Today's Racing 10/07/2010 - Summer Mile (Ascot), John Smith's Cup (York)

I've taken a long break and I did miss the July Festival unfortunately, but I expect to be doing write ups for the King George and Glorious Goodwood.


Here are my thoughts on the best of today's action before coming back for the King George. Keep the faith.


Been looking at the cards for Chester today and honestly think that I've found 2 of the bets of the year.

Chester

2.15 - Lord Shanakill (nap)

Ran massive races in some tough contests this year including a notable third in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury behind Paco Boy. May have been 12th in Golden Jubilee but that was great renewal and this is much easier.

3.15 - Glamorous Spirit (each/way)

Tough front runner who took her form to a new level when capitalising on a good draw in Group 3 at the Curragh last month. May have a penalty but that's only 32lbs and she's very well drawn to do so again, and no reason she should be 7/1 having taken this drop in class. Stonking each/way value.

Borderlescott will proabaly win but I think that Lord Shakankill is the better odds on chance for me.

York

2.30 - Day Of The Eagle

Completed a hat-trick at Doncaster last month before being stopped in his run at Royal Ascot next/last time.

3.05 - Soprainst, Forte De Marmi (each/way)

Sporandist was a progressive horse last year for John Gosden and ran some promising races at Meydan and Qatar for Saeed bin Suroor during the winter.

One of those races was off this mark (102) in a competitive handicap when he ran on well to be third over 10 furlongs, while at Doha he was caught late on over 12 furlongs.

Given how Imposing quickened up from such a bad position at Ascot he shouldn't be found wanting for speed.

Wigmore Hall is clearly about 10lbs well in but does have a tough task on today. That said, he should really be close up here. I was going to pick Forte De Marmi but he's not well off enough to reverse from (4lbs better off 6, length beating) and the rest are all good but I'll stick with those 3.

3.40 - Free Agent (each/way)

Unfortunately injured following unbeaten 2-y-o campaign. Gelded prior to return at Windsor last month, shaping well on belated handicap debut. How 2lbs lower and well worth try at this trip in such small field.

Ascot

2.50 - Dream Eater (win)

This is a trappy race and Premio Loco's form under a massive penalty entitles him to go close, but Dream Eater's third in the Queen Anne is better form and he can go close at least here.