Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Ascot, Newmarket and Haydock on Saturday. View selections below.
Graham Lee could rack up some valuable points for the home team in the annual Shergar Cup international jamboree at Ascot. The Gold Cup-winning jockey has drawn a couple of good mounts in CASTILO DEL DIABLO (1.30) and POLARISATION (3.15). The former contests the Stayers’ event over two miles and David Simcock’s six-year-old is a winner over that trip at Kempton. Castilo Del Diablo has found his rating in the 90s just beyond him but has still run with credit at Newmarket on his last two starts, when placed behind talented duo Maxwell and Elidor. The handicapper has shown a little leniency by easing his mark to 89 and a big run is anticipated.
Mark Johnston’s Polarisation goes to post for the three-year-old 1m 4f Classic and this looks a bit easier than his last assignment when running fifth to hugely progressive Dartmouth at Glorious Goodwood. Polarisation, a dual winner at Hamilton and Haydock this summer over slightly longer trips, wasn’t best away from the gate at Goodwood but was noted making steady late headway.
At Newmarket, FIREGLOW (3.35) can fly the flag for Johnston in the Sweet Solera Stakes. Fourth in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, Fireglow appreciated the step up to seven furlongs when striding clear of Dessertoflife at Sandown last month and James Doyle is a good booking.
ALMOHTASEB (4.45) hacked up by seven lengths at Doncaster and Roger Varian is striking while the iron’s hot in the one-mile handicap. Almohtaseb had looked one to follow when runner-up at Salisbury 12 days earlier and is progressing hand over fist.
Betfred sponsor a cracking card at Haydock where PUTTING GREEN (4.00) represents an enticing each-way bet. Richard Hannon’s three-year-old has been raised 9lb for his wide-margin Doncaster victory last weekend but top apprentice Tom Marquand takes off 5lb. Putting Green was beaten a nose by Dartmouth at Sandown in May and is a worthy top weight in a competitive event.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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