Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Saturday; Diala in the 4.30 (Ascot) and Noble Alan in the 4.50 (York). Compare odds and bet.
The Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes is the feature on the Knavesmire on Saturday, in which Plateur stands out on the pick of his French form. Now with Marco Botti, he was a little disappointing behind So You Think when selected in this column at Royal Ascot, but he would hold very strong claims if ignoring that run.
He does, however, need to prove his effectiveness on good-to-firm ground and, with the ground appearing to dry out all the time last night, I’d rather watch than play today.
Later on the card Noble Alan (4:50) is one horse who should relish the ground and also the step up to 2m, having looked rather unlucky over shorter at Chester last time.
I’ve long been a fan of Nicky Richards’ grey and the former Scottish Champion Hurdle winner travelled really well for a long way last time, before being interfered with on the tight track.
Up in distance and on a more galloping track, he can go close under what could prove optimum conditions on the Flat. A fast ground bumper winner, his best form over both hurdles and fences also came on quick ground and, though this is a very competitive handicap, he is worth backing each-way at double-figure odds.
The ground should also be quick down at Ascot where Diala (4:30) is worth one last chance in the fillies’ handicap.
I selected William Haggas’ filly in both the 1,000 Guineas and last time in a Listed event at Warwick, where she was another who didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages and also appeared to struggle on the easy ground.
Back on fast ground and in a handicap off a lenient looking of 90, Eddie Ahern’s mount is worth one more chance with her being available at 4/1 overnight.
Saturday’s selections:
4:30 Ascot Diala
4:50 York Noble Alan
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- AL FEROF won Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 10-1
- BENSALEM won Stewart Family Handicap 5-1
- BOBS WORTH won A Bartlett 15-8, 4/4 for year
- CAPTAIN CHRIS won Arkle Trophy 6-1
- FIRST LIEUTENANT won Neptune Investment 7-1
- (plus Grade 1 in Ireland 16-1)
- JAMES DE VASSY won Lanzarote Hurdle 8-1
- LONG RUN won King George 9-2, Gold Cup 7-2
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- Peddlers Cross (Fighting Fifth Hurdle)
- Medermit (Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase)
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