & Top Secret w/p
- Steve – Tactical
- Rixy – Dark Shift
- Charlie – Ropey Guest (w/p)
15:15 York – York Stakes
I’ll chance Sir Busker up in trip. Elsewhere there’s a Claymore debate going on. Steve can’t understand the negativity, and neither can Charlie.
Rixy argues he got his own way in a race not up to scratch last time, and he’s worth taking on.
- Tom – Sir Busker
- Steve – Claymore
- Rixy – Lay Claymore
- Charlie – Claymore
Any Other Bets
- Steve – Lethal Levi (15:07 Newmarket)
- Charlie – Carazon (17:20 Ascot)
Best Lays
- Tom – Lay Saga 2.5 or shorter (16:45 Ascot)
- Rixy – Lay Claymore 3.0 or shorter (15:15 York)
- Charlie – Westover 2.25 or less (15:35 Ascot)
Best Bets
- Tom – Raising Sand (15:00 Ascot)
- Steve – Lethal Levi (15:07 Newmarket)
- Rixy – Zanbaq (14:25 Ascot)
- Charlie – Lezoo (13:50 Ascot)
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