By James Watson (@James_watson98)
Racing takes place on ITV4 with live racing from Sandown, Beverley and Chester.
1:50 Sandown:
The opening race at Sandown is a wide-open looking sprint handicap. Saaheq looks to have a decent chance after his run last time at Doncaster. He met trouble in running when finishing 2nd behind Orvar and if he had a bit more luck last time, he probably would have won. He is also a course and distance winner last year. Any market support for this horse would be welcomed as when Mick Appleby’s horses get backed, they normally take a lot of stopping.
Another rival would be Justanotherbottle who has been running against higher rated animals. Stepping down in class should show him in best effect and I think he’s a solid each way chance.
Gracious John is looking dangerously handicapped after dropping to a mark of 84. He last won of 98 and had his first run for his new stable last time out. Maybe the change of scenery will do the old boy some good and a decent 7lb claimer takes of his back.
Verdict – Gracious John 12/1
2:05 Beverley:
Dark Vision looks to put his head in front for the first time since blitzing the field in the Vintage Stakes last year at Goodwood. He was subject of a big gamble last time at York when punting from 16/1 into 4/1 favourite but could only finish 6th. Personally, he’s a horse still of interest as Mark Johnston has a great strike rate at Beverley as his horses normally have a front running style which suits the track. However, this horse tends to be held up so would be interesting to see how they ride him.
Good Birthday has finished behind the Johnston horse this season off the same weight. He ran in the London Gold Cup and as usual the form of that has come out to be strong. He’s been off for nearly 2 months now and when Andrew Balding sends his horses north they normally mean business. Ben Curtis books and I think he’ll run a big race at the prices.
Verdict – Good Birthday 3/1
2:25 Sandown:
Country looks to make it a 4-timer under Liam Jones after absolutely hosing up in two northern maidens and a northern handicap. He’s gone up 5lb for his win last time and he has a low weight in this but is on the improve and could be special.
Migration won over course and distance last time and won well under a great ride from SDS. He also is still relatively unexposed for a trainer whose horses have been running really well this season. He’s gone up 6lb for that win and runs off a career high mark but if he gets let loose on the front who could be dangerous.
Mordin would be each way play especially with 7lb claimer Marco Ghiani on board and he sets the standard but could be found out by unexposed rivals.
Verdict – Country 5/2
2:45 Chester:
First bit of graded action at Chester sees a tricky looking Listed race over a 1M 6Fm. Strivers is interesting having joined Dermot Weld from Argentina and running in Dr Lambe’s colours (Winner of Gold Cup – Lord Windermere). I don’t think Dermot Weld would send a horse over unless it has a chance and with Chris Hayes booked is interesting.
Outbox heads the market but has been slightly disappointing in his last two starts. Andrea Atzeni gets the leg back up after two quick runs.
Persian Moon’s form from early this year looked very good at the time but has taken knocks since. He is very exposed, but this is a race he could dominate and steps up in trip for the first time. Jason Hart booked and you can expect a power packed ride from the front.
Verdict – Strivers 3/1
3:00 Sandown:
Jubiloso looks to get back on the side of the punters after a horror run last time at Goodwood. She ran excellently in a Group 1 at Royal Ascot after her 3rd start and a reproduction of that run would see her fly in here.
Duneflower won a listed race last time which looked a strong renewal of the race. She was held up and came from last to first. She is clearly in good form and when fillies are on a roll at this time in the season, they are normally difficult to get past. She could be competitive under Frankie Dettori.
Lavender’s Blue is a horse I’ve always had a bog interest in after she won well at Newmarket. She flopped in the Oaks when far too keen and I’d keep her on your side. Could be decent value each way at 12/1.
Verdict – Jubiloso EVENS
3:15 Beverley:
The Beverley Bullet is Beverley’s marquee race meeting of the season. Draw is crucial in this race and market leader Tis Marvellous has been drawn ideally in 2. He won very impressively at Ascot and this has clearly been the target as he hasn’t run since July. I think he sets a solid standard here.
Danzeno has been drawn in the car park in stall 9. He’s been in good form this season and if the race falls apart, he could sweep up the pieces late on.
Copper Knight ran well last time in the Nunthorpe when finishing 5th at his beloved York. He could be dangerous if going off from the front. He has run at Beverley before and was disappointing but I’m willing to put a line through that.
Judicial is 2-2 over course and distance and the stiff track is ideal. Stall 3 is great, and I think he could come late on the seen and pick up the pieces under Joe Fanning.
Verdict – Judicial 8/1
3:35 Sandown:
The feature race of the day, the Solario Stakes sees two top class juveniles lock horns. Positive ran well behind Pinatubo who is the leading juvenile this season. He beat the rest of the field well last time at Goodwood and I think he will be very difficult to beat here.
Al Suhail is his main rival who won impressively at Yarmouth last time. He was just touched off in a hot maiden at the July Meeting. He is very promising and has a Dewhurst entry but for me Positive has the form set in higher graded level whereas the Appleby runner has to step up to this level.
Visinari has been the talking horse of the season after his win at Newmarket was thought to be the best thing since sliced bread. He has disappointed since and has to find something extra to be competitive with the front two. Kameko looked as green as grass and a big gangly type when winning last time out. The form of that race has been boosted with the winner winning this week. He will have improved from that run and could be each way value.
Verdict – Positive 6/4
Good Luck!!
By James Watson (@James_watson98)
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