The main meeting tomorrow is at Ascot where the big race is the Group 1 “King George” at 4.25. Sir Michael Stoute looks to hold the key to this race with Conduit and Taratn Bearer the two main fancies. In these cases the percentage call is usually to go with the choice of the stable jockey, he knows the horses far better than I do! Ryan Moore has gone for Conduit which is good enough for me. Alwaary, an unlucky 2nd at Newmarket might be worth a small each way saver at a big price.
The 3.15 may also go to a Sir Michael trained runner. Desert Creek looked a progressive sort prior to a poor run in the Britannia last time out and is worth another chance. Espiritu, 4th in the Britannia and with Johnny Murtagh booked to ride looks another worth considering.
Captain Brilliance, runner up in the Bunbury Cup looks sure to go well in the 3.50. Others I considered for this were Redford and Nanton. The latter may find the trip on the short side while Redford, although he clearly has ability is proving difficult to win with.
At Newmarket there are a couple of runners from my list to follow in the 2.50. There is not much to choose between Invisible Man and Sovereign Remedy. My slight preference is for the former.
Another lister contests the 4.35. I have pretty well given up on Moresco after a couple of tame efforts. He has been off the track for 3 months which does seem to suggest that there was a problem with him of some sort. He may come back rejuvenated and ready to run the race of his life but a fair degree of hope is involved in that theory.
York next where I fancy Aromatic to bounce back to form after having had a bit of a break to freshen him up while in the 3.10 both Curtain Call and Monitor Closely are worth considering. Monitor Closely has been performing consistently and looks worth an each way interest at around 13/2.
Hawk Mountain is the selection in the 4.50 where Red Fama could go well if you are looking for a sporting outsider.
Gun for Sale is aptly named as his sire was Quiet American. Both are names of Graham Greene novels. Gun for Sale is well drawn and although his form is a bit in and out he is worth an each way interest.
I was sorry to hear the news that the sprinter Utmost Respect had died earlier in the week after a problem had arisen following routine surgery on his foot. A winner at Group 2 and 3 level as well as a former winner of the Ayr Silver Cup, he will be sadly missed.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Jane Dunn.
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