Alan Thomson, the former Racing Editor at the Daily Record, puts up five tips at Ascot and Newmarket on Saturday. View selections below.
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MAID IN INDIA (1.55) will be right at home on the deep ground at Ascot and is fancied to edge out Dakota Gold and Tis Marvellous in the Rous Stakes.
Eric Alston’s sprinter ran a cracker in the Flying Five at the Curragh 20 days ago, finishing fourth to classy Glass Slippers, and a repeat of that run would probably suffice. Dakota Gold won this last year, with re-opposing Tis Marvellous held in fourth, and is a multiple winner on soft. He is a big threat.
MORANDO (2.30) goes for a repeat success in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes and conditions have come right for Andrew Balding’s gelding. He had six lengths to spare over Sextant 12 months ago but this is a tougher renewal, with unbeaten St Leger winner Logician sure to go off a warm order. However, this testing ground is a great leveller and Morando is the bet at around 4-1. Highland Chief is another soft ground performer well worthy of consideration.
Eighteen runners are declared for the 7f Challenge Cup, with last year’s victor Kynren sure to prove popular under 5lb claimer William Carver. High-drawn numbers have held sway in recent times, so stall three is a slight concern. RAISING SAND (3.05) has a formidable track record and did best of the low-drawn horses racing on the far side in the Royal Hunt Cup, coming home eighth. Saffie Osborne is great value for her 7lb allowance. Last year’s runner-up Greenside has been lightly campaigned, probably with this race in mind.
THE TIN MAN (3.40) seems to have been around for ages but keeps holding his form for James Fanshawe. His sixth to Dream Of Dreams in the Haydock Sprint Cup was another solid effort and he gets the vote over last year’s winner Cape Byron, returning to action following a 350-day absence.
The ground at Newmarket is riding very soft but that shouldn’t deter a decent bet on OTI MA BOATI (2.10) in the 1m 2f fillies’ handicap. William Haggas brought her back from a 302-day break to score at York in July and his three-year-old struck again the following month at Goodwood (soft).
Wondrous Words, well-backed at Ayr, couldn’t get to grips with older rival Salsada. She has been nudged up another 2lb but has been in top form for Roger Varian. Top weight Moll Davis will handle conditions and this confirmed hold-up performer is entitled to be involved.
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Tally Ho
Alan
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