Saturday
I think BREEGE is overpriced in the opening race at Ascot on King George day. John Quinn knows a good filly when he sees one and he was very complimentary about this one when she bolted up at Wetherby on debut. Since turned over at odds on at Pontefract, the bookies seem quite dismissive of her chance but that debut performance lives long in my mind. The horse that beat her at Pontefract ran a big race at the Royal meeting so the form may not be as bad as everyone may think. This is an open race away from the favourite and at 12/1 she looks worth a punt each way.
Up at York I think VENTUROUS has a great chance of defending his Skybet Dash crown. He looked to be coming to hand after a good run at Ascot last time when he was the only horse who made up real ground having been left at the rear. That showed me enough to say he's back to somewhere near his best and I suspect his shrews connections have had this race in mind for some time.
The big 7f handicap at Ascot is full of usual suspects but one I can't believe the price of is ROPEY GUEST who is freely available at 16/1. George Margarson's likeable charge finished second here at the Royal meeting and then followed that up with a big run in the Bunbury Cup when he looked to be on the wrong side of the track. That run is really strong form in my book and his trainer has always said how tough this horse is so the quick turnaround shouldn't be a convenience. Hopefully he's on the right side of the draw here as I think he has a great chance.
Ascot 1.50 – Breege
York 2.40 – Venturous
Ascot 3.00 – Ropey Guest
