Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Ascot, Lingfield and Haydock on Saturday. View selections below.
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BARSANTI (2.50) won four times in 2016 and although drawing a blank in three runs last term, Roger Varian’s gelding acquitted himself well in better company. A repeat of his half-length second to Idaho in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, or his third to Second Step at Goodwood, would be good enough to land the 1m 4f Listed contest at Ascot.
QUEEN OF TIME (3.25) was unfortunate to clip heels and dislodge her rider at Goodwood last Saturday but the forecast fast ground will be right up her street. Henry Candy’s filly is 5lb higher than when running fourth over course and distance last June in the highly competitive Sandringham Handicap at the royal meeting, but appears progressive.
The Totescoop6 Victoria Cup is a minefield with 29 runners declared but I’m hopeful VIVA SERENDIPITY (4.00) will reward an each-way interest at a loud price.
Mark Dwyer rode Zhui Feng (third last year) to victory in the Royal Hunt Cup under enterprising tactics but switches to Viva Serendipity. Stuart Williams’s gelding returned from a 174-day absence to record an encouraging third to Love Dreams at Chelmsford City last month and that run should have him spot-on. Runner-up Lucymai scored with a bit in hand at Chelmsford City on Thursday evening.
Northern raider Kynren finished third in the Doncaster Spring Mile and should go well if stall two doesn’t prove a serious disadvantage.
Betfred sponsor the Lingfield Derby and Oaks Trials and Aidan O’Brien has prospects of a double with KEW GARDENS (2.30) and the short-price filly Flattering.
Kew Gardens was a bit disappointing when a well held third to Mildenberger in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket but he will take a deal of stopping if recapturing the form which saw him beat Dee Ex Bee in the Zetland Stakes.
Corelli justified skinny odds at Yarmouth (soft) and this much tougher test will tell us more about his Epsom prospects.
The Pertemps Swinton Hurdle at Haydock is always an exciting handicap and Paul Nicholls has a live chance with ACT OF VALOUR (3.10).
He ran a fine race at Sandown last time, fading up the hill on holding ground after looking the most likely winner at the final flight. Today’s faster surface on a sharp track can provide the vital spark.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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