ITV races preview
The betting market loves an Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore runner with a string of ones next to its name, and why not. It is just possible, however, that the enthusiasm for Caravaggio’s July Cup chance has got out of hand. Everything panned out beautifully for him at Royal Ascot but his time was a second and a half slower than the following day’s Diamond Jubilee.
The first three from that race take him on here and I am inclined to give Tasleet (4.35) a chance, at odds of 10-1, to prove he was unlucky that day. His momentum was checked close to home when Limato edged towards him, intimidated by The Tin Man, who also looks underestimated here at 8-1.
It could even be that Limato was hard done by on that occasion but it looked as though he was bullied out of the Ascot prize. That makes him an unattractive second favourite in another hot race. The forecast morning rain is also a pity from his point of view.
1.55 York A winner over this course and distance at the Ebor meeting last year when beating 16 rivals, Arcanada is only 6lb higher now. He has had a good break since coming fourth in a hot race at Meydan.
2.10 Ascot There was a lot to like about the way Kyllang Rock travelled in a Listed race at Haydock last time, even though he could not catch the all-the-way winner. They pulled three lengths clear and he may still be ahead of his rating, despite a 5lb rise. This return to a drier surface should help.
2.30 York This ought to be straightforward for Barsanti, a strong-finishing second in the Hardwicke when last seen. He has run well on all three visits here and the step back up in trip should help.
2.50 Newmarket Repeatedly unlucky in Ascot’s Britannia, City Of Joy can resume winning ways here.
3.05 York The eye goes first to Sixties Groove, a frustrating fifth at Royal Ascot last time, but this step back in trip could be a problem. Much can be said for a course specialist and Master Carpenter’s two best wins came on his only two visits to this track, including when landing this prize two years ago from only 1lb lower.
3.25 Newmarket The draw might end up having a part to play here, the stands side having seemed the place to be this week. Tabarrak shoulders top weight but also did that when a fine fifth in the Hunt Cup and might be more comfortable on this slightly easier surface. A prominent racer in stall one with Ryan Moore up for the first time, he has a lot going for him.
3.50 Ascot Dropping below Group One level for the first time since winning this race last year, Mutakayyef should be a strong favourite. His second place behind Ribchester in the Queen Anne is easily the best form on offer.
4.00 York A likeable fifth in the Coventry Stakes, Aqabah has proved more and is likely to be a better price than the Irish raider Gustav Klimt.
4.15 York With three successive wins Judicial has at last become the horse he promised to be three years ago. He may not have finished improving yet.
Tips for all Saturday races
Newmarket 1.45 Sizzling 2.15 Inshiraah 2.50 City Of Joy 3.25 Tabarrak 4.00 Aqabah 4.35 Tasleet 5.05 Silken Dancer
Ascot 1.40 Puchita 2.10 Kyllang Rock 2.40 Banditry 3.15 Mittens 3.50 Mutakayyef 4.25 Christopher Wood 5.00 Euro Nightmare 5.35 Saluti
Chester 1.50 Ginbar 2.25 Queen In Waiting 3.00 Jungle Cat 3.35 Here And Now 4.10 Parys Mountain 4.40 Cornborough 5.10 Valentino Boy
York 1.55 Arcanada 2.30 Barsanti 3.05 Master Carpenter (nap) 3.40 Royal Household 4.15 Judicial 4.45 Theydon Grey 5.15 John Kirkup
Salisbury 5.50 Strategic 6.20 Swanton Blue 6.50 Robin Weathers 7.20 Mamdood 7.50 Solo Mission 8.20 High Wells 8.50 Standing Rock
Hamilton 6.05 Undercover Brother 6.35 Dutch Dream 7.05 Kenny The Captain 7.35 Northwest Frontier 8.05 Detailed (nb) 8.35 Pronounced 9.05 Sweetasever
