Former Talksport man Charlie McCann marks your card with six to follow on Saturday at Sandown, York and Chester. View selections below
Whilst all eyes will be on the Brazilian rain forest this evening Sandown stage an excellent card this afternoon and the opener is a cracking 3-year-old handicap full of progressive types including Gothic (1.50) who looked an unlucky loser off a 2lb lower mark at Goodwood last time on soft ground. No reason why today’s quicker surface shouldn’t suit and a decent enough draw in stall seven. Lawyer is entitled to come on for his Yarmouth reappearance and he looked in need of a step up in trip from 7f last time so today’s additional quarter of a mile should suit.
A low draw is usually an advantage over the flying five furlongs and the listed Scurry Stakes looks a cracker with the progressive G Force, Ambiance and Extortionist respected but I have always thought there would be a decent race in Reroute (2.55) this year on fast ground and the filly gets the nod for trainer Ed Walker. The selection finished fifth in the Queen Mary last June but her form subsequently tailed off in the second half of the season and she might be best caught fresh. She has been given an eight week break since her Bath comeback and can reward each way support from a good draw in stall six at 10/1 with BetVictor.
Obsidian (4.40) shaped with considerable promise on debut at Newmarket and can build on that performance in the 10f maiden for John Gosden with William Buick replacing Frankie Dettori in the saddle. Kings Fete looked a winner waiting to happen at Newbury on debut and this looks a very strong race with Hannon’s Karraar having already earned a mark of 84.
Saptapadi (2.05 York) was beaten 10 lengths at Epsom last weekend but he didn’t have a race with jockey Silvestre De Sousa constantly meeting trouble in running and he passed the post giving the impression he would have finished runner up with a clear run.
I am beginning to run out of excuses for the horse but the booking of Katie Walsh looks significant and he is given a last chance. Trainer Brian Ellison also runs Ultimate who likes to front run and the hope is that he sets the race up for his stablemate despite having the steadier of 11stone. Pearl Castle looks the obvious danger for John Quinn but if the tissue price of 10/1 is correct I will certainly be backing the selection.
Guest Of Honour (3.15) disappointed on his reappearance but the ground was too soft on that occasion and his third in the Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot last July is a better indication of his ability. At the time of writing trainer Marco Botti’s last three runners have finished 2nd (unlucky), 2nd and 1st and I would expect a big run this afternoon.
The big betting race is the 3 year old sprint handicap and a chance is taken Betimes (3.50) who clearly has ability but must learn to settle if she is to fulfil her potential. Runner up in the listed Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock last time she lacks experience but if she drops the bridle she can go close at 10/1.
Bob disappointed for the BetVictor Racing Club earlier in the week at Beverley but we are hoping for a better run from Real Tigress (5.55) at Chester. The mare would have hated the soft ground at Thirsk last time and although this represents a step up in class she has a cracking draw in two and is another each way recommendation.
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Be lucky
Charlie
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