Saturday
Saturday threatens to be quite some day up and down the country and it's very hard to know where to look first. It's going to be hard to find a winner anywhere and I have no shame putting up two in the same race. SIGNIFICANTLY rewarded his connections on the biggest stage last time out as he took the competitive 5f handicap at Royal Ascot proving my theory that he needs a big field to be seen at his best. He had the race won a long way out that day and the handicapper hasn't stung him too much so I can't see why he won't run a big race here again.
In the same race it's hard to ignore TIS MARVELLOUS if the ground is good to soft or better. Clive Cox's admirable sprinter loves the 5f at Ascot and has an enviable record here. He was pulled out of the Wokingham on account of the sloppy ground so connections wouldn't want to see too much rain here but if allowed to run he must be in with a chance at a double figured priced.
The John Smith's Cup may as well be called the Ben Morgan handicap as I seem to have backed the majority of the field at some point in the past. Of all of those I've fell down on FISHABLE and LUCANDER. The former got his head in front at Ripon last time out after suffering interference here the time before. Tim Easterby has always thought he had a big pot in him and tomorrow could be his day. He should appreciate the strong pace and the hussle and bussle of a competitive handicap like this so providing he gets the breaks I am more than hopeful he will be in the mix.
Similar comments apply to the latter who never got involved at Ascot last time out. He is better judged on his win here last year or his second placed effort in the Cambridgeshire. That form suggested he was probably more than a handicapper but for whatever reason he hasn't quite bridged the gap into pattern company. With Laura Pearson taking 5lb off tomorrow, he looks a really interesting betting proposition and I will certainly be having a few quid each way.
Ascot 3.35 – Significantly/Tis Marvellous
York 4.05 – Fishable/Lucander
