ASCOT

1:50 G3 Fillies’

Minnetonka (Ryan Moore)

Things didn’t pan out for her at Newmarket last time and to be honest I don’t think she was in love with the going as well because it was quite tacky and she loves top of the ground, as her easy victory on debut at Salisbury will testify. Mark my words, she’s a very good filly and I’ll be disappointed if she isn’t in the money.

3:40 G1 King George

Unfortunately no runner for us but it will still be a great race to watch and a very competitive renewal, despite just the six runners. I think Westover was very good in the Irish Derby last time and he is the one they all have to catch. Emily Upjohn is still an unknown quantity and probably should have won the Oaks and Mishriff is a hardy colt who will certainly give Ralph’s horse something to think about!

4:10 Listed

Bajan Bandit (Cieren Fallon)

He couldn’t have made a better start than when showing a good attitude to win at Salisbury on his first run and I’d like to think he’s improved a bit since then, too. This is a typically competitive Listed race and it’s likely to turn out to be a good renewal but I like this colt and we’ve won it with the likes of Chindit and Toronado in previous years.

4:45 Handicap

Tacarib Bay (Rossa Ryan)

He’s not turned out to be the Guineas horse I hoped he might but he’s still a smart animal and I was delighted to see him get his head back in front in Handicap company at Haydock last time. That will have done his confidence a lot of good and he’s been in great shape at home since. I am slightly worried about the ground because his best form is with lots of give but we’re putting the cheek pieces on to try and sharpen him up and he shouldn’t have any problem going back up in trip.

NEWMARKET

1:27

The Parent (Pat Dobbs)

He’s a very nice colt by Frankel who shaped with plenty of promise on his first run at Sandown despite running very green, and he will obviously have learnt plenty that day. This could end up being a decent Maiden, but on his debut run he’d have to be one of our best chances of the day.

Indian Renegade (Neil Callan)

We’ve had a few niggly issues with him but he is a colt with plenty of ability and is learning all the time. I do, however, think he’ll be better once he gets a mark and we can place him accordingly.

3:07

Witch Hunter (Pat Dobbs)

He’s still quite lightly raced, and I maintain he’s a decent horse, but for various reasons things haven’t really gone his way and he missed the break at Newmarket last time which meant he was always on the back foot. This smaller field will help, and we’ll place him handy, so there shouldn’t really be any excuses.

3:42

Pure Dreamer (Sean Levey)

He didn’t get the best of runs at Doncaster over seven furlongs last time but still ran extremely well to only get beaten ¾ of a length giving 9lbs to the eventual winner. The drop back in trip is a very obvious plus and he goes on any ground.

YORK

3:50

Tessa (David Egan)

She’s a very speedy filly who showed a good attitude (over seven furlongs) at Newmarket last time when only beaten a head. That was a very encouraging display and she is getting better with each run. The step back down to six is a positive and the long straight will also be to her liking.

EVENING RUNNERS 

We’ve got plenty of runners this evening and hopefully a winner or two among them.

Of the three in the Salisbury Maiden at 6:00, I’d have to nominate Signcastle City as our best chance. He would’ve needed his first run at the July Course earlier this month but has learnt a lot from it and I’ll be surprised if he’s not capable of making his presence felt. Talis Evolvere and Brasilian Princess are both nice horses but I do expect them to come on for the experience.

Salcombe Storm has been working well, and is ready to run, so I wouldn’t be entirely surprised to see him run encouragingly in the 7:10 at Lingfield if he can overcome his inexperience. I’m hoping the step down in trip helps Sandy Paradise in the 6:40 and Loquace in the 8:10.