There’s been some great racing action this summer and while this weekend may not be packed to the rafters full of Group 1 races, it shows the strength and rich variety of courses and horses that British racing has to offer.
We’re going to look at three races from very different tracks over different distances, which is something for race fans and punters to enjoy on Saturday.
The first race for us to touch on is the Chester Stakes at 2.10pm.
Let’s start with the outsider of the field Suegioo. On all known form, the handicapper has dropped him to an interesting mark – the same as when he won the Chester Cup in May 2014. The problem is he hasn’t won since then! Watch for any interesting market moves though.
You should also take note of Eye of The Storm who is also a horse who has been frustrating but if the underlying ability remains, he could play a part. Who Dares Wins has decent claims after a good performance in the Ascot Stakes. He just tired out of it in the final couple of furlongs, but over this slightly shorter trip I think he has a nice chance.
His biggest dangers may be the pair trained by Mark Johnston. Curlew River was progressing nicely but took a bit of a backwards step at York last time. She might be able to pick up the improving thread here, although the more obvious one from Johnston’s is Cape Coast. Franny Norton rides Chester very well and Cape Coast has bags of potential. However, I’m siding with Who Dares Wins. Let’s hope I’ve chosen correctly.
Over at Sandown there’s a tricky little puzzle for the Atalanta Stakes at 3pm.
Lbretha and Lincoln Rocks are both last time out winners, but both face significantly tougher tasks here. Greta G was a Group 1 winner in Argentina, but she has yet to put it together in England. Intimation has been running consistently so should be considered, but ultimately I think this comes down to Nathra and Aljazzi. Nathra is probably a Group 1 filly, but she just hasn’t shown it this year.
On that basis, Aljazzi is the pick after a big run in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Ascot. If she runs up to that level then she might be hard to beat.
The final race we’ll look at is the Beverley Bullet.
Alpha Delphini is two from two at the track and won this race last year, so should enter equations again. Desert Law is a little overpriced at 12/1, as an in form sprinter. However, the two that make most appeal are Kimberella and Take Cover. Kimberella won a Listed race at Chester last month and should go close, but the pick is Take Cover. He has won his last two races against Listed opposition, the ground and trip are ideal and I think the veteran in the field can emerge victorious.