Paul Ferguson two selections for us on Saturday; Astronereus in the 2.20 at York and Space Age in the Ascot 5.05. Compare odds and bet.
York stages the 56th running of the John Smith’s Cup on Saturday, but it is the Listed Silver Cup that makes more appeal from a punting point of view, with the step up in trip likely to suit Astronereus (2:20) who has rock-solid 1m4f handicap form in the book.
Amanda Perrett’s four-year-old won a really hot Newmarket handicap on his penultimate start, seeing off Quest For More by a head. The runner-up went on to win at Goodwood before landing the Northumberland Plate, third home Arab Dawn won the Duke Of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot (in which the selection finished third) and the fourth Watersmeet won at Newmarket next time and was just touched off in the Old Newton Cup last Saturday, after also contesting the Duke Of Edinburgh (5th).
The Sea The Stars colt is up to a mark of 102, but the extra distance looks like it could bring about further improvement, as could York’s long straight, and everything looks in place for a big run under Pat Dobbs.
Success for the selection would point to a big run from the aforementioned Arab Dawn in the John Smith’s Cup and Hughie Morrison’s charge is very much one for any shortlist, though the drop in trip is enough to put me off backing him. He sees out 1m4f really well, so connections will be hoping for an end-to-end gallop over a couple of furlongs less.
Down at Ascot Space Age (5:05) can follow up his King George V Stakes success over course-and-distance, by landing the penultimate race on the card, the 1m4f Johnny Brett Handicap.
Charlie Appleby’s New Approach colt was the beneficiary of a brilliant piece of riding from William Buick at the Royal meeting and the jockey retains the partnership this afternoon. Up 8lbs, he has to concede weight all round, but could well be up to the task. Expect King Bolete to make up ground on the selection on today’s revised terms, but Space Age looked too quick for him last time and can confirm the form.
Saturday’s selection:
2:20 York: Astronereus; 11/2 William Hill
5:05 Ascot: Space Age; 11/4 Betfred
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