1.50 Newbury – Al Aasy (Win)
Al Aasy should be too good for these rivals, with him being the highest rated in the field. The last time we saw him, he won well at Goodwood, staying on stoutly in the closing stages. This is a longer trip, as he’s stepping up an extra furlong, but I don’t see that being a problem. Furthermore, returning to Newbury will be a massive positive for him, as he’s won here three times in the past. I can see him adding another course win to his career tally.
2.25 Newbury – Woolhampton EW
Woolhampton ran well last time out at Haydock and probably would have finished closer if her jockey, Oliver Searle, hadn’t dropped the whip inside the final furlong. The daughter of Camacho has been running well all season, and this race looks a little easier than last time. With the ground being in her favour and a fair draw in Stall 6, I can see her hitting the frame.
3.00 Newbury – Waleefy (Win)
The penny appeared to drop for Waleefy when he won at Doncaster last time out. He ended up winning comfortably enough and suggested there was a lot more to come. The three-year-old colt has a lofty reputation with his half-brother being multiple Group 1 winner Baaeed, and while he probably won’t achieve those kinds of heights, he could still be a smart horse for connections. The handicapper did put him up 8lb for his recent success, but I don’t think that will be enough to stop him.
3.35 Newbury – Folgaria (Win)
Cases can be made for the whole field, but I thought Folagria could go under the radar here. I put her up when she won the Fred Darling Stakes here back in April, and she beat a good field including the subsequent 1,000 Guineas winner. The three-year-old filly hasn’t been seen since Royal Ascot where she finished sixth in the Coronation Stakes. However that form is stacking up as Porta Fortuna, Opera Singer, and See The Fire have all distinguished themselves in Group 1 company since. For me she’s worth a small saver.
2.45 Ripon – It Just Takes Time EW
I usually like horses drawn high in this race, and that’s why I am looking at It Just Takes Time in Stall 15 for Mark Walford. He doesn’t mind Ripon, as he’s won over this course and distance before, which is important as this track doesn’t suit every horse. Furthermore, the son of Power is very well handicapped, as he’s now 15lb lower than when running in the Great St. Wilfrid last year. If he can recapture his old form, then he could be the dark horse in the field.
3.20 Ripon – Mr Wagyu EW
Again, I’m looking high, and I’m going to go for my old friend, Mr Waygu. Though he’s getting on, he has shown that he still retains his ability on several occasions this season. On his old form, he’s very well handicapped, and he’s won at Ripon before. He’ll also probably be ridden handy, which is usually a positive at the track, as it can be hard to make up ground. I think the nine-year-old gelding has plenty going for him, and he might be able to have one more day in the sun.
2.05 Newmarket – First Folio (Win)
First Folio recorded his best effort for some time when he finished third at Hamilton last month. That form sets the standard in this novelty race for grey horses, and I think he can build on it to get his head in front here.