FRIDAY 24.7.20
Michael Bell has a healthy recent strike rate when sending
runners to Beverley and I think he can only improve that today. BOTTOM BAY has ran two nice races so
far this season and shown more than enough ability to suggest he is capable of
winning off his current mark. The undulations of Beverley are an unknown but he
looks a well balanced horse at face value and he will have maximum help in the
saddle with young Cieren Fallon taking off a few pound. At 11/2 he looks a nice
bet.
Undulating
tracks galore today with Beverley, Newmarket & Ripon all hosting cards. My
second selection comes at Ripon and in the shape of THE TRADER for Mark Johnston. His form the last day is rock solid
and his win the time before that on good ground will stand him in good stead
here. He struggled for consistency last term but has now put two runs together
which bodes well and suggests he may be a better, more mature horse this year.
The handicapper has nudged him up a pound for the last day but that won’t
hinder him too much and he looks to hold an outstanding chance here.
Beverley 2.25 – Bottom Bay – 1pt win
Ripon 7.25 – The Trader – 1pt win
Sat 25.7.20
A jam packed Saturday of action where my attention is drawn
to my beloved Ascot. I’m happy to leave the maidens and novice races alone but
I am keen to get stuck in on the main action. The 7f heritage handicap looks a
filthy handicap but I will be disappointed if the David O’Meara pair ARBALET and SHELIR can’t get involved. I’ve waited for Arbalet to run over 7f
at Ascot since O’Meara has taking over the training of him as he loves it here
and has performed with credit in similar races off much higher marks. I’ve
found it strange that he has ran so often in recent months and it does worry me
he isn’t as fresh as some of the others but his love for Ascot is as strong as
mine and therefore I think he is definitely worth a punt with Atzeni in the
saddle.
His stablemate,
Shelir, was a profitable tip in this column at the Royal meeting and providing
the rain stays away, I think he can play a part here too. O’Meara excels with
these high profile kick outs and the way he travelled over CD in June suggests
he shouldn’t be too far away here. He got stuck in the mud last time but did
travel well up to a point and with Tom Marquand in the saddle I can see a big
run forthcoming.
The
3.00 is an interesting handicap and the fancied runners do have to give a bit
of weight away. I’m a big fan of how Ryan Moore rides the straight track at
Ascot and I have got good vibes about his presence aboard EVENING SUN. He has a bit to find with Tsar and Johan but I
wouldn’t be surprised if he is hiding plenty from the handicapper. He made a
nice return at Newmarket last time out and his form behind King Leonidas last
term looks strong so he has to be worth a punt here at 6/1.
I’ve
made no secret of the regard I hold JAPAN
in and I hope tomorrow is finally his day. He obviously takes a couple of
runs to reach peak fitness as last season confirms and now stepped back up to
1m 4f I think he has an outstanding chance of reversing the form with Enable.
The fact there are four runners doesn’t really make it any easier as it could
turn quite tactical but I hope Ryan Moore can outsmart Frankie up the straight
and show everybody the horse I think Japan is.
Final
punt at Ascot is a real mind bender. DREAMWEAVER
has been on my watchlist for a good amount of time and I really like his
chances at Ascot tomorrow in a competitive handicap. The problem I have is the
rider. For whatever reason me and Luke Morris just don’t get on, he is a very
able jockey as his record and reputation suggests but when we team up, the
results aren’t good. However, I’m that convinced Dreamweaver is well
handicapped, I’m hoping he can break my Morris hoodoo. The trip, ground and
track should all suit and his win at Haydock last time was rather cosy. His
stable are in good form and everything is set for a big run.
Ascot 2.25 – Arbalet – 1pt e/w
- Shelir – 1pt e/w
Ascot 3.00 – Evening Sun – 1pt e/w
Ascot 3.35 – Japan – 1pt win
Ascot 4.10 – Dreamweaver – 0.5pts e/w
