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Sam King tipped two winners yesterday (6/4 and 5/2) and he returns with three selections on a day of high-class action.
Newmarket's July festival comes to a close this afternoon and I'm hoping Awaal can sign us off in style by winning the bet 365 Bunbury Cup at Newmarket.
The Crisford-trained runner has been a tad unlucky not to land a heritage handicap having finished second in the Lincoln and third in the Royal Hunt Cup. It was an excellent effort he produced to finish third off this mark in the Hunt Cup last-time-out at Ascot and the ground would certainly have been on the quick side for him.
Rain has arrived aplenty at Newmarket over the last day or so and it's no surprise to see the majority of those towards the fore of the market all want some cut in the ground. That statement definitely applies to Awaal, who won a Redcar handicap in fine style on bottomless ground back in October and should relish this stiff mile under these conditions.
Stall 16 could also work out nicely with plenty of pace on that side and he's certainly the one I fancy most of those fancied horses.
Selection: Awaal – General 11/2
Ascot hosts a classy seven-race card and Aldaary should take plenty of stopping in the Summer Mile Stakes at 2.20.
William Haggas' charge was returning from a lengthy break when fourth in the Criterion Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month and shaped as though he'd come on plenty for that outing.
The Shadwell-owned gelding really impressed when landing the Listed Spring Trophy Stakes at Haydock on soft ground last season and looks likely to appreciate the ease in the surface at Ascot this afternoon.
Stepping back up to a mile should pose no problems given he landed the course and distance Balmoral Handicap last year and this progressive son of Territories can get back to winning ways for an in-form William Haggas.
Selection: Aldaary – General 7/4
Our third and final selection also comes from the Berkshire venue and Farhh To Shy looks a decent bet to land the Village Hotels Fillies' Handicap at 4.40.
George Margarson's mare ran far better than the bare result when sixth in the Kensington Palace Fillies' Handicap at Royal Ascot three weeks ago. She was caught wide throughout in what worked out to be a messy race and probably made her challenge earlier than what was ideal.
The return to Ascot looks like a good move for this previous course and distance scorer and I still think a mark of 88 is workable given she won snugly on soft ground here in May.
Selection: Farhh To Shy – General 5/1
