One week after sending out the one-two in the Derby, John Gosden looks well placed to take the glory in another Saturday TV race, thanks to Waady (2.55). Sandown’s Scurry Stakes is some way below the Epsom Classic in the pecking order of prestigious Flat races but victory here will help to carry Gosden’s team on to Royal Ascot in good heart.
In his first two runs of the year, Waady showed enough talent to suggest he might also be turning up at the royal meeting and indeed he still holds an entry in Friday’s Commonwealth Cup. That looks ambitious if one accepts his fourth place in a Listed contest last time as the measure of his ability but the race worked out poorly for him.
He was drawn on what looked the less favoured half of the track and did best of those from the top half of the starting stalls. The winner has since landed a Group Two, while Waady may be suited by this drop back in trip on what should be a faster surface.
1.45 Sandown
The Queen had a winner on this card last year and it is possible her trainers try to start her Ascot week on a high with horses not quite good enough to go there. Awesome Power looked aptly named when breaking his maiden in November and the red-hot William Haggas will have him ready.
2.00 York
Here is the British debut of Sarah O’Brien, from an Irish training family you may know. She has ridden bumper winners in all of her last four rides and gets the leg-up on Ralphy Lad, seeking his fourth straight win.
2.20 Sandown
Jacob Black is tempting after making all in a similar race here last time but his stablemate Santefisio has dropped to a very fair mark and seems to be running into form. He could go well at big odds.
2.35 York
Rachel Richardson has done well when riding for Tim Easterby this season and her claim may help One Word More turn things around with So Beloved, who beat him here last month.
3.10 York
The conditions mean Wannabe Yours carries no penalty for his Group Three win last year and I can overlook his flop in a Group Two when last seen, when he got warm beforehand.
3.25 Musselburgh
The betting suggested Fast Track would need his reappearance last month but he ran a fair race. He is only 5lb higher than when winning a valuable Newmarket handicap last year. Hopefully the ground will remain on the fast side.
3.45 York
Conversely, the forecast rain here should suit Twilight Son, who won in taking fashion on fast ground last time but is thought likely to be better with some give. He is the latest speedy sort from Henry Candy’s yard and should have plenty more to offer.
