Just the six races at Ascot (1.20-4.15) on Saturday but no shortage of quality with four races at Group 3/Listed level and the Challenge Cup Handicap a competitive affair in between times.
You can watch all the Ascot action – as well as every race from the UK and Ireland – via live streaming when logged into MansionBet. Our tipster looks to find some winners on the card at Ascot for Saturday afternoon.
1.20 John Guest Racing British EBF Stakes (Fillies’ And Mares’ Listed, 7f)
This race revolves around market leader Daahyeh for Roger Varian. She won the Albany here at the Royal Meeting last summer, bagged a Newmarket Group 2 in the autumn and was a fine second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf after that. She could be much too good but her well-being/fitness is taken on trust after 337 days out and therefore the price looks short.
The unbeaten LEAFHOPPER rates an interesting contender for John Gosden in Godolphin blue. She was a very easy winner at Catterick a fortnight ago on just her second start and first of this calendar year. She’s taking a jump in class now but a double-figure price allows for that. The Dark Angel filly could have plenty to offer.
Selection: Leafhopper @ 10/1
1.55 – tote.co.uk Rous Stakes (Listed, 5f)
A wide open sprint in which Dakota Gold will probably burst away and lead. Doncaster winner Tarboosh had a few of these behind last time while Tis Marvellous loves this place and should be in the mix. A speculative chance is taken on HAREEM QUEEN for the Karl Burke yard. She was progressive on the all-weather over the winter and didn’t seem to give her best in a Newmarket Group 3 in June. A stiff 5f here should suit and she could stay on late for a piece of the action at a massive price.
Selection: Hareem Queen @ 33/1
2.30 – tote.co.uk Cumberland Lodge Stakes (Group 3, 1m4f)
We didn’t find out much about LOGICIAN at Doncaster on his return, save for the fact that he’s well, can still run and remains unbeaten. This is a more severe test of his credentials but one that last year’s unbeaten St Leger winner can pass on what is a massive weekend for his connections.
Selection: Logician @ 8/11
3.05 – tote.co.uk Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap, 7f)
Clive Cox and Adam Kirby are enjoying a good time of things and River Nymph can have a major say despite being clattered with an 11lb rise in the ratings for his Newbury win. The market has found him however and each-way possibilities are held by the very consistent ADMIRALITY, second in the Ayr Silver Cup last time and looking to end a succession of near misses.
Selection: Admirality @ 14/1
3.40 – John Guest Racing Bengough Stakes (Group 3, 6f)
Cape Byron won this a year ago and discounting his chance on the basis he’s been off for 350 days isn’t advisable. He can go well fresh but there are lots of dangers. The improving three-year-old Brad The Brief is one and Tom Dascombe’s gelding is a solid each-way contender. Preference is for THE TIN MAN. James Fanshawe’s charge is a dual Group 1 winner in his pomp and last month’s Sprint Cup effort at Haydock showed he retains plenty of dash. Ground conditions won’t trouble him and this ease in grade can provide him with another chance to score at Ascot.
Selection: The Tin Man @ 10/3
4.15 – John Guest Racing Handicap (5f)
Many with chances in the finale and amongst these is CELSIUS for trainer Tom Clover. He was well held in this contest (fifth) when Pendleton won last year. He’s also rated 5lb higher now but he’s a stronger and more mature horse at four. After a winning comeback at Haydock in June, he’s been consistent in five runs since without success, narrowly missing out at Newmarket (5f, soft) in July and over this C&D last month (good). He’s got solid claims alongside the likes of Arecibo and Orvar.
Selection: Celsius @ 11/1
* All odds correct at time of writing