Racing
York Place 6 preview | 15th July
14.00 – John Smith’s Racing Handicap – 7f
RHOSCOLYN is more than capable of going well if able to rediscover something close to his best form. He’s hit the frame off much higher marks in tougher handicaps in his career to date and might be able to bounce back from his reduced mark. ARAMAIC ran really well from the front last week at Sandown when third and should make another bold bid over this shorter trip.
Tips: RHOSCOLYN, ARAMAIC
14.35 – John Smith’s City Walls Stakes – 5f
QUEEN ME was only beaten a couple of lengths when sixth in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and is eased in grade. Kevin Ryan’s filly was touched off by only a neck in the Group 2 Lowther over this course last summer and ran well in the 1000 Guineas on her return when ninth of 20. She gets lots of weight from the rest and is my best bet on the card with Andrea Atzeni booked to ride.
Tips: QUEEN ME
15.10 – John Smith’s Cup Handicap – 1m2f
WHITE WOLF is very lightly-raced and caught the eye on his return to the turf when seventh of 18 in the Duke Of Edinburgh at Royal Ascot, where he travelled nicely and kept on well to be nearest the finish. Paul Hanagan has been booked to ride and after just five six starts in the UK, this four-year-old can improve again to give a few of these a fright. MARIE’S DIAMOND was down the field last year but can be hard to pass on his day and is worthy of inclusion, while SEA THE CASPER has a solid place chance and isn’t discounted either.
Tips: WHITE WOLF, MARIE’S DIAMOND, SEA THE CASPER
15.45 – John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes – 1m5f
HAMISH would ideally prefer softer ground but he’s still the class act in the field and bolted up in a Group 3 on his return in May. A three pound penalty for that success shouldn’t prevent another big effort. TASHKHAN doesn’t win often but always performs with credit and this Group 1-placed horse is likely to capitalise should the favourite underperform, though that looks doubtful, so he can play second fiddle otherwise.
Tips: HAMISH, TASHKHAN
16.20 – John Smith’s Nursery – 6f
ONIGIRI was out of her depth in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot but easily beat a subsequent winner on debut at Redcar and she should be able to resume her progress. TICKTYBOO ran very well in her first two starts at this course and although he was found out in the Coventry, this is easier and his proven course form will help his chances.
Tips: ONIGIRI, TICKTYBOO
16.55 – John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap – 2m
LAND OF WINTER has been running well in defeat of late and is two pounds below his last winning mark. A top jockey has been booked to ride and he could be set to go close. SHARP DISTINCTION has placed in three of his last four starts and stayed on well from the back of the field to take third last-time-out. With Tom Marquand booked to ride, he could be set for a leading role.
Tips: LAND OF WINTER, SHARP DISTINCTION
