The race I’m most looking forward to seeing that ITV Racing is showing is the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket. Though we’ve just got the six runners, I think it’s a fascinating renewal, and I’m keen to take on the top of the market
1.30 Newmarket – Warda Jamila EW
This is a hard race, but I thought Warda Jamila could still be on an upward curve. The daughter of Calyx comes from an interesting family, with her being a half-sister to Coltrane. On her last start, she won well, showing a really battling attitude to win at Haydock. The handicapper has raised her 4lb for that effort, but I think she is improving. I also think she’ll be fine on the softer ground, as she’s handled it before. For me, she’s a player and is likely to be in or around the frame
2.05 Newmarket – The Dragon King (Win)
I don’t have a particularly strong fancy in this race, but horses at the top of the market do well. The one I think will run well is The Dragon King for Clive Cox. He was just beaten last time out over 5f, running on well inside the closing stages. I think the key to him will be the step up to 6f, as his pedigree suggests he should be effective over further. Moreover, William Buick is booked for the ride, which should be noted. There are loads that would have a chance in this race, but I think the son of Invincible Army has as good a chance as any.
2.40 Newmarket – Darnation (Win)
I think there could be a boilover here, and therefore I’m going to side with the outsider of the field, Darnation. There are only six runners, but they all have questions to answer. My main reason for why I fancy Darnation is the fact she could get an easy lead. Most of her opposition likes to be held up from off the pace, and that sometimes can be a negative on the Rowley Mile. We’ve seen plenty of races go to front runners, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened here. If you look at her form from last year, then you’ll see she won the Group 2 May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, beating See The Fire, who is a shorter price here. For me, she’s one of my strongest fancies this weekend.
1.50 Ascot – Relief Rally (Win)
This is trappy, but Relief Rally is probably the most likely winner in this one. There was a lot of concern that she wouldn’t train on as a three-year-old, but she’s still shown he has plenty of ability this season. Her last run saw her finish second behind No Half Measures at Newbury, on heavy ground. The daughter of Kodiac is pretty versatile groundwise, and coming to Ascot shouldn’t be a problem. I’m expecting her to get the job done here.
2.25 Ascot – Al Qareem (Win)
I like the chances of Al Qareem here to defend his crown. The five-year-old gelding has followed the same route as when he won this race last year, winning a Listed race at Chester. He’s a horse that appears to like galloping tracks and soft ground, so he’ll have a lot in his favour at Ascot. I also don’t think this is a strong race, and I think he’s the one they’ve got to beat.
3.00 Ascot – Vadream EW
Vadream always makes a lot of appeal in these kinds of races, and I’m happy to have her side here. The six-year-old mare has been a great servant to Charlie Fellowes, and she’s a previous winner of this race in 2021. The key to her soft ground and a stiff finish, which she’ll get here. I just think she’s overpriced, and I can see her having another day in the sun.
3.35 Ascot – Rebel Territory EW
I’m going to give Rebel Territory one last chance here. I fancied him last time at Ascot, when he finished eighth. I don’t think he ran too badly; he was just on the wrong part of the track. At the last Ascot meeting, it paid to be drawn high, which could be the way again here. If that’s the case, then Stall 14 should be a good draw. Furthermore, he’s got a good record at Ascot, as he won the Victoria Cup over this course and distance last year. With the conditions in his favour, I’m expecting a bold effort.
3.20 Redcar – Francisco’s Piece EW
This is right up there as one of the trickiest races of the weekend, but Francisco’s Piece ran well last time out at Haydock. That day he had to carry top weight in a nursery, giving away lumps of weight. Though this is a Listed race, he’s well treated at the weights, and that should count for a lot. Moreover, he likes soft ground and has a lot of pace. With Adrian Keatley’s horses running well, I wouldn’t be surprised if the son of Mayson could add to his total.
Bet Of The Day: 2.40 Newmarket – Darnation