As we approach what is essentially the middle of summer, we have a great treat for you in store this weekend, as popular race venues, Ascot and York host what is likely to be some riveting racing action and, I’m sure it will be intriguing.
Coincidentally, both courses have an air of prestige about them, York indeed having held the famous ‘Royal Ascot’ event, way back in 2005 while its usual home was undergoing redevelopment.
I remember this well – having grown up in York, there was hardly a spare bed in the city, every hotel was booked up and the traffic was gridlocked. A superb spectacle though as thousands came out to see The Majesty, Her Queen.
Anyway, this weekend, we have a number of runners to keep an eye on in some big races, so, let’s jump right in.
Who Are The Picks At Ascot?
The Ascot King George Weekend meeting is sure to throw up some brilliant viewing and there are some notable races.
I’ve earmarked the Princess Margaret Stakes as one of these, with the highly regarded Dubawi filly, Dance To The Music, being one to watch for me and I’m encouraged by notable trainer, Charlie Appleby’s words on her.
He said: “Dance To The Music has done well physically since winning at Newmarket. She is stepping up to Pattern company for the first time and it’s a fact-finding mission. The form of her race has worked out well and we are hopeful that she can be competitive at this level.”
Meanwhile, I also like Chantilly Lace in the Valiant Stakes who looks in great form, while I don’t think you can ignore Royal Dress either after bouncing back at Pontefract after a dip.
The big one – the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes is sure to attract a considerable amount of interest. For me, Jan Brueghel has me curious, though he is in decent form and should hold up well. I’m also interested to see how Kalpana might perform after stepping back up.
Eye-catching Tips At York
I’ve had plenty of good days out at York over the years – I’ve always come out a couple of hundred up, so I could be tempted by two or three here.
One that catches my eye is Elmonged who is available at around 11/2 and could be good for an each way punt in the Sky Bet Dash Handicap and has a strong team in William Haggas and Jim Crowley.
In the York Stakes, no one separates Almaqam for the win for me, who looks in stunning form, though you might get better value with Stanhope Gardens or Bay City Roller each-way. Both have been promising and have good stamina.
A Great Day Of Action
If you’re not going to either meeting, then the television coverage should be sterling, which means you will not miss a race.
With what is likely to be a great day of racing, I’d definitely recommend keeping a close eye on those prices.